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

submitted by Kay Sugg Best

published May 03, 2005

Dr. Shirley J. Jones

Dr. Shirley J. Jones, Oklahoma Baptist University professor emerita of English, died Saturday, April 30, in Shawnee following a lengthy illness. She was 68.

Jones was born Oct. 17, 1936, in McAlester to James W. and Brookie Mae Jones.

She was a graduate of Midwest City High School and received a bachelor of arts degree from Oklahoma Baptist University, a master of arts from Cornell University and a Ph.D. from The University of Oklahoma. She received a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship for her study at Cornell.

Dr. Jones taught English, Latin and French at Jarman Junior High School in Midwest City and then worked as a teaching assistant in English at OU before joining the OBU faculty in 1964. In addition to her teaching duties during 37 years at OBU, she served as chairwoman of the Department of English and as chairwoman of the Division Of Language and Literature. She held the position of vice president for academic affairs from 1983-86. She was twice elected chairwoman of the OBU Faculty Council and she served as faculty marshal.

In 1990, Dr. Jones was installed as the Crouch-Mathis Professor of Literature, OBU's only endowed academic position in English. She received OBU's "Distinguished Teaching Award" in 1983, and OBU's "Alumni Achievement Award" in 2003. She was a member of Kappa Delta Pi, Sigma Tau Delta, Alpha Lambda Delta, Mortar Board and Omnicron Delta Kappa.

Dr. Jones served as a member and as chairwoman of the Pioneer Multi-County Library Board, and she was member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, serving as president of the local chapter, 1980-82. She was active inthe Silverbacks book discussion club.

She was a member of Shawnee's First Baptish Church and its sanctuary choir. She began breeding and showing Basenji dogs in 1961, winning numerous honors. She recently was voted a Life Member of the Basenji Club of America.

Survivors include her sister and brother-in-law, Frances and Michael P. Foster of Seaside, Ore; her Basenjis, Dekkar, Hoover, Maggie and Bounce; and numerous friends.

A memorial service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at First Baptist Church with Dr. Mack Roark, Dr. Paul Calmes and J.C. Farrand officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Memorials may be made to Oklahoma Baptist University, Attn. Develpment Office, 500 W. University, Shawnee, OK 74804.

Evelyn Carol Bender

Shawnee resident Evelyn Carol Bender, 48, died Saturday, April 30, in Meeker.

She was born March 5, 1957, in Talladega, Ga., to Joseph Edmonds and Maria Blackwell-Edmonds.

She graduated from Shawnee High School and later attended Gordon Cooper Technical Center where she studied accounting.

She worked as an accountant with Salvation Army in Wilmington, Del., and later with Hull and Totten in Shawnee.

Bender married John Bender on Oct. 25, 2002, in Maryland. They moved to Shawnee in August 2004.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Joanne Edmonds.

Survivors include John Bender of the home; son, Joe Cook of Wilmington, Del; two brothers, Kent and Nancy Edmonds of Meeker, and Harold Edmonds of Oklahoma.

Service will be 2 p.m. today at Gaskill Funeral Chapel with the Rev. J.C. Farrand officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Gaskill Funeral Chapel.

Janice Annette (Goodspeed) King

Longtime Seminole resident Janice Annette (Goodspeed) King, 69, died Saturday, April 30, at her residence.

She was born Aug. 4, 1935, in Okemah to Buck and Decie (Nowlin) Goodspeed.

On Dec. 25, 1953, she married James Melton "Jim" King. He preceded her in death June 21, 2001.

She was a homemaker and raised horses. King was a member of the National Quarter Horse Association and Ideal Street Baptist Church.

She also is preceded in death by her father and son, Mark Allen King in 1972.

Survivors include her mother, Decie Goodspeed of Wetumka; two sons and spouses, Jimmy and Janis King of Shawnee, Mike and Tina King of Midwest City; six grandchildren, Kay Lyn King and husband, Eric, Lindsay King, Ashley King, Kristen Johnson and her husband, Kyle, Mark King, and Michael King; three great-grandchildren, Cody Ray, Cory Ray and Brayden Johnson; one brother, Sonny Goodspeed of Garber, and sister, Judy Goodspeed of Wetumka.

Service will be 2 p.m. today at Swearingen Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Glen Pence officiating. Burial will follow at Little Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home

Justin Dwayne Smith Jr.
Justin Dwayne Smith Jr., infant son of Justin Dwayne Smith and Aubrey Ann Cavett, was born and died Saturday, April 30, 2005, at Unity Health Center in Shawnee.

