Ed Gourd

Edward Dean Gourd was born on July 9th, 1957 in Tahlequah, OK, the son of Leonard and Louanna (Dry) Gourd. He grew up with four brothers and five sisters, and the fun times moved with the family from Hulbert to Moodys and back to Hulbert again. The entire family enjoyed a good game of yard ball, and this tradition remained with Ed throughout his lifetime. He loved to play fast pitch and played on the same team as his brothers. The family also raised gaming cocks, and was also a family project. Ed graduated from Sequoyah and began his working career. He worked for Cobb Vantress as a caretaker, a job he did with pride. When he wasn’t working, you could find Ed with his family right behind him, heading out to go fishing and camping. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to joke around. He was happiest in life when he was surrounded by the family he loved, telling stories and sharing jokes. He was an avid gardener and loved raising tomatoes, peppers and onions. He loved any chance to spend time with his children and grandchildren , he was so proud of them. Ed walked close with God and was a licensed minister at Johnson Prairie Baptist Church. He worked wherever he was needed, such as youth director, helping with devotions, whatever was needed Ed was there. He never missed reading his Bible daily. For as much as Ed loved life, his health began to fade and the Lord called him home on June 14th, 2023 in Tulsa, OK, surrounded by the family he loved so much. Ed was 65 years old and will be greatly missed.

Ed is preceded in death by his grandparents, Looney and Lucinda Gourd and Steve and Ella Dry. He also joins his mother and father, and four brothers and three sisters, Lloyd “Key” Gourd, Louise Gourd-Sewell, Clara Gann, Ross Gourd Sr., Betty Jumper, Roger Gourd, and Dennis Gourd Sr., two brothers-in-law, John Sapp and Littlejohn Gann, one great grandson, Traeston Rattlinggourd, niece Janessa Ann Gourd, and great niece J’Lee Nicole Drywater.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Kerri “Sis” Gourd of Hulbert, Brandon “Booje” England of Tahlequah, Jack “Dirt” Gourd of Hulbert, Robbie “Rob” England and wife Kerri of Wewoka, Brenton “Quentette” England of Tahlequah, Sidney “Chooge” Hair and companion Ladara Tanner of Tahlequah, Kevin “Kev” Rattlinggourd of the home, Tiron Rattlinggourd of Hulbert, and Tilon Rattlinggourd also of Hulbert. He leaves his sisters, Anna Gourd and companion Ross Wilson of Grove, OK and Mary Sapp of Colcord.Ed will live on in his 7 grandchildren, Tytusie England, Da’Weh England, Deh’Gi England, Easton England, Xavian Hair, Geriyah Martinez and Eliza “Rayne” Martinez. There is a great granddaughter, Jensyn Rattlinggourd and a very special friend, Kim Hair of Tahlequah, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friend and loved ones too numerous to mention.

Funeral services for Edward Dean Gourd will be held on Tuesday, June 20th, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Johnson Prairie Church in Moodys, OK with Pastor Rodney Chuculate officiating and Pastor Stanley Grass reading the obituary. He will be laid to rest at Agent Cemetery with his loved ones.

Pallbearers include Aaron Sapp, Charles Gann, Rodney Gann, James Gourd, Brandon England, Tiron Rattlinggourd, Jack Gourd and Sonny Gourd. His honorary pallbearers include Robbie England, Sidney Hair, Brenton England, Kevin Rattlinggourd, Jerry Miller, Allen Neville, Gene Ogle, Neddy Sapp, Vincent (Spuddy) Bluebird, Mitchell Gourd and Tyler Gourd.

His family will host a Wake Services for Edward beginning at 7:00 PM on Monday, June 19th, 2023 at Johnson Prairie Church. Online condolences for his family may be sent to www.reedculver.com.