Virgil Dean Liston

Virgil Dean Liston, 84 of Nowata, Passed away early Friday morning, Jan 23, 2026 in Nowata. He was born on Nov. 16, 1941, in Nowata County to John and Jean Liston. Dean attended the Adair Public Schools through the eighth grade, then graduating from Nowata High School in 1959. After high school he attended Northeastern Oklahoma college, graduating with an Associates degree.

Dean began his career with Phillips Petroleum working in the mail room, working his way to become the Supervisor of Division Orders. He loved bird hunting, fishing, and his cows. He would take his grandchildren, and great grandchildren with him to feed, and this became the highlight of his day.

Dean is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Beatrice Weavone Liston, know by her family and friends as "Will". Also survived by his son and daughter in law, Tony and Kelli Liston; four grandchildren, Candi and her husband Baily Kile, Jessica and her husband Adam Topping, Jay and his wife Brandie Liston, and Courtney and her husband Andrew Straw, all of Nowata; 17 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren. Daughter in law, Nancy Malone and grandson Treabien Liston and Lydia Gavrila; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers, Leslie Liston, Alvin Liston, and Don Liston, and 1 son, Troy Don Liston.

Viewing for Dean will be held on Wed., Jan 28, 2026, from 5 - 7pm. in the Benjamin Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Jan 29, 2026, at 2:00 pm in the New Harmony Baptist Church, with Bro. Lonnie Hoelscher officiating. Interment will follow the service in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Nowata. Online condolences can be left at www.honoringmemoriesnowata.com or the Benjamin Funeral Home Facebook page. Arrangements are under the direction of the Benjamin Funeral Service, 114 W. Cherokee Ave., Nowata.