He is survived by his mother, Aubrey Ann Cavett of McLoud; father, Justin Dwayne Smith of Seminole; grandparents, Debbie Morris of McLoud, Jeff and Marla Cavett of Guthrie and Randy and Rhonda Holt of Seminole; great-grandparents, Carl Morris of Seminole, Larry and Jeanne Spoonmore of Seminole, Linda Holt of Seminole and Jess Holt of Modesto, Calif.; great-great-grandparents, Sis Dodd of Seminole and Clydine Springer of Seminole; six aunts, Stephanie Broughton of Oklahoma City, Stacy Stiffler of Independence, Kan., Ashley Cavett of Independence, Kan., Jennifer Holt of Seminole, Lindsey Holt of Seminole, and Taylor Holt of Seminole.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. today at Resthaven Memorial Park in Shawnee with the Rev. David Long officiating.

Resthaven Funeral Home of Shawnee is directing arrangemen

Betty Harris
Tecumseh resident Betty Harriss, 70, died Saturday, April 30, in Shawnee.

She was born May 18, 1934, in Bonham, Texas, to Fred and Edith (Thomas) Fetty.

Born in Texas, she grew up in Sayre and attended Sayre schools.

On June 10, 1951, she married Vernon R. Harris in Foss, Okla.

Harris was a homemaker. She and her family made their home in numerous states while her husband served in the U.S. Air Force. They lived in Waco, Texas; Fairbanks, Alaska; Grandview, Mo; and Oregan. She lived in Oklahoma City while her husband served in Iceland, then Denison, Texas, before moving to Pink in 1971.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Tecumseh, where she was active in the Hannah Sunday School class.

Harris enjoyed painting, raising flowers and caring for the hummingbirds at her home.

She is preceded in death by her parents and a brother.

Survivors include her husband, Vernon R. Harris of the home; two sons and daughters-in-law, Vernon Jr and Judy Harris of Pink, Ronald Dale and June Harris of Jacksonville, Fla., five grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

Service will be 2 p.m. today at Cooper Funeral Chapel with the Rev. W.F. Crow officiating. Burial will follow at Brown Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home.

Clara Frances Owczarzak
Clara Frances Owczarzak, 86, died Saturday, April 30, in Oklahoma City.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. today at St. Teresa's Catholic Cemetery in Harrah. Services are under the direction of Smith Parks Funeral Service Center.

Thelma Irene Clark
Stroud resident Thelma Iren Clark, 63, died Friday, April 29, in Stroud.

Sercice will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Parks Brothers Chapel with the Rev. Darsie Hightower officiating. Directions are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service

Herbert Woodward
Herbert Woodward, 70, of Noble, died Saturday, April 30, in Norman.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. today at Dale Cemetery with the Rev. David Henson officiating.

Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh is directing arrangements

Joyce Lynnette Taylor
Chandler resident Joyce Lynnette Taylor, 57, died Saturday, April 30, in Shawnee.

Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church in Chandler with the Rev. Rick Blackwell officiating. Services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Chandler.

published May 04, 2005

Larry Gene and Brenda Kay Foreman
Larry Gene Foreman, 58, and his wife, Brenda Kay Foreman, 55, both of McLoud passed away Monday, May 2, in an auto accident in Shawnee.

Larry was born May 1, 1947, in Bates, Ark., to James and Estaline Foreman. He was a 1965 graduate of Blanchard High School and was a retired police officer with the Oklahoma City Police Department. Larry had served in the U.S. National Guard and was a member of the First Church of God, Big Brother Program, American Quarter Horse Association, American Kennel Club and American Rabbit Hunters Association. He was owner of Moccasin Trail Beagles and owner and partner of Foreman Quarter Horses. He was preceded in death by his father, James Albert Foreman.

He and Brenda married Sept. 15, 1967, in Blanchard.

Brenda was born Sept. 12, 1949, in Altus to Doyle and Margaret Dickinson. She was a 1967 graduate of Blanchard High School. She was a homemaker and loving mother. Brenda was a member of the First Church of God, Women of the Word and Sew to Sow. She was preceded in death by her parents, Doyle and Margaret Dickinson.

The Foreman's are survived by their two sons and daughters-in-law, Tony and Anita Foreman and Troy and Rhonda Foreman; two grandsons, Kalob and Kyle Foreman all of Shawnee. Larry is survived by his mother, Estaline Foreman of McLoud and sister, Bonnie Kay. Brenda is survived by three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Doylene Miller of Colony, Texas, Mary Nell and William McFarland of Stillwater, and Janet and Ronnie Wilson of Blanchard. They also are survived by many nieces and nephews.

Visitation with the family will be 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at Walker Funeral Service. Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at the First Church of God with the Rev. Tom Harrison officiating with the Rev. David Harrison assisting. Burial will follow at Dale Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Memorials may be made to the building fund of the First Church of God.

Lena Iona Roe
Longtime Asher area resident Lena Iona Roe, 87, died Monday, May 2, at Sunset Estates Nursing Home in Maud.

She was born Aug. 28, 1917, in Ada to John Plasscheart and Ruby (Walker) Plasscheart.

On Nov. 24, 1945, she married Hugh Don Roe in Shawnee.

