Obituaries

Novak Bullard passed away peacefully with family by his side on June 25 2011 at the Medical Center of Southeastern Oklahoma. Dannel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Services will be held Wednesday June 29 2011 at Dannel Funeral Home Chapel at 11:00 a.m. with interment following at Highland Cemetery in Durant OK The family will receive visitors at 10:00 a.m. prior to the services. The family invites you to join them to celebrate Novak"s life at the Western Meadows Baptist Church 53 Shawna Dr. off Hwy 70 in Durant following interment. Novak was born in Reagan OK on May 27 1919 to Beovia and Neta Cubley Bullard. He married Jean Margaret Kibbee while stationed at Ft. Baker CA on August 9 1942. He was preceded in death by his parents his wife his brothers: Happy and Timothy Bullard and one granddaughter Rebecca Bullard. Survivors include four children: Karen Ann Ayers of Stuart OK Alice Neta Craig and husband Melvin of Caddo OK Roy Paul Bullard and wife Tricia of Roanoke TX and Ellen Jean Allen of Allen TX, one sister Bobbie Pierro and husband Peter of Oklahoma City, 16 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews whom he loved, and friends in abundance. Novak served in the Army during WWII and was stationed in Belgium during the Battle of the Bulge. He had a vivid memory with many wonderful stories that he had begun to share with friends and family during the last few years. He was a member of the VFW in Durant OK and was honored to serve as Parade Marshall on Veterans Day as one of the oldest members. He was extremely proud of his brothers and often shared stories of Happy and TimÃ?Æ?Ã?"Ã?â??Ã?¢Ã?Æ?Ã?¢Ã?¢ââ??¬Ã?¡Ã?â??Ã?¬Ã?Æ?Ã?¢Ã?¢ââ??¬Ã?¾Ã?â??Ã?¢s experiences during the war as well. He was a carpenter by trade for many years but his passion was beekeeping which started as a hobby in 1947and eventually developed into a full time business for he and his wife. He was well known in the surrounding areas as the Honey Man and was often asked to speak to groups on beekeeping. He received much recognition and many awards from the Oklahoma Beekeepers Association for his work and extensive knowledge. Novak was a faithful man who lived as he believed. He never judged another by their material worth and never hesitated to give even when he had very little with nothing expected in return. He his brother Happy Bullard a friend Ben Craig and Bro. L.L. Pamplin built the Church of God on 8th and Waco Street in Durant where he spent 50+ years worshiping until it was sold. Anyone wishing to make a charitable contribution in his honor please give to the next person you see in need. You may sign the online guestbook at www.dannelfuneralhome.com.