Fallen Seminole County Deputy Honored at Funeral

NEWS 9

WEWOKA, Oklahoma -- Law enforcement officers from across the state gathered in Wewoka Thursday to say goodbye and to honor Seminole County Deputy Chase Whitebird.

Whitebird and fellow deputy Marvin Williams were shot and killed by the man they were trying to arrest on Sunday.

Funeral services for Whitebird began at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Wewoka, the same church where he grew up.

"He was a very special person to us here at the church," said First Baptist Church Pastor Michael Vallandingham.

Family members spoke at the funeral sharing their memories and expressing their grief of how much Whitebird will be missed.

"Every Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, or anytime we are visiting my grandparents farm will not be the same without Chase," said Christopher Anderson, Whitebird's cousin.

The church was packed to capacity, so overflow sites were set up around town for those who wanted to remember Deputy Whitebird.

Whitebird's mother died July 30, 2007, the same day as her son's funeral two years later. Family members said July 30 will be a special day of remembrance for their family.

Deputy Williams' funeral services are set for Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Seminole State College Gymnasium.

More on News9.com:

- Hundreds Attend Vigil to Honor Fallen Deputies
- Families of Murdered Seminole Deputies Remember, Mourn
- Gunman to Face Death Penalty in Seminole Shoot-Out
- Family of Third Seminole Shooting Victim Speaks Out