Aaron Dale McFarland

Aaron Dale McFarland of Pryor, OK passed away on May 15, 2026 at the age of 54, after a valiant eighteen-day fight to recover from a hemorrhagic stroke.

Aaron was born on May 5, 1972 to Dale and Raydeen (Sandusky) McFarland in Pryor, OK, the second of five children, first son. Aaron developed a love of soccer as a child, encouraged by his father, who coached his little league teams, and became a star soccer player for Pryor High School until his graduation in 1990. He continued playing soccer in adult leagues, often with siblings into his mid-30s.

On November 20, 2004 Aaron married Kristen Renee Riley, becoming a devoted and loving dad to her son, JJ Nicholas, without hesitation. The couple spent seventeen years loving each other as husband and wife and the last five years enjoying each other’s company and companionship as friends while coparenting their children Ainsli RayAnn Danee, 20, Ianthe Opal Montana, 14, and Eledie Jolene Beth, 12, and eagerly planning the arrival of their first grandbaby, a boy to be named Aspen, in September of 2026.

Aaron carried on the family business as a 4thgeneration mason starting in his early teens by learning the trade from his dad, working with his dad and brothers in early adulthood, before running his own residential contracts and working on commercial building contracts with the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworks. His talents will be displayed on homes across Mayes County for decades to come. He was most proud of the work he did with the union, always thankful for the opportunity to have his expertise displayed on such structures as the retaining walls of St. Francis hospital, University of Oklahoma’s Schusterman Center, OK Kids Korral, and Tishmingo Event Center. His exceptional skill was formally acknowledged when he was given the honor of building the base for “The Roughnecks” statue by Jay D’Neilia at the University of Tulsa. He, with one other mason in the IBAC, was personally selected to lay the intricate design meant to mimic the natural formation of the earth’s core. After issues with his back prevented him from continuing masonry, he enrolled in courses to become a home inspector. He recently completed the first stage of required testing for this new career. While studying, he worked as a caregiver for people with developmental disabilities and most recently enjoyed helping people as an Uber driver.

Aaron enjoyed being outdoors, especially hiking, camping, kayaking or canoeing. He was always ready for a family vacation, especially when all his siblings were able to go together. He cherished the time spent with them at family gatherings, almost as much as he enjoyed his mother’s cooking. He loved studying God’s word and listening to various preachers, eager to share what he had learned with every person who crossed his path.

Aaron’s belief in God and walk with Jesus—inspired and nurtured by his mother and maternal grandparents—was always front and center; the most important thing he taught his children, and something they will pass on to future generations. Though Aaron possessed many positive traits, his compassion, determination, and creativity were his most notable. He faced many challenges and struggles in life, but he pushed forward with a determination and resilience not seen in most that will continue to bless the world through his oldest daughter Ainsli. He was always eager to listen to another’s struggles and offer whatever help he possibly could, a legacy his middle daughter Ianthe carries, improving the world around her just like her dad. His creativity, not only in his career as mason, but also in his many projects and his approach to solving problems will continue to bring joy and brighten dark days for all through his youngest Eledie.

Aaron’s life will be celebrated and live on through Kristen, Ainsli and fiancé, Aubrey Warren, Ianthe, and Eledie as well as his mother, Raydeen McFarland of Pryor; sisters: Cindy Tubbs and husband Eric of Muskogee, Lisa Sills and husband Mike of Pryor; brothers: David McFarland and wife Linda of Pryor, Paul McFarland and wife Melissa of Inola; parents-in-law Jeff and Patti Curtsinger; beloved aunt Mary Beth Stamps, other aunts and uncles, numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.

Aaron was escorted through the pearly gates into his Savior’s arms by his son JJ Nicholas, father Dale McFarland, maternal grandparents Ray and Effie Sandusky, paternal grandparents Claude and Violet McFarland, and sister-in-law Ashley Burgess.

Services will be Friday, May 22, 2026 at 2pm at North Elliott Church of God