Pawnee Chief, Pawnee Co., OK 1993 - 2002

by Rita Buford [email protected]
With Permission From D. Jo Ferguson, Publisher Of Pawnee Chief

January 10, 1996

Pawnee Has 8 New First Responders For Local Ambulance Service
The emergency medical response capabilities increased recently with the completetion of a state approved First Responder course by 8 local and area citizens.
Completing the 48-hour course, taught by Pawnee Ambulance Service in-house instructor Don SPEICHER and members of the ambulance service, are: Calvin RILEY, George HORN, Billy BANTA, Bobby BARNES and Derrick MCINTURF, Pawnee; Joe VANCE, Brenda VANCE and Debbie WATERS, Skedee.
First Responders are certified by the Oklahoma State Department of Health, EMS Division, to provide basic emergency medical care in both trauma and medical emergencies. The First Responders from Pawnee are permitted to drive the city's ambulance and to provide patient care in the back of the ambulance, if they are working with a licensed EMT.
All First Responders are capable of providing basic emergency medical care prior to the arrival of the ambulance and it is estimated that the First Responders from Skedee will be called to respond to emergencies in that area while the ambulance is enroute, according to Bill RILEY, Director of the Pawnee Ambulance Service.
Ambulance Crew (Photo) Members of the Pawnee Ambulance Service crews posed for this photo recently. They include from the left: Bill RILEY, Bobby HORN, Don SPEICHER, James BRITT, Calvin RILEY, James NOVOTNY, Sheryn ROBINETT, Bobby BARNES, Derrick MCINTURF, and Thelma RODGERS. Not present for the photo were Eugenia FULTON and Clifford KARRAKER.

November 5, 1997

Marriages: Richard Allen SHELLEY, 32, and Susan Alice WEAVER, both of Maramec.
Neal Edward BEATTIE, 69, Hominy; and Irene Lucinda CAUFFER, 72, Pawhuska.

Divorces: Ladonna M. HUFFT vs. Marshall Leon ROBINSON, Jr.
Bobby Joe DELL vs. Shelly M. DELL

Captain Gary VANCE Retires After Flying 28 Years for Delta Airlines
They say "home is where the heart is" and Gary VANCE, Sr. is back home, where his heart is, after flying commercial airliners across the country for the past 28 years.
He retired on Friday, October 31, after flying for Delta Airlines since January of 1970, and is back in Pawnee with his grandchildren and paint horses and many friends.
Gary, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Dick Vance, was reared in Pawnee and graduated from Pawnee High School in 1959, then graduated from OSU in 1964. He entered the Army Air Force in 1966 serving in Viet Nam that year, also in 1967 and again in 1969.
He completed his Air Force service, where he flew different aircraft, in November of 1969 and went to work for Delta in 1970. His first assignment was out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida (with a Pawneean Delta pilot, John RIEMER) for the next 7 years.
For the past 20 ears he has flown out of the Dallas-Fort Worth airport for Delta and into every state, except Delaware, including Alaska plus Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, Irlenad, Frankfort, etc. for a total of over 20,000 hours.
His last plane to fly as the captain was the Lockheed Tri-Star L1011 which carries 302 passengers and 11 crew members. His last flight into Dallas-FortWorth drew tribute from the fire department at the airport with a "wetting down." There was a reception where he was given an autographed photo of the plane he flew and then there was a dinner for about 30 Delta pilots and their wives and a letter of recognition was read by the chief of the pilots.
Capt. Gary came home to his 2 sons, Gary Wayne, Jr., Pawnee and Greg, Stillwater, 2 granddaughters, 2 grandsons and a bunch of beautiful paint horses, many of which are prize winners.
He built a giant-sized indoor arena with attached stables on his place south of town and will be spending some time there. The house he lives in was once owned by his parents, and he built the cabinets while in high school. He bought the place a few years ago
He said that he heard when you retire that every day is Saturday but knowing the gentlemen, he will continue to stay busy at what he loves - playing with the grandkids and the spotted ponies. -djo, editor

