copied with permission from
The Shawnee News-Star
215 N. Bell
Shawnee, OK 74801

submitted by Kay Sugg Best

published Dec. 16, 2005

Floyd W. Thomas

Denison, Texas, resident Floyd Wilburn Thomas, 91, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 14, at the Homestead of Denison surrounded by his loving family and pastor.
Mr. Thomas was born on Feb. 2, 1914, to John and Clara (Moxley) Thomas in Roger Mills County, Oklahoma.

Floyd loved the land and farmed cotton and wheat in West Texas. He then became a dairy farmer for 29 years in Oklahoma. He served for over 20 years on the Macomb school board. Floyd was always helping and thinking of others. He drove a Denison school bus for four years and delivered meals with Meals on Wheels.

Floyd was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Edith Estelle Thomas.

Survivors include his daughters, Jonell Weber of Denison, Texas, Joy Lynn Thomas-Cogburn of Durant and Floy Beth Stevens of Moore; sons, Kenneth Wayne Thomas of Chandler, Daniel Thomas of Oklahoma City and Floyd W. Thomas Jr. of Durant; 14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren; brother, John Wesley Thomas Jr. of Clarendon, Okla.; sisters, Opal Morris of Harrah and Leona Duley of Clarendon, Texas.

Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Faith Assembly of God with the Rev. Joyce Ames officiating. Burial will follow in Cedarlawn Memorial Park in Sherman, Texas. Family visitation will be 7 to 8 p.m. today at Fisher Funeral Home, Denison.

Arrangements are under the direction of Fisher Funeral Home, located at 604 West Main in Denison.

Ozie Parker

Romulus resident Ozie Parker, 81, died Wednesday, Dec. 14, in Romulus.
He was born June 6, 1924, in Perry, Ark., to Winston Parker. He was reared in Arkansas and had lived in Romulus for the past 28 years. Ozie served in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army during World War II.

In 1972 he married Betty Tracey McBride.

He bought and sold scrap metal and he enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Bonnie Parker; brother, Walter Clark; and two sisters, Ruth Owens and Esther Parker.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Parker of the home; five sons, Brad Parker and Ozie "Moge" Parker Jr, both of the home, Dan Parker of Pink, James Parker of the home and Randy McBride of Asher; five daughters, Amanda Parker of the home, Mary Hussfeldt of Blanchard, Sue Ladd of Oklahoma City, Debbie Farrel of Ada, and Melinda McBride of Oklahoma City; numerous grandchildlren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Service will be 10 a.m. today at Cooper Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Darrell Witten officiating. Burial will follow at Romulus Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.

Charles E. Buck

Edmond resident Charles E. Buck, 86, departed this life Tuesday, Dec. 13, to spend eternity with his heavenly Lord and Savior.
He was born June 21, 1919, to Milton Buck and Lenna Hawk in Hobart.

Buck spent his early years on the farm in and around Kiowa County. Upon his graduation from high school, he left the farm and found work in Oklahoma City.

On Dec. 24, 1941, he married Essie Wilson.

He worked at Tinker Air Force Base during the war years. He was responsible for rebuilding aircraft motors to support the war effort.

After the war ended, he went into business for himself in the automotive service trade. He had a reputation for being able to make auto engines run smooth and perform better than new.

His wife, Essie, urged him to think ahead to retirement and Charles entered government service with the Federal Aviation Administration. He worked for a number of years as a Electro Mechanical Engineering Techinician responsible for the safe and constant operation of air traffic control equipment that keeps Americans safe during flights.

Buck moved his family to southern California in 1963 to finish his career with the FAA. Prior to his retirement in 1968 he had received several sustained superior performance ratings for his diligence in performing his duties.

He and Essie retired to Meeker in 1979.

Buck leaves his sons, Donald and Kenny. His daughter, Janice, preceded him in death, as did his wife, Essie.

He was a longtime supporter and worker for the Gideon's organization. The worldwide spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ was near and dear to his heart. He performed as a tireless worker for the Gideon organization in both California and Oklahoma.

Any tributes to Buck would be best served by contacting the Shawnee camp of the Gideons.

Elden Smith

Lifelong Prague resident Elden "Cotton" Smith, 85, died Tuesday, Dec. 13, in Prague.
He was born June 14, 1920, to Noah Thomas and Viola Roberts Smith in Prague.

Cotton served as a marine in World War II in the Pacific arena, particularly Iwo Jima and Guadalcanal. He also served as an Army engineer in the Korean conflict. He was wounded during both tours of duty.

Preceded in death by his parents, six brothers, two sisters, grandson, son-in-law and his wife of 60 years, Dora Bernice Perry Smith.

Survivors include his two daughters and sons-in-laws, Viola and Don Brummett of Kingsport, Tenn., Mary Ann and Trois Ootton of Shawnee; three grandsons and spouses, Mike and Katrina Warden, Perry and Tammy Warden, Eric and Sharla Brummett; stepgranddaughter and husband, Cyndi and Luke Dalvine; six great-grandchildren, Kyle, Preston, Derrick, Hannah, Kaley and Dora; brother, Edell Smith of Prague; sister-in-law, Irma Smith of Prague; many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Arnold A. Cooperman

Dr. Arnold A. Cooperman died Wednesday, Dec. 14, at the age of 88.
He was born in the Bronx, N.Y., to Frank and Becky Cooperman.

Cooperman attended Evander Child High School in the Bronx. He was awarded an athletic scholarship in track to Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Mich. He lettered in track and field and won numerous athletic awards.

He received his bachelor's of science degree and went on to attend Kansas City College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery in Kansas City, Mo. He graduated in 1944. Cooperman interned at St. Joseph and Crown Heights Hospitals in New York.

Cooperman began his medical career in Blanchard. He moved his practice to Oklahoma City in 1957 and was one of the early staff physicians of Hillcrest Osteopathic Hospital.

He was the author of a manual on infection for small and medium hospitals which now resides in the Library of Congress.

Cooperman also was a post-adjunct assistant professor at the College of Health Sciences at The University of Oklahoma.

He was a lifetime member of both the Oklahoma Osteopathic and American Osteopathic Associations.

Cooperman moved his medical practice to Shawnee some years ago and remained practicing medicine until September 2005.

He also was a charter member of the Willow Creek Country Club, former member of the OU Touchdown Club and 50-year season ticket holder for Sooner football.

Cooperman was an avid stamp collector and his collections won numerous national and international awards.

Preceding him in death are his parents; brother, Morton; sister, Blanche; former wife, Anne.

Survivors include his wife, Jennie, of the home; daughter, Patty Cooperman; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Cyndi Cooperman; grandsons, Aaron and Colin Cooperman of Franklin, Tenn.; stepson and spouse, Jimmy and Brenda Icenogle of Bristow; stepdaughter and spouse, Martha Lee and Eldon Post of Phoenix, Ariz.; five stepgrandchildren; stepgreat-grandchild.

Graveside service will be 1 p.m. Monday at Resthaven Cemetery in Oklahoma City. Services are under the direction of Advantage Funeral Service-Branstetter Chapel in Oklahoma City.

published Dec. 17, 2005

Robert R. Barker

Dr. Robert R. Barker, 81, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 14, at Community Hospital in Grand Junction, Colo., after an extended illness of Parkinson's Disease and cancer.

He was born Nov. 29, 1924, in Denver, Colo. He was the youngest child of Harriet and Charles E. Barker. His father was in construction work. Since the family traveled extensively during his youth, he attended many schools. He graduated from high school in Fort Worth, Texas.

After serving as a medical corpsman in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he returned to Grand Junction. He attended Mesa State College and Colorado State University where he received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1952.

In 1953 he established Barker Pet Hospital in Shawnee, where he practiced small animal medicine until 1990 when he retired.

He is a life member of American Veterinary Medical Association and Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association. He also was a past member of Kickapoo Sam Good Sam RV Club, Shawnee Lions Club and Shawnee Diamond K.

When not giving loving care to his pet patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week, he enjoyed traveling and working in his workshop.

Preceding him in death are his parents, two sisters and four brothers.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Phyllis Bennett Barker; daughters, Maria N. Freytag of Miami Beach, Fla.; Marty Bruce of Jasper, Ga.; sister, Harriet Altmix of Centennial, Colo.; four grandchildren, James Norman, U.S. Navy, of Charleston, S.C., Michael, Charlie and Cari Bruce of Jasper, Ga.; numerous nieces and nephews.

