On Tuesday, September 17, 2024, the town of Morris, lost one of its own when Wendall Leon Haworth, Sr., 83, passed away. Wendall had been an active member of the Morris community since 1973, when he and his young family moved here, and he opened a small auto parts store. A friendly and kind man who was always ready with a funny story and a willingness to help his neighbor, Wendall began building what became a thriving network of friends, family, church members, business owners, and customers who knew they could always count on him.

Born January 4, 1941, in Jennings, Wendall graduated from Jennings High School and went on to study at OSUIT in Okmulgee. A skilled mechanic who had a gift for figuring out what was wrong with practically any vehicle, Wendall began his career at Carnation after graduating from OSU. He did well there, but he knew he wanted to have a business of his own. So, with the support of his wife, Freda, he moved to Morris and started what became known far and wide as The Parts Barn.

More than just a business, The Parts Barn became a cornerstone of the Morris community. Everyone knew that at Wendall’s place, you could not only find parts for their vehicles, but also hear one of Wendall’s tall tales, corny jokes, or a bit of harmless gossip. Folks also knew that Wendall and his crew at the Parts Barn would be there for them in a pinch. If you were looking for a deal, or needed some local knowledge, or just wanted to shoot the breeze and get out of the weather, everyone knew the Parts Barn was a prime “go to” spot in town. When the business and his home were destroyed as were many others in the community by the 1984 Morris tornado, Wendall never hesitated to rebuild and encouraged others to do the same.

Wendall’s life was not without loss, of course. He was preceded in death by his late wife, Freda; his eldest son, Wendall Leon Haworth, Jr.; brothers Olan Haworth and Nolan Haworth; sister Dovie Carper; and parents January 4, 1941 – September 17, 2024

Merle and Mable Haworth. As a man who valued family, faith, and friendship above all, the passing of his loved ones was particularly difficult. But Wendall was a fighter who viewed sorrow as a part of life and strove to put his faith in action by helping others to get him through.

He is survived by his loving wife of 24-years, Carolyn Haworth, and his children: Wade Haworth and wife Becky; Kara Kuhlman and husband Tim; Tracey Milling and husband Jimmy; Bryan Stevens and wife Lisa; and Grant Stevens. Wendall was a proud grandfather to 14 grandchildren: Chris Fox and wife Heidi; Cassidy Crocker and husband Ethan; Katie Thorman and husband Trevor; Jesse Richel and wife Sage; Taylor Armstrong and husband Tanner; Keaton Kuhlman; Keith Kuhlman and partner Mariah Meschkat; Alison Brent and husband JJ; Adam Milling and wife Daniela; Aaron Milling and partner Katie Brunet; Kayla Stevens and partner Bobbie Simon; Shelby Garcia and husband Tyler; Carli Cormier and husband Kendrick; and Christina Weimar and husband Ross. He also leaves behind 31 great-grandchildren, with two more on the way. Wendall is also survived by his brother, Keith Haworth, and wife Karen, as well as many nieces, nephews, and people who viewed him as part of their family.

If you knew Wendall, you knew he never shied away from hard work, infused everything he did with integrity, and was willing to lend a hand (or tool, or auto part) to whomever needed it. He will be remembered for his kindness, ability to fix anything, and probably some convoluted story he told to “pull your leg” for a laugh. His legacy lives on through the generations of family he loved so deeply and the countless friendships he made throughout his lifetime.

Services to celebrate Wendall’s life will be held at Trinity Baptist Church in Morris on Monday, September 23, at 10 a.m.

The viewing will be held at McClendon- Winters Funeral Home (Old Public Library), 421 S. Hughes St. in Morris, on Sunday, September 22, from 2-4 p.m.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mc-Clendon-Winters Funeral Home of Beggs. Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on Wendall’s Tribute Page at www.mcclendon- winters.com.