Dennis Wayne Kolakowski

Dennis Wayne Kolakowski passed away Monday, June 17, 2013 at the age of 52. He was born on July 25, 1960 to Jack and Virginia Kolakowski in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Visitation will begin Thursday, June 20th from 12:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. and Wake Services will be held at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, June 20th both will be held at the Jackson Funeral Home Chapel in Okmulgee. Funeral Services will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, June 21, 2013 at the First Assembly of God Church in Okmulgee with Reverend Anna Stilwell officiating. Burial will follow the service at the Salt Creek Cemetery under the direction of the Jackson Funeral Home and Crematory in Okmulgee. Pallbearers will be Rocky Morrow, Mike McBroom, Billy Dossey, Randy Thomas, Steve Pigeon, Ed Thomas, Bruce Barnett and Randy Cusher. Honorary Pallbearers will be Billy Barney, Jr., Justin Graves, Jason Radbaugh, Kelly Harjo, Jeremy Kolakowski, Dustin Kolakowski, Harlan Jimerson, Jr., Warren Jimerson, Rayne Harjo, Johnah Fleener, Jeff Chalakee, Bill Chalakee, Cody Chalakee and Nathan Chalakee. Hewas preceded in death by his father, Jack E. Kolakowski, maternal grandparents Webster and Martha Chalakee; uncles, Tom Mix and William Chalakee; and step-sister Cari Long. Survivors include three sons, Chance Webster Kolakowski, Dallis James Kolakowski, and Hayden Jack Kolakowski; Mother, Virginia (Chalakee) Kolakowski; Sister, Jackie Jimerson; Brother; Billy Kolakowski; step-mother, Lois Kolakowski; step-brother, Terry Baker; Nephews, Harlan Jimerson, Jeremy Kolakowski, and Dustin Kolakowski; Niece, Sarah Ramirez; countless aunts, uncles, cousins, great nieces, great nephews, and friends. Dennis was raised in Okmulgee and graduated from Okmulgee High School in 1978. He was very athletic and enjoyed playing football and basketball; but he was most passionate about playing baseball for the Okmulgee Bulldogs and played centerfield. He enjoyed reliving those years through the countless stories that he shared throughout his life. After graduation he briefly attended Haskell Indian Junior College but returned home after realizing there was no baseball team. Over the years Dennis worked in the oil fields, gaming industry, and construction; but most recently was unable to work due to his declining health. He was affectionately known as “KoKo” by most everyone that knew him. He loved to laugh and especially loved to make people laugh. He never missed an opportunity to poke fun at his friends and family. Most people would agree that “KoKo” never met a stranger. He was an avid Dallas Cowboy, Atlanta Brave, LA Laker, and Oklahoma Sooner fan. He enjoyed watching Andy Griffith reruns and listening to country music, especially Merle Haggard. He enjoyed shooting pool and played in a local pool league. He enjoyed playing slow-pitch and fast-pitch softball and riding his Harley Davidson Motorcycle. He especially loved watching his sons play baseball and football. He did not want anyone to be sad at his funeral and wanted everyone to remember all the funny stories and happy times with him. He will be greatly missed.