LOVAN
Andrew Richard LOVAN, Jr., 52, passed away on Friday, October 31, at the Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma City and funeral services will be held in Stillwater this afternoon.
He was born on June 21, 1945, in Boley, Oklahoma to LeBertha MASON and Andrew Richard LOVAN, Sr. He graduated from Boley High School and from the Okmulgee VoTech school of printing. He came to work at the Pawnee Chief in the 1960's and lived in Pawnee until about 1970, when he moved to the Stillwater area and continued in his profession as a printer at Moore Business Forms.
Richard married Linda Shinault DARNELL in Stillwater in 1968 and they continued to live in Pawnee, then in Perkins for a while, before moving to Stillwater where he has lived for several years.
He was able to continue to work for some time because of kidney transplants. Richard was a member of the Abyssinia Church in Stillwater and the Pride of Stillwater Lodge No. 238.
Surviving is his mother of Kansas City, Kansas; plus a son and 2 daughters. Also surving are 11 grandchildren and other relatives. His grandparents, who helped raise him, preceded him in death. His father also preceded him in passing.
The Rev. Clarence Shinault, Jr., will officiate at the 2 p.m. funeral service today, Wednesday, November 5, at the Abyssinia Church, followed by burial in Stillwater's Fairlawn Cemetery. Dinner will be served at the church following the interment.
The Stode Funeral Home, Stillwater, is in charge of arrangements.

REED
Lawrence G. REED, 78, native of Pawnee and resident of Bartlesville for many years, passed away on Wednesday morning, October 29, 1997, at a Tulsa hospital, and services were held Friday.
Born in Pawnee on January 5, 1919 to John Jacob REED and Clara REED, he attended the Pawnee schools and helped build the Osage Hills State Park while serving in the CCC Camp, then he served in the U.S. Army during WWII. Following his discharge, he begain his 40 year career with Reda Pump in 1945. He and Ruth Maxine HARRELL were married on December 14, 1955 at Carlyle, Illinois. Mr. Reed transferred to Bartlesville in 1972. He retired from the Electrical Department of Reda Pump (TRW) in 1985 and they have continued to live in Bartlesville.
He was a member of the VFW, the Odd Fellows, the Rebecca Lodge of Illinois and the Baptist Temple. Surviving is his wife, 3 sons, 2 daughters, 15 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Also surving is a sister and 3 brothers.
He was preceded in death by an infant son; his first wife, Elizabeth QUERY, his parents, a brother Roy - killed in Europe during WWII; plus brothers: Cecil, Guy, Harley and sisters: Mae, Fay, Isa and Dorothy.
Graveside committal rites and prayer services for Mr. Reed were held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, October 30, 1997, on the family plot of the Baptist Temple with the Rev. Daniel Tidwell, pastor of the Baptist Temple, officiating. Services were under direction of the Neekamp Funeral Home of Bartlesville.

WILLIS
Archie Floyd WILLIS, Jr., 44 passed away at Lincoln, Nebraska on Sunday, November 2, 1997, and funeral services will be held here Saturday.
He was born in Pawnee on August 30, 1953 to Archie Floyd Willis, Sr. and Rachel (SYMS) Willis and grew up and attended schools in Pawnee.
He is survived by his mother, 3 sisters and 5 brothers. He was preceded in death by his father, 2 grandmothers and 2 grandfathers. The Rev. Lester Lee Sims, Tulsa, will officiate at the 2 p.m. funeral service on Saturday, November 8, 1997 followed by burial in Pawnee's Highland Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by the Poteet Funeral Home of Pawnee. (Photo)

