Thomas Wilson "Bear" Walters

Thomas Wilson “Bear” Walters , age 53 and a resident of Ada, Oklahoma, passed away Saturday, November 28, 2020 at Chickasaw Nation Medical Center in Ada.

A graveside service is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 5, 2020 at Vamoosa Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home of Konawa, Oklahoma.  Visitation will begin Thursday, December 3rd at the funeral home.  Bro. Kellos Walker will officiate.  Casket bearers are Paul Schwander, Toby Schwander, Billy Walls, Jason Peters, and Rick Eastman Harjo.  Honorary bearers are Shane Impson, Paul Impson, Calvin Harjo, Trent Lena, Thunder Lena, and Salyer Billie.

Bear was born February 28, 1967 in Wewoka, Oklahoma to Sophia Jean (Hernandez) Walters.  He attended Konawa schools, and graduated from Seminole High School. He proudly served his country in the Army from 1987 until 1991.  After the Army, Bear moved to Texas until 2015 when he moved back to Seminole with his mom.  Bear worked as a truck driver for a concrete company.  He received an Associate degree from Seminole State College in 2017, and he also received a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from East Central University of Ada in 2019.  In 2019, he and his brother moved to Ada to live until his death.

He is survived by a brother, Bobby Lena of the home; his half-brother, Manuel Lena of Seminole; his army brothers, Paul Schwander and Billy Walls; three nephews, Trent and Thunder Lena, and Salyer Billie; one niece, Sarada Castaneda; and a host of cousins and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Sophia Walters; and grandparents, Willie and Lillian (Morgan) Walters.