Burrel Eugene Maddox

Burrel Eugene “Red” Maddox, 93, of Gaar Corner, Oklahoma passed away peacefully on July 16, 2026 at the Sulphur Veterans Center. He was born on February 17, 1933 at Gaar Corner to J.C. and Alma Maddox. He married the love of his life Anne Loretta Brennan on April 13, 1962. He enjoyed visiting with family and friends, telling stories of his youth and proud accomplishments throughout his life. He loved listening to old-time gospel hymns, old country music, bluegrass, and reading Louis L’Amour western novels. Favorite past times consisted of fishing, spending long weekends at Lake Eufaula, and gathering with family and close friends over Thanksgiving for deer hunting in the mountains of Southeastern Oklahoma in tents and campers every year until he was no longer able to because of health. His favorite TV entertainment included watching The Rifleman, Gunsmoke, any western, and cheering on his OKC Thunder, the OU Sooners football team, and the Dallas Cowboys. If you ever asked him his favorite subject in school it was always baseball. This led to one of his biggest regrets when he was asked to try out for the Ada Herefords minor league baseball team as a left-handed pitcher with an unbelievable curve ball but never did. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on April 3, 1951 at the young age of 18 with three of his friends during a time of turmoil and war. After basic training and tank school, he was deployed to war in Korea. He was injured in the Korean War earning him the distinguished Purple Heart service award. He always told us many stories about his time of driving a flame throwing tank in the war. There is a book titled the Flame Dragons of the Korean War where he is mentioned as a flame thrower with pictures of him. He worked briefly as a contractor and helped build a dam at a lake in South Dakota after his time in the marines. He returned to Oklahoma to begin his career serving his country in the civilian sector at Tinker Air Force Base where he held many titles such as Military Police and carpenter. He retired in January 1988 after 25 years of faithful and devoted service. In March he was interviewed for the Library of Congress Veteran’s History Project. During this interview he was asked several questions but one that stood out was if you could give any piece of advice what would it be? He responded with “Make the most of it while you got it, don’t bypass anything.” Gene was a faithful servant of his Lord. He joined Gaar Corner Free Will Baptist Church (now Community Free Will Baptist Church) in 1988 shortly after retiring and moving back to his roots of Gaar Corner. He was ordained as a Deacon at the church on March 6, 1994. He gave of his time to the church unselfishly and always stepped in to help no matter the task. Gene is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Karen and Fred Parsons, grandson Patrick and wife Sada Parsons, granddaughter Sheri Cagle, and ex grandson-in-law Kenny Cagle. He had five beloved great-grandchildren Braxton Cagle, Kaylee and husband Edward Chavez, Jaymee Parsons, Laycee Parsons, and Zoey Cagle. Most recently he was blessed to be a great-great grandfather to twins Henry and Martha Chavez. He is also survived by cousin Mary Penrod, along with many nieces and nephews. He also had a great step-grandson John and wife Bailey Jones and their three children and a great step-granddaughter Samantha and husband Tanner Byrd with their three children. He is also leaving behind his best friend, a heart-broken girl named Skeeter, his little Chiweenie dog. Gene is preceded in death by his loving wife Anne of 64 years who has been waiting on him to join her for 32 years; his parents J.C. and Alma Maddox; his siblings John Maddox, Joe Maddox, Frances and husband Brian Taylor; grandson Baby Boy Parsons; son Lowell Hooks; nephew Wesley Maddox; nephew Brian “Junior” Taylor; and many friends. Our dad, pa, and papa Gene was very much loved and will be greatly missed but know that he is rejoicing in Heaven with Jesus and all the loved ones gone on before him. As he has told us many times, we love him a bushel and a peck with a hug around the neck and we will definitely see you later alligator. There will be a viewing for family and friends on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 from 4:00-7:00 pm at Dearman Funeral Home (Pickard) in Stratford, Oklahoma. The memorial service will be held at the Community Free Will Baptist Church in Pickett on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 2:00 pm with a graveside service following at Midland Cemetery.

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Burrel Eugene Maddox

February 17, 1933 - July 16, 2026