Oscar "OJ" Sweeden

Oscar Joseph “OJ” Sweeden passed away peacefully at home on March 8, 2021 in Pawhuska, OK at the age of 85.

OJ was born in Pawhuska on July 7, 1935 to William Edward and Mary Belle (Archambo) Sweeden at the family home.  He was one of 13 children and the youngest son.  His mother died when he was only three months old.

OJ married Patricia Jeanne Tisdale on January 1, 1952.  OJ worked many jobs but found his calling in the mid-1960’s in the Pipeline industry.  He and Patsy traveled throughout the United States with their four children wherever the Pipeline lead.  However, the family always called Pawhuska home.

OJ was an active volunteer in multiple organizations including a founding member of the Cavalcade Rodeo and Honorary Lifetime Board Member, a 32nd Degree Mason and a Shriner, a Charter Member of the Pawhuska Elk’s Lodge, Pipeliners Union Member, and active in 4-H and the Jr Livestock Show.

OJ loved Bluestem Lake and purchased several lake lots for the family to “fix up”.  He could be found in his favorite chair at the boat dock presiding over the chaos.

OJ is survived by his children:  Bill and Connie Sweeden, Macy and John Strom, Sarah and Chuck McKee, Joe and Sheila Sweeden, Shelly Yates and Becky Alexander; his long-time companion, Callie Caldwell; grandchildren Crystal and Kadesh King, Rachel and Smokey Myer, Bill Joe and Courtney Sweeden, April Strom, Judd Strom, JoEllen Armstrong, Jess and Molly Jellison, Delaney Sweeden, Andie Sweeden, Mike and Kim Owen, Brandon Hicks, Andy Alexander, Josie Yates, Belle Yates; 14 great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and countless nieces and nephews.  He is also survived by his brother, Jim Sweeden, baby sister Minnie and Mike Martin, brother-in-law Jim Heflin, sister-in-law Nancy Ray, and brother-in-law George and Delilia Tisdale.

OJ was preceded in death by his parents, 11 brothers and sisters, his wife Pat and a grandson, J. Paul Sweeden.

Services will be held Thursday, March 11, 10:00AM, at the Pawhuska Elks Lodge.  Father Chris Daigle will officiate.  Interment will be in the Pawhuska City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, donors@stjude.org; or Shriner’s Hospital for Children, P.O. Box 1525, Ranson, WV 25438.

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