Ozborne Roberts
Osborne Roberts, affectionately known as Ozzie, Oz and Cubby of Cottonwood, OK, entered his Heavenly Home on September 18, 2024, at the age of 79. Born on October 3, 1944, in Talihina, OK, to Eliud and Lee Fannie Roberts, he attended Ahloso Schools and Haskell Junior College. He married the love of his life, Christine Stout, on August 31,1964. They recently celebrated 60 years together.
Ozzie was a dedicated employee of the City of Coalgate for over 40 years and proudly served with the Coalgate Fire Department for 20 years as a firefighter, volunteer, and chaplain until his retirement. His commitment to the community didn’t end there. As a testament to his unwavering work ethic and dedication to his community, he became a certified waterworks operator for another two decades until his illness.
A talented carpenter by trade, Ozzie also owned and operated Roberts Cabinets for a few years where he crafted beautiful pieces of work with his hands and heart. When not working, he and Christine took every chance they could to travel across the country, making cherished memories together. His love for antique muscle cars was a lifelong passion, and his pride knew no bounds when he won the 2023 Robbers Cave Fall Foliage Cruise with his beloved 1923 Ford T-Bucket. He also loved fishing and never turned down a good catfish buffet.
Ozzie’s pride in his Chickasaw heritage ran deep. As a proud member of the Chickasaw Nation, he served on the Chickasaw Language Committee, ensuring the preservation of the culture and traditions for generations to come.
A faithful servant of the Lord, Ozzie was called to ministry and served as a passionate and dedicated pastor at Boiling Springs United Methodist Church. His love for the Lord was immeasurable, and through his powerful messages, he led countless souls to Christ. Known for his sharp wit and undying love for Dr. Pepper, Ozzie wore many hats— firefighter, chaplain, pastor, carpenter—but none meant more to him than being Grandpa and Papa. His grandchildren and greatgrandchildren were his pride and joy, and he never missed a chance to support them, attending their events as their biggest fan.
Ozzie’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched with his faith, generosity, and infectious humor. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and community, but his spirit will forever remain in our hearts. He is preceded in death by his parents Eliud and Lee Fannie Roberts and siblings; Mary Ann James, Francis Shields, and Brenda Roberts.
Survivors include his loving wife, Christine Roberts of Cottonwood, OK; children, June and Dan Praytor of Atoka, OK, Christina and Timmy Kupczynski of Harrah, OK, Sport and Tonya Roberts of Phillips, OK; grandchildren Danni and Miles Reed of Atoka, OK, Mikayla and Zack Wood of Mead, OK, Monika and Matthew Watts of Mcloud, OK, Mia Roberts, Erin Roberts, Lorna Roberts, Isaac Roberts, and Daniel Roberts all of Phillips, OK; great grandchildren Lynnix, Marlee, Mazie, Asher, Rainne, Kyler, Oaklyn, and Drew with one on the way; siblings, James Roberts, Wilson and Deanna Roberts, and Juanita and Ellis Taylor along with many other family members and dear friends.
A wake was held Friday, September 20, 2024 at Criswell Funeral Home.
A celebration of Ozzie’s life was held Saturday, September 21, 2024 at The Chickasaw Nation Community Center in Ada with Rev. Richard Ferguson and Rev. Ellis Taylor officiating.
Interment followed in the Coalgate Cemetery with the Coalgate Fire Dept serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were the men of Boiling Springs UMC.