Jimmy Joe DeFrange
November 22, 2023
Courtesy of: Chaney-Harkins Funeral Home
Submitted by: Carol Spear Rice

Jimmy Joe DeFrange, a beloved father, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2023, in Krebs, Oklahoma. Born on March 9, 1957, in McAlester, Oklahoma, Jimmy Joe was known for his friendly demeanor and generous spirit. A Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at the Chaney Harkins Funeral Home Chapel led by Deacon Bill Anderson. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Krebs celebrated by Fr. Kingsley George-Obilonu. Jimmy Joe will be laid to rest at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in McAlester immediately following the Mass under the direction of Chaney Harkins Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Christopher DeFrange, Joseph DeFrange, Stephen Mass, 7 Nave, Johnny Reich, and Donald Quinlan. Jimmy Joe was preceded in death by his parents: George and Dolores DeFrange; his grandparents: James Joseph and Lena DeFrange, and Jimmy and Regina Karr; his brother Ralph DeFrange; his nephew Brandon DeFrange; and his niece Fallon Turner. He is survived by his three children: Joseph DeFrange of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Carmela Mass and her husband Stephen of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Christopher DeFrange of Krebs, Oklahoma. He was a proud grandfather to Giovanni Mass. He is also survived by his sister, Jolene DeFrange Quinlan and her husband, Donald of McAlester, Oklahoma, his brother, Ricky DeFrange and his wife, Peggy of Krebs, the mother of his children, Angela (Henry) Scott, his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Jim and Joyce Henry of McAlester, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A silent guardian and humble friend, Betty Webber. Her consistent care and dedication to Jimmy Joe during his illness showed a remarkable spirit of generosity and love that we will forever cherish. Jimmy Joe was a proud graduate of McAlester High School, Class of 1975. He carried his hardworking spirit and dedication into his professional life as a co-owner of Demac Lumber in Krebs. His faith was a significant part of his life. Jimmy Joe was a lifetime member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church and a member of the Mt. Carmel Men's Club and the Knights of Columbus. He was instrumental in taking care of and refurbishing the statues at the St. Joseph Cemetery in North McAlester, showing his dedication to his faith and his community. Jimmy Joe had a passion for gardening, particularly growing tomatoes and peppers. He included these vegetables into his love of cooking, especially spaghetti sauce. His house was always surrounded by beautiful blooming flowers and shrubs. Jimmy also enjoyed fishing. Jimmy Joe was known for his friendly and generous nature. He was always ready with a smile and a kind word, and he was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. His generosity extended beyond his family and friends, touching the lives of everyone he met. Like the gardens Jimmy Joe tended, his seeds of generosity, hard work, and kindness will continue to flourish in the hearts and lives of his family, blossoming into a lasting tribute of his legacy. Jimmy Joe DeFrange will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. His memory will live on in the beautiful gardens he cultivated, the business he helped build, and the love he shared with his family and community. His life was a testament to the power of kindness, generosity, and faith, and his spirit will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him.