Service will be 10 a.m. Monday at St. Ann Catholic Church, 535 W. 1st St. Palisade, Colo.

Memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado, P.O. Box 60307, Grand Junction, CO 81506.

Jeremy James John Bordwine

On Thursday, Dec. 15, God called Jeremy James John Bordwine home to be with him.

He was born Sept. 23, 1982, and lived most of his life in the Shawnee and Choctaw areas.

He is survived by his mother, Denise Bordwine of Shawnee; father and stepmother, James and Susan Bordwine of Roff; grandparents, Howard and Carolyn Bugg of Shawnee and James and Nancy Bordwine of Roff.

He is much loved and missed by his aunts, uncles, other family and friends.

Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Resthaven Funeral Home, Shawnee.

Charles Evert Cox

Lifelong Stroud resident Charles Evert Cox, 92, died Friday, Dec. 16, in Norman.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Stroud Cemetery with the Rev. Molencupp officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Stroud.

published Dec. 18, 2005

Blanche Gay Cochran

Norman resident Blanche Gay Cochran, 95, died Friday, Dec. 16, in Noble.
She was born Jan. 21, 1910, in Holdenville to James Newton Gay and Mary Word Gay.

Cochran graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University with a bachelor of science in education and from The University of Oklahoma with a masters in education.

She was a lifetime member of OBU and OU Alumni Associations. She also was a member of DAR, Daughters of 1812, Colonial Dames, Kappa Delta Pi, Eastern Star, OEA, NEA, Oklahoma Retired Teachers' Association and Study Department of Norman Sorosis Club.

Cochran taught school for 35 years at McLoud, Dale and Bartlesville. She spent the last 20 years at Tulsa.

Preceding her in death are her parents and husband, Joseph Cochran.

Survivors include one brother, J. Russell Gay of Princeton, Texas; two stepdaughters, Carol Lynn Hart of Oklahoma City and Christine Chouteau of Fort Gibson; nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Primrose Chapel with the Rev. Richard M. Gay officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Shawnee, under the direction of Primrose Funeral Home, Norman.

Memorials may be sent to First Baptist Church, 211 W. Comanche, Norman, OK 73069.

Jaymie Jo Ross

aymie Jo Ross, 40, of Shawnee passed away Friday, Dec. 16, at a local hospital.
Ross was born Dec. 28, 1964, in Oklahoma City to James Burcham and Loretta McCoy.

She attended school in Moore and Cashion and was employed by the city of McLoud.

On Oct. 22, 1993, she married Ron Ross.

Jaymie's dogs, Snickers, Shadow and Rex, were her children.

Survivors include her husband, Ron Ross; mother, Loretta McCoy; father, James Burcham and wife, Nancy; sisters, Donna Chappelear and husband, Charles, and Kathy Abston and husband, Eric; stepsisters, Lynette, Tami and Brandi; nephews, Michael and Matthew Chappelear; nieces, Natalie and Emalie Abston; grandmother, Helen Richardson; brothers-in-law, Tim Ross and Tyler Ross; sister-in-law, Kristi Hancock and children Ryan, Maelee and Danee Gail Hancock; and many friends, family, law enforcement friends and co-workers.

Services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Walker Funeral Service Chapel with the Rev. Larry Sparks officiating. Burial will be at Resthaven Memory Gardens, 700 S.W. 104th, Oklahoma City.

Walker Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Fred Trammel

Fred Trammel of Siloam Springs, Ark., passed away Friday, Dec. 16, at a Siloam Springs nursing home. Trammel formerly resided in Shawnee.
Trammel was born on Feb. 13, 1908, to Cleveland and Nellie (Axton) Trammel in New Harmony, Ind.

Trammel married Edith Leona Christy on Sept. 22, 1929.

He was a bricklayer in Shawnee for many years. He was a member of the Shawnee Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Trammel is preceded in death by his wife, Edith, in 1998, a daughter, Betty Jean Trammel, and his parents.

Survivors include two daughters, Carol Ann Crone and husband, Jim, of Gentry Ark., and Peggy Sue Wood and husband, Don, of Ardmore; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the Seventh Day Aventist Church. Pastor Stanley Buckmaster will officiate.

Burial will be arranged by Walker Funeral Service and will be held at New Hope Cemetery in Meeker.

Visitation with the family will be 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today Sunday at Walker Funeral Service.

published Dec. 20, 2005

Ruth C. McGavern

Shawnee resident Ruth Gwendolyn Clark McGavern died Thursday, December 15, at the home of Keith and Carol McGavern.
She was born April 2, 1913, in Syracuse, N.Y. to Howard and Irene Clark.

She attended and graduated from Syracuse Public Schools and graduated from Syracuse University in 1934.

She was married May 31, 1936 to Clair Rosmer McGavern. They moved to Murray, Ky., where she was a teacher of piano at Murray State College. She then moved to Shawnee in 1949 and continued teaching piano at Oklahoma Baptist University until 1978. From that time on she taught piano privately in the home until her death.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Muriel and Carol Clark and her husband Clair Rosmer.

Survivors include her two sons, Donald Frederick McGavern and wife, Maxine, of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and Keith Allen McGavern and wife, Carol Ann, of Shawnee; grandchildren, Christine Louise McGavern Huolt and husband, Donald Mark, of Calgary, Alberta, Canada and their daughter, Alexa Dawn; Ryan Donald McGavern of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Angela Renee Millstead and husband, John Bartley, of Kimberling City, Mo., Anthony Russell Bienemann and wife, Pamela, of Ames, Iowa; sister-in-law Margaret McGavern of Austin, Texas; brother-in-law Ralph McGavern and wife, Hanna, of Erie, Penn.; nephews, James McGavern and wife, Sheri, of Friendswood, William McGavern and wife, Betty, of Austin, Texas; Terry McGavern and wife, Anna, of Phoenix, Az.; nieces, Maureen McGavern of San Antonio, Texas, and Barbara Bean and husband, Joseph, of Erie, Penn..

Ruth lived as a child of God, loving our Father who art in Heaven and was the dearest of friends to all those who knew her and were around her.

Memorial service will be 10 a.m. today at Gaskill Funeral Chapel, 119 N Union Ave, Shawnee, Oklahoma.

The Family has requested memorials of a financial nature be given to the Clair & Ruth McGavern Memorial Scholarship, care of Warren M. Angell College of Fine Arts, Oklahoma Baptist University, P.O. Box 61276, Shawnee, OK 74804

Goldie Ellen Montgomery

Auburn, Calif., resident of 45 years, Goldie Ellen (Newton) Montgomery, 85, died Thursday, December 15, near Auburn.
She was born June 1, 1920, in Paden, to James Samuel and Nancy Melville (Johnson) Newton.

James Samuel Newton was born June 15, 1880 in Birdseye, Dubois Co., Indiana, and died May 23, 1968, in Shawnee. He married Nancy Melville Johnson December 22, 1907, in Micawber, Oklahoma. She was born October 2, 1886 in Berry Co., Mo., and died January 29, 1972 in Oklahoma City.

After marrying Arthur William Montgomery in Sacramento, Cali., March 8, 1958, Goldie retired from the Civil Air Command near Sacramento, where she had worked as a machinist, to devote full time to being a housewife and loving mother to four boys. In the summer of 1960, the family moved to the Auburn area.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, John David Newton and William Elliott Newton; her sister, Olive Lorene (Newton) Bogenreif, and her two stepsons, Randy and Mike Montgomery.

Survivors include her husband of 47 years, Art Montgomery; two sons Larry Don Watts and Nathan James Watts; brothers and sisters-in-law, Charles D. and Jimmie Newton of Bethel Acres, Norma Lee and Van L. Officer of Oklahoma City, Lynuel and Harriett Newton of Hot Springs, Ark.; nieces and nephews, Norris Lynn Newton, Aneta Sue Newton, Ronald E. Officer, Karen Davenport, Wreatha Lynn Joiner, Linda Charlene Dawson, Judy Carol Ramsey, Sharon Sue Moore, Cheryle Ann George, Nancy Mary Iven; seven grandchildren, Leigh, Lisa, Lora, Robert, Daren, Paige, and Shane; Velvet, the oldest of nine great-grandchildren whom she also raised, and many other relatives.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Oakdale Cemetery in Paden under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service of Prague.

