Loyd "LD" Drywater

Loyd Dean Drywater, or more commonly known as LD by his friends and family, was born October 6, 1949, to Hoover Drywater and Emma (Smith) Webster. His commitment to service began early, enlisting in the United States Army just shortly after his 17th birthday. He was eager to serve his country, earning a National Defense Service Medal and Sharpshooter Badge before his honorable discharge on September 27, 1968. Those early years in the Army shaped the discipline, resilience and steadfast character that would guide him for the rest of his life.

After returning home, he went back to complete his education and join the workforce, finding what would become a lifelong career in law enforcement. He finished his training, obtaining an opportunity to work for the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department and then a position with the Stilwell Police Department. On January 21, 2002, he became a Deputy Marshal with the Office of the Marshal in Tahlequah, later promoting to a Deputy Marshal III. He eventually took a slower pace to a Security Officer before his final move to a Tribal Police Officer, faithfully serving in the Marshal service for nearly 24 years. He carried himself with the kind of stoic calm that earned both respect and trust from everyone who knew him. For over 20 years, he was the owner of True Grit Process Serving. His daughter was frequently told “I met your dad today”—well that was usually because he had served them court papers. She even had someone tell her that “he was the nicest process server that has ever served me”.

When he wasn’t wearing the badge, LD could be found on two wheels, carving miles on his motorcycle, sharing the road with numerous motorcycle clubs and the many friends he proudly rode with. He was previously a member of ABATE of Cookson Hills and then joined BACA Oklahoma Chapter in 2006. Just a year later, he was among the original 13 members to team up and create a new local chapter, playing an instrumental role in the creation of the Indian Nation Chapter in Fort Gibson. He was also currently a member of the 7 Ronin Biker Club. He had a knack for tinkering, spending countless hours under the hood of a truck or negotiating his next car deal—always with a mechanic’s hands and a wheeler-dealer’s grin. He also had a knack for lighting things on fire. A man of simple pleasures and timeless tastes, he loved old westerns, WWE wrestling, taking a ride out for breakfast and a cup of coffee. He had the kind of storytelling that could fill a room with laughter.

For all his achievements, badges and miles traveled, nothing meant more to him than being a proud papa. His family was the truest measure of his heart. He loved deeply, supported fiercely and found his greatest joy in watching his children and grandchildren grow. Among his most cherished moments were the quiet ones: sharing a snort of whiskey with his son, swapping stories and a good laugh and his standing weekly lunch dates with his daughter.

Stoic but warm, tough but deeply loyal, LD lived exactly as he wished: with purpose, independence and an iron sense of honor. On Sunday, November 30, 2025, he rode on to his next assignment, leaving behind a legacy defined by duty, grit and an unwavering sense of quiet strength.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Hoover Drywater and Emma Webster, former wife, Brenda Drywater, two brothers, Bobby Webster and Ronnie Webster along with one son-in-law, Walter Brown.

Those left to cherish his memory include his two children, James Robert Drywater of Lowrey, OK and Melinda Brown of Tahlequah, OK, one brother, Gary Webster of Tahlequah, OK and three sisters, Sandra Smith Holguin and husband Juan, Peggy Fredrick and husband Scott and Brenda Blakley and husband Glenn, all of Tahlequah, OK. His legacy lives on through his three grandchildren, Rachael Colburn and husband Jake of Tahlequah, OK, Samantha Drywater of Shelton, WA and Timothy Brown of Tahlequah, OK, two great-grandchildren, Jase Colburn and Jensen Colburn. He also leaves long-time friend and riding buddy, Terry “Chief” Bruner, the B.A.C.A. and 7 Ronin bikers, his many friends and fellow officers with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department, Stilwell Police Department and Office of the Marshal, as well as many other friends, brothers of the road and countless people whose lives he touched through service and friendship.

His spirit rides on in every sunrise over an open highway and in every story told around a table where laughter comes easy. May he rest in peace.

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 10:00am at Sequoyah High School Gymnasium, “The Place Where They Play” with Pastor Jerry Dry officiating and words from the Office of the Marshal and longtime friend, Terry “Chief” Bruner. He will be laid to rest following services at 12:30pm at Fort Gibson National Cemetery with military honors performed by American Legion Post 20 and Patriot Guard Riders.