Buxton Okeechobee Funeral Home & Crematory

Buxton Okeechobee Funeral Home & Crematory Buxton & Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home and Crematory has served families in Lake Okeechobee for 45 years.
(1)

We are proud to be the only locally owned family funeral home in the area. As the only locally family owned funeral home in Okeechobee, our promise to you is compassionate and respectful care while ensuring professional guidance for those we serve. As a full service funeral home we offer a vast selection of service and product options at affordable prices. Today many families are choosing crematio

n and it's important that you know we operate the only onsite crematory in Okeechobee County. Because of this, we offer you peace of mind knowing your loved one is in our care at all times and never transported to distant crematories where countless cremations are handled. We ensure every cremation is performed with careful individualized attention to detail with the dignity you're loved one deserves.

Barbara Ann WillisJanuary 30, 1949 – June 13, 2026Barbara Ann Willis, 77, a lifelong resident of Okeechobee, Florida, pa...
06/15/2026

Barbara Ann Willis
January 30, 1949 – June 13, 2026

Barbara Ann Willis, 77, a lifelong resident of Okeechobee, Florida, passed away surrounded by the love of her family. Born to Harris & Lottie Sills on January 30, 1949 in Fort Pierce, Florida, Barbara spent her entire life in Okeechobee, where she built a legacy of family and friendship.

On January 21, 1967 Barbara married the love of her life, John McCoy Willis. Together they shared 35 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in 2002. Their marriage was filled with love, companionship, and cherished memories.

In her younger years, Barbara enjoyed collecting antiques, reading, and spending time fishing with her husband. Those who knew her remember her appreciation for simple pleasures. In recent years, she found her greatest joy in spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as relaxing while watching her favorite television programs.

Barbara is survived by her children: son, Daniel J. Willis and his wife, Jennifer Ehnat-Willis; daughter, Becky A. Burgess; and daughter, Bonnie J. Cortez and her husband, Jose Cortez, Jr.

She was a proud grandmother to five grandchildren: Justin M. Wohlschlegal with Ashley Furse; Megan Eells-Willis and her husband, Brandon Eells-Willis; Jacob Burgess; Emily Cortez; and Larissa Cortez.

Barbara was also blessed with ten great-grandchildren: Malarie, Jeremy, Mellanie, Malliea, Charity, Malaky, Lilly, Kailo, Maikoa, and Remi, all of whom brought her immense pride and happiness.

She is survived by four of her siblings: Leon Sills and his wife, Willa Sills; Wilma Williams; Mable Murdorf; and Shirley Cox and her husband, Mick Cox. Barbara also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by four brothers: Jack, Henry, Hugh and Lamar.

Barbara will be remembered for her love of family and the many memories she created with those she loved. Her life was a testament to resilience, and the importance of family. Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

The family extends their gratitude to all who have offered prayers, support, and kindness during this difficult time.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at Evergreen Cemetery.

Those wishing to leave a message of condolence may sign the register book at, www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com

All arrangements are entrusted to the direction and care of the Buxton Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 North Parrott Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida, 34972.

Benjamin Edward Leighton, Sr., 88Benjamin Edward Leighton, Sr. died on June 12, 2026. He was born on November 20, 1937 i...
06/15/2026

Benjamin Edward Leighton, Sr., 88

Benjamin Edward Leighton, Sr. died on June 12, 2026. He was born on November 20, 1937 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Harold Leighton and Evelyn Evans. A resident of Okeechobee for 43 years, he was a member of the Hunger and Thirst Ministries and Campers on a Mission. He enjoyed fishing and camping. Above anything else he loved God and his family.

Mr. Leighton was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Leighton and Evelyn Evans Leighton; daughters, Rhonda Sinclair and Hope Martin; sons, Harold Leighton and Phillip Martin; grandchild, Cal Bostrum; and great granddaughter, Hope Futch.