Cecil Pensoneau

Shawnee resident Cecil Pensoneau, 84, died Sunday, Dec. 18, at a local nursing home.
Cecil was born Dec. 27, 1920, in Sacred Heart, Okla., to Vina Bell (Bruno) and Narcisse Pensoneau.

He attended public schools in Seminole, Westboro and Shawnee High School.

He was a mechanic and owned and operated a shop in Oklahoma City from 1964 to 1972. He then bought acreage in Shawnee and put in a salvage. Earlier he had worked at Lane-Wells for 13 years before going into the garage business for himself in Healdton.

On Feb. 1, 1941 he married Dorothy Cleo Crawford in Seminole. They celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary this year.

Cecil served in the European Theatre during World War II. He received four battle-star medals and top rifle shooting medals. He learned his mechanic skills repairing army equipment in Germany. He stood guard over General Patton's body when he was killed.

He was baptized into Christ in 1957 and a member of the Church of Christ for 45 years. He was a 25 year member of the Elks Lodge. Cecil loved nature, hunting, bowling, fishing & skiing but his favorite was golf. He played for 50 years, which included many tournaments. The most exciting one was in Oklahoma City where he played with Lee Majors in a celebrity tournament.

He was preceded in death by parents; daughter, Cecilia; and his half brother, Ed Pensoneau.

Survivors include his wife, Cleo Pensoneau of the home; three grandchildren and their families, Brent and Kim Wilson and their children Anna, Daniel and Nathaniel of Shawnee, Joe Allen Lewis of Shawnee, and Carrie and Chris Lewis of Arkansas and their children, Skeet and Sadie Leight; son-in-law, Joe Lewis of Ardmore; two sisters, Wanita Clifford and Neoma Baptiste of Shawnee; two half-sisters, Velma Jones of Ponca City, and Ernestine Green of McLoud; many sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and his church family.

Service will be 2 p.m today at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with Dwayne Thomas officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Edith Ava Bodner

Former Asher resident Edith Ava Bodner, 98, died Friday, Dec. 16, at Barry County Care Center in Cassville, Miss.
No services are planned. Burial will be Wednesday in Tecumseh Mission Cemetery, Tecumseh under the direction of Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home, Monett, Miss.

Memorials may be made to Alzheimer's research.

published Dec. 21, 2005

Merrion Clarkson

Shawnee resident Merrion Clarkson, 76, died Monday, Dec. 19, at Solara Hospital in Shawnee.
He was born April, 30, 1929, in Tahoka, Texas, to Walter Merrion Clarkson, Sr. and Minnie Stevenson Clarkson.

Merrion attended Levelland Schools in Levelland, Texas. He later started his career in the petroleum industry.

He was married Aug. 2, 1952, in Clovis, N.M., to Edna Copeland.

He had lived in Shawnee since 1989 moving here from Pryor. He and Edna also had lived in Enid and Cleveland. He was a member of Oakwood Christian Church in Enid and a member of the Levelland, Texas, Masonic Lodge #1236. He enjoyed woodworking and tinkering with his small scale replica of a Model T Ford he named "Liz"

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Lorene Spencer, Thelma Stuart and Viola Guetersloh.

Survivors include his wife, Edna Clarkson of the home; daughter and son-in-law, Renea and John Martin of Del City; son, Russ Clarkson of Shawnee; brother and sister-in-law, Glen and Hattie Clarkson of Denton, Texas; sisters and brother-in-law, Sue and Bill Prichard of Odessa, Texas, and Lou Henson Willie of Lodi, Calif.; two grandchildren, Melissa Martin and Michael Martin.

Service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Gaskill Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Clint Dawkins officiating. Burial will be at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Gaskill Funeral Home.

Ama C. "Pete" Reavis

Shawnee resident Ama C. "Pete" Reavis, 90, died Tuesday, Dec. 20, at a local nursing home.
She was born Oct. 13, 1915, in Bromide, Okla., to Clyde A. and Marjory (Chapman) Gibson.

She was married Jan. 21, 1932, in Seminole to G.T. Reavis. He preceded her in death Jan. 5, 1998.

Reavis worked in sales at Davis and Case Lumber Co. and then for Bison Lumber Co. She also had worked for a short time in the California ship yards during World War II. She was a member of Temple Baptist Church.

She also was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Georgia West Adams.

Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at the Chapel of Walker Funeral Service with the Rev. Mike Craig and assisted by the Rev. Randy Moore officiating. Burial will be at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Memorials may be made to the Temple Baptist Church Building fund.

Oscar Ray Burchette

Lifelong Meeker resident Oscar Ray Burchette, 72, departed this life Tuesday, Dec. 20, in Shawnee.
He was born Nov. 17, 1933, in Rossville, Okla., to Oscar and Mary Ellen (Wilkins) Burchette.

Ray was married Oct. 8, 1953, to Jerrie Marie Nuckols.

He worked at Macklanburg Duncan for 12 years and owned and operated two different grocery stores and spent many years dealing with metals and selling pickups and tractors.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, three brothers and two sisters.

Survivors include his wife, Jerri Burchette of the home; two sons, Ronnie Burchette of Blanchard and Rusty Burchette of Meeker; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Max and Della Burchette of Meeker and Shelby and Mae Burchette of Holdenville; one sister and brother-in-law, Carylon and Glen Davis of Meeker; one brother-in-law, George Buoy of Meeker; one sister-in-law, Lois Burchette of Bixby; four grandchildren, Brandon Burchette of Colo., Chandra Burchette of Shawnee, Kevin Keel of Meeker and Lindsie Kirkland of Wetumka; many other relatives and friends.

Viewing will be at the Parks Brothers Funeral Home Chapel in Meeker.

Service will be 1 p.m. Friday at the First Assembly of God Church in Meeker. Burial will follow at the Rossville Cemetery with the Rev. Charles Pearcy officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service of Prague. A guest book is available to share your memories online at www.parksbrothers.net

Charles A. "Chuck" Votaw

Maud resident Charles A. "Chuck" Votaw, 47, died Monday, Dec. 19, at Integris Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City.
Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church, Maud, with the Rev. Larry Harrison officiating. Burial will follow at Cummings Cemetery with military honors under the direction of Knight~Swearingen Funeral Home, Maud.

James Donald Simpkins

Paden resident James Donald Simpkins, 61, died Monday, Dec. 19, at his sister's home in Maud.
Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Swearingen Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Don Jones officiating. Burial will be at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in Seminole under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.

published Dec. 22, 2005

Fred Williams

Shawnee resident Fred Williams, 82, died Wednesday, Dec. 21, in Shawnee.
He was born Nov. 7, 1923, in Macomb to Martin and Lydia (Ferree) Williams.

He was married Oct. 31, 1942, in Norman to Mabel Coker. She preceded him in death on April 10, 2001.

Fred graduated from Macomb High School in 1940. He worked for Oklahoma Seismograph from 1946 to 1958. He owned Williams Motor Service from 1958 to 1966 and Williams Transmission Service from 1966 until his retirement. After retirement, he claimed his occupation as chief coffee drinker.

He served in the U.S. Army from Jan. 7, 1943, to Jan. 12, 1946. He served in the Southwest Pacific Operation as a motor pool sergeant.

He was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church where he served as Deacon, Training Union Director for over 40 years and on several chairmanship. He also was a charter member of Diamond K. Kiwanis.

He also was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Homer, Ferrell and Troy Williams; and one sister, Velta Vice.

Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Jenise and Rick Jackson of Springfield, Mo.; son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Pat Williams of Shawnee; four grandchildren and their spouses, Matt and Meredith Jackson of Springfield, Mo., Julie and Mike Wiseman of Springfield, Mo., Michelle Williams of Boulder, Colo., and Jeremy and Jacqueline T. Williams of Oklahoma City; one sister, Maryane Tate of Shawnee; three sisters-in-law, Phyllis Coker, Wyema Williams and Barbara Williams all of Shawnee; a number of nieces and nephews.

Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Immanuel Baptist Church with Dr. Todd Fisher and Dr. Larry Adams officiating. Burial will be at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Memorials may be made to the Immanuel Baptist Church New Building Fund.

