Everett Lighty

Everett Leroy Lighty, 91, passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Perry, sounded by his family.

Everett was born on February 13, 1935, in Perry, Oklahoma, at the home of his Aunt Kate Kemnitz, to Roy Stanford and Lillie Christine (Lau) Lighty. He attended Harmony School through the eighth grade and grew up in SW Noble County near Lucien. He later attended Perry High School, traveling almost two miles each day to catch the school bus into Perry where he graduated in 1953.

Following graduation, Everett worked for the Oregon Forest Service during the summer of 1953, helping support logging crews. He later worked in the oil fields offshore of Louisiana before proudly serving his country in the United States Army beginning in 1957. His military service included duty in Germany as a medic. After his military service, Everett began a long and dedicated career with Ditch Witch in 1959. Over the course of 38 years, he rose to become Head of the Shipping Department before retiring.

On July 11, 1959, Everett married the love of his life, Barbara Whitsitt. Together they shared 44 years of marriage and raised two children, Rodney and Guyla. Everett was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose family was always his greatest source of pride. He was an avid outdoorsman: loved hunting, fishing, and trapping. He especially enjoyed passing those traditions on to his grandsons, teaching them skills and values that would stay with them for life. He rarely missed a wrestling match or baseball game or a pig or a goat show, and was always there to support his family.

After retirement, Everett discovered a talent for crafting beautiful handmade knives, including kitchen cutlery, steak knives, and hunting knives. Many of his creations were generously donated to FFA auctions and other fundraising events throughout the community. One of Everett's most admirable qualities was his ability to build lifelong friendships. From childhood friends to coworkers and neighbors, he maintained meaningful relationships throughout his life, a testament to the kindness and loyalty he showed others.

Everett was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Lillie Lighty; his beloved wife, Barbara Lighty; his in-laws, Maurice and Katherine Whitsitt; his brother, Don Lighty; his sister-in-law, Donna Lighty; and many dear friends.

He is survived by his daughter, Guyla and husband Mike Workman; his son, Rodney and wife Benita Lighty; grandchildren, Austin Workman and wife Makenzy Workman, Hayden Workman, Seth Lighty, Zach Lighty, Lexi Beier, Travis Beier and wife Dusti; great grandchildren; Holden Workman, Annistyn Workman, Maklayne Workman, Emmy Lighty, Kole Beier, and Maci Nichols; his best friend and companion of more than 20 years, Bonneta Hansen; nieces Cindy and husband Steve Rogers, Debbie and husband Merrill Parker; along with numerous extended family members and friends.

A celebration of his life will be held on Monday, July 6th at 10am at the First Christian Church with Rev. Dr. Joshua Bell officiating. Everett will be taken to his final resting place at Grace Hill Cemetery following the celebration.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church, Perry FFA, or the Perry Wrestling Foundation, in care of Trout Funeral Home of Perry, 1408 N. 7th St., Perry, Oklahoma 73077. We invite you to leave a message of condolence, expression of sympathy or perhaps share a memory of Everett at www.troutperry.com