He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Amelia Haigh Leighton; son Ben Leighton, Jr. (Terri Lynn); daughters, Melissa Deese (Kevin) and Kayla Martin; and grandchildren, Nick Martin, April Martin (Jason), Ashely Martin, Brian Martin (Julie), Aaron Deese, Andrew Deese, Alec Deese, Alyssa Deese, Chad Leighton, Zachary Leighton, Jim Leighton, Michael Leighton, Stephanie Sprague, Shannon Sprague, Shane Sprague; and a nine great grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at Evergreen Cemetery.

Those wishing to leave a message of condolence may sign the register book at, www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com

All arrangements are entrusted to the direction and care of the Buxton Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 North Parrott Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida 34972.

Please read all the details and I look forward to meeting applicants.
06/11/2026

Please read all the details and I look forward to meeting applicants.

Daniel Dean Lamb, 67Daniel Dean Lamb died on June 10, 2026. He was born on January 20, 1959 in Pahokee, Florida. A lifel...
06/11/2026

Daniel Dean Lamb, 67

Daniel Dean Lamb died on June 10, 2026. He was born on January 20, 1959 in Pahokee, Florida. A lifelong resident of Okeechobee, he enjoyed fishing, working on his mower, running heavy equipment, and spending time with his loved ones.

Mr. Lamb was preceded in death by his father, Edwin Lamb; mother, Evelynn Lamb; and wife, Donna Guerro.

He is survived by his fiancé of 8 years, Geraldine Ellerbee; son, Daniel Dean Lamb, II, both of Okeechobee; daughter, Sylvia Roselle, of Georgia; grandchildren, Rebecka Agustine Lamb and Shelby Williams; brothers, Tommy Lamb, of Clewiston, Mark Lamb, of Arkansas, and Johnny Lamb, of Okeechobee; sister, Missy Lamb; and many other family members and friends.

No services will be held.

Those wishing to leave a message of condolence may sign the register book at, www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com

All arrangements are entrusted to the direction and care of the Buxton Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 North Parrott Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida, 34972.

Judith Ann Jones, 64Judith Ann Jones passed away on June 9, 2026. She was born on March 18, 1962 in Grand Rapids, Michig...
06/11/2026

Judith Ann Jones, 64

Judith Ann Jones passed away on June 9, 2026. She was born on March 18, 1962 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Roger and Carol (Cnossen) Duffield. She was a resident of Okeechobee for over 42 years and a dedicated member of Christ Fellowship Church. Judith was a dedicated teacher for the Okeechobee County School Board for over 20 years. She loved photography and traveling. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandsons. Judith will be deeply missed by family and friends.

She was preceded in death by parents-in-law, Roger and Mildred Jones; and brother-in-law, William Wiersma.

She is survived by her loving husband of 42 years, Donald Jones; son, Nicholas Jones; daughter, Kendra Fairchild (Matthew); parents, Roger and Carol Duffield; sister, Diane Janes (Gary); sister-in-law, Toni Wiersma; grandchildren, Isaiah and Elijah Fairchild; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until service at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at Buxton Okeechobee Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.

Those wishing to leave a message of condolence may sign the register book at, www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com.

All arrangements are entrusted to the direction and care of the Buxton Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 North Parrott Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida, 34972.

William “Bill” A. Slack, 96, died on Friday, May 29, 2026. He was born on January 25, 1930, in Dover, NJ, and lived in S...
06/10/2026

William “Bill” A. Slack, 96, died on Friday, May 29, 2026. He was born on January 25, 1930, in Dover, NJ, and lived in Somerville, NJ (Bridgwater Township) after his marriage to Doris Slack on August 12, 1955. They moved to Palm Beach Gardens, FL in 1970, then moved to Jupiter in 1977. They had made several more moves to Olathe, Kansas; Ackworth, Georgia; Punta Gorda, FL; and final move to Okeechobee, FL in 2003. He was a member of the Pluckemin Presbyterial Church in Pluckemin, NJ. William was a member of Big Lake VFW in Okeechobee, FL and had been a member of the Elks Club in Jupiter, FL and the Moose Lodge in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, and enjoyed going to Brighton Casino and playing Bingo.

