When a veteran passes, their service and sacrifice should never be forgotten. In Okmulgee, a heartfelt effort is underway to ensure that no veteran leaves this world without a proper sendoff, thanks to a collaborative effort between the Oklahoma Army National Guard’s Military Funeral Honors team and dedicated local veteran leaders.
Although Okmulgee does not currently have a formal military honor guard, three local veterans organizations have stepped up to fill the gap: American Legion Post 10, led by Commander Don Raby; American Legion Post 103, led by Commander Micheal Hill; and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1189, under the direction of Kenneth Mott.
These organizations work closely with the Oklahoma Army National Guard Military Funeral Honors (MFH) program to arrange solemn, respectful tributes for local veterans. MFH teams based out of Oklahoma City and Broken Arrow are available to travel and provide military honors at funeral services, ensuring each veteran is properly recognized for their service.
— Honoring Montie Laverin Pearson
Most recently, this partnership helped honor the life of Montie Laverin Pearson, an Okmulgee resident who passed away on Aug. 11, 2025, at the age of 45. A special ceremony was conducted to pay tribute to his service and to support the grieving family with a gesture of dignity and respect.
Friends and family of Mr. Pearson described him as having a vibrant spirit that touched the lives of many. His departure has left a deep void, but the community came together to offer flowers, light candles and participate in a final salute to his memory – demonstrating the importance of honoring veterans not only for their past but for the legacy they leave behind.
— How to Request Funeral Honors for Veterans Families or friends of a deceased veteran can request honors by contacting the Oklahoma Army National Guard Military Funeral Honors offices directly: • Oklahoma City Office: 405-228-5298
• Oklahoma City Cell: 405-306-0629
• Broken Arrow Office: 918-279-7416
• Broken Arrow Cell: 405-208-0071
• Email: NG.OK.OKARNG.MESG.MFH@ARMY. MIL Additionally, local coordination and support can be provided by the veteran leaders of the three Okmulgee posts mentioned above. They encourage families not to hesitate in reaching out, even if their loved one was not recently active in a veteran organization. The mission is simple and sacred: no veteran should go unrecognized.
In times of grief, the presence of a Military Funeral Honors team brings comfort, pride, and a reminder that service to one’s country is never forgotten.
For more information, or to coordinate funeral honors, contact the Military Funeral Honors program or any of the Okmulgee veteran organization leaders listed above.