Bessie Isabel Douglas

McAlester resident Bessie Douglas, 82, died Tuesday, Dec. 20, at local nursing center.
She was born March 8, 1923, in Canadian to Garnet and Chloe Daugherty Coffee.

Douglas graduated from Canadian High School and married John B. Douglas in 1942.

She began her career with the U.S. Naval Ammunition Depot in 1943 as a clerk-stenographer in the administration branch and retired 30 years later as a personal secretary to the commander.

Douglas lived her entire life in Pittsburg County. longtime member of the First Baptist Church of McAlester and enjoyed music, especially playing the piano.

Survivors include her husband, John B. Douglas, of the home; son and daughter-in-law, John B. Jr. and Jeannie Douglas of Shawnee; granddaughter and spouse, Nia and David Parsons of Shawnee; two great-grandchildren, Justin and Jordan Parsons of Shawnee; brother and sister-in-law, Garnet (DeeDee) and Billie Carol Coffee of Tulsa; numerous nieces and nephews including Billie Sue Crownover and husband, Lloyd, of Oklahoma City.

Service will be 2 p.m. today at Bishop Chapel of Memories. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, Eufaula, with Nolen Lake officiating under the direction of Bishop Funeral Service, McAlester.

John Edward Schoenecke

John Edward Schoenecke passed away Tuesday, Dec. 20, at Wood Manor Nursing Home in Claremore at the age of 85.
He was born Dec. 11, 1920, to Fred Lee and Sadie (Bierman) Schoenecke on Big Cabin Creek near Vinita. John was raised in Sparks and was a graduate of the class of 1937.

In 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed at Guadalcanal and Tokyo during his six year enlistment. While stationed in Tokya, John was one of two naval personnel assigned to the staff of General Douglas McArthur.

Following his time in the Navy, John attended Okmulgee Tech where he learned to be a printer and was a student instructor. His career on the printing press started with Central Printing, owned by evangelist Oral Roberts. Later he worked for Rogers Litho, a Tulsa commercial printing firm before becoming an ice cream entrepreneur in Pryor, where he owned and managed Dari-Delite.

On Dec. 5, 1957, John married June Clarice Blakely and together they were very active in Claremore and northeastern Oklahoma. He was a member of the Senior Prom, a program created, produced and performed by senior citizens on the Rogers State College KNGX radio station FM 91.3, where he was also one of the seniors spinning platters and taking calls on the show. A member of the Association for Retired Persons and National Association of Retired Federal Employees, he helped establish the Claremore chapter and was a delegate to the NSRFE state convention. Also involved in politics, John served a two-year term as president of the Rogers County Democratic Party. He was also very active in the Claremore Chapter of Veterns of Foreign Wars and was an ombudsman for Grand Gateway of Oklahoma for eight years at the Copps Residential Home.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, June; and brothers, Allen and Floyd.

Survivors include two brothers, Roy Schoenecke of Livermore, Calif., and Charles Schoenecke of McLoud; close friend and companion, Beverly Hill of Claremore; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Service will be 10 a.m. Friday in the Chapel of the Garden at Rice Funeral Service, Claremore, with the Rev. Danny Cotner officiating. Burial will be at 2:30 p.m. at the White Dove Cemetery, Sparks, officiated by the Rev. Bill Mitchell of Sparks First Baptist Church. Visitation will be 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Rice Funeral home,

Memorials in John's memory may be made to the First Baptist Church, Rt 1, Box 114-A, Sparks, OK 74869

John Ervine Thomas

Lifelong Prague resident John Ervine Thomas, 72, departed this life Tuesday, Dec. 20, in Oklahoma City.
He was born Feb. 23, 1933, in Sulpher Springs, Texas, to Edward Walter and Beatrice (Connolly).

John was married June 19, 1985, to Kay Watkins Stewart.

He served in the U.S. Air Force and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Prague. He was the editor and publisher of Prague Times Herald from 1974 until he sold the paper in 1994.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and two sisters.

Survivors include his wife, Kay Thomas of the home; daughter and son-in-law, Teri and Steven Garrison of Searcy, Ark.; step-son and daughter-in-law, Monty and Lisa Stewart of Prague; four grandchildren, Oliver Thomas of Searcy, Ark., Matthew, Melissa and Steven Stewart of Prague; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Ruby and Mel Camry of Worthington, Minn., Lee Garvin of Albany, Ore., and Vivian and Ralph Kibby of Douglas, Ala.; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Henry and Irene Thomas of Brownsville, Texas, and Frank and Linda Runnels of Fort Worth, Texas; father-in-law, Wes Watkins of Prague; three sisters-in-law and husband, Barbara and Colin Crawford of Alexandria, Ark., Kianna and Mike Kubicek of Shawnee and Gina and Greg Wagner of Prague; other relatives and many friends.

Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at the First Baptist Church in Prague. Burial will follow at Garden Grove Cemetery with the Brother Tim Emmons officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Prague.

A guest book is available to share your memories online at www.parksbrothers.net.

Lucille "Tiny" Cooks

Shawnee area resident Lucille "Tiny" Cooks, 55, died Tuesday, Dec. 20, in Shawnee.
Lucille was born to A.C. and Jessie Lee (Ervin) Cooks, March 27, 1950 in Shawnee. She was a lifelong resident of Brooksville and the Shawnee area.

Cooks was a 1968 graduate of Macomb High School. She worked for TDK for 25 years until her retirement. She was a member of Fresh Fire Outreach Center, the Dunbar Heights Community Group, and earlier had belonged to the Jet Setters.

She lived her life for the Lord, and gave of herself to friends, family and strangers alike.

Survivors include 5 sisters and 2 brothers-in-law, Marie McClain of Shawnee, Dorothy Cooks of Shawnee, Edna Cooks of Oklahoma City, Melva and Darnell Reece of Oklahoma City, and Kaye and Mitchell Edwards of Shawnee; 5 brothers and 3 sisters-in-law, Clarence Cooks of Brooksville, James and Vallene Cooks of Oklahoma City, William G. Cooks of Brooksville, Corrie and Alice Cooks of Oklahoma City, and Billy and Shirley Cooks of Moore; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Service will be 11 a.m. Friday at Fresh Fire Outreach Center (1224 E. Main) with the Rev. Joe Wilkes officiating. Burial will follow at Brookesville Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home, Tecumseh.

Alice Inez Mitchell Chaffin Thompson

Alice Inez Mitchell Chaffin Thompson, 86, passed away Sunday, Dec. 18.
Visitation was held Tuesday at Town and Country Funeral Home, Normandy Boulevard in Jacksonville, Fla. Service was 11 a.m Wednesday at Town and Country Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Riverside Memorial Park under the direction of Town and Country Funeral Home.

William Floyd Hightower

Okmulgee resident W.F. "Bill" Hightower, 78, died Tuesday, Dec. 20, in Prague.
Graveside service will be 10 a.m. today at Gerty Cemetery,Gerty, with the Rev. Kenneth Brady officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Prague.

Earnestine Turner Douglas

Shawnee resident Earnestine Turner Douglas, 85, died Tuesday, Dec. 20, at her daughters home in Shawnee.
She is preceded in death by her husband, William Ernest Douglas.

Survivors include two daughters, Nita Lee Isbell of Shawnee and Christine D. Marshall of New Orleans, La.; two sons, Bill Douglas of Oklahoma City and Caleb Stone Douglas of San Antonio, Texas; 16 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.

Graveside service will be 3 p.m. today at Oaklawn Cemetery in Tulsa with Bishop Lacomb officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home, Tecumseh.

Pamela Elaine Pergande Johnson

Former Pink resident Pamela Elaine Pergande Johnson, 55, died Tuesday, Dec. 20, in Oklahoma City.
Graveside service will 2 p.m. Friday at Black Cemetery near Pink under the direction of Gaskill Funeral Chapel.

published Dec. 24, 2005

William Ray Megehee

Lifelong Shawnee resident William "Billy" Ray Megehee, 42, died Wednesday, Dec. 21, in Shawnee.
He was born Nov. 9, 1963, in Shawnee to William Delmer and Betty (Nowlin) Megehee Powell.

Megehee was a graduate of Shawnee High School. He worked in construction, beginning as a concrete finisher with his father and then as a house framer for the last nine years.

