Glendall Claude 'Bud' Brigance

Glendall Claude ‘Bud’ Brigance, 94, of Fort Gibson, was born on October 17, 1931, in Ione, Arkansas to Claude Luster and Allie (Hurt) Brigance, and peacefully passed away Thursday, May 14, 2026, at his residence. In December of 1935, Bud’s family purchased a farm in Morris, Oklahoma. He grew up working on the farm and graduated from Morris High School in May of 1950. Following high school, he continued his education at Oklahoma A&M Technology in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, where he studied Radio and Television Technology. Bud proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was drafted on October 20, 1952, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and served for 26 months before receiving his honorable discharge as a Corporal on December 9, 1954, at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas. In April of 1955 Bud met and later married his best friend and the love of his life, Letha Dodson. Together they shared 70 wonderful years, building a life centered on faith, love, family, and devotion to one another. Bud began his career with Sullivan Electronics in Shawnee, Oklahoma, where he worked for several years before joining International Business Machines (IBM) in October of 1961. He dedicated 30 years to IBM as a Field Engineer, earning the respect of coworkers and friends through his strong work ethic and dependability. He retired in December of 1991. He was a member of New Hope Baptist Church and found joy in many hobbies throughout his life. In his younger years, after many rounds of playing golf, while others looked for something cold to drink, Bud only wanted a cup of coffee. He also enjoyed gardening, tinkering with projects in his shop, putting together puzzles, and playing chess. In his retirement years, he especially loved genealogy and took great pride in researching and preserving his family history for future generations. Bud will be remembered for his joyful spirit, steady guidance, and willingness to help others whenever they needed him. He was a loving father to Claude and Twila Brigance, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather. Whether helping with last-minute projects, offering advice, or simply being present, Bud was someone his family could always count on. The family would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Shannon Lloyd and the caring staff of Complete OK Hospice, Lynn Kell and the staff of Community Care Home Health, as well as the dedicated doctors, nurses, and staff of the Jack C Montgomery VA Medical Center for the compassion and care they provided to Bud. He is now reunited with his parents; and siblings, Vendall Brigance, Neil Brigance, and Ollie Jean (Jeannie) Brigance. Those left to cherish Bud’s memories are his loving wife, Letha, of the home; children, Claude Brigance of Beggs and Twila Brigance of Fort Gibson; sister, Wanda Payne and husband Tom of Tulsa; grandchildren, Amanda Albin of Pryor, as well as her children Haley and Ceaton; James Brigance and wife Leah of Beggs, as well as their children Averie, Aubrie, and Gracie; Jacob Brigance of Beggs, as well as his children Alexia (Lexi) and Rex; Tanner Brigance and wife Hayley of Okmulgee, as well as their children Kinsley and Nolan; extended family and many friends. A visitation with the family receiving friends will be held 5PM – 7PM Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home in Fort Gibson. Bud’s celebration of life will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 10AM in the Chapel of Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home in Fort Gibson with Jacob Brigance officiating. Committal prayers and interment will follow at Citizens Cemetery in Fort Gibson Daniel Nevett, Tanner Brigance, James Brigance, Jacob Brigance, Jesse Wofford, and Clayton Webb serving as casket bearers. Claude Brigance, Jim Hoover, Glen Bell, Jack Gritts, and Marvin Oakley will serve as honorary casket bearers. The family of Glendall Claude ‘Bud’ Brigance has entrusted his care, service, and burial to Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home, Fort Gibson. (918) 478-2555. Online condolences may be left for the family at clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com.

Glendall Claude 'Bud' Brigance

October 17, 1931 - May 14, 2026