George "Buddy" Wattenbarger

George William “Buddy” Wattenbarger, 69, of Muskogee, died July 15, 2020 at Hillcrest Medical Center in Tulsa.  He was born July 23, 1950 to Jesse (Wattenbarger) Taylor in Muskogee where he attended school and graduated with the class of 1971. 

            Longtime friends have shared that their hearts are broken at the loss of their friend, classmate and fellow “Rougher”. Buddy’s passion for the football games of Muskogee Highschool was a flame that never burned out and his enthusiasm and smile were contagious.

Many Muskogee natives remember Buddy as the man behind the lawnmower. He was self-employed in the lawn mowing business where he made many friends, and if you had the opportunity to meet him, he never forgot your name or the year you graduated from school. 

Buddy was kind, polite and had a touch of mischievousness from time to time. We were all better off for knowing this man who wore his legs out crisscrossing the streets of Muskogee and now he can rest, happy in his reunion with his mother and grandparents.

Buddy was preceded in death by his mother, Jesse Taylor; grandmother, Myrtle Wattenbarger and grandfather, George Wattenbarger.  He is survived by his sister, Gerty Francile Smith of Cross Junction, Virginia; niece, Lynn Kesner; niece Kim Martinez; nephews Ken and Tim Smith and many other nieces, nephews, former classmates, and loving friends from his church and community. 

            Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at Boulevard Christian Church with Mr. Steve Moss officiating.  Buddy will be laid to rest near his mother and grandparents in Stigler, Oklahoma.

            Buddy’s family would like to share their heartfelt love and thanks to all of Buddy’s classmates and friends for their overwhelming generosity and outpouring of concerns and prayers.