Harjo

Seminole resident Jerry Lee Harjo, 74, passed away Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at his home.

Jerry, the son of Andrew Burgess and Wainey Mae Harjo, was born October 9, 1941, in Holdenville. He graduated from Sasakwa High School with the Class of 1961 and later attended Seminole Junior College, where he earned his associate degree.

Following college, Jerry entered the United States Army in July 1963, beginning a commitment that became an almost 40-year military career. He retired on October 31, 2001. Much of his service was spent with the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Oklahoma National Guard.

On September 12, 1974, Jerry married Marshalene “Cookie” Harjo in Oklahoma City.

Jerry loved watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren play ball and was an avid fan of Oklahoma Sooners football. He coached softball for three generations and took countless teams to tournaments across the nation. He was a member of the Older Americans Committee and was honored as this year’s Valentines King.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew Burgess Harjo and Wainey Mae Harjo; his wife, Marshalene “Cookie” Harjo; and his brother, Cecil Harjo.

Jerry is survived by his son, Patrick Harjo of Sasakwa; three daughters, Shirl Womack of Wewoka, Jessica Harjo of Shawnee, and Melissa Johnson of Wewoka; 13 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and many other family members and friends.

Casket bearers will be Easton Barnes, AJ Brown, Keifer Welch, Gabriel Lambert, Richard Fleming, and Cyrus Fleming. Honorary casket bearers are Tristan Johnson, Chaz Johnson, Darius Yeager, AJ Brown, Lucas Shuler, and Lance Fleming.

A wake service will be held Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Swearingen Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, May 18, 2026, at Swearingen Funeral Home with Kellos Walker and Frank Moppin officiating. Interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.