Alford (Al) Nathaniel McElhaney, 91, of Okmulgee, passed on Thursday, June 19, 2025. He was born on Monday, January 8, 1934, in Morris to Odas McElhaney and Jettie Ryals and stepdad Marion Grisham. Al was preceded in death by his loving wife, Leda Faye McElhaney (Thornburg). Al and Leda married in 1952. Together they had four children, Alford, Trease, Janice and Buddy.
Al worked doing many projects and was very good at everything he did. He managed a tire store for many years. He built sheds, wishing wells, built room additions, worked on vehicles, put roofs on and he built his home in Okmulgee, where he and his wife lived for the remainder of their lives. Our mom and dad stayed together for 70 years. What a lifetime of love and understanding.
Al was a kid at heart and he loved coaching his son’s little league team, taught us all how to ride motorcycles, we went camping, water skiing, traveled and had a fair share of dogs. Dad enjoyed playing tennis, playing cards and helping people out anyway he knew how. He employed family members and being dad was a fussy guy, it was nice to see them all laughing most of the time. We spent a lot of time with both mom and dad’s family and dad loved taking January 8, 1934 – June 19, 2025
motion pictures of us all wherever we traveled to. Such wonderful memories to look back on.
Survivors include three children, Trease Creighton, Janice York and Buddy McElhaney; grandchildren, Mark Franklin, Roy Franklin, Justin Franklin, Kevin Kohler, David McElhaney, Ronnie McElhaney and Clint McElhaney; and several great grandchildren.
Al was preceded in death by his wife, Leda; his eldest son, Alford, his parents, Odas McElhaney and Jettie Ryals; stepdad, Marion Grisham; his brothers, Clarence, Carl, Clifford and Richard; along with his aunts and uncles.
Visitation was held from 4-6 p.m. Sunday, June 22, 2025, at Add’Vantage Funeral Service.
Graveside service took place at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 23, 2025, at Okmulgee Cemetery, with Pastor Bill Delso officiating.
Arrangements are under the direction of Gary Kelley’s Add’Vantage Funeral Service of Tulsa.