MCNEELY
Elbert Archie McNeeley, 75, passed away in Tulsa on Tuesday, November 4, 1997, and funeral services will he held here Friday.
Born at Ardmore, Oklahoma on October 18, 1922 to Elbert Tipton McNeely and Nelda Ada (ELLEDGE) McNeely, he served in the Merchant Marines during WWII, and was a member of the Pawnee VFW. He worked for Halliburton Oilfield Services as plant foreman for several years.
He married Betty REEVES at Pawnee in 1985 and they moved to Pawnee from Fairfax that year. Survivors include his wife and 8 children, 19 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, a sister and a brother.
Rev. George Weston will officiate at the 10:00 a.m. funeral service on Friday, November 7, 1997 at the Poteet Funeral Chapel. Interment will follow at the Province Cemetery, Ardmore. Arrangements are being handled by the Poteet Funeral Home of Pawnee.

RICE - Thank You
We would like to express our thanks for the prayers, flowers, and all the concern during the time of our loved one's illness. A special thanks to the Masham Baptist Church and community for the food prepared and served to us. A thank you to Barbara RICE for the beautiful song and to the two grandsons for their song and music. To Poteets and staff for the professional and caring service. May God Bless each of you. The Ervin Rice Family.

DENNIS Named to Academic All-Big 12 Cross Country Team
Oklahoma State University sophmore Karla DENNIS recently received another honor when she was 1 of 8 OSU runners named to the Academic All-Big 12 Conference cross country team.
Karla, a biology major, carries a 4.0 gpa. She is the daughter of Robert and Betty Nell Dennis.

Blackburn News - By Cathy Owen

MCCALIP
My mother, Norma MCCALIP had her surgery last Thursday and is doing great. I want to take this time to thank everyone for their calls and prayers, what would life be without caring friends and prayers. Mome will be moved from ICU into a regular room on Monday.

There will be a baby shower for Gary and Cassie FISHER on November 11th at 7:00 at the Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.

Black News - By Reba Elston

The community was saddened to hear of the death of Archie Floyd WILLIS, son of Mrs. Rachel WILLIS and of Richard LOVAN of Stillwater. He was a former employee of the Pawnee Chief. Sympathy is extended to both families.

Reba Elston visited in Ponca City Saturday with her sons, Bill and Larry. Saturday was Larry's birthday.

Mr. and Mrs. Raymond HAWKINS Will Celebrate 50th Anniversary
The children of Raymond and Thelma HAWKINS are hosting an Open House, Saturday, November 8, 1997 in honor of their parents' 50th wedding anniversary.
Raymond Hawkins and Thelma HOWARD were both raised in Pawnee and were married October 10, 1947 by the late Rev. Ernest Hitt. After being away for many years, they returned to make their home in Pawnee in 1996.
Friends and neighbors are invited to share in this special event from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the couple's home, 614 Boulder Street. The couple request no gifts please. (Photos)

November 12, 1997

Marriages - None -

Divorces: Freda Carol BUNDE vs. Gerald Thomas BUNDE, Jr.
Lonny Darrel COPELAND vs. Amanda Jo COPELAND.

Letter To The Editor - From Gary VANCE
Dear D. Jo: Thanks for the very nice article about my career and recent retirement. It is a pleasure to be back in Pawnee full time. My career with the airlines was interesting and an education in itself.
When I think back, there were several people whom I've always felt had an influence or helped me along the way when I was in school. Charlie Cox was C.O. of the National Guard when I joined and Les Crocker was the First Sergeant and also hired me during my summers home from college. Bob Berry helped me when I really needed it and Gail Edwards was special. Rosa Lee and Charles Conarro were always there, also.
But, probably the wind beneath my wings was my wife, Gaye. She took care of the home when I was gone to Viet Nam for 2 years and away flying 150 days each year.
We look forward to enjoying my retirement in Pawnee with friends and family. Thanks again, Gary Vance

