Wayne Stiokoff

Funeral Service at Calvary Baptist Church, Lawton, OK, Friday, July 11, 2025 at 10:00 am, Rev. Donald Kirby officiating with interment in the Walters Cemetery under the direction of Hart-Wyatt Funeral Home in Walters. Visitation on Thursday from 6-8:00 p.m.

Michael Wayne Stiokoff was born November 7, 1953, in Lawton, Oklahoma, to Mike and Gertie Stiokoff, and departed this life at his home south of Geronimo, OK, on July 8, 2025 at the age of 71.

Wayne grew up in Geronimo, Oklahoma, where he attended Geronimo Elementary School and later graduated from Walters High School in 1971. He went on to attend Cameron University and began working at the Piggly Wiggly. Just across the road, a young woman named Teresa Kay Belcher was working at the Dairy Mart. The chocolate milkshakes brought him in, but his love for the girl made him stay. They married on June 15, 1974 and went on to raise three beautiful daughters together.

Wayne had a long and distinguished career in the Information Technology Department at Ft. Sill, ultimately retiring as the IT Chief in 2005. In addition to his professional career, he was a dedicated farmer and cattleman for over 20 years in Geronimo.

After retirement, Wayne’s creativity and love for Christ shined brightly—literally. As a way to remind people that Christmas is about the birth of Jesus, he created a synchronized Christmas light show that became a beloved tradition, drawing crowds from near and far each holiday season. This also created another tradition in “Elf Weekend” in which many family and friends came together to help hang the Christmas lights.

Music was one of Wayne’s lifelong passions. He faithfully served at Calvary Baptist Church in Lawton as a keyboardist and guitarist on the praise team, and loved to play and sing any chance he got. He also served as a Deacon at Calvary Baptist and will be greatly missed in that ministry.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 51 years Teresa Stiokoff; his daughters and their families: Misty and Justin Wright of Stratford, Shawna and Jeremy Wright of Chandler, Brandy Kaulaity of Geronimo; his grandchildren, Sammy and Maddison Kaulaity, Kyla Kaulaity, Tristen Kaulaity, Bryce Kaulaity, Kaylin Wright, Cassie Wright, Katie Wright, Grace Wright, Faith Wright, Hannah Wright; his great grandchildren, MaeLynn Kaulaity, Paislee Kaulaity; his father-in-law, Arnold Belcher; a brother-in-law, Ed Wiese and wife Debbie; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Mike and Gertie Stiokoff; sister, Carolyn Faye Adams; brother-in-law, Johnny Ray Adams; mother-in-law, Lena Belcher; and brother-in-law, Gene Belcher.

Wayne will be remembered for his love of God, music, family, Christmas lights and campers. Many hours were spent at each, always seeking to glorify God in all that he did.

Memorial Donations can be made to Calvary Baptist Church, Lawton, OK.