Les Dwayne Cantrell, 72, a beloved son, father, brother, and friend, passed away on February 24, 2026, in Sallisaw, Oklahoma. Born on March 17, 1953, in Stilwell, Oklahoma, Les touched the lives of many through his warmth, humor, and passion for life.
A proud graduate of Muldrow High School, Les embraced every moment with a spirit that was truly his own. He was known for his love of Indian artifacts and his enthusiasm for exploring local garage sales. His talents extended to being a "shade tree mechanic", where he shared his skills and knowledge with those around him.
Les had many interests that reflected his adventurous nature. He was a farmer by trade, and he loved the tranquility of fishing and the thrill of a day spent camping in the great outdoors. A gun enthusiast, he appreciated the nuances of firearm culture and enjoyed sharing this interest with friends and family. Additionally, he found joy in visits to the Roland Casino. Les valued the affirmation of his faith, having attended church in Roland, Oklahoma, where he was recently baptized and saved.
Les is survived by his loving family, including his ex-wife, Linda Martin; his sons, Heath Cantrell, of Skiatook, Oklahoma, and Jody Cantrell and wife, Kim, of Fort Smith, Arkansas; his siblings, Curtis Cantrell and wife, Judy, of Clinton, Mississippi, Janice Cantrell, Pat Cantrell, Lorri Matlock and Cary Thomas, all of Van Buren, Arkansas; his grandchildren, Jacob Cantrell, Alex Cantrell, Hali Koszlowski, Madison Cantrell, and Kobe Cantrell; and five great-grandchildren. Les is also survived by his close friend, Doug.
Les is preceded in death by his parents, Roy Leslie Cantrell and Jimmie Jewel Cantrell.
Services for Mr. Cantrell will be announced at a later date.
Arrangements for Les Cantrell are under the direction of Forever Memories Funeral Services, 463505 Hwy 101, Sallisaw, Oklahoma.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
463505 Highway 101, Sallisaw, OK 74955

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more