She was a homemaker and member of the First Baptist Church in Konawa.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Hugh Don Roe, on Oct. 10, 1967, and her parents.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, David and Anna Roe of Konawa; one sister, Edith Spencer of Maud; grandchildren, James and Sherry Roe of Stillwater and Michael and Stacey Roe of Konawa; four great-grandchildren, Trinity, Serenity, Destiny and Brody Roe.

Serving as pallbearers will be Phillip Mullins, Marvin Patterson, Jerry Coonfield, Billy Sellars, Bob Lestere and Ronnie Tyler.

Service will be 2 p.m. today at First Baptist Church in Konawa, with the Rev. Charley Henthorn officiating. Burial will follow at Vista Cemetery.

Pickard-Swearingen Funeral Home, Konawa, is directing arrangements

Mary Jo Deshields

Shawnee resident Mary Jo DeShields, 69, died Tuesday, May 3, at her home.
She was born Sept. 25, 1935 in Dale to Raymond Buckmaster and Mary M. (Ray) Buckmaster.

Mary attended school in Dale and Bethel.

On July 30, 1962, she married Jerry Don Deshields in Shawnee.

She worked as a production operator for TDK in Shawnee and retired in 2000 after working 22 years. She later worked part-time for Newton Walls in Tecumseh.

Mary loved to fish and camp, and was well-known by her CB handle, "Question Mark." Other than a short period of traveling, she had been a lifelong resident of the Shawnee area and faithfully attended Oakland Baptist Church.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Jerry Don, and two brothers, Charlie Buckmaster and Raymond Buckmaster.

Mary is survived by her son, Joe Knapp and his wife, Tina, of Tecumseh; three grandchildren, Crystal Knapp and Regina Knapp, both of Tecumseh, and Jason Buckmaster of the home; foster daughter, Jamille Parris and Harvey Babbit of Pink; foster son, Jacob Buckmaster; sister, Jessie Mae Schwank and her husband, Gary, of Lewiston, Idaho; two brothers, Louis Buckmaster and his wife, Margie, of Shawnee and J.R. Buckmaster of Shawnee; numerous nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Resthaven Memorial Park with the Rev. M. L, Stock Sr, officiating. Services are under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home.

G. Lorene Woodard

Shawnee resident G. Lorene Woodard, 83, died Monday, May 2, at her home.

She was born July 2, 1921, in Boswell to John and Frances Nelson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Herschel Woodard.

She is survived by two daughters, Carolyn and Patricia; grandsons, Brad A. Lewis and Jay Bivings; granddaughter, Sidney Bivings; great-granddaughter, Taylor Bivings; great-grandson, Zackary Biving, and friends that were like family to her, Dr. David Holland, Regina and Lucas Tanner, Richard, Benjamin Angela, George, A.J., Krista and Andrew Moore.

Graveside service will be 1 p.m. today at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Walker Funeral Home.

Margaret Elaine Taylor
Former Chandler resident Margaret Elaine Taylor, currently of Oklahoma City, died Monday, May 2, in El Reno at the age of 76.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at the Oak Park Cemetery in Chandler.

Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Chandler is directing arrangements

published May 05, 2005

Dow W. Fisher

Dow W. Fisher, 86, died Monday, May 3, at Norman Regional Hospital in Norman.
He was born Sept. 25, 1918, in Crystal Springs, Ark., to Harve Fisher and Fannie (Bertrand) Fisher. Soon after his birth, his father was killed in an accident and his mother remarried Frank Sloan.

Dow attended schools in Wewoka and New Lima. He then joined the U.S. Army and served during World War II. He was in the 45th Infantry and earned several awards including the Good Conduct Medal and Bronze Star.

After his time in the service, he married Ola Belle Jenkins.

Dow worked as a union plumber in McAlester. After Ola died, he remarried Maria and they lived in Arizona where he continued to work as a plumber. He retired in 1977. He returned to Oklahoma in 1985, after Maria died. He had lived in the VA center in Sulphur for 14 years and had recently moved to the VA center in Norman. On Dow's 85th birthday, he walked a 5K to raise money for muscular dystrophy. Dow was a member of the VFW, the American Legion and the Masonic Lodge.

Dow is preceded in death by his parents, his wife's Ola and Marie; four sisters and two brothers.

He is survived by his sisters, Nadine Southern of Shawnee, Earlie May Freiley and her husband, Jim, of Shawnee; brother, Oscar Sloan and his wife, Guinn, of Spencer; sister-in-law, Bernice Sloan of Sulphur; numerous nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Service will be 2:30 p.m. Friday at Resthaven Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

The Rev. Billy Ray Huff
Midwest City resident the Rev. Billy Huff Sr., 73, died Tuesday, May 3, at his home.
Bill was born July 10, 1931, in Tecumseh to Bohn and Mary Huff.

He moved to Midwest City in 1954 where along with his wife, Alta, raised their four children, Rhonda Dungan, Rita Heidenreich, Billy Ray Huff Jr. and Randal Dean Huff. He was very proud of his six grandchildren.

Bill was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps. He retired from Tinker Air Force Base with 36 years as a section chief in missile technology.

