James Loard Eastep

Funeral services for James Loard Eastep were held Monday, January 6, 2025 at 10:00 AM at the First Baptist Church of Wetumka, Oklahoma. Interment followed at the Wetumka Cemetery.

James Loard Eastep was born February 8, 1938 in Elk City, Oklahoma to Frank and Lillian (Loard) Eastep. He passed away Thursday, January 2, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at the age of 86.

Trooper James Eastep #310 served the Department of Public Safety in numerous capacities beginning September 10, 1958, retiring with 38 years of total service. On October 15, 1957 he married Wanda Kuntz; she later preceded him in death in 2005. He was a graduate of Wetumka High School and later received his B.S. and M.S. Degrees in Business and Safety Education from Southeastern State University, Durant. Trooper Eastep began his career as a dispatcher for the Highway Patrol in Lawton and Guymon from 1958 through 1963. He then served as a Driver License Examiner in Lawton and Chickasha from 1963 through 1967. From 1967 through 1976, he was a Hearing Officer stationed at Oklahoma City and Durant. From 1976 until 1982, he returned to the examiner ranks but was primarily working as a Safety Education Officer. In 1982, he joined the ranks of Troopers, and remained a Safety Education Officer until his retirement, September 30, 1996. Trooper Eastep was also a proud lifetime member of the Oklahoma Masonic Lodges.

Survivors include his daughter, Jamie Pool of Oklahoma City; granddaughter, Hillari Pool of Oklahoma City; sister, Norma Eastep of Oklahoma City; nieces, Vickie Gibson of Edmond and Robin Gibson of Denver, Colorado; nephew, Kyle Gibson of Edmond; cousin, Ted Lockhart of Amarillo, Texas and many other friends and acquaintances.

Serving as active pallbearers were Allen Tillery, Adam Caldwell, Charles Osborn, David Storts, Rick Parker, Larry Denny and Bruce Jones.

Honorary bearers included Dale Beaty, Kevin Graham, Bob Moore and Zane Brittian.

Services were under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Home, Wetumka, Oklahoma and officiated by Pastor Daniel Ingle and Chaplain Sam Garner.