Alfred Leroy (Bud) Gaither

A. L. "Bud" Gaither, a resident of Dewar, passed away March 22, 2016 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma at the age of 85. He was born May 19, 1930 in Morris, Oklahoma to Thomas Alfred Gaither & Virginia Lucille (Baxendale) Gaither. He married Oma Lou Shaffer June 10, 1950 in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Oma Lou Gaither in 2002, his second wife, Dorothy Gaither, three brothers, Dean Gaither, Dale Gaither, and Tommy Gaither, and Jerry and Joe Don Bonham. When Bud graduated from Dewar High School, he enlisted in the Navy. While in the Navy, he was sent to Treasure Island because of his interest in electronics. After his military career, he returned home and became an instructor at Okmulgee Tech teaching radio and TV service. In 1952, he was employed by Ingram's TV as a technician. In late 1952, Bud was involved in building one of the first TV Antenna systems, which covered the northern part of Henryetta, giving better access to local channels. In 1955, Bud and Ron McAfee formed a partnership in a TV repair shop known as B&R TV. In 1961, they moved to 808 West Main Street and changed their name to Bud & Ron Electronics. This partnership lasted for 60 years. This partnership built the first AM radio station in Henryetta. In 1966 they expanded to an AM/FM station called KHEN AM/FM 99.5. In 1975 Bud and Ron built the first cable system in Henryetta. After Bud & Ron Electronics, Bud went to work at Cox Cable as Regional Manager. Bud was community-minded and served as Past President of the Rotary Club, joining in 1955 and having perfect attendance for 50-plus years; a member of the Toastmaster's Club; and a member of the Jaycee organization. The Jaycees were an important part of the development of Henryetta during the 60s. They organized what is now the Little League program. They were instrumental in building the field {presently the High School Baseball Field} and operating the program. The Jaycees also put up street markers; sprayed alleys before the compulsory garbage ordinance; built three city parks; and they started the soap box derby program and built a permanent track for the event. Henryetta had one of only three girls participate the first year - Teresa Doneti. Bud has been an avid fisherman and hunter all of his life and loved to play dominoes. He was a member of Dewar First Baptist Church where he had served as Deacon for many years. He will always be remember for handing out his "Atomic" Fireball candies and loved to see if anyone could finish one. Bud is survived by his two children, Glenda Hester of Dewar, and David Gaither & wife Cindy of Henryetta, grandchildren, Steven Hester & wife Roxie of Allen, Texas, Bobby Gaither & wife Cyndi of Edmond, Oklahoma, Brandi Gaither and Chris Frenchman of Dewar, and Sandy Anthony & husband James of Allen, Texas, Six great grandchildren, Maddox and Maddie Coelho of Allen, Texas, Lexie Hester of Allen, Texas, Penelope Gaither of Edmond, Oklahoma, Hunter and Lucy Anthony of Allen, Texas, as well as one on the way, Maybelle Gaither, three sisters, Pat Fowler of Salem, Trudy Robertson of Salem, and Geraldine Skains of Rose Sharon, Texas, one brother, Kenneth Bonham & wife Willia Mae of Santa Fe, New Mexico, as well as a host of other relatives and friends. Viewing will be 5-8pm on Wednesday and again 8 -8 pm on Thursday. The casket will remain closed for the funeral service. Pallbearers will be Deacons of Dewar First Baptist Church. Honorary Pallbearers will be, Troy Withrow, Ron McAfee, Butch Ritter, Richard Carter & Jim Beymer. Funeral Services are scheduled for Friday, March 25, 2016 at 11:00am at Dewar First Baptist Church with Rev. Jack Vance & Rev. Ryan Wells, officiating. Interment will follow at Westlawn Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Integrity Funeral Service.