He was an ordained minister with the Free Methodist Church serving in many churches across Oklahoma and was designated as the conference evangelist for the state.

After his retirement he served as a chaplain at Deaconess Hospital.

Service will be 10 a.m. Friday at the Free Methodist Church in Midwest City. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. at the Highland Cemetery in Tecumseh under the direction of Ford Funeral Service.

Leo T. White
Leo T. White died Tuesday, Aay 3, in Mustang. He was 93. Service will be 10 a.m. Monday at First United Methodist Church in Stroud with the Rev. Joe Molencupp officiating. Burial will follow in Stroud Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Services in Stroud.

published May 06, 2005

Mattie O. Ellis
Shawnee resident Mattie O. Ellis, 77, died Wednesday, May 4, at a local hospital.
She was born July 2, 1927, in Reydon to Herbert C. and Lily (Hamon) Hill.

She attended schools in Reydon and graduated from Hugo High School. She received her bachelor of science degree from S.E. Missouri State University and her masters from Southeastern State University. She was an elementary school teacher for 27 years.

On Sept. 4, 1945, Ellis married Bill D. Ellis in Denver, Colo.

Ellis lived in Missouri for 30 years at Cape Girardeau. She was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church and Missouri State Teachers Association.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and two sisters.

Survivors include her husband, Dr. Bill D. Ellis, of the home; three daughters and sons-in-laws, Suzann and Jerry Wilson of Olathe Kan., LouAnn and Ronnie R. Tipps of North Richland Hills, Texas, Sheryl and Gary Shutt of Stillwater; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; three brothers, Thomas Hill of Kingfisher, John Hill, of Lincoln, Neb., Donald Hill of Kingfisher; sister, Leona Lohmeyer of Kingfisher and a number of nieces and nephews.

The casket will remain open until service time and will not be opened after the service.

Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Immanuel Baptist Church with Dr. Todd Fisher officiating. Burial will follow 3 p.m. at Kingfisher Cemetery, Kingfisher, under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Memorials may be made to the Immanuel Baptist Church building fund.

Roberto Julio Simmons
Roberto was born on Oct. 23, 1940, in Guatemala, Central America, and departed this life on Wednesday, May 4, in Oklahoma City at the age of 64.

Roberto was the son of Robert Nelson and Julia M. (Galiano) Simmons. He graduated from the San Marcos Military Academy and then entered the United States Air Force in 1963. He retired from the Air Force in 1985, after over twenty years of service. He also worked for Reeves Dental Supply of Oklahoma City.

He married Alba Martinez on February 12, 1966, in Los Angels, Calif. Roberto was the Mayor of McLoud from 1989 to 1991, a member of the Noncommissioned Officers Association and a beloved soccer coach. He enjoyed golf, photography and loved all sports. Roberto helped the youth in the community was a caregiver to many.

Roberto was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.

Survivors include his wife, Alba Simmons, of McLoud; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Stewart and Elizabeth Simmons of Memphis, Tenn., and Richard Byron Simmons, of McLoud; two daughters and sons-in-laws, Yulie and Andres Simmons-Castro of Grand Prairie, Texas, and Maggie and Waldemar Simmons-Gutierrez of Grand Prairie, Texas; one brother, James Marcus Simmons of Guatemala; one sister, Margaret Ann Castillo of Guatemala; 12 grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

A wake service will be 7 p.m. Sunday at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, McLoud. The Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Monday at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, McLoud, with Father Patrick McCool officiating. Burial will be 2 p.m. Monday at Fort Sill National Cemetery, Elgin, under the direction of Smith-Parks Funeral Service in Harrah.

Minnie Ruth Bruner Faxon
Shawnee resident Minnie Ruth Bruner Faxon, 73, died Wednesday, May 4, in Oklahoma City.
She was born Jan. 31, 1932, in Holdenville to Izora and Arthur J. Bruner.

She attended high school at Chilocco and Haskell.

Minnie was a resident of Shawnee for the past twenty-eight years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Izora and Arthur Bruner Sr.; three brothers, Johnny Lee Bruner, Tippy and Leon Bruner and one son, Michael Faxon.

Survivors include Robert G. Faxon; three daughters, Susan Faxon of Oklahoma City, Teresa Faxon of Oklahoma City and Sandra Smith of Corpus Christi, Texas; four sons, Ronald Faxon and his wife, Sylvia, of Corpus Christi, Robert J. Faxon and wife, Penny, of Shawnee, Paul Faxon of Shawnee and Billy Smith of Shawnee; three sisters, Johnie Mae Kalinich, Cowena Anderson, Doreen Buck; three brothers, James Bruner, Arthur Bruner Sr. and Harry Bruner, 29 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Bill Stewart
Tecumseh resident Bill Stewart, 85, died Tuesday, May 3, in Tecumseh.

He was born Jan. 23, 1920, in Tecumseh to C.A. and Callie E. (Penny) Stewart.

