Funeral service for Herbert "Herby" Odes Hazelwood will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 24, at the MMS-Payne Funeral Home Chapel. Burial with military honors by the U.S. Navy will follow at Highland Cemetery in Inola. Visitation will be held at the funeral home Thurs. 1-8 p.m., and family will greet friends 6-8 p.m.
Herbert passed away Saturday, October 18, 2014 at the age of 72 after a year long battle with cancer.
The son of Elbert VanBuren "Bud" and Ora Melvina "Maggie" (Brunson) Hazelwood was born May 27, 1942 in Inola, Oklahoma. There he was raised , and attended Inola High School. After his senior year he joined the United States Navy. He served his country during the Vietnam War until his discharge in December of 1964. He was extremely proud to have served his country. He then returned to Oklahoma, and began living in Oologah. Then with the help from a family member, Herby became reacquainted with Betty Warden. They married on May 27, 1965. They decide to make their home in Foyil. Needing to take care of his family, Herby continued doing what he did best. That is working as a carpenter. He began making cabinets, and building homes all over the area. Working mostly in the Claremore area, but traveling as far as Texas. However in 1986 he and his family moved into the home that he built for them. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 2976 and DAV Rogers County Chapter #44.
In his spare time, he loved hunting, fishing, and spending time at his catfish pond. He also loved to watch westerns especially with John Wayne in them. Other hobbies include listening to gospel, and blue grass music, telling jokes and making peanut brittle. He treasured his friendships. His family loved him dearly and will miss him greatly.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Maggie Hazelwood; brothers, Herman Roy Hazelwood and Harvey Louis Hazelwood, and sister Sharon Louise "Sharie" Lunsford.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 49 years Betty of the home; his son, Tony Hazelwood and wife Ashley of Claremore; his daughter, Tonya Knisely and husband Bill of Midwest City; his lovely granddaughter, Kelci Hazelwood of Claremore; four terrific grandsons, Phillip, Matthew, and Andrew Knisely of Midwest City, and Zach Yagle of Claremore; his brother, Harley Hazelwood and wife Vicki of Claremore and sisters, Donna Denny and husband Ken of Catoosa, Rita Dib of Palm Bay, FL, and Ruth Truby of LaPlata, NM.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans Chapter #44 of Rogers County.