Douglas Walkingstick

Douglas Edward (Doug) Walkingstick was born in Bakersfield, California on January 26, 1940, to Edward Walkingstick and Wynona (Sams) Walkingstick. He left this life to join his  'Creator” on June 23, 2022, following a lengthy battle with progressive Multiple Sclerosis and its many complications.

Doug was a native of Adair County, attending schools of Salem, Bell, Cave Springs and Stilwell until he joined the Navy in 1956, retiring in 1976 after 20 years of service to his Country at the age of 36 with the rank of Operation Specialist Chief Petty Officer (OSCS). He served with the Seventh Fleet and Pacific Fleet seeing service in Korea, Viet Nam, Tonkin Gulf and many other designations, his final tour being with the Sixth Fleet aboard the USS Valdez in the Mediterranean Sea.

Doug earned many medals, Letters of Commendation and awards during his service to include A Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Four Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal, Viet Nam Campaign Medal, Two Meritorious Service Awards, Outstanding Service Award, Anti-Warfare Excellence Award, Five Battle Efficiency Awards and many Campaign Ribbons.

After his Military Service, he wore many hats including co-owning Cherry Tree Grocery, ranching, serving the U.S. Postal Service, bail bondsman, volunteer Deputy Sheriff for Adair County, Antique Collector and "Junker" and always a man dedicated to his family.

Doug loved his country, his family, horse racing, dancing, pow wows, reunions & parties, auctions, his friends and neighbors, and his Cherokee heritage & spent many hours studying the language, customs and politics after his confinement to a power chair for his last seven years.

Preceded in death by his beloved Grandpa Walkingstick, maternal Grandmother, Gertie Sams, Father and Mother, Edward Walkingstick and Wynona (Sams)Walkingstick, Sister, Delores (Walkingstick)Bearpaw, his first wife, Linda Gould, and numerous Uncles and Aunts & Relatives.

He is survived by his wife and best friend of 47 years, Carolyn (Dillard) Walkingstick, her Son, Mike L. Ketcher & Alicia; Daughter: Lori (Ketcher) Hogner: Grandchildren: Colt Ketcher & Marcie, Dakota (Ketcher) Price & Justin, Christian Hogner & Morgan, Lauren Hogner & her Best Friend, Tylor, and four Great Grandchildren·. Daughters: Vickie (Walkingstick) Van-Dine, Debbie (Walkingstick) Sears & Terry; Son: John Walkingstick & wife. Grandchildren: Athena Ravis, Matthew Ravis, David Van-Dine, Michelle Van-Dine & husband, Maddie Walkingstick, Macey Walkingstick. And Six Great Grandchildren.

Sisters: Jeanne Croley; Tracy Sims & Kenny and Jackie Rials. Nephews: Jeremy Croley & Samantha; and Jamie Croley & Chandra; George Croley; Mike Gregory & Reggie; Jon Gregory & Noreen; Kelly Rials; Larry Gregory & Missy; Jess Sims. Nieces: Dana (Croley) Cochran & Vince; Michelle (Bearpaw) King & Josh; Jenny (Rials) Clark & Dirk; Channel Walkingstick & Mike; Cheryl (Bird) Willis & Cody; and Numerous Great nephews and nieces.  Sister-in Law: Sherry Patterson & Bob. Brother-In law: Tommy Dillard. Nephews: Dwayne Patterson & Leah and TJ. Dillard. Nieces: Brandy White & Robert and Melinda Patterson and numerous great nephews and nieces, and Many Relatives, Friends, and Neighbors.

Doug was a "Good Man" believing in doing "The Right Thing" and treating everyone fairly. We Miss Him. He has left a great void in our lives.