A.J. Bristow

AJ Bristow, 88, of McAlester, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Friday, July 26, 2024.
Family will greet friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at Bishop Funeral Service and Crematory.
A funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at Bishop Chapel of Memories with Paul Jackson officiating. The committal will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Fort Gibson National Cemetery in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma with military honors provided by the
American Legion Post #20 Honor Guard Team.
Pallbearers will be Bradley Hamilton, Mike Krebs, Dee Gray, Austin Smith, Mark Bristow, and Mike Morgan.
Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Grego, Scott Blubaugh, Brad Williams, Bob Monto, Terry Feehan, Richard LerBlance, John Hamilton, Tyler Sellmeyer, Mark Ichord, Gary Crawley, Phillip Scott, David Mabray, Liz Shaw, and Ben Murdaugh.
AJ was born on September 25, 1935 in Crowder, Oklahoma to Dewey George Bristow and Lillie (Ward) Bristow.
AJ joined the National Guard his senior year of High School and on March 13, 1958 he joined the United States Army. He was honorably discharged on March 1, 1960.
AJ furthered his expertise by earning a Diesel Mechanic Degree from Okmulgee Technical College, then an Associate's Degree at Eastern Oklahoma State College. This education laid the foundation for a career that spanned more than five decades and was a well-known skilled cattle rancher.
On June 2, 1956 AJ married the love of his life, Aliene Smith in Massey, Oklahoma.
AJ was very successful in his mechanic field and ranching with the family. As we say goodbye to AJ Bristow, we celebrate a life that exemplified the values of hard work, family, and community.
AJ is preceded in death by his parents: Lillie and D.G. Bristow; his siblings: Dewey Bristow, Jackie Morgan, Harold Bristow.
AJ is survived by his wife of the home: Aliene Bristow; his daughter: Sandy Smith and husband, Calvin of McAlester; son: Darren Bristow and wife, Cindy of Bixby; grandchildren: Rashena Smith and Sidney, Austin Smith and wife, Candace, Mark Bristow; great-grandchildren: Aycen Smith, Maddox Smith, Ryker Smith, Raelynn Smith, Hunter White, Olivia White; sisters-in-law: Margie McGee of Texas, Shirley Bristow of New Mexico; numerous other family members and friends.