In Loving Memory of Charles Bumpas and Mynda Dilbeck

In Loving Memory of Charles Bumpas and Mynda Dilbeck

The community of Bryan County is mourning a heartbreaking loss after a tragic crash claimed two precious lives Thursday night outside Durant. What began as an ordinary evening along a familiar stretch of highway ended in sorrow for families, friends, and neighbors who are now left grieving the sudden passing of two beloved members of their community.

According to reports from KXll-TV the collision occurred just before 10 p.m. on US-70 between Durant and Blue. Oklahoma troopers said a vehicle driven by a 15-year-old from Durant was traveling westbound when it crossed left of center and struck an eastbound vehicle head-on. The impact was devastating.

The eastbound vehicle was driven by , 60,Charles Bumpas and Mynda Dilbeck riding as his passenger. Both were residents of Sawyer, Oklahoma. Both lost their lives in the collision.

Today, we pause not to focus solely on the tragedy of how they passed, but to honor who they were and the lives they lived.

Charles Bumpas was a man who had seen six decades of life — years filled with experiences, lessons, laughter, and relationships. At 60, he had built a life rooted in family, friendship, and community. Whether as a father, grandfather, brother, neighbor, or friend, Charles undoubtedly left fingerprints on the hearts of many. Those who knew him likely remember his steady presence, his wisdom shaped by time, and the quiet ways he showed up for those he loved.

Mynda Dilbeck, 61, was a woman whose life carried the beauty of resilience and grace. She had walked through seasons of joy and challenge, building memories and connections along the way. Friends and family will remember her warmth, her kindness, and the light she brought into everyday moments. She was someone who mattered deeply — someone whose absence now creates an emptiness that words cannot fully describe.

Together, Charles and Mynda were traveling a familiar road — a simple drive that no one could have known would be their last. Their journey ended far too soon, but the love they gave and the lives they touched will continue to echo in the hearts of those who knew them.

The teen driver of the other vehicle was also injured in the crash. In moments like these, the weight of tragedy extends beyond a single loss. A young life is now forever changed, carrying physical and emotional wounds that will take time to heal. This heartbreaking incident reminds us how fragile life can be and how quickly circumstances can shift.

Highways connect towns and families. They carry people home. Yet they also demand vigilance and care. As Bryan County grieves, there is a renewed awareness of how precious each journey truly is.

For the families of Charles Bumpas and Mynda Dilbeck, the days ahead will be filled with unimaginable sorrow. Birthdays, holidays, and ordinary afternoons will now carry the quiet ache of remembrance. But even in grief, there will be stories — stories of laughter shared, kindness offered, and memories made. Those stories will keep their spirits alive.

We honor Charles for the strength and stability he represented.

We honor Mynda for the compassion and warmth she carried.

We honor their lives not by the tragedy of their passing, but by the love they gave while they were here.

May their memories be a blessing.

May their families find comfort in one another.

And may Bryan County hold them close in collective remembrance as they rest in eternal peace.