Roy Junior Vanatta's Obituary
Roy Junior Vanatta, 84, of rural Welch, OK, passed away Friday evening, October 16, 2015 at Freeman West in Joplin, MO, surrounded by his loving family. He was born November 17, 1930 in Miami, OK to Roy Earl Vanatta and Nina Genevieve (Miller) Vanatta. On January 31, 1951, Roy married Reta Youngblood in Bentonville, AR. Reta, his loving wife of 64 years, survives of the home. Roy was a hardworking farmer. He also was very successful in raising pecans. He was well known for being able to look at a pecan and tell exactly what variety it was. He passes this knowledge on to his children and grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; one son, David A. Vanatta; one grandson, Ted Vanatta; one granddaughter, Caitlyn Vanatta, and several siblings. Roy is survived by his wife, Reta, of the home; 3 sons, Roy E. Vanatta and wife Ann of Welch, OK, Larry Franklin Vanatta of Miami, OK, and Stephen Craig Vanatta and wife Sherri, of Welch, OK; 3 daughters, Sherry L. Pease and husband Roger of Welch, OK, Joie Smith and husband Tim of Welch, OK, and Sandra Lamae Vanatta of Welch, OK; 16 grandchildren, 57 great grandchildren, and 7 great-great grandchildren; his twin brother, Ray Vanatta of Mt. Pleasant, AR, one other brother, Jerry Vanatta, of Spokane, WA; one sister, Rosetta Schenaultz of Morrilton, AR; several nieces and nephews, and a host of friends. A visitation will be held at the Thomas Funeral Home in Welch, OK Tuesday evening, October 20, 2015 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Services will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at the Thomas Funeral Home. Chaplain John McPhail will officiate. Burial will follow in the Welch Cemetery. Casket bearers will be Charles Smith, Casey Vanatta, Brock Vanatta, Cody Thompson, Jackie Vanatta, and Daniel Vanatta. Honorary casket bearers will be Shawn Pease, Christopher Vanatta, and Eddie Blunk.
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