Stewart grew up in Tecumseh and graduated from Tecumseh High School in 1938. He attended Oklahoma A&M in Stillwater, majoring in vocational agriculture.

He was a decorated World War II veteran, serving in the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Air Corp. He was discharged as first lieutenant.

On April 2, 1943, he married Ruth Evelyn Cunningham in Kansas City, Mo. She preceded him in death Nov. 16, 1997.

Stewart taught Vo-Ag at Tecumseh High School for 19 years. He started Tecumseh FFA. After resigning his position, he went to work for Home Petroleum until his retirement.

He was an active member and past president of Tecumseh Alumni Association, past president of chamber of commerce and rotary, Oklahoma Cattleman's Association, Broadway United Methodist Church and active in the Democratic Party -- both nationally and locally.

Also preceding him in death were his parents, brother Clifford Stewart and sister Margaret Stewart.

Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, William Robert "Bob" and Sharon Stewart of Tecumseh; sister, Joyce Chalmers of Tulsa; brother, Charles Stewart of Tecumseh; grandson and his wife, Dr. Robert Scott and Robyn Stewart of Shawnee; granddaughter, Karri D. Etchieson of Shawnee; four great-grandsons, Parker, Reid and William Stewart and Hunter Etchieson.

Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Larry Sparks, New Beginnings Church, officiating. Burial will follow in Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh. Military honors will be conducted by the U.S. Army, Fort Sill.

Memorials may be made to the THS Alumni Association Scholarship fund in memory of Bill Stewart, P.O. Box 304, Tecumseh, OK 74873.

Jack Walton Bryant

Former Seminole County resident, Jack Walton Bryant, 82, died Tuesday, May 3, at Integris Southwest Medical Center.
Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Swearingen Funeral Chapel with Jerry Drewery officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Homes.

published May 07, 2005

C.J. "Cassy" Blochowiak
Shawnee resident C.J. "Cassy" Blochowiak, 96, died Friday, May 6, at his home.
He was born March 4, 1909, in Harrah to Wenceslaus and Veronica Blochowiak. He attended school at St. Benedict Catholic Church.

On Sept. 9, 1941, he married Mary R. Klish in Shawnee. She preceded him in death May 26, 2000.

He was a sheet metal foreman for Tinker Air Force Base until his retirement in 1974.

He was a member of St. Benedict Catholic Church.

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

Survivors include five children, Bill and Brenda Blochowiak of Meeker, Mary Ann Blochowiak of Edmond, Dick and Nancy Blochowiak of McLoud, Charles Blochowiak of Ponca City and Ed Blochowiak of Shawnee; 13 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and many other nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be noon Monday at St. Benedict Catholic Church with the Rev. Maurus Jaeb, O.S.B., officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Memorials may be made to St. Benedict Catholic Church or the charity of your choice.

Frank Tyson Coody
Konawa resident Frank Tyson Coody, 18, died Thursday, May 5, at Carl Albert Indian Hospital in Ada.

Wake service will be at 6:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Pickard-Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel, Konawa.

Service will be 1 p.m. Monday at Pickard-Swearingen Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow at Vamoosa Cemetery.

Evelyn Hambright
Las Vegas, Nev., resident Evelyn Hambright, formerly of Rossville, died Thursday, April 28, in Las Vegas, Nev., at the age of 68.
Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Monday at the Rossville Cemetery.

Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Chandler is directing arrangements

published May 08, 2005

Beverly Booth Fountain view obit image

Maudie Ellen Enright view obit image

David Selph view obit image

published May 10, 2005

Helen Loura Hall
Shawnee resident Helen Loura Hall, 85, died Saturday, May 7, at her home.
She was born July 13, 1919, in Tonkawa to Charles and Rosetta (Duke) Wagner.

Hall grew up in Tonkawa where she attended school and college until her family moved to Shawnee.

On April 19, 1947, she married Roy Lee Hall. They were married 52 years until his death in 1999.

They lived in several states and Germany while Roy was in the U.S. Army. They returned to Shawnee in 1969 where she lived until her death.

She worked at several companies in Shawnee and California during World War II.

Hall was a longtime member of Northwest Missionary Baptist Church in Shawnee.

She was a loving and caring wife, mother and grandmother who devoted her life to her family. Resting assured she is rejoicing with her family in the presence of the lord, we will miss her greatly.

She also is preceded in death by her parents, 10 brothers and sisters.

Survivors include her four children, Ronda and Jim Horn of Shawnee, Stephen and Marie Hall of Boley, Deborah and John Karr of Shawnee, Teressa Reed and her husband, George Landry, of Tecumseh; grandchildren, David, Patrick and Leslie Karr and Daamon Landry; great-grandchildren, Taylor, Bailey and Alyssia Annanders and Jessica Karr; niece, Floretta Hunsicker of Okemah.

