Joe Cully

Seminole resident Joe Cully, 86, passed away peacefully at his home in Seminole on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.

Joe was born on October 7, 1940, in Sasakwa to Sam and Eunice (Bear) Cully. He graduated from Konawa High School, where he played football for the Konawa Tigers, beginning a lifelong love of sports that would remain with him throughout his life.

If you knew Joe, you likely knew his love of sports. Saturday and Sunday afternoons often found him settled into his favorite recliner, watching a game and trying to predict the next play before it happened. He was more than just a fan; he was always ready to share his thoughts on how the game should unfold. For many years, Joe held season tickets to the Oklahoma City Blazers hockey games, taking along friends and family to share in the excitement. These outings created opportunities to spend time with the people he cared about and enjoy something he truly loved.

Joe also had a playful side. In his younger years, he was known as a jokester who enjoyed teasing family members, especially during holiday dinners. His sense of humor added a little extra fun to family gatherings, and those who knew him will remember the laughter and good-natured teasing that were part of being around him.

Beyond his love of sports and humor, Joe lived a life marked by dedication, perseverance, and service. He proudly served as a citizen-soldier in the Oklahoma National Guard, balancing his military responsibilities with his professional career and continued education. During his service, Joe was deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm and received numerous medals. In the 1990s, he also participated in the War on Drugs, taking part in operations in Oklahoma that included the seizure and destruction of large quantities of marijuana plants.

While serving in the National Guard, Joe worked as an accountant and continued to pursue his education. He earned both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Oklahoma State University. Never one to stop learning, Joe continued working toward his Ph.D. until he was unable to continue his studies. In 2001, Joe retired from the Oklahoma National Guard with an honorable discharge.

Joe's life was shaped by his family, his service to his country and state, his love of sports, and the memories he made along the way. Though he will be deeply missed, the stories shared, the laughter remembered, and the moments spent together will continue to hold a special place in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Eunice Cully; his siblings, Harris Cully, Edith Coody, Lana Cully and Mary Tiger; and his sons, Bryan and Brandon Cully.

Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Sterling Cully of Seminole; his brother, Leroy Cully of Spencer; his sisters, Joyce Cully of Konawa and Leona Chosa of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and numerous other family members and friends.

Casket bearers will be Thomas Lindsey, Eric Coley, Stanley Coody, George Tiger Jr., Harold Cully and James Deatherage.

A visitation will be held Friday, October 30, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 31, at 2:00 p.m. at Swearingen Funeral Home in Konawa, with Skip Foster and Dan Factor officiating. Burial will follow at Vamoosa Cemetery.