John "Poosky" Stayathome

John Stayathome, or “Poosky” to his many friends and family, was born on July 15th, 1948, in Tahlequah, OK, the son of Ned and Cynthia (Chunestudy) Stayathome. He grew up with three sisters, Mary Jane, Colida, and Annie. He grew up in Green Country and when he finished school, he was drafted into the United States Army. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War, where he served with distinction, earning the Meritorious Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Metal, four Bronze Stars, Combat Infantryman Badge, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and the Unit Citation Badge. He was honorably discharged in April 16th, 1970 and returned to his family. He went to work at Greenleaf and Ozark Nursery, and then with Cherokee Nation in the water and sanitation department for over 17 years. He also worked tirelessly at Barber Cemetery seeing that people were laid to rest with their families. He was proud of the United States of America, of his Cherokee Heritage and served in the Cherokee Nation Color Guard and UKB Color Guard. The love of his life and the heart of his heart was his beautiful bride, Oleta Lavon Pack. They were married in Arkansas on Valentine’s Day, 2001. Together they loved a family of two sons and one stepson and two daughters and three step daughters, Tony Stayathome, Christopher Stayathome, Cynthia Stayathome, Camelia Stayathome, Bobby Hooper, Angela Bartholomew, Crystal Hooper and Samantha Davis. When he wasn’t working, he was fishing, playing fastpitch softball for the Drycreek Team, playing dominoes, working in his yard, traveling and attending his grandchildren’s events; he was their biggest fan. He was fun loving, caring, cheerful, always there when you needed him, kind hearted and lived his Christian faith. He did visitation with the other Veterans at the VA Hospital, never met a stranger and he never spoke a bad word against another man. He was a true peace maker. He was a lifelong member of the Sycamore Baptist Church and made time to read the word of God daily. He passed from this life to his eternal home with God on January 26th, 2025 at his home in Bunch, OK, surrounded by the family he adored. He was 76 years old and leaves a lesson in life that all of us could imitate.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, his mother and father, one daughter-in-law, Beverly Treasure, three sisters, one step grandson and 2 great grandchildren.

Those left to cherish this wonderful man’s memory include his wife, Oleta Stayathome of the home and his children, Tony Stayathome and wife Melissa of Tahlequah, Christopher Stayathome of Tahlequah, Cynthia Stayathome and husband Chris of Tahlequah, Camelia Stayathome and companion Leroy Grayson of Drycreek, OK, Bobby Hooper and wife Amanda of Bunch, OK, Angela Bartholomew and husband Robert of Tahlequah, Crystal Hooper of Tahlequah, and Samantha Davis and husband Tony of Peggs, OK. He also leaves 27 grandchildren, Tuson Stayathome, Alli Stayathome, Bridgett Stayathome, Tiron Gourd, Shelbi Thomas, Natasha Guzman, Wanda Stayathome, Christopher “Bubbas” Stayathome, Angel Stayathome, Nikki Stayathome, Laraviea Harris, Chance Stayathome, Tyus Stayathome, Byron Grayson, Whitney Grayson, and stepgrandchildren, Abi Hooper, Grace Hooper, Tyler Hooper, Katelyn McNiel, Kole Blair, Fisher Davis, Jaxon Crow, Biancca Crow, Larrett Crow, Payton Crow, Candice Johnson, and Dakotah Boydston. John lives on through his 32 great grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends, fellow veterans, and people whose lives he has enriched with his smile.

Graveside services for John “Poosky” Stayathome will be held on Monday, February 3rd, 2025 at 12:30pm at Ft. Gibson National Cemetery with Pastor Bill Pettit officiating. His family will receive visitors on Sunday, February 2nd, 2025 beginning at 2:00pm until 4:00pm at Reed-Culver Funeral Home. He will receive Army Military Honors at Ft. Gibson National Cemetery.

Pallbearers for John include Chance Stayathome, Tyus Stayathome, Christopher “Bubbas” Stayathome, Tuson Stayathome, Byron Grayson, Tiron Gourd, Jimmy Studie, and James Gourd. The Honorary pallbearers include Chris Harris, Leroy Grayson, Edward “Tiny” Bolin, Dale “Rudy” Bolin, LaFayette “Sonny” Wolf, Bert Wolf, Johnny Studie, Gilbert “Peanut” Bolin, Kenneth Gourd, David Bolin, Harry Holmes, Joe Holmes, Dennis Stayathome, Charley Ridge, Chuck Studie and Dennis “Dutz” Gourd.