Hollis Munson, of Wade, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at home on April 13, 2025, at the age of 83. He was born on January 6, 1942, in Artesia, New Mexico, to Cecil Henry and Catherine Sadie (Anderson) Munson. On May 31, 1963, he married the love of his life, Linda Sue Bell, in Artesia.
Hollis lived the first 51 years of his life in the southern mountains of New Mexico, in the close-knit community of Weed. There, he and Linda raised their three children. He graduated from Weed High School, as did all three of his children, and his first grandchild began school there before the school closed in 1990.
A rancher, logger, and sawmiller by trade, Hollis lived a life defined by grit, dedication, and quiet strength. His deep passion for cattle and horses shaped his way of life. It was often said that Hollis wasn’t just a cowboy—he was a cow man. He measured his wealth not in material things but in the health of his livestock and the love of his family. Fishing offered him rare moments of rest and reflection from the demands of the day.
Hollis’s life was a testament to honesty, integrity, and the enduring value of hard work. He leaves behind a legacy of strength and love that will be carried forward by those who knew him best.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Linda Sue (Bell) Munson of Wade; his daughters, Starlyn Munson and Marcelle Munson-Woolsey and her husband Chance Woolsey; his son, Trustin Munson and wife Deidra; fifteen grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; his sister, Joyce James; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Sadie Munson; and his siblings, Grubs Munson, Carrie Godley, and Betty Clark.
A Family Hour will be held Tuesday, April 15, 2025, from 6-7 p.m. at Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home. Funeral services will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Victory Life Church Durant, officiated by Landon Jestis and Landon Heinen. Hollis will be laid to rest at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 19, 2025, in Avis Cemetery in Avis, New Mexico, where his lifelong friend Terry Lewis will officiate the graveside service.
Pallbearers in Durant are Clayton Davis, JoDan Davis, Lane Davis, Clancy Davis, Chance Woolsey, and Alec Fuller. Serving in Avis as pallbearers are Aaron Steward, Kelly Munson, Justin Munson, and Cody Munson. Honorary pallbearers include Alton Munson, Jeff Bell, Joel Bell, and Spike Goss.
Services are under the care of Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home.
