Wilbur Tonihka

Wilbur Tonihka, age 64 passed away on Sunday, November 12, 2023 at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Oklahoma City, OK. He was born on September 15, 1959 in Idabel, OK the son of Wilson and Bertha (Ward) Tonihka. 

Most of his friends knew him by “Will T” or “Wilbur” not his given name Harry. He had some comments on that one. Wilbur made his living driving heavy machinery at the local gravel pit. He was a history buff. He read everything he could get his hands on; numerous Louis L’Amour books, old encyclopedias, STAR magazines, People, Enquirers. He passed this love for reading onto his children. He was an avid outdoors man. A favorite past time was fishing and hunting with his brothers. He enjoyed watching the history channel, and sports on tv; He was a loyal OU Sooners fan. Wilbur's most recent past time was doting on his little Chihuahua, Sugar.

If you knew Wilbur in his younger days, you know he lived life to the fullest. He was known to be stubborn, (which most are nodding their head yes to.) He played hard and loved hard. If you were his friend, he had your back 100%, and if that meant bringing his fists, he would do that too.

Though he wasn't perfect and no one is, he had a deep respect for the Lord and sought him out to help guide him in his last journey. Wilbur had a sudden onset of seizures and was hospitalized in Oklahoma City. He made the brave choice of comfort care and was surrounded by his daughter Jennifer; grandchildren Trae and Kelsey. His brothers, sister, and close friends called to check on him; and when the phone was put up to his ear he would smile & nod acknowledgement. Thank you all for loving him in his final days.

Wilbur was preceded in death by his parents; the love of his life, Teresa Stewart; brothers, Robert Tonihka and Alan Tonihka.

Wilbur is survived by his beloved daughter, Jennifer McGinnis and son in law-Tim; his grandchildren, Trae and Kelsey of Ada; his son, Nathaniel Wilbur Tonihka; stepson, Lariat Stewart; and his boss fur baby, Sugar; brothers, William Tonihka and (wife) Betty, Sherrill Tonihka and (wife) Dora; sister, Elizabeth McKinney; several nephews and nieces including Ashley Summers and Alicia Tonihka.

Wilbur cherished his life long friends, some took the journey before him and some are still here to carry on his memories. They include Jerry Wayne, Joe Bivens, David Harris, Buddy Tom, Tony Johnson, James Johnson, Darryl Ishcomer, Johnny B, Winkus, Big Joe Caldwell, Johnny Miller, Buffalo Byington, Jeff Byington, Bear Britton, Mike Scarborough, Alan Scarborough, Tom Man, Mark Walls, Mike Williams, Roy Scott & son Red, John Richbourg, Bubba Moore.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at the White Family Funeral Chapel.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at the funeral home.

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