Mayo
Herbert Eugene Mayo, 97 and known affectionately by everyone as Gene, passed away on December 24, 2025 leaving behind a legacy of hard work, community service and devotion to his family. Born on November 5, 1928, he was a cornerstone of the Madill community for over sixty years, Gene was a man whose life was defined by his commitment to his country, his business and his fraternal brotherhood.
Gene’s journey of service began in the United States Navy, where he served as a medic from 1947 to 1950. In 1960, he movedtoMadilland,alongsidehisparents and his sister and brother-in-law, opened the Sportsman Thrifty Center. For nearly two decades, Gene operated the grocery store, becoming a familiar face to every household in town. Through his business, he employed hundreds of local residents over the years, earning deep respect for his work ethic and the positive impact he had on countless families in Madill.
Gene was perhaps also known for his lifelong dedication to the Masonic Lodge. He was a 74-year member of the Creekmore Masonic Lodge #74 (formerly Oakland Masonic Lodge). His leadership was instrumental to the organization; he served as the Worshipful Master in 1970 and was a driving force behind the fundraisers that secured the new lodge building on West Lillie.
His service extended to several branches of the order, including being a member of the Scottish Masonic Rite for 71 years, a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for 73 years and he served faitfully as a “Dad” in the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls.
When he wasn’t serving his community or lodge, Gene found peace in the outdoors. He was an avid farmer and gardener who took particular pride in his pecan trees.
Gene was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lutheria Mayo; parents, George Wesley and Inez Mayo; sister and brother-in-law, Chrystene and Jack Pickens; nephew, James Allen Pickens; and daughters, Linda Mayo King and Jeanie Mayo Elliott.
He is survived by a family who will carry on his memory, nameily, his son-in-law, Bobby Royce King of Madill, Okla.; granddaughters, Kimberly Elliott De La Garza of Austin, Texas, and Cherish King Ralls of Nichols Hills, Okla.; great-grandchildren Zoey, Aaron, Gabby, Sage, Bentley and Pippa; and niece, Paula Kay Pickens Uzzel of Madill, Okla.
Gene Mayo was a man of quiet strength and enduring loyalty. His influence on the town of Madill and the organizations he loved will be felt for generations to come.
A celebration of Gene’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at the Woodberry Forest Cemetery in Madill, Okla. Randy Kendrix will officiate at the service. Services are under the direction of Watts Funeral Home in Madill, Okla.