Arnold Gene Huiatt

Arnold Gene Huiatt was born December 7, 1941, at Hydro, OK to Harold Huiatt and Zella Tickle, and passed away June 10, 2023, at the age of 82.

He was a resident of the Watonga community for 70 plus years where he was a Butcher at Jim’s IGA for approximately 38 years. Arnold graduated from Watonga high school in 1961. On April 23, 1960, he married the love of his life Roberta Ann Sharp at the home of his mother in Watonga. They were married for 63 years! Arnold was a man of many trades. If you were around he never hesitated to invite you in and stay awhile. Most truly remember him as a butcher for the slaughterhouse, then later Jim’s IGA. If you ask anyone in town where they bought their meat it was always from Arnold Huiatt. He spent many years raising coon dogs and taking them to competitions. Out of all his dogs, Barney was his favorite companion. In his later years he found the most joy being around his grandkids and great grandkids. He always said they kept him young and spry. His family’s most loved and cherished memories were at his home, either sitting in the barn, or on the porch swapping stories. If you ask any of the kids they all remember papa’s famous “thump” on the head if they were acting up. If you ask any in-laws they will tell you he brought you in with a big smile and you were immediately family. Arnold was a true outdoorsmen and fisherman. Whether it was him tending to his yard or taking a drive around Canton Lake. He always had to be out in the sunshine and fresh air. So many moments, so many memories. He always put his own special brand on anything and never gave up in what he believed in. He gained his wings in the early hours of the morning surrounded by all his closest family.

He was preceded in death by his mother Zella Tickle, fathers Harold Huiatt and Riley Loy, and brother Leland Wooldridge.

He is survived by wife Roberta Huiatt of the home in Watonga. Brother O’dean Huiatt and wife Merill Huiatt of Hydro, and sister in-law Betty Wooldridge of Watonga, Daughters, Shyla Teply and husband Chris Teply of Watonga and Susan Wigington and husband David Wigington of Watonga. Grandchildren, Russell Teply and wife Krista Teply of Watonga, Dakota Wigington and wife Kayli Wigington of Watonga, Chelsy Gassen, and husband Will Gassen of Watonga, and Huntor Wigington and wife Carol Wigington of Mustang. Great grandchildren, Devon Teply, Baylin Wigington, Easton Wigington, Kelton Teply, Avery Teply, Gavin Wigington, and Logan Wigington, as well as numerous other relatives and friends.

Graveside services for Arnold Gene Huiatt will be held Thursday, June 15, 2023, at 10 A.M. at the I.O.O.F cemetery in Watonga with Dwight McGee officiating and Wilkinson Mortuary in charge of arrangements.