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Dr. Wade Markham, 83-year-old Vinita resident, passed away Friday evening, September 20, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 31, 1941, in Pryor to MW “Whistle” Markham and Maudine (Rush) Markham. Wade was a graduate of Locust Grove High School and continued his education at Oklahoma State University at Stillwater. He graduated from the OSU school of Veterinary Medicine in just 3 years and was in the top 3 in his class. He married the love of his life, Louise Day on November 19, 1959, in Locust Grove. Wade coached all his children and his wife in sports and was very instrumental in forming the Vinita Little League football and getting the school wrestling program started in Vinita. He and his Veterinary partner Dr. Gene Frie won the 1974 International Finals Rodeo in Team Roping, the first Oklahoma cowboys to accomplish this feat. Wade was very active the Vinita community, he served as the Will Rogers Rodeo Parade Marshall, was voted Vinita “Citizen of the Year,” and served on the Vinita School Board.
Wade was also a pioneer in starting cowboy ministry and started the Cowboy Junction Church in 1989. He led many, many, people to Christ through his church and cowboy ministry, his ministry led to the opening of the Chuck Wagon restaurant, and the Cowboy Junction Christian School in Vinita.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Maurice Markham, and a sister, Pat Ragsdale.
The family includes his wife Louise of the home, his children, Clint Markham and wife Kathy, Marsha Hawkins and husband Darry, Todd Markham and wife Michelle, all of Vinita, grandchildren, Cale Markham and wife Dana, Terri Bryant and husband Austin, Heath Hawkins, Austin Markham, Dayton Markham, one great-grandchild, Charlie Bryant, and one sister, Betsy Willis of Catoosa. Numerous other relatives, rodeo, and church family as well.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at the Cowboy Junction Church, 27662 S 4380 Rd, Vinita, OK 74301.
The celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. also at the Cowboy Junction Church, with Pastors Jim King and Bruce Butler officiating. Interment will follow at the Fairview Cemetery in Vinita.
Casket bearers will be, Cale Markham, Heath Hawkins, Austin Markham, Dayton Markham, Ryan Smith, and Austin Bryant. Honorary bearers will be Jesse Hale, Dennis DeLozier, Kenny Hoodenpyle, Charlie Hillegas, Mike Nelson, and Kevin McGlasson.
Friends may give to the Cowboy Junction Christian School Scholarship Fund. Online condolences may be made at www.highsmithfh.com or on the funeral home Facebook page. Arrangements are in the care of the Burckhalter-Highsmith Funeral and Cremation Services of Vinita. “Vinita’s only locally owned and operated funeral home.”
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