He enjoyed playing with his son and was a "die-hard" Sooner fan. He also was a member of the Bethel Acres Assembly.

Megehee was preceded in death by his father; grandparents, Daniel and Luella Mcgehee; and Harvey and Anna Bell Nowlin; brother-in-law, Dennis Manuel.

Survivors include his son, William Jacob Megehee of Tecumseh; former wife, Lacee Mcgehee; his mother, Betty Powell of Tecumseh; sisters, Pam Collier of Tecumseh and Debbie Manuel of Shawnee; brother and sister-in-law Doug and Rebecca Megehee of Tecumseh; sister and brother-in-law Tonya and Terry Gillihan of Tecumseh; stepmother, Shirley Megehee; special friend, Tami Barnes of Shawnee; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Service will be 2 p.m. today at Bethel Acres Assembly with the Rev. Lonnie Hurst and Brother Larry Townsend officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home, Tecumseh.

Ettie Mae Jackson

Longtime Asher resident Ettie Mae Jackson, 73, died Thursday, Dec. 22, at her home.
On Sept. 25, 1932, she was born to Charles Bert and Gladys Louise (Miller) Smith in Commerce, Texas. Ettie married Frank Jackson on Jan. 14, 1949 in Marshall, Texas. She was a homemaker and Jack of all Trades. She was also a member of the Cornerstone Christian Fellowship.

Ettie Mae was loved by all. She was always there for whoever called on her. She was 100% heart, a true believer in the Lord and a devoted wife, mother and grandmother to all.

Jackson was preceded in death by her grandmother, Dayther Mae Miller; her mother, Gladys Smith; her father, Bert Smith; four brothers, Hickey Smith, Michael Eugene Smith, Louise Smith, and Kenneth Smith; and two sisters, Glinda Lou Smith and Wanda Louise Smith.

Survivors include her husband, Frank Jackson of the home; daughter, Dusty Jackson of Asher; four sisters, Betty Baker of Texarkana, Ark., Katherine Walker of Gainesville, Texas, Brenda Alfred of Ada, Loretta Cooper of Sherman, Texas; three grandchildren, Shelby Mae Dixson, Tanner Wayne Etchieson, and Kathryn Janette Dixson.

Pallbearers are Darin Dixson, Rocky Miller, Hootie Cooper, Dewayne Dixson, Ricky Bourland and Todd Walker. Honorary bearers are Billy Etchieson and Tanner Etchieson.

Service will be 11 a.m. Monday at Pickard~Swearingen Funeral Chapel with Scott Dobbs officiating. Burial will follow at Vista Cemetery under the direction of Pickard~Swearingen Funeral Home, Konawa.

Messages of condolences can be sent to the family at www.swearingenfuneralhome.com

Johnny Humphrey

Amarillo, Texas, resident Johnny Humphrey, 65, died Thursday, Dec. 15.
He was born in Stringtown.

Humphrey was a diesel mechanic and a veteran in the U.S. Army.

Survivors include his wife, Lucille Valverde Humphrey, of the home; two daughters, Jo Lynne Saunders of Amarillo, Lou Ann Humphrey of Skellytown, Texas; two stepdaughters, Helen Scardino of San Francisco, Texas, Kathy Calderon of Lamesa, N.M.; three stepsons, Frank Valverde of Canyon, Texas, Richard Valverde and Henry Valverde, both of Amarillo; three brothers, Quren "Biggen" Humphrey of Tulsa, Bob Humphrey of Holdenville, Farest Humphrey of Woodward; two sisters, Mary Hewitt of Westville, Minnie Scott of Proctor; one grandchild and seven stepgrandchildren.

Service was held Monday at Boxwell Brother Ivy Chapel with the Rev. Robert Field officiating. Military rites were provided by DAV Chapter 26. Arrangements were under the direction of Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors of Amarillo, Texas.

Juliana Huckabee

Tecumseh resident Juliana Huckabee went to be with her Lord Wednesday, Dec. 21, at Sunset Estates Nursing Home.
She was born June 5, 1911, in San Antonio, Texas, to Julia Marie (Barnes) and Mabrey Moss.

Juliana attended schools and college in San Antonio.

She was married in 1941 to Royal S. Huckabee and spent 20 years as a military wife.

Juliana lived in the Tecumseh and Shawnee areas since 1963. She worked at Gibson's Discount Store and Colonial Estates Nursing Home.

She loved classical music, fine literature, art, gardening and animals of every kind. She had a deep love for humanity that was expressed in so many ways throughout her life.

Preceding her in death are her parents; her husband, Royal S. Huckabee; two sisters, Rebecca Edgerton and Dorothy Queen.

Survivors include son and daughter-in-law, Walt and Ritsuko Huckabee of Placerville, Calif.; daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca and Roy Renfro of Tecumseh; three grandsons, Jonathon Huckabee, Thomas and Charles Austin; two granddaughters, Amanda Hicks and Kathy Kauffman; six great-grandchildren.

She will be returned to her childhood home where she had so many happy memories. A private celebration of her life will take place when the Texas Blue Bonnets are blooming.

Martha O. Sing

Martha O. "Ma" Sing of Macomb died Friday, Dec. 23, in Tecumseh at the age of 95.
Services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Ray Wade officiating. Burial will be at Brown Cemetery. Visitation will be 2 to 6 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

A lifelong resident of Pottawatomie County, she was born Aug. 29, 1910, in Roseboro, Ark., the daughter of Owen and Sarah Emily (Snider) Carpenter. She married Toby Ellis Sing in Tecumseh on Sept. 22, 1928. He preceded her in death Sept. 17, 1982.

Mrs. Sing had been a cook for several restaurants, including Stokes Cafe and Triple J Cafe, as well as for Tecumseh Sunset Estates. She also enjoyed gardening, quilting, sewing and fishing. She most enjoyed time with family and was a Christian who read her Bible daily.

Also preceding her in death were her parents; three sons, Raymond, James and Jack Sing; four brothers and one sister.

Surviving are her daughter and son-in-law, Nora and Donal Doss of Shawnee; daughters, Judy Sing of Oklahoma City, Betty Sing of Macomb; sons and daughters-in-law, Toby Ellis Jr. "Hot Shot" and Cheryl Sing of Tecumseh; Paul "Buck" and Rita Sing of Meeker; Jim and Delores Sing of Tecumseh, Sandy Sing of Moore; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and other relatives and friends.

Jimmie Ray Whisenhunt

Seminole resident Jimmie Ray Whisenhunt died Friday, Dec. 23, at his home.
Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27 at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens, Seminole, with T.C. Cridder officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.

Agatha C. Christian

Former Seminole resident Agatha C. (Colvin) Christian, 80, died Thursday, Dec. 22, at Quail Ridge Living Center, West Siloam Springs, Okla.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens, Seminole, with the Rev. Carl Whitfield officiating. Swearingen Funeral Home of Seminole is directing arrangements.

Jack L. Reese

Carney resident Jack L. Reese, 77, died Thursday, Dec. 22, at his home.
Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at First Assembly of God Church in Carney with the Rev. Bo Gibbs and the Rev. Darrell Louden officiating. Burial will follow in the Carney Cemetery under the direction of the Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Chandler.

J.W. Rosengrant

Wanette resident J.W. Rosengrant, 74, died Tuesday, Dec. 20, in Wanette.
He was born Oct. 10, 1931, in Seminole to Walter Hugo and Maggie (West) Rosengrant.

He was raised in Edmond, living in Edmond and Oklahoma City area until 1985, when he moved to the farm in Wanette. He graduated from Emond High School.

On July 25, 1955, he married Bettye L. Pate in Oklahoma City.

In 1985 he retired after 10 years from the Oklahoma City Fire Department. He was also a farmer/rancher for most of his life. He enjoyed farming and ranching for the last 57 years, enjoying working on the farm, hunting and fishing.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Randy Rosengrant; a brother, Hugo Rosengrant; and two sisters, JoAnn Stone and Elizabeth Box.

Survivors include his wife, Bettye L. Rosengrant of the home; sister and brother-in-law, Janette and Fred Warner of Edmond; brother and sister-in-law, David and Susan Rosengrant of Colorado; grandchildren, Cody and Carmen; great-grandson, Tyler; numerous nieces, nephews and friends; brothers-in-law and spouses, Max and Vickie Pate of Alaska, Edwin and Hanna Pate of Norman, Edward Pate of Norman, and Willard Miller of California.

Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with Bill Howse and Greg Chalk officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery.

Richard Wright

Shawnee resident Richard Wright went to see the Lord Thursday, Dec. 22. He was 50.
He was born Aug. 21, 1955, the son of Jim and Margaret Wright of Shawnee.

He is survived by his parents, Jim and Margaret Wright of Shawnee; a son, Aaron Wright of Illinois; brother and sister-in-law, Jimmy and Jane Wright of Shawnee; sisters and brothers-in-law, Diane and Joe Beach of Seminole, Peggy and Don Napier of Sparks; nieces and nephews, Christa Smith, Mandy Daniels, Jordan Wright, Doyle Dugga Jr., Michael McCray, and many other relatives.

Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. Monday at Gaskill Funeral Home. Service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Temple Baptist Church with the Rev. Mike Craig officiating. Burial will be at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Agatha C. Christian

Former Seminole resident Agatha C. (Colvin) Christian, 80, died Thursday, Dec. 22, at Quail Ridge Living Center, West Siloam Springs, Okla.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens, Seminole, with the Rev. Carl Whitfield officiating. Swearingen Funeral Home of Seminole is directing arrangements.

Lucien Rice Jr.

Lucien "Cowboy" Rice Jr. of Shawnee died Friday, Dec. 23, at a local hospital. He was 73.
Native American service will be Monday evening at the Rice family home. Funeral will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Rice home with burial at the Rice family cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Walker Funeral Service of Shawnee.

Rice was born Oct. 22, 1932, in Pawnee, the son of Lucien and Louise Rice. He served in the U.S. Air Force and worked as a body shop metal man.

Preceding him in death were his parents; a great-granddaughter; a brother, Joseph Rice, and a sister, Loykay Panzer.

Surviving are four children, Master Sgt. Lucien Rice III of Korea, Lori Penner of Thomas, Teresa Rice of Thomas, Eva Kay Banderas of Apache; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two brothers, Richard William Rice of San Francisco, Calif.; Archie Hector Rice of Thomas, and six sisters, Shalah Rowlan of Meeker, Jessie Tofpi of Shawnee, Edith Harjo of Meeker, Dolores Kahrahrah of Meeker, Vivian Cordrey of Yukon and Rosita Pawnee Duncan of Meeker.
 

published Dec. 27, 2005

John Glenn Casteel

John Glenn Casteel of Shawnee died Saturday, Dec. 24, at a local hospital. He was 42.

He was born May 1, 1963, in Shawnee to Elwyn and Frances Casteel. He graduated from Shawnee High School in 1982.

Casteel worked at Wolverine Tube, Inc. for 17 years, then worked for R & R Plumbing for the past nine months.

He was an avid artist since age 9 and favorite activities included shooting pool, playing horseshoes and water skiing. He loved being in the company of his family and friends.

Loved by everyone who knew him, he was an honest and hard-working man.

He is preceded in death by his mother on Oct. 12 and by his grandparents.

Survivors include his father, Elwyn Casteel of Tecumseh; brother and sister-in-law, Don and Josephine Casteel of Tecumseh; sisters and brothers-in-law, Cathy and Rick Hall of McLoud, Crystal and Ronnie Stevenson of Shawnee; his fiancie, Karen Melton of the home; children, Kalin, Matthew, Aleah, Ky, Crystal, Megan and Amber; grandchildren, Devin, Logan and Bryson; seven nieces and nephews and other family and friends.

Services will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Liberty Baptist Church with the Rev. Larry Sparks officiating. Burial will be at Tecumseh Cemetery with Bill Matthew and Phil Thompson officiating.

Walker Funeral Home will be directing arrangements.

Memorials may be to the John Glenn Casteel Memorial Fund in care of First United Bank, P.O. Box 1209, Shawnee OK 74802-1209.

Donnie Inez Laneave

Donnie Inez Laneave, 73, of Sasakwa died Friday, Dec. 23, at Heritage Nursing Home in Holdenville.
Services will be 7 p.m. Wednesday at Assembly of God Church, Sasakwa, with the Rev. Wesley Martin officiating. Burial will be at Rossville Cemetery.

Pickard-Swearingen Funeral Home in Konawa is in charge of arrangements.

George Rutherford Jr.

George Rutherford Jr., 73, of Tecumseh died Friday, Dec. 23, in Tecumseh.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Tecumseh Cemetery. Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh is directing arrangements.

Dewayne Coleman

Dewayne Coleman, 65, of Harrah died Friday, Dec. 23, in Edmond.
Services were 10 a.m. Monday at First Baptist Church, Harrah with the Rev. Gary Eubanks officiating. Burial was at Memory Lane Cemetery in Harrah.

Arrangements were under the direction of Smith-Parks Funeral Service in Harrah.

Reba Faye (Walker) Hendryx

Reba Faye (Walker) Hendryx, 79, of Seminole died Friday, Dec. 23, in Oklahoma City.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Maple Grove Cemetery with the Rev. Leo Streater officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.

Martha Belle (Knowles) Myers

Martha Belle (Knowles) Myers, 85, of Norman died Monday, Dec. 26, at Grace Living Center.
Services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Swearingen Funeral Chapel in Seminole with the Rev. Carl Whitfield officiating. Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery.

Daniel Stephens White

Daniel "Danny" Stephens White, 71, of Stroud died Sunday, Dec. 25.
Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Stroud with Russ Furgason officiating. Burial will be at Stroud Cemetery.

Edith Martin

Edith Martin, 95, died Saturday, Dec. 24.
Services will 11 a.m. Wednesday at First Baptist Church, Carney. Arrangements are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Chandler.

published Dec. 28, 2005

Raymond Nunez Ortega

Ada resident Raymond Nunez Ortega, 70, died Monday, Dec. 26, at his home.
He was born Oct. 28, 1935, in Haskell, Texas, to Manuel M. and Catarina Nunez Ortega.

Ortega attended school in Munday, Texas. He moved from Shawnee to the Ada area in 1994.

On July 28, 1954, he married Patricia R. Haase in Fort Worth, Texas.

He owned and operated Ortega's Security and Investigations and was a former employee for Pottawatomie County Sherriff's Department.

Ortega served in the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army and the National Guard of Oklahoma and Texas.

Ortega was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where he was a fifth-grade CCD Religion Teacher for three years, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Pontotoc County Literacy Council, fourth degree knight and grandknight of the Knights of Columbus.

Preceding him in death were his parents and two brothers, Pedro Ortega and Nicolas Ortega.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia Ortega, of the home; two daughters and sons-in-law, Debra and David Short of Shawnee, and Dawn and Darrell Blocker of Tecumseh; son and daughter-in-law, Patrick and Glenda Ortega of Shawnee; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one sister, Margaret Ozuna of Del Rey, Calif.

Pall bearers will be members of the St. Joseph's Catholic Church Knights of Columbus.

Wake service will be 7 p.m. today at Criswell Funeral Home Chapel, Ada. Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church with the Rev. Rusty Hewes officiating. Burial will follow at Swan Hill Cemetery under the direction of Criswell Funeral Home.

The family says all three locations of the House of Health in Ada and Shawnee, owned by Mrs. Ortega, will be closed Thursday to allow employees to attend the service.

Harriott Louise Leader

Tecumseh resident Harriott Louise Leader, 82, died Saturday, Dec. 24, at Unity Health Center.
She was born Feb. 9, 1923, in Shawnee to Willis and Ethel Cheatham-Moore.

Louise attended Horace Mann School then married Mr. Ed Leader Sept. 14, 1943, in Shawnee. They moved to Tecumseh in 1946 where she helped with the farm and raising cattle.

She worked for Douglas Aircraft in Midwest City and also worked seven years at Central State Hospital in Norman. She retired from Unity Health Center Sept. 30, 1987, after 15 years as a ward clerk.

Louise was a member of the Full Gospel Church of Tecumseh and AARP.

Preceding her in death are her parents; her husband, Ed, Oct. 21, 1987; sister, Sara Mae Buckmaster; brother, Robert "Bob" Moore; and son, Joe Harold Leader.

Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Thomascina Leader of Lawton, Thomas E. and Deannie Leader of Diamondhead, Miss.; daughter and son-in-law, Lavada and Henry Weaver of Tecumseh; sister, Lana Dawdy of Wichita, Kan.; grandchildren and spouses, Steven and Jamie Leader, Jason and Kim Leader Billy Ray Dewitt, Christine R. Dewitt-Bryan and Darrell Bryan, all of Tecumseh, and Geneva and Rick Arnold of Carson City, Nev.; 12 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive guests 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Gaskill Funeral Chapel. Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at New Hope Cemetery, south of Meeker on Hwy 18, with Pastor Ruby Nell York officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Gaskill Funeral Chapel.

Constance Joslin

Constance "Connie" Joslin, loving wife, mother and grandmother, passed away Sunday, Dec. 25, in Tecumseh. She was 89 years old.
She was born March 7, 1916, in Stevensville, Texas, to Alvin G. and Lora (McMahan) Boucher.

Connie was a member of the Church of Christ.

She and her husband, Troy R. "Josh" Joslin, resided in Oklahoma City for 52 years before moving to Tecumseh in 2000.

Preceding her in death is her husband, Josh, shortly after they moved to Tecumseh.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Patricia F. and Bill Gill; grandchildren and spouses, Mike Gill, Dale and Connie Gill, Ray and Tammy Gill, Phil and Becky Gill and Randy Gill; great-grandchildren, Luke Gill, Clay Gill, Trey Gill, Tricia Gill, Tara Gill, Brandy Gill, Kaylee Gill and Sonja Sigman and her husband, Bart; great-great-grandaughters, Alexia and Emely.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens under the direction of Bill Merritt Funeral Service of Bethany.

Mary Frances Marr

Tecumseh resident Mary Frances Marr, 94, died Sunday, Dec. 25, in Shawnee.
She was born Feb. 25, 1911, in Shawnee to Peter Henry and Mattie Caroline (Orrick) Junk.

She lived in Oklahoma City for many years before returning to Tecumseh in 1967. She attended and graduated from Shawnee High School in 1928. She was a 1932 graduate of St. Anthony Nursing School and worked as a nurse at St. Anthony Hospital for 40 years.

On Oct. 9, 1947, she married Ted Marr in Kansas City, Mo. Mr. Marr preceded her in death on Sept. 25, 1992.

Mary was generous and contributed to many charitable causes. She enjoyed reading and playing Bingo at the Tecumseh American Legion while her health allowed. She also enjoyed caring for her dogs and cats, gardening and yardwork.

She also was preceded in death by her parents; an infant son; five brothers, Henry, Moody, Aloys, Raymond and Pete Junk; and three sisters, Christine Chastain, Ida Newland and Gloria Stasyszen.

Survivors include one sister, Bernice Foree of Bethany; one brother-in-law, Bill Stasyszen of Tecumseh; and numberous nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be noon today at St. Benedict Catholic Church with the Rev. Lawrence Stasyszen, O.S.B., officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.

Michael Roshawn Talton

Earlsboro resident Michael Roshawn Talton, 37, died Sunday, Dec. 25, at Unity Health Center-North Campus.
Service will be 1 p.m. Friday at Swearingen Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Wilbur Tripplett officiating. Burial will follow at Earlsboro Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.

Billy Joe Valliquette

Stroud resident Billy Joe Valliquette, 63, died Monday, Dec. 26, at his home.
Service will be 10 a.m. today at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel, Stroud, with Pastor Yvonne Jones officiating. Burial will follow in Stroud Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Stroud.

Delores F. Ott

Okemah resident Delores F. Ott, 72, died Tuesday, Dec. 27, at Henryetta Medical Center, Henryetta.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Bearden Cemetery, Bearden, under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.

B. La Verne Cheves

Oklahoma City resident B. La Verne Cheves, 85, died Sunday, Dec. 25, in Harrah.
Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Oklahoma City, with the Rev. Gary Euban officiating, under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service, Harrah.

published Dec. 29, 2005

Billy G. O'Neal

Tecumseh resident Billy G. O'Neal, 71, died Tuesday in Tecumseh.
He was born Aug. 31, 1934, in Midland, Texas, to R.D. and Carolyn (Vian) O'Neal.

O'Neal moved to Ropesville, Texas, at the age of 3. He was a graduate of Ropesville High School, where he played several sports.

On May 23, 2000, he married Colleen Wisely in Cushing.

He worked in the oil field in Texas and Oklahoma. He also was a pole truck driver for OG&E for 29 years until he retired.

O'neal resided in Tecumseh for 45 years. He enjoyed woodworking and relaxing at the lake.

Preceding him in death are his parents and his sister, Mary Alice Johnson.

Survivors include his wife, Colleen O'Neal, of the home; three daughters and sons-in-law, Renee and Joe Atkinson of Texas, LaQuita and Robert Farmer of Tecumseh, Vodonna Leeson of Seminole; four sons and daughters-in-law, Brent St. Clair of Texas, Ricky O'Neal of Tecumseh, Tony and Debbie Wisley of Skiatook, Rick and Denise Wisley of Seminole; sister, Rosine Love of Lubbock, Texas; 13 grandchildren; three great-grandchilren; many family and friends.

Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at First Assembly of God, Tecumseh, with the Rev. Chad Brodrick and the Rev. Robert Rider officiating. Burial will follow at in Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home.

Floyd W. Gearhardt

Former Shawnee resident Floyd W. Gearhardt, 86, currently of Arkansas City, Kan., died Tuesday, Dec. 27, at the Kansas Veterans Home in Winfield, Kan.
Graveside service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Memorial Lawn Cemetery, Arkansas City.

A memorial has been established with the Sacred Heart Catholic Church School. Contributions may be left at Hawks Funeral Home, 906 W. Kansas Avenue, Arkansas City, KS 67005 Friends may call at the funeral home 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. today.

Pauline "Polly" (Klotz) Lane

Harrah resident Pauline "Polly" (Klotz) Lane, 100, died Tuesday, Dec. 27, in Harrah.
Rosary service will be held at 6:40 p.m. with Wake service at 7 p.m. today at St. Teresa's Catholic Church, Harrah. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Teresa's Catholic Church with Father Alan Loth officiating. Burial will follow at St. Teresa's Catholic Cemetery, Harrah.

Services are under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service, Harrah.

O.D. Snook Jr.

Stroud resident O.D. Snook Jr. died Tuesday, Dec. 27, in Chandler. He was 70 years old.
Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel, Stroud, with the Rev. Joe Molencupp officiating. Burial will follow at Stroud Cemetery under the direction of Parks Funeral Service in Stroud.

Gale Johnson

Shawnee resident Gale Johnson, 58, died Tuesday, Dec. 27.
Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Pauls Valley. Arrangements are under the direction of Barnes and Johnson Funeral Home of Midwest City.

published Dec. 30, 2005

Betty Marie Webb

Shawnee resident Betty Marie Webb, 72, departed this life on Wednesday, Dec. 28, in Shawnee.
Betty was born on Oct. 23, 1933, in Prague to Tony F. and Lillian R. (Turner) Simek. She attended Prague High School and married Jack James Webb on Dec. 20, 1949, in Prague.

She was a homemaker and will be dearly missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband on Nov. 30, 2004.

Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Darlene and Monty Lamb of Branson, Mo., and Yalonda and David Loman of Shawnee; son and daughter-in-law, Alan and Dana Webb of Jenks; brothers and sisters-in-law, Ron and Pat Simek and T.J. and Frances Simek, all of Prague; sisters and brothers-in-law, Geraldine McKay of Claremore, Kathryn and Ed Coose of Shawnee and Klona and Jimmy Don Goodnight of Prague; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

Service will be 2 p.m. today at Prague Assembly of God Church with Pastors Jerry and Sidney Barham officiating and Pastor Jeff Coose assisting. Burial will follow in New Hope Cemetery in Meeker under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service of Prague.

Patsy Ruth Wallace

McLoud resident Patsy Ruth Wallace, 75, died Tuesday, Dec. 27, at McLoud Nursing Center.
She was born July 13, 1930, in Shawnee to Guy and Ora (Shearer) George.

Wallace graduated from Shawnee High School in 1950.

