April 20, 1945 – Jan. 30, 2026
Jerry Fink, 80, of Eufaula, died Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, in Eufaula. He was born April 20, 1945, in Vian to Eugene Marlin Fink and Arbie Jewel (Turney) Fink.
Jerry spent more than 50 years in journalism, writing stories that ranged from war zones and major cities to small towns and rural communities. Throughout his career, he believed every person had a story worth telling and that it was a journalist’s responsibility to listen. He served as editor of the Eufaula Indian Journal and the McIntosh County Democrat, where he focused on accurate reporting and building trust with readers.
Jerry began his journalism career in 1974 at the Sequoyah County Times, working under General Manager Jim Mayo. There, he learned the importance of a strong front page that 4 clearly and honestly reflected what mattered most to the community.
His career later took him to the Tulsa World, where he covered prison riots, murder trials, natural disasters, and the Oklahoma City bombing. Even while reporting on difficult events, he remained focused on the people behind the headlines. This prepared him for his time at Las Vegas Sun interviewing entertainers.
In 2012, Jerry returned to Oklahoma and joined the Mayo family newspapers in Eufaula, bringing decades of experience to the newsroom. Survivors include two sons, Jason and Liberty Fink of Washington and Paul and Anna Fink of Boaz, Ala.; three daughters, Sarah and Larry O’Rourke of Massachusetts, Jerri Fink of Wyoming, and Laura Padek of Colorado; six grandchildren; one sister, Barbara Risley of Vian; and other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Larry Fink; and one grandson.
No formal service is planned at this time. Cremation is under the direction of Agent Mallory-Martin Funeral Home in Sallisaw.
