History & Staff

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

Our History

Our History

(Photo: Ward Funeral Home, 1930)

The history of our firm stretches back to the 1920s, when Mr. Winslow Ward opened the original facility, the Ward Funeral Home. Some 16 years later, in 1936, Mr. James Daniel Buchanan bought the business, changing the name to the Buchanan Funeral Home and Ambulance Service. His foresight led him to also establish the Buchanan Burial Association – one of the first such associations in the state. He operated the firm until his retirement in 1973.James McClendon, Jr., joined Mr. Buchanan in 1968 and took the opportunity to purchase the home when Mr. Buchanan retired. He chose to change the name to the Buchanan-McClendon Funeral Home, and some two years later, the name changed once again, when the late Carnie Wise joined the firm. What was now known as the Buchanan-Wise-McClendon Funeral Home served the community for many years.

In 1994 the funeral home purchased the Spivey Funeral Home of Beggs (formerly the Bryant Funeral Home) to be able to serve the residents of northern Okmulgee County.

In the spring of 2001, they dedicated a new, modern facility in Beggs. In 1999 we also dedicated a facility in the Historic Library Building in Morris, creating a place for the residents of the Morris area to call their own.

In 1997 Jason Winters joined Jim McClendon, creating the McClendon-Winters Funeral Home.  Together they serve the families of Okmulgee County, providing the service and facilities that families have come to expect since 1936.

“The overriding goal, from the very beginning, was to serve the families of this county as we would wish to be served. From time to time that goal motivated us to expand or renovate; but the core intention remains the same: to bring your family comfortable surroundings, and excellent service – at a time in your life when nothing short of that will do.” ~ Jason Winters, McClendon-Winters Funeral Home

Our Valued Staff

  • Jason C. Winters

    Jason C. Winters Funeral Director, Embalmer, & Cremation Counselor

    With 27 years in funeral service, and 23 years at McClendon-Winters, Jason is well experienced. He was awarded a Bachelor of Science Degree in Funeral Service from University of Central Oklahoma, graduating in 1995 with Honor.He was raised in Miami, Oklahoma, and joined the McClendon-Winters Funeral Home in 1997. Jason is happily married to Nicole and is father of Braden, a student at Oklahoma State University and Merrick, a senior at Beggs High School.He’s community-minded, and has served –or is currently serving as – the Chairman of the Board of the Okmulgee Memorial Hospital, Okmulgee Memorial Hospital Foundation, Okmulgee Chamber of Commerce, City of Okmulgee Board of Adjustment, and the Okmulgee Pecan Festival. He’s served on the Allocations Committee for Tulsa Area United Way, Okmulgee County Homeless Shelter Board, Okmulgee Education Foundation Board, and the Okmulgee Main Street Board.Jason is also a Pre-Need Counselor and Licensed Life Insurance Agent. Jason is a member in good standing of the National Funeral Director’s Association and ICCFA. As an active member of Selected Independent Funeral Homes, he participates in their regular meetings and is part of a study group of Selected Members. He also enjoys membership in the Okmulgee Rotary Club, Okmulgee Elk’s Lodge, Okmulgee and Beggs Chamber of Commerce.

  • Nicole D. Winters

    Nicole D. Winters Funeral Director, Advance Planning & Life Celebration Center Coordinator

    Nicole assists with funeral services as well as coordinating the Life Celebration Center. She graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1996 with a Bachelor's Degree in Education and from Northeastern State University with a Master's Degree in Administration. She taught Elementary Education at Beggs for several years. Nicole is a recent graduate of the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Jason, and their children, Braden and Merrick. Nicole is a past or current member of the Okmulgee Chamber of Commerce Board, Okmulgee Library Board, Okmulgee Service League, Beggs Chamber of Commerce, Okmulgee County Spring Livestock Show, PEO and the First United Methodist Church. She has her Oklahoma Life Insurance License and is able to explain and sell pre-arranged funeral plans and well as monuments.

  • Freida Biddle

    Freida Biddle Beggs Office Manager & Continuous Care Coordinator

    Freida joined McClendon-Winters Funeral Home in 2014 after retiring as County Secretary at Okmulgee County Farm Bureau. She is responsible for overseeing the office duties as well as an assistant at visitations and services. Freida also assists with our continuous care services offered to every family we serve.Freida is a graduate of Preston High School and Newman University. She is an active member of St. Anthony Catholic Church, where she serves as a member of the Alter Society and Catholic Daughters.Freida and her husband, Larry, have four children and seven grandchildren.Freida's greatest desire is to show respect by serving families and friends in a caring, compassionate manner during a very tender time.

  • Ray Moffeit

    Ray Moffeit Funeral Director Assistant

  • Holland Dugdale

    Holland Dugdale Funeral Director Assistant

  • Braden C. Winters

    Braden C. Winters Funeral Assistant

  • Merrick D. Winters

    Merrick D. Winters Office Assistant

  • LaVeta Rhodes

    LaVeta Rhodes Funeral Director Assistant

    LaVeta joined McClendon-Winters in 2006. Prior to that, she had 35 years of service as a banking representative, where she learned an abundance of communication and ‘people-skills.’ “Serving my friends and neighbors as a funeral assistant brings me great joy; I can offer them comfort in a difficult time.” LaVeta enjoys spending time with her family and friends as well as traveling. She is a volunteer at Open Gate and attends the First United Methodist Church.

  • Sara Wicks

    Sara Wicks Reception/Administrative Assistant

  • Snowflake Winters

    Snowflake Winters Comfort Companion & Therapy Pet

    Snowflake is a special addition to our staff here at McClendon-Winters Funeral Home. She is a certified Therapy Dog and can be found visiting families and friends at our locations. She has two sisters at home, Paisley Pearl and Bella Mae.

  • Phillip Cochran

    Phillip Cochran Advanced Planning