Elton Francis Willingham

Submitted by: Sue Hearon

Elton Francis Willingham of LaPorte, Texas passed away in Canadian, Oklahoma at the age of 72 in the home of his brother Gene and his sister in law Lois.

Elton was born in the Old Indian Rock jail September 23, 1927 at Panama, Oklahoma. Elton was the third son born to Aurbie K. and Leonard Willingham. He was a member of the armed forces, (Army )during the Korean conflict. In September of 1947 he married Mary Jo Baker in Shafter, California. From this union there were five children born. Eldon Wayne the oldest was killed in the service of his country in Vietnam, he was preceded in death also by his parents and a brother Carl.

After a divorce he moved to Texas where he had lived for some 35 years. He was a retired contractor and a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in LaPorte, Texas. He was of the Protestant faith.

Survivors are three sons and daughter in laws Leroy and Betty Willingham of Canadian, Oklahoma, Stephen and Sheila Willingham of Livingston, Texas, and Keith and Terrie Willingham of Houston, Texas, one daughter Eva Jaschke of LaPorte, Texas. One sister and brother in law Gladys and David Oaks, two brothers and sister in laws J.B and Jennie WIllingham of Bakersfield, California and Clifton " Gene" and Lois Willingham of Canadian, Oklahoma. Graveside service for Elton were at 10 a.m Tuesday, July 18, 2000 at Shady Point Cemetery in Shady Point, Oklahoma with Rev. Cecil Staton officiating under the direction of Grace Manor Funeral Home in Poteau, Oklahoma.