Harold Dean Yelton

Harold Dean Yelton, 92, of Bartlesville, passed away Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Harold was born on January 9, 1934, in Watova, Oklahoma, to Lena Verona (Rose) Yelton and Ruford Washington Yelton. Harold grew up on the family farm in Delaware, Oklahoma, alongside his six older brothers. He married Peggy JoAnn Anderson on September 5, 1953. In November 1956, he entered the U.S. Army, serving in Gelnhausen, Germany, before receiving an honorable discharge in 1958. While accompanying Harold in Germany, Peggy gave birth to their first daughter, Dava, in 1958. Harold and Peggy welcomed their second daughter, Tami, in 1961. Harold and Peggy were grateful to both be employed by Phillips Petroleum Company, where they each worked for 25 years before retiring. Harold served as a research technician at the Phillips 66 Research Center and shared numerous patents with his colleagues. After retirement, they enjoyed volunteering in the Bartlesville community and traveling throughout the United States and abroad. Throughout his life, Harold enjoyed many hobbies and excelled at all of them. He loved gardening, woodworking, collecting antiques, and harvesting pecans from his beloved pecan trees. He was also an accomplished bowler and volunteered as a softball coach. During his high school years, Harold was an outstanding athlete who played both basketball and baseball. He often recalled how a professional baseball team once scouted him and his brother Frank as a talented pitcher-and-catcher duo. Harold had a deep love for his family and community. In recent years, following the loss of his older brothers, he revived the traditional family reunion for remaining cousins and extended family members. It was important to him to keep family connected and in touch with one another. Harold was a humble, hardworking man who, while often extraordinary in his kindness and character, cared deeply for his church, family, neighbors, and community. Harold is survived by his loving daughter, Tami Dean Yelton of Albuquerque, New Mexico, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Peggy; his eldest daughter, Dava; his parents; and his older brothers. In lieu of flowers, donations in Harold's memory can be made to: The Journey Home, 900 NE Washington Blvd., Bartlesville, OK 74006. Visitation will be from 12-5 p.m. Sunday, June 28, 2026 at Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory - Walker Brown Chapel, 4201 Nowata Rd., Bartlesville, OK 74006. 918-333-7665 Services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, June 29, 2026, at East Cross Church in Bartlesville with Reverend Chad Perceful officiating. Interment will follow at Nowata Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory - Walker Brown Chapel. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.

Harold Dean Yelton

January 9, 1934 - June 9, 2026