Obituary

Milburn Kay Smith

October 27, 1939 – April 8, 2025

Milburn Kay Smith, born October 27, 1939, in Hobart, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2025. He was named after the small town of Milburn, Oklahoma, and raised in Chickasha, where his roots run deep. Milburn was the beloved son of Cagle Smith and Jewell Smith (Carter), and brother to Gerald, Carol, Wanda, and Darla.

In 1958, after completing his high school credits, Milburn proudly joined the United States Army. He trained at Fort Hood and was later stationed at a high-security base in England. It was there, in Harrogate, that he met the love of his life, Susan Elizabeth Alvin. They married on June 20, 1959, and remained devoted partners for over six decades.

Following his military service and time in the reserves, Milburn built a successful career with American National Insurance Company. As a district manager based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he was known for his unwavering commitment to customer service and his ability to build and lead high-performing, motivated teams. Under his leadership, his agencies consistently ranked among the top producers in the nation.

Milburn and Susan raised three children:

• Nick, father of Katie and Kellie, with loving father Dillon, and their children: Dillion, Kayson, Kinlee, Khloe, Emma, and Mathew
• Through James and mother Kim Wise, Milburn was proud grandfather to Taylor, and great-granddaughters Blakely and Brooks
• From Rachel’s late son, Bradley, Milburn leaves behind granddaughters Alyssa and Kaylee
• Rachel’s daughter, Debra, and her husband Michael—who will read the 23rd Psalm at graveside—along with their children Allie, Brodhi, and Easton, also brought great joy to his life

Milburn was an outdoorsman at heart—an avid hunter, fisherman, and camper. He even joined his son on an ESPN duck hunting show. He found joy and peace in gardening and spent his days with his loyal dogs—Daisy the pointer, Pandora the house dog, and later, Tiger.

Milburn and Susan lived in Regency Park in Tulsa, later building a home on a few acres in Owasso. Eventually, they settled in the beautiful, gated community of Megan Coves in Grove, Oklahoma. There, Milburn served as HOA president, dedicating himself—just as he did in every phase of life—to creating meaningful improvements for those around him.

He often said, “It’s better to be safe than sorry,” and “Always take the high road—it all comes back around.” Fittingly, he passed on April 8, a month he always considered special for the Smith family. He left this world on his mother’s birthday and just days after celebrating Susan’s birthday on April 4.

Milburn Kay Smith was a devoted husband, loving father, loyal friend, and a man who lived a life full of purpose, love, and impact. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Viewing
📅 Thursday, April 17, 2025
• Family: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
• Friends & Public: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Butler-Stumpff & Dyer Funeral Home & Crematory
2103 E 3rd St, Tulsa, OK 74104
📞 (918) 587-7000

Burial with Military Honors
📅 Friday, April 18, 2025 at 12:30 PM
📍 Fort Gibson National Veterans Cemetery
Private ceremony for family and close friends