Edmond Slyman, known as “Tex” by many, and as the owner of Sapulpa staple Freddie’s BBQ and Steakhouse on New Sapulpa Road, passed away on Monday, July 25th after a long illness.
Tex is fondly remembered for his involvement in the community and consistent support many organizations, including the Sapulpa Chamber of Commerce, which has held most of its meetings at the Freddie’s Event Center.
Janet Birnie, President at the Sapulpa Chamber, said that Slyman was a man who believed in second chances. “He would always weigh out your positive qualities against your bad,” she said. “He helped a lot of people, who weren’t in a good space because he believed in them.”
Freddie’s, the restaurant that Slyman helped become a Sapulpa mainstay, is turning 60 this year.
The steakhouse got its start when Tex’s uncle Fred Joseph began making BBQ in the back room of a grocery story in Drumright. Eventually, demand became so great that Joseph closed the grocery store and remodeled it into a restaurant in 1962.
Tex bought the business in 1971 when his uncle retired, and when a devastating fire burned it in 1978, he moved the restaurant to New Sapulpa Road between Sapulpa and Town West, hoping to capture more Tulsans and travelers on Route 66.
The move worked, and Freddie’s has been flourishing ever since. Presently, the restaurant is being operated by Slyman’s family. Read more about his life in the obituary below. Service information is included.
Edmond Abdo Slyman, the youngest of six, was born June 5, 1943 to David and Nellie (Joseph) Slyman in Bristow, Oklahoma. He departed this life on July 25, 2022 at the age of 79 years.
Ed, though most knew him as “Tex”, was a 1961 graduate of Bristow High School. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree from the Central State College in Edmond, Oklahoma. On September 5, 1964, Tex Slyman and Sherian Wieberdink were united in marriage in Bristow, Oklahoma. To this union were born two children, Darin and Dava.
Tex began his teaching and coaching career in 1966 with the opening of Bird Junior High in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In 1972, He and Sherian were approached by His uncle Freddie about the purchase of his restaurant. After careful consideration, Tex left his teaching career stepping into the world of restaurant ownership and as they say, “the rest is history”. His passion for the industry continually grew and so did the Freddie’s name. Of course, he would be the first to tell you it wouldn’t have happened without the support of his family and relationships built with those in and around the community all while knowing nothing came without hard work.
Being a lifelong parishioner of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bristow fostered in Tex a servant’s heart that fueled his ambition and drive. He served the city of Bristow well many years as a councilman, co-founder of the tabouleh festival, he supported the City of Sapulpa on the chamber of commerce, he served a term as President of the Oklahoma Restaurant Association then stepped into a role on the board of directors. His life was full, it was busy and sometimes overwhelming but, He always had time for his family and those around him. Tex greeted you with a smile, a heart full of love and a genuine interest in your well-being.
Tex is survived by his wife, Sherian Slyman of the Bristow home; two children, Darin Slyman of St. Louis, Missouri and Dava Alcorn and husband Bruce of Tulsa, Oklahoma; two grandchildren, Kady Alcorn and Kyle Alcorn, both of Tulsa, Oklahoma; one brother, Foad Slyman and one sister, Rosanne Miller, both of Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, David Slyman and George Slyman and one sister, Mary Madelon Slyman.
A Rosary service was held at 7:00 pm, Sunday, July 31, 2022 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bristow. The Memorial Mass was at 10:00 am, Monday, August 1, 2022 at St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church in Tulsa.
