09/03/2026
-LAWMEN OF THE OSAGE-
George Wayman was born near Burbank, OK in 1923. He was destined to become a legendary lawman. He left school in his senior year to join the Army during World War 2. During his service, he received four battalion stars, a bronze star, an arrowhead and a good conduct ribbon. He came home to become a rancher and was called back to duty during the Korean Conflict in 1950 and returned home the next year with more commendations. In 1955, he was hired as a deputy sheriff and that quickly became his passion. He was promoted to undersheriff then appointed to sheriff of Osage County in 1965.
He was elected to the office the next year and ran eight more times, only drawing one opponent in all those years. During his final campaign in 1988, he was endorsed by 28 county attorneys, assistant attorneys and district attorneys. He’s the only sheriff born in Osage County, was the youngest one ever elected and served twice as long as any other sheriff. He worked hard to create an organization respected throughout the state with his simple philosophy that his office would treat others as they would like to be treated, with integrity, honesty, and respect. He didn’t just say it, he lived it.
He helped organize the Oklahoma Sheriffs Association in 1970 and they worked hard with other groups to channel their strength in numbers to work with the legislature to get a much needed retirement system put into place.
He had served on numerous committees and organizations, including being appointed by three governors to serve on the Oklahoma Crime Commission.
When he retired from law enforcement he became mayor of Fairfax for seven years and was very active in his church.
Wyman stated that being Sheriff never seemed like a job. It was just an honor and pleasure to serve the people of Osage County.” He was a man who believes in and exhibits the values of honor, family, country, and service to his very core.