SHARP
James Elmer SHARP, 69, Medford, passed away Friday evening, November 7, 1997, after a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services were held in Medford on Monday, November 10, 1997.
He was born on July 11, 1928 in Pawnee, to James Leonard Sharp and Bessie Victoria (RICHARDSON) Sharp, one of 16 children, and attended schools in Pawnee.
Jim moved to Blackwell and on August 5, 1961, he married Nancy Sue LEIBLIE there. They established a home in Medford the next year, 1962, and have remained there where he was a butcher for Warren's IGA, then worked for Koch Hydrocarbon Plant until he retired in 1989, after 17 years with them.
He was babtized into the Lutheran faith as a young man. He enjoyed being outdoors, gardening, hunting, fishing and camping. He played the guitar and sang most of his adult life and his family was foremost to him.
Surviving is his wife, a son and 3 daughters, 11 grandchildren, 4 brothers and 5 sisters. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Stephen Randall Sharp, 3 brothers: Leonard, Jr., Donald Eugene and Glen Rex Sharp and 3 sisters: Priscilla Rosella Sharp, Frances Juanita McLaughlin and Jerry Lou Baird.

Sharon DAVIS - Larry ADAMS Engagement Told
The wedding of L.C.P.L. Larry ADAMS and Sharon DAVIS will be an event of Saturday, November 15, 1997. The couple will exchange vows at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Maramec.
The prospective bridegroom is the son of Rev. and Mrs. Larry Adams of Maramec. He is stationed at Camp Pendleton, California. The bride-to-be is a college sophmore in Glendora, California.

WALKER Reunion Held Sunday
Jane Walker hosted the first Walker reunion Sunday at her business, the Ranchburger, in Pawnee. Enjoying lots of good food and fellowship were Janes's father, Harold Walker, Denis and Diana Walker, Michaeal and Dena, all of Pawnee; Ray and Marie Walker of Stillwater; Shonda and Charlie Bownman and Nicki of Nowata; Keneth and Donna Walker, Floyd and Barbara Walker of Skedee; Natasha and Kelsea Thomas of Blackburn; Sheila and Steve Echard of Edmond; Ron and Karen Walker and Kyle of Moore; and Tera and Rachele Walker of Sand Springs.

Joy MCCARTY - Skipp KISTLER Wed in Newkirk Ceremony
Wedding vows for Joy McCarty and Skipp Kistler were exchanged recently in a ceremony at the First United Methodist Church in Newkirk. The Rev. Troy Pults of Anardarko, and Dr. William Chase of Newkirk, officiated at the 6:30 double ring ceremony.
The bride is the daughter of Jack and Kay McCarty of Newkirk. Stan and Sue Kistler, of Ponca City, are parents of the groom. Grandparents of the groom are Mrs. Ruth Kistler, and Mr. and Mrs. Babe Fisher of Pawnee.
Music for the wedding was provided by organist Sue Lippert, and vocalists Marta Sullivan, Rebecca Christie and Phil Ross. Candlelighters were Laura Sullivan and Sarah Ross.
The bride was attired in a gown of ivory bridal satin featuring an A-line skirt and train embellished with lace and pearls. The fitted bodice of imported French lace and pearls featured a scooped neckline, short sleeves and an empire waist. The bride's elbow-length veil and blusher were secured by a pearl headband.
Kara McCarty served as maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Kit McCarty and Leigh Ane Simmons.
Best man was Jason Mohler. Groomsmen were Chris Kelly and Grady Lembke. Ushers were David Sullivan and Ryan Webber. Ginger Schultz attended the guest book. Following the ceremony, the bride's parents hosted a reception at the Ponca City Country Club.
The newlyweds have established a home in Stillwater, where the bride is a graduate student in counseling at Oklahoma State and the bridegroom is employed with Moore industries. (Photo)

Thank You
I would like to thank Dr. CLYMER, the nurses and aides for their care while I was a patient at the Pawnee Hospital. Ima HAGLE

1998 Pawnee Junior Miss is Magan Worden, daughter of Denni