logo
Login Subscribe
Google Play App Store
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinions
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinions
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
When legends are born, legacies are left
commentary
March 12, 2025
When legends are born, legacies are left

When legends are born no one realizes it until decades later the legacies that will be left behind by them. Isn’t this ironic that people can become so iconic yet they never dreamed of becoming such leaders or inspirations.

We’ve lost so many legends in our small town of Checotah in the past few years – Richard Barton, Bill Frame, Johnny Bo, Emmy Stidham, Bob Hogan, Cindy Schuering, Billy Dean Martin, Mitch Myers, Joe Park and the list goes on and on… So when we add two more icons from our small world, Bobby Frame and Truman Dixon, it makes me stop to think about the legacies they leave behind in us all. What a legacy both of these gentlemen left behind!

Frame serving two terms in the Oklahoma State House of Representatives knew what it was like to take on the responsibility of the state. Yet he was known as a generous neighbor who also shared his homegrown vegetables and took care of his family.

Dixon known as “Coach” to many also was a legend in his time, taking his basketball teams to championships with his grit and grind on the home court. Yet he also knew how to cheer on everyone he knew in his small town of Checotah, even become a part of its Hall of Fame. Amazingly these men knew humility as much as they had pride in their leadership, but they are remembered more for their kindness. Yes, legacies truly are simple men that love God, their families and their community.

All of this made me think about what it really means to become a legend and leave a legacy that’s worthy of praise from your fellow peers. Though some might think a legacy is more about the sum of the personal investments and values, I believe it is the accomplishments and actions that resonate with those left behind.

It’s the long-lasting impact of how that person’s life richly blessed others. A person that has left his children a legacy of love, respect and values far transcends a lifetime of contributions and work after they pass away.

To me the definition of a lasting legacy is the positive impact your life has made on your family, your friends, your community and even strangers.

Some true examples of a legacy are: OurFaith: Upholding our beliefs no matter the cost Our Work Ethics: Building on achievements that benefit all Our Mentorship: Guiding others through positive experiences Our Family/Friends: Building meaningful relationships with each one Our Community: Getting involved to make it better for the next generation All these things help us to also leave behind a legacy one day that hopefully will be remembered for the impact we all had on our little world.

May we live to pass on God’s purpose and passion, more than property or heirlooms. May we strive to live in a way that honors our loved one’s memory and may we inherit their same steadfast spirit as we continue their story.

Though an inheritance is something you want to leave behind for your family, it’s your legacy that has hopefully touched so many others in your lifetime and left behind a piece of you that will never be forgotten.

Braving the festival, honoring a friend
A: Main, news
Braving the festival, honoring a friend
By LENORE BECHTEL 
September 3, 2025
Every Labor Day weekend since moving to Oklahoma, I thought about going to the Dusk to Dawn Blues Festival. But the idea of a yard party running from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. was intimidating—and I could neve...
A: Main, news
Man injured diving into shallow water
September 3, 2025
A 22-year-old Yukon man was injured when he dove from a pontoon boat into shallow water at Lake Eufaula, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Patrick Tanner reportedly stopped his vessel to swim ...
A: Main, news
Man found dead in yard; possible suspect investigated
September 3, 2025
WARNER – Warner Police responded to a call early Saturday morning about a dead man laying outside of a residence in the area of Fifth and Third streets. The deceased has been identified as 51-year-old...
A: Main, news
Wellness Day for seniors Sept. 16
September 3, 2025
Heritage Home Care’s fifth annual Senior Wellness Day will be held Tuesday, Sept. 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 126 N. 1st St. (now Bridges Street), which is the former location of Family Dollar. The e...
A: Main, news
Looking ahead: Firm to help guide the way
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
September 3, 2025
What will Eufaula look like in 50 years? Without a plan, it’s anybody’s guess. But the City Council has taken steps to remove at least some of the guesswork. At a special meeting Friday, Aug. 29, the ...
Wine and Art Festival extravaganza Saturday
A: Main, news
Wine and Art Festival extravaganza Saturday
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
September 3, 2025
What: Vision Eufaula Wine & Art Festival When: Saturday Sept. 6, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Where: 150 N. Front St. Information: 405-248-2992 or visit visioneufaula.org The fourth annual Wine and Art Festival ...
ePaper
google_play
app_store
Editor Picks
5 in race for state school superintendent
news
5 in race for state school superintendent
By Jennifer Palmer Oklahoma Watch 
September 3, 2025
So far, five candidates are running to lead Oklahoma’s public education system as state superintendent in 2026. Former Tulsa school board members Jennettie Marshall, a Democrat, and Jerry Griffin, an ...
DOC Director stepping down
news
DOC Director stepping down
By KEATON ROSS OKLAHOMA WATCH 
September 3, 2025
Oklahoma Department of Corrections Director Steven Harpe, one of the highest paid officials in state government, will step down on Sept. 30 to take a private sector job. “I’m extremely proud of my tim...
news
Class of ’65 reunion set for Sept. 12
September 3, 2025
Graduates of the Eufaula High School Class of 1965 will get together from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept 12, at the Legacy on Main Street, 224 N. Main St. Graduates of the classes of ’64 and ’66 are...
A site out of this world
news
A site out of this world
By MIKE BARNES 
September 3, 2025
In Eufaula, a town where gossip can outpace the mail, a story is slowly gaining momentum. It isn’t about the latest fishing tournament or Friday night football, but about a cosmic visitor called 3I/ A...
Rest, reflections, and farewells
commentary
Rest, reflections, and farewells
By JOE DORMAN OICA CEO 
September 3, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY – I hope your Labor Day weekend was full of relaxation. I schedule a vacation each year with friends to get away over this holiday which allows me to “charge up the batteries” for upcomi...
Facebook

THE EUFAULA INDIAN JOURNAL
100 N. 2nd Street
Eufaula, OK 74432

(918) 689-2191

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 THE EUFAULA INDIAN JOURNAL

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy