Service held for Willard Thomas Laster

Willard Thomas “Dub” Laster, 92 year old Holdenville, Oklahoma resident and former Coal-gate and Maud, Oklahoma resident passed from this life Saturday, August 24, 2019 at his home in Holdenville surrounded by his loving family.  He was born August 8, 1927 in Coalgate, Oklahoma to parents Will Eddie Laster and Anna Laura (Barnett) Laster.

Willard went on to join the United States Navy where he served in both WWII and Korea. After his honorable discharge, Willard attended three years at East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma. On August 29, 1962 Willard married Shirley Joann Palmer.

Willard worked for Baker Oil Field Tools doing mechanical maintenance.  Later he worked at Tinker Air Force Base in Midwest City until his retirement.

Willard loved spending time with his family, bowling, playing billiards and singing.

Survivors include two sons, Stanley A. Laster and his wife Lori of Holdenville, Oklahoma, Will “Eddie” Laster and his wife Rhonda of Holdenville, Oklahoma; one daughter, Leslie (Laster) Whelchel and her husband Kevin of Alamogordo, New Mexico; 9 grandchildren, Jacob, Aaron, Caleb, Joshua, Rachel, Leah, Taylor, Shelby and Erica; 9 great-grandchildren; and a host of other family and dear friends.

Willard is preceded in death by his parents Will and Anna Laster, by his wife Shirley Laster who died February 25, 2006, by two brothers Stanley L.D. Laster and Vendel Laster, and by two sisters Brownie Veronesi and Vidoma Sando.

The family received friends at Knight-Swearingen Funeral Home in Maud, Oklahoma from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 27, 2019.

Funeral Services were 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at Trinity Baptist Church in Maud, Oklahoma with Military Honors.  Rev. Darrell Brown, (son) Eddie Laster and Alex Arnold officiated the service.  Willard was laid to rest by his wife Shirley at Wolf Cemetery.

Casket Bearers were: Jake Laster, Aaron Laster, Caleb Laster, Joshua Laster, Kenni Payne and Matthew Jones.

Services were under the direction of Knight-Swearingen Funeral Home in Maud, Oklahoma. Phone 405-374-2424.