Service will be 2 p.m. today at chapel of Walker Funeral Service with Dr. Ed Fox officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Walker Funeral Service

Zeake J. Boatman
Former longtime Wewoka resident Zeake J. Boatman, 90, died Sunday, May 8, at Shawnee Care Center.
He was born Dec. 24, 1914, in Wewoka to Josh and Henryetta Boatman.

Boatman was married to Veda Novella Boatman. She preceded him in death December 20, 1974.

He retired from Lillard Pipe and Supply in Shawnee as a truck driver.

Boatman was a member of the Church of God.

He also was preceded in death by his parents, a son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Clara Brown, and a granddaughter, Judy Romano.

Survivors include four sons and spouses, Frank and Jan Boatman of Slayton, Texas, Jack and Joyce Boatman of Shawnee, Pete and Sue Boatman of Amarillo, Texas, Joe and Pat Boatman of Shawnee; daughter and son-in-law, Betty and Dewayne Boyce of Eufaula; brother, Henry Boatman of Wewoka; sister, Bertha Hale of Georgia; niece, Alpha Smith of Shawnee; sister-in-law, Louise Boatman of Bethel Acres; 15 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Little Cemetery with the Rev. Carl Whitfield officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home of Seminole.

Kenneth William Clark Sr.
Newalla resident Kenneth William Clark Sr., 47, died Saturday, May 7, in Newalla.
Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Asa Smith Memorial Chapel with Chaplain Roy Barker and the Rev. Griff Henderson officiating. Burial will follow at Dale Cemetery under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service in Harrah.

Carl Wayne Smith
Stroud resident Carl Wayne Smith, 64, died Monday, May 9, in Stroud.
Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Stroud Christian Church with the Rev. Dewayne Jackson and Pastor Johathan Mitchell officiating. Burial will follow at the Stroud Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel.

published May 11, 2005

Beatrice Lillian Robinson:

Madill resident Beatrice Lillian Robinson, 83, died Sunday, May 8, in Brookside Manor Nursing Center in Madill.
She was born Feb.20, 1922, in Marble, Ark., to James Brown and Martha Howell Devin.
Beatie was reared in Powell, During 1942-1982 she lived in Tecumseh.
On March 18, 1939, she married George A. Robinson in Powell.
She was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Madill and the Missionary Society Club.
Beatie enjoyed quilting and growing flowers.
She is preceded in death by her parents, sis brothers, Joseph, Claude, Roy, Jesse, Luther and Marvin Devin, and two sisters, Bertha Waid and Mattie Vickers.
Survivors include her husband, George, of Madill; foster sons, Robert Caskey and Raymond Caskey of Oklahoma; sisters, Mary Parrish of Madill, Pauline Gray of Kingston; numerous nieces and nephews.
Casket bearers are Royal Dean Parrish, Ferrell Devin, Luther Thomas Vickers, Basil Devin, Ray Morse, Brett Downing, Jimmy Robinson and Richard Robinson.
Honorary bearers are Wilburn Robinson, Claude Elwin Robinson, Earl Darnell, Howard Hammons, Charlie Pruitt, Tommy Benton and Eugene Nabors.
Services were held Tuesday at the First Assembly of God Church with the Rev. Weldon Wright and the Rev. Ron Brannan officiating. Burial followed at Powell Cemetery.
Services were under the direction of Watts Funeral Home of Madill.

Clayton Ray Nail:

Shawnee resident Clayton Ray Nail, 70, died Sunday, May 8, in Shawnee.
Me Nail was born Feb. 22, 1935, in Byars to George Thomas and Bessie Juanita (Wallace) Nail.
A life long resident of Pottawatomie County, he was reared in the Asher-Wanette area. He attended Pleasant Hill Elementary and Wanette High School.
On Dec. 11, 1953, he married Edith June Horner in Tecumseh.
He worked as a farmer and as an oil field worker. He lived on a farm in the Asher-Wanette area until moving to Tecumseh in 1989.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife, Edith Nail, of the home; daughter and son-in-law, Lorna and Glenn Wingo of Shawnee; three sons and daughters-in-law, Thomas R. and Terri Nail of Tecumseh, Christopher C. and Mary Nail of Borger, Texas, and C. Wyman and Jennie Nail of Asher; sister, Geneva Franklin of Portland, Ore.; three brothers, James William Nail of Shawnee, Eugene Lamar Nail of Asher, and Glenn Dale Nail of Wanette; seven grandchildren, TaRena L. Nail, Tasha L. Nail, Krystal J. Nail, Amanda C. Lewis, Joeleen J.M. Washborn and Joshwa J. Adams; and one great-grandchild, Kindrid Lavon Nail.
Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Wanette Cemetery with Brother Jimmie Rutters officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home.


Charles E. Vaughan Sr.

Stroud Resident Charles E. Vaughan, 57, died Monday, May 9, in Oklahoma City.
Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at the Stroud Cemetery with Pastor Greg Jones officiating.
Parks Brothers Funeral Services in Stroud is directing arrangements.