On Aug. 3, 1952, she married Thomas L. Wallace at Immanuel Baptist Church in Shawnee. They had lived in McLoud since 1960.

She was a member of McLoud First Baptist Church. She enjoyed crafting and traveling with her friends.

Preceding her in death are her parents; husband and sister, Elsie Jo Finney.

There are many family and friends who will miss her.

Survivors include her son, Paul Gene Wallace; daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Gerald Roady of McLoud; two grandsons, Brent Roady of Norman; Ryne Roady of Colorado Springs, Colo.; great-granddaughter, Morgan Roady of Norman; brother, Richard E. George of Macon, Ga.

Pallbearers will be Tim Wallace, Eddy Wallace, Mike Groff, Sam Wallace, Dale Bishop and Mike Brown.

Service will be 2 p.m. today at McLoud First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Larry Sparks and the Rev. Ruth Tipps officiating. Burial will follow at Dale Cemetery under the direction of Gaskill Funeral Chapel.

Connie Jean Medley

Shawnee resident Connie Jean Medley, 58, died Wednesday, Dec. 28, at a local hospital.
She was born July 12, 1947, in Ada to Eugene Charles and Emma Pearl (Raley) Bennett.

Medley graduated from Shawnee High School in 1965.

On March 20, 1970, she married Michael Medley.

She worked for 10 years at Shawnee Trophy Co. and then became a financial aid officer at Oklahoma Baptist University. She had worked at OBU for 17 years at the time of her death.

Medley was a member of Calvary Baptist Church.

She was a beautiful person inside and out. She always had a smile on her face and her presence would light up a room. She was dearly loved by her family and friends and will be deeply missed.

Medley is preceded in death by her father, Eugene Bennett.

Survivors include her husband, Mike Medley of the home; mother, Emma Bennett; daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Mark Johnson; grandchildren, Andrew and Nathan Coffman; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Don and Margie Medley; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Steve and Joanne Medley and Patty and Gerald Sims, all of Shawnee.

Graveside service will be 10 a.m. today at Tecumseh Cemetery with the Rev. Larry Sparks officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Zenobia K. White

Harrah resident Zenobia K. (Koonce) White, 89, died Wednesday, Dec. 28, in Harrah.
She was born April 28, 1916, in Center Point, Ark., to M.H. and Fronia Koonce.

She moved to Dale in September 1919 when she was 3 years old. She has resided in Harrah and the surrounding areas for 86 years. She attended McLoud and Harrah schools.

On Sept. 12, 1934, she married Ralph M. White. They were married for 71 years. Together they managed a successful vegetable farm and market for more than 40 years.

Generous in their contributions to the community and church. They gave two acres to the senior citizens to build the Harrah Senior Citizen Center and part of their land was developed into a nursing center and senior housing.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Helen Pitman; two brothers, M.H. Koonce and W.R. Koonce; sister-in-law, Betty Koonce; two brothers-in-law, Sid Terry and Joe Dye.

Survivors include her husband, Ralph M. White of Harrah; four daughters and three sons-in-law, Carolyn and Theodore Willis of Elk City, Truman Pitman of Miami, Shirley and John Frost of McLoud, Judy White of Colorado and Bette Davies of Colorado; six sisters and five brothers-in-law, Christine Terry of Edmond, Rachel and Robert Skorkowsky of Harrah, Clara and Herman Fulgraf of Edmond, Esther Ruth and Leon Fugate of Midwest City, Wilma and Bishop Wadsworth of Cookson and Mary and Lloyd McCarty of Muskogee; 14 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at the Harrah United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Memory Lane Cemetery under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service in Harrah.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be made to the Angelic Family Hospice, 421 N. Beard, Shawnee.

Dessell H. Moore

Seminole resident Dessell H. Moore, 94, died Wednesday, Dec. 28, in Seminole.
Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Pine Log Baptist Church, Pine Log, Ark., with George Harjoche and Elton Pennington officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Log Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.

W.R. "Bill" Selman

Purcell resident W.R. "Bill" Selman, 93, died Tuesday, Dec. 27, in Purcell.
Service will be 2 p.m. today at Union Hill Baptist Church with the Rev. Barry McConathy officiating. Memories will be given by Adam Savage. Burial will be at Hopping Cemetery in Wayne under the direction of Wilson-Little Funeral Home

published Dec. 31, 2005

Adrian Orell Ward

Meeker resident Adrian Orell Ward, 82, departed this life on Thursday, Dec. 29, in Meeker.
He was born Sept. 29, 1923, in Mudsand, Okla., (Choctaw County) to Elston N. and Viola G. (McPherson) Ward. Both of whom preceded him in death.

Adrian spent his early years on a farm located northeast of Meeker and attended school at Payson. He later attended Meeker High School, where he graduated with the class of 1942.

He was married Nov. 16, 1946, in Eureka, Kan., to Leota Wilkerson.

He served his country during World War II and the Korean Conflict before being discharged from the Air Force in 1953. Following his military service, he continued in the field of aviation working in aircraft maintenance at Tinker Air Force Base. He retired in 1979.

He enjoyed the great outdoors and loved to fish, hunt deer and golf with family and friends. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a long-time member of the American Legion and the First Christian Church of Meeker.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Leota (Wilkerson) Ward of the home; son, Alvin Ward of Meeker; daughter, Angela Marsh of Shawnee; granddaughter, Andrea Marsh; great-grandson, Skylar Jace Kaminski; brother and sister-in-law, Darrell and Eva Ward and their son, Gregory, all of Norman.

Viewing and visitation will 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday and 9 a.m. to noon Monday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Meeker.

Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at the First Christian Church in Meeker with the Rev. Glen Walters officiating. Burial will follow at New Hope Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Meeker.

A guest book is available to share your memories online www.ParksBrothers.net

O. June Miller

O. June Miller, 71, died Thursday, Dec. 29, at Unity Health Center in Shawnee after a battle with pneumonia.
She was born June 21, 1934, in Hoover, Okla. to Joe and Virgie Snow. She attended Harjo School.

In 1952 she was married to William Kenneth Miller and later divorced then married Doyle Yott who preceded her in death.

She was employed at several places and owned her own business in Shawnee and Tecumseh. Mrs. Miller then worked at Tinker Air Force Base as a machinist for ten years before retiring in 1988. She was a member of the VFW Women's Auxiliary Post 1317 in Shawnee.

She also was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Dorothy Blankenship Daniels; and a grandson, Jeremy Stirman.

Survivors include daughters and friend, Tina June Miller and Debra Stirman and Tim Hailey; granddaughter, Tessy Copeland; sisters and brother-in-law, Christine Lamuyon and Connie and Floyd Edwards; brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Carol Snow; Step-son and spouse, Robert and Terri Salmon; and many nieces and nephews, as well as loving friends.

Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Resthaven Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Leroy Kerbo officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Viewing will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday. There will be no viewing after the service.

Resthaven Funeral Home, Shawnee, is directing arrangements.

Landon Grey Jones and Garrett Reese Jones

Private services were held Friday, Dec. 30, at Resthaven Memorial Park for Landon Grey Jones and Garrett Reese Jones, stillborn infant sons of Russell and Patricia (Sanders) Jones of Tecumseh. The Rev. Sam Hendry officiated and burial followed at Resthaven Memorial Park.
Survivors include parents, Russell and Patricia Jones of Tecumseh; grandparents, Don and Glenna Sanders of Broken Arrow and Kay Jones of Shawnee; great-grandparents, Lois Jones of Atoka, and Mattie Gene Rogers of Tecumseh; aunts and uncles, Glendon and Diana Sanders of Shawnee and Craig and Ronna Wallace of Wichita, Kans.; and six cousins.

Services were under the direction of Walker Funeral Service of Shawnee.

Virginia "Ginny" Druliner

Virginia "Ginny" Druliner, 75, died Wednesday, Dec. 28, at St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City.
She was born Sept. 9, 1930, in Bristow to Lavern Moses and Edna (Hoffman) Moses. She was a member of Fairview Baptist Church in Shawnee.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Charles; two brothers and four sisters.

Survivors include two sisters and brother-in-law, Betty and Phil Steinfield of Virginia Beach, Va., and Rose and Burke Anderson of Shawnee; many nieces and nephews.

No services are scheduled. Resthaven Funeral Home is handling arrangements.