It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Brandon Michael "Strider" Harwell of Fort Gibson, OK — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
These few paragraphs cannot hold a life, but they may carry a memory.
Quiet kindness echoes longest.
Brandon Michael Harwell, 32, of Tahlequah, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 3rd, 2026, after suffering a heart attack.
Brandon was born on July 25th, 1993, to Scott and Annette Harwell in Jacksonville, North Carolina.
Brandon was known for his adventurous style in the kitchen. He was always eager to try new recipes and flavors. Whether it was planned or a spontaneous creation, Brandon seemed to make the best of what he had. He would always share his creation with his roommate Eric Edwards who was a brother to him. He would also send pictures of his creativity to his mom and dad.
Brandon's love for video gaming stretched far beyond his own room. It was something that stretched across the ocean to Great Britain. Through every match, quest, and late-night session, he found himself sharing experiences with people of different backgrounds and cultures united by the same gaming passion. They weren't just playing games, they were building friendships, becoming a part of a global community.
For Brandon gaming and cooking was not just a hobby, but a bridge that united people from all walks of life.
Brandon was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Ken and Jan Harwell of Salem, AL. Maternal Grandfather's Rocky Mitchell (Phenix City, AL) and Rob Allen (VA), Uncle Chris Allen (Indianapolis IN), Uncle Rob Wilson (Columbus, GA)
Brandon is survived by his father, Scott Harwell, and stepmother, Izoe Harwell, of Honolulu; his mother, Annette Underwood and stepfather, Matt Underwood, of Okay, OK, and 'Other Mother', Stephanie Arambula of Piedmont, OK; his stepbrother, Daniel Rivera and wife, Angela; and his stepsister, Victoria Garcia and husband, Manaure.
Brandon is further survived by his maternal grandmothers, Glenda Allen of Greenwood, IN and Jan Allen of Okay, OK. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles, Kenneth Harwell Jr. and wife, Angela, Steve Harwell and wife, Sherry, Cathy Adkison and husband, David, Theresa Grubbs and husband, David, Angie Gipson and husband, Jim, of Phenix City, Alabama, Jessica Brewer and husband, Corey of Smith Station, and Sarah Burdett and husband, Jesse, of Savannah, Georgia, Patrick Allen of Camby and Kurtis Allen of Brazil.
His cousins: Chris Gill, Matthew Harwell, Samantha Cato, Katelyn Shoaf, RJ Liller, Joshua Harwell and Kylie Bath; his nephew, Lorenzo Garcia; his nieces, Cataleya and Leilani Garcia; along with many others.
A visitation will be held Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home in Fort Gibson with family receiving friends from 5PM - 7PM.
Brandon's life will be celebrated 1 pm, Thursday, May 7, 2026, at United Church in Wagoner with Pastor Micah Wisdom officiating. Committal prayers and interment will follow at Three Rivers Cemetery in Okay with Chris Jacob, Mike Wiedel, Theresa Grubbs, Steve Harwell, Katelyn Shoaf, and Patrick Allen serving as casket bearers.
Eric Edwards will serve as an honorary casket bearer.
The family of Brandon Michael Harwell has entrusted his care, service, and burial to Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home, Fort Gibson. 918-478-2555.
Online condolences may be left for the Harwell family at clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com
Brandon's service will be live streamed using this link.
https://www.youtube.com/@wagonerunited
