Dora Willard

          Dora Levell Ward Willard was born Palm Sunday, March 29, 1931 to James Hollie & Julia (French) Ward in LeFlore, OK.  She was one of four children , and she was preceded in death  by her parents; brother, James and sister, Margaret, and adopted brother, Roy Walters.  Dora married Papa, Bill Willard, on Saturday, March 5, 1955 in LeFlore, and together they had a daughter, Holli, who was born Monday, February 17, 1958.

          Meemaw and Papa lived in Durant while Papa went to college on the G.I. Bill at Southeastern Oklahoma State University.  From there, they went wherever Papa taught; Glenpool, LeFlore, Talihina, Fanshawe, and finally at Red Oak.  This is where they settled, living most of their time at the place up on the hill, taking us camping, mowing that place with a push mower, hosting Thanksgiving and Christmas, and making dozens and dozens of cookies.

          Meemaw passed from this life into eternity with Jesus on Saturday, November 16, 2019, having reached the age of 88 years, seven month, and seventeen days.  She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Bill Willard; daughter, Holli White & husband Leslie; Grandchildren, Kerry White & wife Cassie  all of Red Oak, Blake White & Tori of Poteau, OK, Jill White of Red Oak; sister, Barbara  Austin of Austin, TX.  She has even great-grandchildren: Macie, Hayden, Deacon, Layni, Averi, Ainslee, and Emma.  She has countless nieces and nephews that she loved and told fun stories about all the time.  For years she kept a family reunion  going that kept us together and formed an extended family bond that most people could only dream of.  Her legacy is immeasurable and her impact on lives felt far beyond her family and far beyond the town of Red Oak.

          Services will be held at Red Oak First Baptist Church on Wednesday, November 20^th at 1 pm.  Graveside will follow at Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK.  Viewing for family and friends will be at Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau on Tuesday, November 19^th from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.