Bailes Polk Funeral Home

06/08/2026

06/07/2026

James Ernest Tole, Jr., 89, of Duncan, Oklahoma passed from this life Saturday, June 6, 2026 in the Meridian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Meridian, Oklahoma.

Services will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, June 9, 2026 in the Bailes-Polk Funeral Home with Jesse Peters officiating. Interment will follow in the Duncan Cemetery.

James was born February 21, 1937 in Thalia, Texas the son of James Ernest Tole, Sr and Emily (Haynes) Tole. He graduated from the Chillicothe High School in Chillicothe, Texas. He and Julia Luvata Charter were married at Duncan, Oklahoma on July 10, 1981 and she preceded him in death on March 18, 2012. He owned and operated Tole Stone in Duncan, Oklahoma, enjoyed gardening, hunting and fishing. He was also preceded in death by his parents, brother Mack and sister Sue.

Survivors include his sons Nathan Tole and wife Joann of Duncan, Oklahoma and Jamie Tole of Duncan, Oklahoma; step daughters Misty Davis of Edmond, Oklahoma and Michele Michael and husband Richard of Ardmore, Oklahoma; grandchildren Brandi Bunda and husband Ryan of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Jennifer Vinson of Kansas, Samantha Buckey of Choctaw, Oklahoma, Brian Tole and wife Jackie of Duncan, Oklahoma, Tasha Williams and husband Joe of Duncan, Oklahoma, Chassey Petty of Fairfield, Texas, Katie Tole of Brownwood, Texas, Christina Williams and husband Bo of Duncan, Oklahoma, Chase Kollmar of Vernon, Texas, Weston Michael of Ardmore, Oklahoma, Melonee Hines and husband Carl of Duncan, Oklahoma and Rachel Peters and husband Jesse of Marlow, Oklahoma; 34 great grandchildren; sisters Louise Aller of Seminole, Texas and Patsy Tole of Vernon, Texas and well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friend.

Online Condolences may be made at www.bailespolkfuneralhome.com

06/05/2026

Thinking about your own mortality can feel uncomfortable, but sharing your story can offer comfort and healing. In the article below, discover how legacy projects create lasting connections and support your loved ones through grief.

Legacy projects are something for your loved ones to remember you by when you're gone. Start telling your story today!

06/05/2026

Judy Marie O’Dell Osborne, 84, of Arlington, Texas, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Judy was married to David Osborne for 43 years until his passing in 2025.

Judy, also known as “Nanny,” by many, was born on February 27, 1942, in Dallas, Texas. She was the daughter of Bertha Fisher and Robert O’Dell.

Judy worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company and retired in 1996. During her time there, she held many positions within the company and served as a union officer for the Communications Workers of America.

Judy O’Dell Courter married David Osborne on February 15, 1982. They met in Houston, Texas, in 1981. Together, they enjoyed traveling, attending the Church of Christ, and spending time with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Judy, Nanny, had many talents and hobbies throughout her 84 years. She loved tending to her rose bushes and gardens, painting mountain landscapes, and sewing beautiful clothing for her children and grandchildren. She had a gift for connecting with people and welcomed many friends as family. She also loved caring for her puppies and reading. Later in life, when she was less able to participate in her favorite activities, she especially cherished visits from family and friends.

She is survived by her sister, Murph Storrs; her brother, Richard O’Dell; and her children: Cara (Michael) Pilch, Stacy Osborne, Craig (Audra) Courter, and David-Ray (Melissa) Osborne.

She is also survived by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Jena (Gary) Trione (Jayson, Blythe, Gavin, and Sloan); Nic (Maria) Pilch (Caleb and Chandler); Matti Williamson-Pilch (Madix, Everest, and Sawyer); Nakayla Courter (Taylor and Oliver); Tabby (Tory) Coombes (Charlie, Thatcher, and Ty); Auriana (Josh) Mallory; Candace (Chris) Shover (Brooklyn and Alice); Cameron McVey; and Noah Osborne.

She is additionally survived by her great-great-grandchild, Carter, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews who loved her dearly.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband, David Osborne; her parents, Bertha Fisher and Robert O’Dell; her grandson, Luke Bird; and her brother-in-law, Gene Storrs.

A memorial service will be held at Mansfield Church of Christ: 580 Pleasant Ridge Drive Mansfield, Texas 76063 at 3:00 p.m., officiated by Logan Thompson.

In accordance with her wishes, Judy will be cremated. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cook Children’s Hospital or a local animal shelter in her honor.

06/05/2026

Elizabeth Ann “Liz” Strickland Sims, a beloved sister, a devoted mother and a cherished Nanny Boo Boo, (formerly of Bossier City, Louisiana) entered heaven May 31, 2026, at the age of 88 in Duncan, Oklahoma. She was surrounded by her loving family.