William served in the U.S. Navy, as a Fire Control Tech (FTU3) from 1948 to 1955 during the Korean War. He was responsible for sonar and torpedo data computer maintenance and operation. His two tours in the U.S. Navy were spent mostly in submarine service (USS Argonaut and USS Grouper) and remained in the U.S. Navy Reserve until July 1961 as an Instructor. He married Doris in August 1955 when he left the Navy taking a job as an Engineering Aid at Picatinny Arsenal in Wharton, NJ January 1955 to September 1955 leaving to take a job with New Jersey Bell Telephone Co., Westfield, NJ from September 1955 to July 1966. He was hired at an entrance level position working in the frame and switch room moving up to Supervisor of Network Services. William worked at Precision Systems, Inc from 1966 to 1968 as an Administrative Assistant to the President which required a lot of travel overseas and to California. During this time William also served the community as an elected Bridgewater Township Tax Collector from 1964 to 1969 and was appointed as Treasurer by the Bridgewater Township Committee from 1967 to 1969. He did not seek reelection in 1969 and moved his family to Florida in 1969 for health reasons. William returned to the Bell System in Florida with Southern Bell in West Palm Beach, FL soon becoming Manager of Network Services of the WPB Exchange Area, and Manager of Special Services at the Riviera Beach Special Services SARTS Center until 1978, when he was promoted to Staff Manager at Bell Labs, Holmdel, NJ assigned to systems engineering, and AT&T, Basking Ridge, NJ assigned to systems methods and implementation, Bell System responsibilities (SOPs) until 1983. He retired February 1983 prior to Divestiture. William continued to work for several years for Palm Beach County Communications and was then offered a position with Sprint setting up and certifying their Special Services SARTS Centers which moved them to Olathe, Kansas and then to Ackworth, GA before retiring again after 10 years with Sprint. They settled back in Jupiter for a short time before moving to Punta Gorda, FL, and finally settled in Okeechobee in 2003.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Doris Davis Slack (July 2024); his parents, Robert Eugene Slack and Emma Murtha Slack; his brother, Thomas “Bob” R. Slack; sister, Betty Lou Slack; nephew, Michael Slack; and great-grandson, Matthew Thompson.

He is survived by his son, William D. Slack (Michele) of Palm City, Florida; daughters, Bonnie Slack Lueck (David) of Jacksonville, Florida and Sandra Slack Bilyeu of Okeechobee, Florida; sister, Virginia Slack Miller of Hayes, VA; six grandchildren, Matthew Thompson, Nathan Thompson, Robert Lueck, Megan Guzman, Tommy Slack, and Joele Wargo; fifteen great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the Treasure Coast Hospice Harper House of Stuart, FL for the great care and comfort they gave William in his final days.

Visitation will be from 3 p.m. until service at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. Interment will be at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at South Florida National Cemetery.

Those wishing to leave a message of condolence may sign the register book at, www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com

All arrangements are entrusted to the direction and care of the Buxton Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 North Parrott Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida, 34972.

Maxine Elizabeth Button Collins Maxine Elizabeth Collins, 86, of Okeechobee, Florida, passed away peacefully on June 5, ...
06/08/2026

Maxine Elizabeth Button Collins

Maxine Elizabeth Collins, 86, of Okeechobee, Florida, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026. Born November 30, 1939, in Nelson, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late George W. Button and the former Jenny M. Bollinger.

Maxine was preceded in death by her son, Thomas Bliss; her brothers, Eugene, George, Ralph, Robert, and Joseph; and her sisters Catherine, Winifred, Hilda, Violet, and Gertrude.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 57 years, Boyd Collins; her sisters, Geraldine Compton of Watkins Glen, NY and Sharon Noblit (Don) of Lawrenceville, PA; her children, Tami Bliss of Salisbury, NC, James Collins (Joelle) of Ocean Shores, WA, Gary Collins (Janet) of Rochester, NY, and Bobie Jo Collins of Okeechobee, Florida; 14 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren.