Ernest Lee Zellner:

Holdenville resident Ernest Lee Zellner, 57, died Sunday, May 8, at Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City.
Service will be Saturday 1 p.m. at First Free Will Baptist Church with the Rev. Larry Chesser officiating under the direction of Fisher Funeral Home of Holdenville.

Richard Scott:

Meeker resident Richard Scott died Monday, May 9, in Meeker at the age of 49.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. today at Tecumseh Cemetery with Sister Donna Morton officiating.
Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh is in charge of arrangements.

published May 12, 2005

Isabel Jane "Liz" Zbavitel (Bicek)
Seminole resident Isabel Jane "Liz" Zbavitel (Bicek), 69, died Tuesday, May 10, in Shawnee.
She was born Dec. 22, 1935, in Oklahoma City to John and Kate Bicek.

Liz attended high school at Mount Saint Mary High School in Oklahoma City. She was a member of Saint Edward Catholic Church in Newark, Calif., and was an active member Saint Edward school PTA. She also was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Seminole. She taught lower grade CCD classes after her retirement at the church. Mrs. Zbavitel worked for Sears from 1978 to 1998 until her retirement.

On April 14, 1956, she married Tom Zbavitel in Oklahoma City.

Immediately after their marriage they moved to California and lived their for 21 years. Tom and Liz moved to Bowlegs in 1977 and continued to raise their family. Liz moved to Seminole in 2003 as a widow.

She was preceded in death by two sister, a brother, and then her parents. Also preceding her in death was her husband, Tom, on Sept. 27, 1998.

Survivors include her daughters and sons-in-law, Lynn and Mike Magruder of Seminole, Pam and James Weger of Seminole; son and daughter-in-law, Alan and Jessica Zbavitel of Muskogee; six granddaughters, Katelyn and Mallory Magruder, Vanessa and Rachel Weger, Emily and Julie Zbavitel; several nieces and nephews.

A Rosary will be recited 7 p.m. Friday at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel in Seminole. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Saturday at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Seminole with Father Basil Keenan, O.S.B., officiating. Burial will follow 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Czech National Cemetery in Prague. Visitation will be held at the funeral home until 10 a.m. Saturday. Arrangements are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home of Seminole.

George R. Gray
Shawnee resident George R. Gray, 67, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, May 9, at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born Nov. 11, 1937, in Fletcher to Marvin Herbert Gray and Juliann (Brown) Gray.

He worked civil service at Tinker Air Force Base for 26 years, retiring April 1, 2005,

He married the love of his life Cora Klingensmith on June 21, 1958, in Wichita, Kan. He and his wife loved to travel and spend time outdoors. He served his country proudly in the U.S. Air Force for 21 years. He was a Vietnam Veteran.

George was an active member of Liberty Baptist Church having served as an ordained deacon and treasurer of the Liberty Men's Fellowship.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Richard and Kenneth Gray; and one sister, Geneva Miller.

Survivors include his wife, Cora Gray, of the home; five children and their spouses, Tom Gray of Yukon, Becky and Daniel Tague of Cimarron, Kan., Curtis and Tracy Gray of Yelm, Wash., Missy Walls of Shawnee, and Jean and Greg Bowden of Shawnee; eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, two brothers, Mart Gray of Cyril and Elvin Gray of Whitesboro, Texas; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends.

Service will be 2 p.m. today at Liberty Baptist Church with Bill Matthews, Phil Thompson, the Rev. Larry Sparks and Larry Goins officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery.

The Casket will not be opened after the service.

Memorials may be made to the Liberty Men's Fellowship.

Walker Funeral Service of Shawnee is directing arrangements.

Laura Mae Malsbury
Laura Mae Malsbury, 73, died Monday, May 9, at Oklahoma Heart Hospital in Oklahoma City.
She was born May 17, 1931, in Sayer to Robert H. and Lena (Dehart) McCraw.

In 1956 she married Bob Malsbury in Texas.

She worked at the Frand Cafe for many years and Allen-Bradley. She retired from General Motors.

Malsbury was a member of the ladies auxiliary at the VFW Post 1317 in Shawnee.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and four sisters.

Survivors include her son, Jerome McClendon of Shawnee; three daughters and spouses, Sharon and Bill Bell of Shawnee, Jessie and Donnie Bailey of Maud, and Kaylene McClendon of Shawnee; two brothers, Charles McCraw of California, and Harold McCraw of Tecumseh; brother-in-law, Delbert Moon of Quinton; 10 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Resthaven Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Mike Craig officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home.\

Chester Sadler
Edmond resident Chester Sadler, 53, died Sunday, April 24, at his home of an apparent heart attack.
He was born Jan. 20, 1952, in Guthrie to Cecil Ray Sadler and Leota Jewel Sadler.

He was raised and lived in the Shawnee and Guthrie area most of his life.

Sadler was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his son, Chris Sadler; daughter, Lori Blystone of Springfield, Mo.; three brothers, Cecil Sadler of Oklahoma City, Billy Bob Keller of Edmond, and Gary Mac Cole of Louisiana; sister, Rita Mae Jarvis; three grandchildren, several uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews.

