Nila Jean Barnard, a longtime Okmulgee resident, passed away Saturday, December 28, 2024. She was 98 years old.

Nila was born in Seminole to E.J. and Laura Vaughn, who preceded her in death. She met her future husband of 74 years, Bob Barnard, at a high school dance but World War II delayed their marriage. While Nila attended Oklahoma A&M, Bob joined the Marine Corps and fought in the Pacific Theater. While at A&M, Nila was chosen as the residence hall queen candidate for the Sugar Bowl that A&M was playing in.

After the war, Nila and Bob married and settled in Tulsa, here Bob was the sporting goods manager at Clark Darland Hardware. Their first son, Gary, was born in Tulsa but they moved to Okmulgee so Bob could manage sporting goods at Jack Bell Lumber. Their second son, Craig, was born in Okmulgee, where Nila and September 24, 1926 – December 28, 2024

Bob remained for the remainder of their lives.

Nila’s intelligence was obvious from early in life. She was allowed to skip two grades in school and even taught the younger students in some classes. In Okmulgee, Nila joined Okmulgee Service League and participated in several Service League follies programs. She sang in the First United Methodist Church Choir for over 40 years and was a Member of United Methodist Women.

Nila enjoyed doing the bookkeeping for the family oil and gas business as well as painting. There are several of Nila’s paintings displayed in the home. But, more than anything, Nila loved Oklahoma City Thunder basketball. She watched their games religiously so she could discuss the games with other ladies at her Friday hair appointments.

Nila was preceded in death by her husband Bob; her parents E. J. and Laura; son Craig; brother Ronnie; and daughter-in-law Candy.

She is survived by her son Gary; grandchildren Camille Miller, Kyle Barnard, Kaylon Reichman and Cory Barnard; as well as many great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please make a charitable donation to the Okmulgee First United Methodist Church Pantry which helps feed the less fortunate here in Okmulgee.

Funeral services for Nila are scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, January 11, 2024, at First United Methodist Church in Okmulgee, with Rev. Kendall Warren and Rev. Diana Northcutt officiating.

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