Maxine dedicated 43 years of service to Raulerson Hospital, where she became a beloved and respected member of the hospital family. Her remarkable work ethic and compassion led her to continue working until the age of 82. Known for her generosity, strength, and quick wit, Maxine never met a stranger. She treated everyone with kindness and respect and was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. A fierce softball player, gifted storyteller, and tireless caregiver, she brought laughter, encouragement, and love to all who knew her. Her family and friends will remember her for her servant’s heart, unwavering devotion to others, and the countless lives she touched throughout her lifetime. Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

Per her requests no memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hospice of Okeechobee (www.chaptershealth.org) who provided her with such loving care in her last days.

Those wishing to leave a message of condolence may sign the register book at, www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com

All arrangements are entrusted to the direction and care of the Buxton Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 North Parrott Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida, 34972.

Marilyn Joan Wright, 92Marilyn Joan Wright of Okeechobee, Florida was called home on May 22, 2026. Marilyn was born on A...
06/08/2026

Marilyn Joan Wright, 92

Marilyn Joan Wright of Okeechobee, Florida was called home on May 22, 2026. Marilyn was born on August 21, 1933 in Slabtown, Pennsylvania to Ralph Daniel Fulton and Mary Emile Croamusm. Marilyn was a member of the Victory Baptist Church of Okeechobee, Florida. She loved life and everything it had to offer. Marilyn enjoyed golfing, bowling, boating, and living for the Lord. When she left this world, she had a bible in one hand and a smile on her face. Please do not weep in sorrow; shed tears of joy knowing she is dancing with Jesus.

He was preceded in death by her husband and father of her children, Charles Dean Ellis; parents, Ralph Daniel Fulton and Mary Emile Croamusm; daughter, Debra Ellis Beck; brother, Ralph Fulton; sister, Barbara Mullins; and brother-in-law, Jerry Conway.

She is survived by her husband, James Wright of Okeechobee, Florida; son, Dennis Charles Ellis of Fort Myers, Florida; daughter, Barbara Waszkiewicz of Okeechobee, Florida; sister, Bernita Conway of Moravian Falls, North Carolina; step children, Neil, Evelyine, Randy, Marilyn, and Darlene; cousin, Dwight D. Eisenhower; grandchildren, Danny (Carolyn), Nicky, Michelle (Robert), Kyle (Jewel), Sarah, and Hannah; and seven great grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at Victory Baptist Church of Okeechobee. A dinner will be held after the service.

Those wishing to leave a message of condolence may sign the register book at, www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com.

All arrangements are entrusted to the direction and care of the Buxton Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 North Parrott Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida, 34972.

Phyllis Quillen Charles, 78Phyllis Quillen Charles died on June 4, 2026. She was born on October 19, 1947 in Middletown,...
06/05/2026

Phyllis Quillen Charles, 78

Phyllis Quillen Charles died on June 4, 2026. She was born on October 19, 1947 in Middletown, Ohio. A resident of Vero Beach for 7 ½ years, she enjoyed puzzles, reading, and feeding her squirrels. She loved going to the racetrack to watch her son-in-law and grandsons race.

Ms. Charles was preceded in death by her parents, Lena and Walter Quillen; brother, Sonny Quillen; and grandson, Mark Barlow, Jr.

She is survived by her son, Brian Charles (Naiomi); daughter, Lori Barlow (Mark); grandchildren, Scott Barlow (Lindy), Matthew Barlow (Jennifer), Mariah Forge (Erik), and Jade Allen (Torey); great grandchildren, Kenzlee, Michael, Brandon, Jensen, Macie, Waylon, Madison, Kody, and Emmett; and brother, Larry Quillen (Kathi).

Visitation will be 1 p.m. until services at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at Buxton Okeechobee Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.

Those wishing to leave a message of condolence may sign the register book at, www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com

All arrangements are entrusted to the direction and care of the Buxton Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 North Parrott Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida, 34972.

Address

400 North Parrott Avenue
Okeechobee, FL
34972

Telephone

(863) 763-1994

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Buxton Okeechobee Funeral Home & Crematory posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category