Liz lived a life defined by unconditional love for her family. She was born August 7, 1937, in Waurika, Oklahoma to Elizabeth and L.B. “Strick” Strickland. Her family moved to Duncan where she attended school and was a proud 1955 graduate of Duncan High School. She met the love of her life in 1956 and after a very short 3 month courtship, Liz and Billy Ray Sims were married on April 26. They were married 55 years before BR passed in 2011.

Liz built a beautiful life rooted deeply in her family and communities. She raised 3 children in four different states. Oklahoma, Texas, Florida and finally Louisiana. Liz became an art student in Pensacola, Florida, painting numerous pieces of art that will be a special gift to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. The family then settled in Bossier City, Louisiana in 1978 and they retired in 1992.

Both Liz and BR became avid golfers. They traveled and played some amazing golf courses all over the this country and out. The Palmetto Golf Course became their weekly hobby. Liz had 4 hole in ones, a 16 handicap and won numerous tournaments. Her highest achievement was winning the Ladies Amateur Senior Golf Tournament! Besides golf, they loved their class reunions. They attended every Duncan High School reunion for the class of 1955 and 1947, as BR was a DHS alum too. Both attending reunions through their 50th. They truly enjoyed their retirement.

After 45 years in Bossier City, Liz decided to move back to Duncan in 2022 to be with her brother, Johnny Strickland, son, Richard Sims and youngest daughter, DeeAnn Gourney. She loved coming back home, she attended class lunches and reconnected with several classmates, joined Ray Of Hope Church and loved being with her family again.

Known lovingly by everyone as Nanny Boo Boo, Liz’s greatest joy in her life was her family. She poured endless love into her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always making each one feel deeply loved, supported and special. Her 5 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren were the pride and joy of her life, she treasured every moment spent with them.

Liz is survived by her brother: Johnny Strickland and Sister in-law Jean Sims. Her 3 children: Kelly Miller (Bud), Richard Sims and DeeAnn Gourney (Mark). Her grandchildren: Brandi Orr (Rowdy), Matt Miller, Blake Gourney (Brittany), Nick Sims and Noah Sims. Great-grandchildren: Shaun, Cadence, Raelyn, Melody, Aidan, Annabel and Braxton.

Preceding Liz in death are her Parents: Elizabeth and LB “Strick” Strickland, her husband BR Sims, a daughter in-law Lynn Sims, a brother in-law Cleo Sims and just recently her sister in-law Kay Strickland.

We would like to thank Chisholm Trial Hospice for the wonderful help they provided during this difficult time.

A Memorial Service will be held at Bailes-Polk Funeral Home Chapel, 910 West Oak, Duncan on Saturday, June 13th at 2:00pm with Pastor Matt Chambers officiating.

06/01/2026

Falling back asleep after you wake up can be challenging. If you want to avoid insomnia, these tips can help you catch some z's again.

Waking up in the middle of the night and not being able to fall back asleep is called sleep-maintenance insomnia. Here are 10 ways to combat it.

05/29/2026

Are you looking to honor a veteran's military service at their final goodbye? Check out these 20 ideas for how you can personalize a beloved veteran's funeral to highlight and celebrate their military service in a way that is tailored to their one-of-a-kind story.

There are so many way to go about personalizing a veteran's final tribute. Here are 20 ideas to get you started with your own brainstorm!

05/29/2026

Sharon Kay (Pruitt) Vinson, 73, of Wynnewood, Oklahoma passed from this life Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at her home in Wynnewood, Oklahoma.

Services will be 11:00 AM Monday, June 1, 2026 in the Bailes-Polk Funeral Home Chapel with Ladd Polk officiating. Interment will follow in the Duncan Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Sunday from 2 to 6 PM at the funeral home.

Sharon was born March 1, 1953 in Duncan, Oklahoma the daughter of Richard A. and Retha Jean (David) Pruitt. She received her GED and a Bachelors degree in Business from the East Central University. She and Larry Vinson were married in Wichita Falls, Texas on February 12, 1970 and he preceded her in death on January 20, 2021. She worked in the Credit Department of Kicker in Stillwater, Oklahoma and in the Tool Room at halliburton. She enjoyed making bead jewelry, doing needle point, sewing and was an avid reader. She was also preceded in death by her parents, sister Carolyn Manning and brother Richard A. Pruitt, Jr..

Survivors include two sons Ricky James Vinson and wife Ginger of Sulphur, Oklahoma and David Frank Vinson of Wynnewood, Oklahoma; grandchildren Justin Vinson, Corbin Vinson and Adley Jo Vinson and great grandchild Gracelyn Vinson.

Online condolences may be made at www.bailespolkfuneral home.com

05/27/2026

Over 110 years ago, the Lusitania was torpedoed, one of the acts that led to the United States entering World War I. Learn more about this historical event and its impact by clicking below!

A German U-boat torpedoed the British-owned steamship Lusitania, killing 1,195 people including 123 Americans, on May...