Linda Kay (Drennan) Norred

Linda Kay Norred, age 82 and a long-time resident of Asher, Oklahoma passed away at her home December 29, 2025.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at First Baptist Church, Asher, Oklahoma under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home of Konawa. Gary Caldwell will officiate, and burial will follow at Wanette Cemetery. Casket bearers are grandsons, Jamie Wilson, Jeremy Tooley, Troy Michael Norred, Tristan Norred, Trenton Norred, William Chance Norred. Honorary bearers are Dennis Ray Drennan and Jerry Larman.  The family will receive guests from 5:00pm until 7:00pm on Monday evening, January 5th.

Linda was born to William Darrell Drennan and Eva Mae (Middleton) Drennan on May 27, 1943 in Oklahoma City, OK. A devoted mother, Linda endured tremendous hardships and met them with strength, determination and unwavering faith. Raising a family grounded in resilience and love. She was known for her sharp wit, keen insight and her remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Her family was deeply rooted in her soul and she loved unconditionally.

She also shared a lifelong bond with her dear friends Dorothy Shackelford, Carol Ennis, Paula Elliott, Lee Holt and Shirley Dixon. Their friendships were forged during many changing times in our country. When they would gather together into the night over endless cups of coffee and a haze of cigarette smoke, they talked through life’s challenges, supported one another through personal struggles and celebrated the victories. There was laughter and tears, hardship and healing. Women who stood steadfastly together.

Linda was the proud owner of the Big Blue Café, a beloved local gathering place where people came from miles around, not just for the amazing food but for the sense of community. Her café was more than a restaurant; it was a hub of local life. Long before social media, there was Linda, always aware of what was happening in town, always ready with conversation, laughter and perspective. She greeted everyone the same way, with a hot cup of coffee, a big smile and genuine warmth. Linda will be deeply missed by the many who knew her, loved her and made to feel at home simply by walking through her door. She was manager of many Dairy Queen’s in Texas and Oklahoma. She went on to work for Walmart as Customer Service Manager and retired in 2016.

Linda is survived by one daughter, Tammie Tooley and husband James of Konawa, OK; three sons, Paul Wesley Wilson and wife Betty of Sulphur, OK; Ronny Norred and wife April of Wanette, OK; and Troy Norred and wife Melissa of Ada, OK; one brother, Dennis Ray Drennan; 15 grandchildren; Jamie Wilson, Jeremy Tooley and wife Tiffany, Jennifer Tooley and fiancé Timothy Sanders, Troy Michael Norred, Sarah Norred Swafford and husband James, Tristan Norred, Trenton Norred, William Chance Norred, Tim Black, Cassie Black, Macie Wages, David Green, Jr., Cody Green, Elias Diacon, Eden Diacon; and 16 great-grandchildren; Airiana Wilson, Lakelan Wilson, Jett Tooley, Liam Tooley, expecting Ryker Sanders, Jett Black, Charlie Black, Kennedi Black, Wyatt George, Waylon Knighten, Wesson Knighten, Dixie Johnson, Stetson Johnson, Campbell Wages, Braden Green, Dakota Green; and numerous relatives and friends.

She is proceeded in death by her parents, William Darrell Drennan, her beloved mother Eva Mae Webb, sister Glenda Sue Larman, and husband Ronny Norred, Sr.