On Saturday, April 12, a community came together to honor Checotah Roughrider Luches Warrior, Jr. ‘s “Farewell Ride and Final Roundup.” Friends and family lined the streets of Checotah for a fitting and final parade for their beloved cowboy who never met a stranger and always offered a helping hand. Several riding clubs and individuals saddled up to take one last ride with their favorite cowboy, as Luches Jr. was carried by Vintage Carriage in a beautiful black and glass coach carriage drawn by two black Clydesdales. Also following the carriage was Luches’ horse “Tex” who was sadly looking for and missing his rider of almost 20 years.
Luches Jr., who was born on a farm on February 19, 1954, in Pierce, Oklahoma, to Luches Warrior, Sr. and Edna Mae (Robertson) Warrior, grew up loving the country life and all its serenity. Luches attended Warrior Grade School, Pierce High School and graduated from the Checotah High School, Class of 1972. He would also further his education at American Technical Institute.
However, Luches greatest accomplishment was giving his life to Christ at an early age and being baptized at Mt. Olive Star Baptist Church in the Warrior Community where he grew up. Because this would make Luches become the man, father and friend beloved by so many in his community.
Luches, Jr., also known as June or Pickle by those closest to him, was a man of many talents and worked hard to always get the job done. He loved working on old vehicles, smoking some meat for his family and friends and loved to “cut a rug” on the dance floor.
Even after retirement, Luches was not a man to sit idle. He stayed busy working for himself doing concrete work, demolitions, hauling rock, tree jobs and raising his livestock. He worked hard to instill Godly values in his children and grandchildren. He never failed to help a neighbor in need.
Growing up on a farm not only made Luches have strong work ethics but also a strong connection with nature and animals. Known to be able to break in any horse, Luches loved his last “ride or die” – his horse named Texas. This beautiful, black and white paint would be his faithful companion as he established the Checotah Roughriders in 2005. The Checotah Roughriders would participate in parades and open many events, like the Okmulgee Rodeo and the Cowboys of Color.
In his later years, Luches started the Checotah Roughriders Annual Toy Drive to benefit the children in the McIntosh County school district. He also visited the local nursing homes during the Christmas season to bring joy to the elderly by delivering blankets, and gifts. Luches was a great storyteller too. He loved telling funny stories, like the time he had to get his horses out of jail, and would have his captive audience laughing for days. Even when he was diagnosed with cancer, he continued to wear a smile and genuinely cared more about others than he did himself.
This is why in February of this year, Luches Jr. was honored by being named The McIntosh County Democrat Citizen of the Year for his goodness and kindness in Checotah and from coast to coast.
McIntosh County Democrat General Manager Shauna Belyeu announced Luches as the recipient of this prodigious award at the Chamber of Commerce annual banquet this year and said this about him: “We had the privilege of celebrating an exceptional individual whose generosity and heart for service made a lasting impact on our community. When we thought about what it truly means to be a Citizen of the Year, we thought of someone who leads with quiet compassion, gives selflessly to make his community a better place and knows the real spirit behind being a good neighbor. Luches was a man who embodied the spirit of Checotah, the spirit of hard work, kindness and community. He was a man whose heart was as big as his hometown and we were honored to call him our friend.”
Luches Warrior, Jr. had just celebrated his 71st birthday on February 19 and was fighting a courageous battle with cancer. However, only one month after receiving this prodigious award, he was called to greener pastures on March 28, 2025. Though his passing left a huge hole in many hearts, it also made many appreciate the true compassionate cowboy he had been for his family, friends and community.
After his Last Ride and Final Roundup at the Checotah Performing Arts Center, Luches Jr.’s daughter-in-law, Jaimie Warrior, shared this sweet tribute about her father-in-law: “This was one of the hardest days – saying goodbye to my fatherin- law, Luches. When Tray and I met 30 years ago, his dad welcomed me with unconditional love and kindness. A few short years later, I lost my dad to cancer and Luches told me he’d always be there for me because I was like a daughter to him. He filled the gap he didn’t even have to do because that’s the kind of man he was…loving, supportive and unselfish.
Luches would tell me often that I was such a great mom to his grandkids and he was so proud of Kierra, Kobe and Kolyn. He taught them so many life skills and what it meant to have a strong work ethic. I know he is smiling down from Heaven seeing all they did to honor him on his Cowboy Farewell.
He loved hearing Kierra sing and I know her Papa gave her the strength needed to sing for him one last time. Friday evening, Kobe went to the family (Warrior) cemetery and opened the grave just the way his Papa would have wanted it. Then after the funeral, Kolyn covered the grave with Kobe’s help. I’m sure Luches was directing them from Heaven on just the right way to move the dirt with the equipment just like he used to do when they worked with him saying ‘That’ll work.’ They loved their Papa so much and it’s so hard seeing them heartbroken but God gave us so many memories with him to comfort us in the days ahead.”
Luches, Jr. was a proud father of four children and even prouder grandfather of seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren with one in heaven and one on the way. He was also a devoted brother, cousin, uncle and friend, who was loved by many, and his impactful presence will be missed by everyone who knew him.
