Finis Earl Oliphant, Jr.

Finis Oliphant: Always a Cool Cowboy 

Finis Oliphant galloped up to the pearly gates of Heaven on October 27, 2023 with pride, knowing he exited this world as a better man than when he first arrived. There is little doubt he greeted his Creator with anything other than his signature “Hey Bud,” a thousand-watt smile, and a firm handshake.   Born to Finis Marion Oliphant Sr. and Katie Miller Oliphant on February 15, 1941, in Carnegie, OK, he was the youngest of four children. His early years in Carnegie consisted of school, football, exploring the banks of the Washita River, dancing the twist, coon hunting, and being ‘cool.’ But the one thing that Finis loved his entire life was being a cowboy.  As a cowboy, Finis knew that the relationship between a cowboy and his horse was unique and special. When he decided to begin a family, he wanted a life partner with whom he could develop a similarly deep bond. When the pool of available ladies in Carnegie didn’t prove fruitful, Finis saddled up and rode his horse to Fort Cobb.  Arriving in Fort Cobb, Finis met 14-year-old Sharon Meeks, working in her mother’s café. It was love at first sight for both, and despite her parents’ dismay, they married in Wichita Falls, TX, on December 7, 1958. Settling in Oney, Finis proclaimed Sharon as “the princess of Oney.” Together, they raised four children: Cindy, Sally, Penny, and Shelly.  Finis was a man of many talents that he used while working at Plaster’s Station in Fort Cobb, driving a truck, harvesting wheat, or keeping the electricity on across the county while at Caddo Electric Co-op. When not working, Finis spent his days raising and training quality horses, chickens, dogs, and girls. He also never balked at helping others solve complex issues with their horses and other aspects of life. But likely, his greatest accomplishment that consumed him was his daily Bible study. Finis credited Hillary and Ruth Meyers as his spiritual mentors who guided him and provided a valuable friendship. From then on, Finis ensured everyone who walked through his door had ‘church’. 

Finis’ family would like to thank Rita Mayall, his long-time friend and the best rodeo partner ever, for her care and support upon learning of his illness.

Finis was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved Sharon, and daughter Alice (Sally) Mickle. 

He is survived by his daughters Cindy Kelley and husband Barry, Penny Howe and husband Sonny, and Shelly Disse and husband Gary, as well as his grandchildren Lacy Saunders, Sara Martin, Jess Mickle, Joshua Kelley, Kevin Kelley, Alisha Recker, Chelsi Rosser, Briana Story, and Reed Allen, his sister, Oneta West, 16 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren, as well as many other relatives and friends. 

Services: Oney Baptist Church, Tuesday, 10:00 AM, October 31, 2023, Albert, OK

Officiating: Rev. Todd Pack, Rev. Walter Wilson, and Rev. Garrett Bradley

Burial: Albert-Oney Cemetery, Albert, OK

Services  under the direction of Turner Funeral Home, Binger, Oklahoma. Condolences may be sent to the family at turnerfuneralhomes@gmail.com, or you can find us on facebook.com (Turner Funeral Homes).

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.