With deep sorrow and hearts full of love, we announce the passing of Marty Dean Kaler, a beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend.
The first page of Marty’s life began on August 3, 1964, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. His final page was written on August 6, 2026, at his home in Calera, Oklahoma.
The pages in between were filled with love, laughter, hard work, generosity, and countless memories that will keep his family and friends remembering him for a lifetime. Marty’s life simply cannot be summed up in a few paragraphs. He built a beautiful life, and his story was written in the lives he touched, the people he helped, and the love he gave so freely.
Born to Charley Wayne Kaler and Joyce Dean Brown Kaler, Marty spent most of his life in the small community of Salem, just south of Henryetta, Oklahoma. His parents encouraged Marty and his siblings, Danny Kaler, Steven Kaler, and Jeannette Kaler, to explore a variety of interests and talents. The siblings could often be found singing, and Marty could be found playing the piano at Faith Assembly of God in Dewar. He was always creating, building, sewing, fixing, or learning something new. Among his many accomplishments, he even built his own log house.
Marty was a man of many talents, but perhaps his greatest gift was simply being there for people. If you needed help with something, Marty was the one you called—and he never turned you down. For his family, though, you didn’t just call Marty when you needed something fixed. You called because you needed someone to listen. He was always there to take the calls from those closest to him offering a listening ear, encouragement, and wisdom no matter what was happening in their lives. He was their calm in any storm. No matter how busy he was, Marty was the man who kept his word and showed up for his family.
Around 2002, Marty moved to Kingston, Oklahoma, where he began working on the sod farm. It was there that he met and fell in love with his future wife, Lindsey Jones. They were married on July 26, 2002, and began their life together in Durant, Oklahoma, before eventually settling nearby in Calera. In Calera, Marty and Lindsey raised their two daughters, Hannah Grace Kaler and Riley Nicole Kaler, along with a few beloved pets, including Tizzie, Remi, and Pickles.
The love Marty and Lindsey shared became an example not only to their daughters, but also to everyone who came through their home. Marty always knew that he had married his best friend, and he was willing to do whatever it took to make sure she was happy. That included helping Lindsey pursue her dream of becoming a successful teacher. More days than not, Marty could be found working alongside her to help create the classroom she visioned.
When someone once asked Marty if that was what he had dreamed of doing, his answer said everything about the kind of husband he was: “I knew what she wanted to do when I married her. I am here to make it happen.”
Marty’s greatest calling, however, was being a girl dad. To Hannah and Riley, he was so much more than a father. He was their protector, their biggest supporter, their teacher, their helper, and the person who was always in their corner. They were his world. Marty worked hard to make sure his girls had everything they could ever want or need, and he loved nothing more than cheering them on from the sidelines—whether they were playing a sport, reaching an educational milestone, or simply doing something that made them happy.
Riley could always keep her dad busy building bookshelves for the many books she loved to collect. Marty was more than happy to build her as many bookshelves as she needed—or wanted.
With Hannah, some of their special moments came through hunting and the lessons Marty taught her about firearms and shooting. He taught her the skills and let her practice, never knowing just how meaningful those lessons would become. Those moments came full circle when Hannah chose to join the Army. She carried the guidance and lessons her dad had given her into her training. In return, Hannah loved being able to talk with Marty about everything the Army taught her about shooting. Their conversations became another special bond between a father and daughter who shared something uniquely their own.
Marty always liked to stay busy. When he wasn’t helping someone, working around the house, or spending time with his family, he could often be found doing something with his hands. Woodworking, building, repairing, and fixing things were some of the ways Marty expressed his creativity and natural ability. There seemed to be very little he couldn’t figure out how to build or repair. Whether he was working on a project for his family, making something useful, or simply taking on a challenge, Marty found satisfaction in making things better.
He also enjoyed fishing and hunting, taking time to be outdoors and enjoy the things he loved. And when he was ready to slow down, Marty enjoyed watching westerns on television, although those around him knew that more often than not, he would eventually fall asleep somewhere in the middle of one.
Marty’s ability to fix things was not limited to his own home. He brought that same talent and dedication to Buena Vista Farms, where he served as a Sod Farm Manager. He was a part of the company for 30 years, and the farm became a huge part of who Marty was. At Buena Vista Farms, Marty was known as their own “Mr. Fix-It.” He had an incredible ability to identify problems before anyone else even knew there was one. His knowledge seemed unlimited, and his willingness to do whatever needed to be done made him an invaluable part of the operation. For his company, Marty was everything the farm needed him to be—order taker, manager, harvester, truck driver, mechanic, and whatever else the day required. If something needed to be fixed, moved, figured out, or simply handled, Marty was there. In addition to working at Buena Vista Farms, Marty also worked as a long-haul truck driver for a number of years.
Marty’s story may have reached its final page here on earth, but his memory will be forever cherished by the family and friends who knew and loved him. These simple moments are the ones his family will hold onto: the sound of his voice, his willingness to help, the things he fixed, the stories he shared, the laughter, and the quiet moments spent simply being together.
There is no doubt in the hearts of his loved ones that his dad, Charley Kaler, was waiting at Heaven’s doors for Marty. We can only imagine the joy of that reunion—the son welcomed home by the father he loved.
His loved ones find comfort in knowing that his Creator has welcomed him home with the words: “Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter into the joy of your Lord.”
Family and friends are warmly invited to gather together to celebrate the life of Marty Dean Kaler.
A visitation service will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at The Gordon Center, located at 305 N Second Ave. in Durant, Oklahoma.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at First Baptist Church in Durant, Oklahoma with Bro. Garry McNeill officiating. A graveside service will follow at 2 p.m. at Salem Fairview Cemetery in Henryetta, Oklahoma. Mike Selman, Steve Kaler, Brad Jones, Jason Mussett, Alfredo Ollivierre, and Lynn Kaler will serve as pallbearers.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Gordon Funeral Home, 221 N. Third Ave. in Durant.
Phone: (580) 916-9090