Jo Ann Fugate, whose given name was Darlene Joan Fugate, passed away on Sept. 21, 2026. She was born on Mar, 31, 1947, in Terlton, OK. She attended Terlton and Mannford Public Schools. Over the years, she served as a correspondent for Sears, worked as an office manager for a carrier service, and managed a post exchange in Weisvaden, Germany.
Jo Ann shared nearly 63 years of marriage with Jimmie, a partnership filled with love, loyalty, and adventure. One family story that brought smiles was her longtime belief that her name was “Jo Ann Darlene,” only to discover while filling out paperwork for the military that her name was actually Darlene Joan!
She is survived by her husband; sons: Jimmy (Cindy) Fugate and Charles (Kathey) Fugate; grandchildren: Eli (Iris) Fugate, Ashley (Jeyson) Retana, Chelsea Fugate, and JJ Fugate; great-grandchildren: Jasmine Retana, Damian Retana, Jack Fugate, and Sam Fugate; sister, Shirley Philips; and brothers: Tom (Elsie) Burgess, Gary Burgess, Ray (Dottie) Burgess, Leslie (Barbara) Burgess, and Steve (Nancy) Burgess.
She was preceded in death by her father, Dewey Burgess; her mother, Ruth Burgess; her brothers, Dewey Burgess Jr. and Kenny Burgess; and her sister, Linda Pettit.
A memorial service will be held on Oct. 3, 2026, at 2 pm at Church of Christ, 209 W Delaware St., Cleveland, OK. 74020.
