The Henryetta community is mourning the loss of one of its most cherished and dedicated members, Andy Bealko, who passed away on June 16, 2025. A lifelong public servant and proud resident, Bealko left an enduring impact on nearly every facet of civic life in Henryetta.
Born on March 26, 1947, Andy Bealko spent decades giving his time, energy and passion to making Henryetta a better place. He is survived by his loving wife, Pam, and five children, along with a host of other family members. Services are currently pending with Rogers Funeral Home.
As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from organizations, friends and residents both locally and across the state – remembering Bealko for his servant heart, steadfast commitment and joyful spirit.
One of Bealko’s most visible and long-standing roles was with the Henryetta Lions Club, where he was a proud member for over 30 years. “Andy’s dedication, kindness and service left a lasting mark on our club and community,” the Lions Club shared in a statement. “He truly lived the Lion motto, ‘We Serve.’ Thank you, Andy, for everything. You will be missed.”
Bealko also played an instrumental role in the Jim Shoulders Living Legends Rodeo, co-founding the Labor Day weekend tradition more than three decades ago. As a former plant manager at Anchor Glass, Bealko was key in bringing the company on board as a major sponsor for the first-ever rodeo.
In a heartfelt remembrance, a fellow rodeo committee member shared a memory from that first event: “Andy and I were standing against the fence looking west to the hill where everyone parks. We were talking about how we didn’t know how it’d go over, and then we looked up and saw people coming over the hill – we both had tears in our eyes.”
Since that day, Andy never missed a single performance. He was a steady presence behind the scenes – preparing the grounds, grilling burgers, hydrating the crew and doing whatever was needed with humility and heart. His loss is deeply felt by those who built the event alongside him. “When Roy Madden passed, it was a hard hit,” the committee wrote. “Now losing Andy makes the cut even deeper.”
His leadership also extended into the financial sector as a longtime Advisory Board Member of Patrons Bank. In a public statement, the bank called Bealko a “pillar of strength” and “trusted advisor,” adding, “His legacy and contributions will never be forgotten. We are forever grateful for Andy’s years of service and the friendship he shared with so many of us.”
In the business community, Stewart Martin Equipment also shared its grief at losing a beloved teammate and friend. “Andy was a part of the Stewart Martin Equipment family for years. He spent a lot of time at our Okmulgee store and was instrumental in helping us at the Tulsa Farm Show and other events,” the company posted. “He loved his family, livestock and all things orange – especially Kubotas and OSU. He will be deeply missed.”
Those who knew Andy personally often describe him with the same words: generous, loyal, kind and visionary.
In a social media post, another family friend offered a moving tribute: “We lost one of the best of the best today. Andy Bealko was one of those people who inspired you to look at the world around you and figure out how to make it better. He was one of the driving forces that grew my hometown from a ‘place’ to a true community. He was hilarious, fiercely determined and full of so much love and boy did he spread it everywhere he went.”
Bealko’s love for Henryetta and unwavering belief in the power of service were constants throughout his life. Whether through civic engagement, business mentorship, rodeo involvement, or his personal relationships, he gave freely of himself and asked for little in return.
As the community prepares to honor his life and legacy, his absence is already profoundly felt. But the example he set and the lives he touched will endure.
In the words of those who knew him best: Thank you, Andy. You served us well. You will never be forgotten.
