Willard Anthony Thierry Sr.

Willard Anthony Thierry, Sr. fell asleep in the Lord on January 31, 2026 at the age of 86. Having lived his earthly life as a hardworking, devoted, funny, generous, and god-fearing soul, he encourages all to live in a like manner to the glory of God.

Willard was born the eighth of ten children to Talton and Mary Jane Adams Thierry on January 20, 1940 in Hoffman, Oklahoma. In spite of physical impairments and surgeries regarding one of his feet, and several years of dependence on crutches, he managed to be a determined and rambunctious child. He loved farming, animals, fishing hunting, nature, and everything else about the great outdoors. He took his willful determination and
respect for God's creation into adulthood, and that served him well.

In 1967, he married Lucile Mae Ardoin at Saint Monica Catholic Church, and they celebrated 58 years of devotion. While rearing their three children in the faith, there and at Saint Augustine Catholic Church, Willard served in various ministries, including the choir, Men's Club, and Knights of Peter Claver. He was deeply committed to fasting before communion, going to confession regularly, and reading Psalms and Proverbs frequently. He loved to emphasize to his family that God sees what you do, and you will reap what you sow.

Willard's primary career was as a radial drill press operator, which he did for 31 years. He always had a side hustle or two, like landscaping lawns and selling vegetables from his enormous garden. His generosity could not keep him from giving away huge quantities of vegetables to neighbors, family, and friends.

Willard also found great joy in other hobbies, including working on cars, archery, woodworking, and bowfishing. The bookshelves, headboards, footboards, toy boxes, vases, bowls, and cups he made were incredible works of art. He was once featured in the Tulsa World newspaper for bowfishing at Mohawk Park.

Family knew to call Willard first before hiring someone for any type of repair. He was always willing to help and generally did so without expecting anything in return. He gained these skills by reading his vast collection of Popular Mechanics books, along with trial and error.

Few people have a sense of humor like Willard. He loved to tell jokes, prank his family and friends, and laugh at the slightest comical thing.

He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchild. He taught them about all of his hands-on skills, emphasizing hard work, discipline, obedience, and the fear of God.

Willard is a light that will never go out. He remains in our hearts, and his lessons will never dissipate from our minds.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Talton and Mary Jane Adams Thierry; siblings Joseph Burdell Thierry, Sr., Victoria Landry, Walter "Brownie" Thierry, Lucious "Tatod" Thierry, Johnnie M. Johnson, Denogus George Thierry, Sr., and Martha Harris; and son-in-law Jeffery Maurice Riles, Sr.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Lucile Mae Ardoin Thierry; children: Willard Anthony "Tony" (Terri) Thierry, Jr., Lucinda "Cindy" Marie Thierry Riles, and Keith Alan (Shamika)
Thierry; nine grandchildren: Shaliah DeNise Thierry, Ryan Christopher McMurry, Destiny Michaela Riles, Xavier Taylor Thierry, Azariah Eliana Thierry, Diamond Ysabella Thierry, Nigel Bennett Thierry, Zion Emmanuel Thierry, Hunter Jordan Thierry; one great-grandchild, Ira Chenter Pavlov; and two brothers: Michael "Billy" Thierry and Mitchell Gene (Martha) Thierry, Sr.

The family is especially grateful to Deacon Patrick of St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church; Tamika, and Amelia Flores of My Priority Home Care; Faith Hospice; and Fathers John Peck and Joseph MacPherson of All Saints of North America Orthodox Church.