Jay C. Dearman (Papa Jay), 74, of Sapulpa, went Home to Jesus on March 1, 2026 at his home surrounded by family and friends. 

Jay was born on January 25, 1952, to Leslie and Marie Dearman.

He attended Sand Springs Schools, then worked for Spears Wrecker Company. After that he worked for Sheffield Steel in Sand Springs for 20 years.

After retiring on disability, he became a bus driver for Sand Springs Schools, then Sapulpa Public Schools, where he worked for 14 years. He was dearly loved by the students he transported and his co-workers. He was known for his orneriness and ridiculous sense of humor. He had the ability to make those around him laugh no matter what kind of day they were having. 

ln the past few years at Sapulpa Schools, Jay drove a bus for special education students whom he loved dearly. Those students affectionately called him "Papa Jay". 

He met the love of his life, Beverly G. Clark in January of 1991 and finally convinced her to marry him on March 8, 1999. 

Jay enjoyed spending time with his bride Beverly, his children and grandchildren and his best friend and brother Darrel Dearman and attending Assurance Church in Mounds. He also enjoyed watching old westerns, hunting, fishing and eating all the candy he could get his hands on. 

Jay loved Jesus with all his heart and was a worshipper of his King and a fisher of men, even in his darkest days. One day while leaving the hospital, he took the opportunity to lead a total stranger to Christ. That man was a recent heart transplant patient, an immigrant from Siberia who had never heard of this God Man named Jesus. With tears streaming down his face, he gave his life to Jesus that day. 

Jay is preceded in death by his parents Leslie and Marie Dearman; brother RC Dearman; sisters Norma Dean Dearman, Margarat Faulkner, lva Lou Norris-Ziegfried, Rhonda Hernandez, Phyllis Hunt, Wanda Lee Gaines, Grace Osburn and Ruby Gaines. 

Jay is survived by his wife of 27 years, Beverly Dearman; brother Darrell Dearman; children Jayson Dearman, Anna Muskrat and husband Matt, Samantha Kaser and husband John, Shawna Keizor and husband Tracy; grandchildren Jayson, Wyatt, Sierra, Naveah, Easton, Rylan, Cody, Jake, Gracie, Ella and Eli; great grandchildren Miller, Huttson, and a host of relatives and friends. 

The greatest gift Papa Jay ever gave his family was the reassurance of his Salvation.

John 11:26 

He who believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?

Jay's Homecoming Celebration will be held on Sunday at 3:00 pm on March 22nd, 2026, at Assurance Church, 6570 W 176th St S, Mounds, OK., 74047.

Following Jay's Homecoming Service, please join us in the Fellowship Hall for Papa Jay's favorite Braum's ice cream.

 Arrangements are under the direction of Traditions Funeral and Cremation Services, 35 S Main, Kellyville, OK 74039.