By Cara Cowan Watts | Cherokee 411
June 28, 1940 – September 27, 2026
Tahlequah, OK
Cherokee Nation Citizen
Gerald Denver Walkingstick, 86, of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma passed away Sunday, September 27, 2026, in Tahlequah,
Oklahoma. Gerald was born June 28, 1940, in Stillwell, Oklahoma to James Warren and Edith Elizabeth (McKinzie) Walkingstick.
Born in the Stilwell area, Gerald attended Zion Schools through the sixth grade before moving to the Foyil area, where he later graduated. He built a long career in sales and service, beginning his work at Safeway and eventually joining Walkingstick Distribution Company, where he sold Little Debbie products.
On November 23, 1977, Gerald married Gloria Shirlene (Smith) Walkingstick, who brought four daughters into their marriage, joining Gerald’s four sons and creating a loving family together. Gerald was a talented guitar player, skilled carpenter, and gifted all-around handyman. He found joy in spending time with his family, helping others with odd jobs, playing his guitar, mowing the church grounds, and enjoying a friendly game of ping pong. Above all, Gerald cherished seeing his family and friends come to know the Lord. A man of strong Christian faith, he faithfully prayed each day for every member of his family by name, leaving behind a lasting example of love, devotion, and faith.
He is now reunited with his parents, James Warren and Edith Elizabeth (McKinzie) Walkingstick; daughter, Sheri Denise Roberts; and granddaughter, Anna Elizabeth Adams.
Gerald is survived by his wife of nearly 49 years, Shirlene, of the home; his children, Jeri (Marty) Collins, Terry (Kila) Walkingstick, Teri Adams, Jerry (Jamie) Walkingstick, Kerry Walkingstick, Robby (Lisa) Walkingstick, and Tammy Walkingstick; his grandchildren, Joshua (Paula) Rowan, Shawn (Ashley) Rowan, Justin (Wendi) Collins, Kala (Doug) Meier, Ceylyndia Ann Denton, Brant (Hillary) Smith, Jordan Adams, Olivia Denton, Andria (Michael) Jessie, Ashley Walkingstick, Nikki (Kyle) Melugin, McKayla (Ian) Blount, Summer (Josh) Woody, Colton Elam, Chloe Elam, Destini Walkingstick, Nathan (Austyn) Walkingstick, Aubree (Caden) Goss, and Cody Walkingstick; his great-grandchildren, McKenzie (Blake) Cantwell, Austin Rowan, Seth (Savannah) Leavell, Blake Leavell, Audrey Rowan, Steven (Shaina) Hosford, Cheyeanne Hosford, Raven Freeman, Caiden Smith, Dynari Dudley, Gavin Gordon, Marleigh Jessie, Miles Jackson, Ronnie Jackson, Hazel Jackson, Kyler Melugin, Taylor Melugin, Emerson Blount, Landon Blount, Shepherd Blount, Boaz Woody, Lydia Woody, Lottie Woody, Gloria Woody, Ruby Woody, Sophie Shoemaker, and Bella Shoemaker; his great-great-grandchildren, Hayden Cantwell, Hunter Cantwell, and Kailynn Reynolds; extended family and many friends.
Gerald’s life will be celebrated 10:30AM, Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Fort Gibson Church of Christ with Brother Terry Hackworth officiating.
Committal prayers and interment will follow at Starnes Cemetery in Fort Gibson with Brant Smith, Nathan Walkingstick, Cody Walkingstick, Colton Elam, Shawn Rowan, and Joshua Rowan serving as casket bearers. Ian Blount, Josh Woody, Michael Jessie, and Justin Collins will serve as honorary casket bearers.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions in Gerald’s name to the Fort Gibson Church of Christ Missions, 806 South Lee Street, Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, 74434.
The family of Gerald Denver Walkingstick has entrusted his care, service, and burial to Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home in Fort Gibson. 918-478-2555.
Online condolences may be left for the family at clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com.