A private burial will be held Friday at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Baggerly Funeral Home of Edmond.

The family requests no flowers be sent. Donations may be made to the American Heart Association in lieu of flowers.

Thomas Olen Pringle
Shawnee resident Thomas Olen Pringle, 76, died Tuesday, May 10, at a local hospital.
He was born March 10, 1929, in Newalla to Homer and Kelly Pringle. He grew up in the Shawnee area and moved to California with his parents around the age of 14. He graduated from Polytechnic High School in Los Angles in 1947 and then returned to Shawnee in 1948. He went to work as a meat cutter for Public Market. He worked for Scrivner for most of his career. Scrivner was subsequently purchased by Fleming Foods and he retired from Fleming in 1995.

On Oct. 11, 1948, he married Juanita M. McDonald in Wichita Falls, Texas.

He was a musician and organized several bands that played western swing at various functions.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Teddy Dwight Pringle.

Survivors include his wife, Juanita Pringle of the home; son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Amber Pringle of Shawnee; two granddaughters, Lindsay and Sarah Pringle of Shawnee; two step-grandchildren, Herbie and Tryston Brandon of Shawnee; one sister, Oneta Edwards and her life companion, Earl Brewer of Oklahoma City; one brother-in-law and his wife, Hodge and Vera McDonald of Shawnee; and numerous other relatives.

Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Chapel of Walker Funeral Service with the Rev. Sam Matthews officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park with Bill Matthews officiating.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Walker Funeral Service of Shawnee is directing arrangements.

Artie Hall
Shawnee resident Artie Hall, 49, died Monday, May 9, in Shawnee.
He was born Oct. 2, 1955, in Seminole to Forrest Lee and Geneva (Cruise) Hall.

Born in Seminole he grew up in Shawnee. In 1973 he graduated from Shawnee High School.

Hall worked for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation since 1980. He was an original member of the Santa Fe Gunfighters.

He enjoyed traveling on his motorcycle, hunting and fishing.

Hall was preceded in death by his father, Forrest Lee Hall.

Survivors include his son, Darrell Hall of Seminole; mother, Geneva Hall of Shawnee; brother, Donald L. Pierson of Oklahoma City; numerous nieces and nephews.

Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Pioneer Baptist Church, Shawnee, with Pastor Charles Bascue of Pioneer Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow in Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home.

Emma Pauline Manning Bess
Tecumseh resident Emma Pauline Manning Bess, 79, died Saturday, May 7, in Oklahoma City.
Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Assembly of God Church in Tecumseh with the Rev. Robert Rider officiating. Burial will follow in Mars Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home.

Robert Van Small
Former Harrah resident Robert Van Small, currently of The Village, died Saturday, May 7, in The Village at the age of 56.
Visitation with the family will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at Smith-Parks Funeral Service, Harrah. A memorial service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday at the Asa Smith Memorial Chapel, Harrah.

Services are under the direction of Smith-Parks Funeral Service.

Tonya Morgan-Ledford
Tonya Carol Morgan-Ledford, age 65, died Monday, May 9, 2005, at Unity Health Center in Shawnee.
Tonya was born April 23, 1940, in Hamilton, Mont. the daughter of Elmer William Luedecky and Gladys Henrietta (Breckenridge) Luedecky. She attended school in Libby, Mont. She was married to Samuel Morgan who preceded her in death. She later married Fred Ledford. Tonya worked as a housewife and homemaker. She was a member of South Rock Creek Assembly of God. Tonya enjoyed being a caregiver as well as sewing, cooking, and spending time with her family.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Samuel; one brother, Roger; and one infant son.

Survivors include her husband, Fred Ledford of the home; four children, Donny Morgan and wife, Tami, of Tulsa, Tammy Martin and husband, David, of Abilene, Texas, Scott Morgan and wife, Toni, of Shawnee, and Jeff Morgan and wife, Tami, of Holdenville; 14 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren (and one on the way); three brothers, James Elmer Luedecky, David Douglas Luedecky and Donald Dean Luedecky; one sister, June Eleanor Clark; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Resthaven Funeral Chapel. Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Resthaven Memorial Park with the Rev. Bob Hedge officiating.

Resthaven Funeral Home of Shawnee is directing arrangements.

Benny Leon Kellogg
Paden resident Benny Leon Kellogg, 54, died Wednesday, April 11, in Oklahoma City.
Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at the Burnett Mission Church in Paden with Bro. Paul Heard officiating. Burial will follow at Paden Cemetery..

Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Prague is directing arrangements

James "Fowler" Cooper
James "Fowler" Cooper, 94, died Tuesday, May 10, in Meeker Nursing Center.
He was born Feb. 12, 1911, in Tennesee to William A. Cooper and Nora McMahan-Cooper.

Fowler spent most of his life in Shawnee but moved to Meeker 20 years ago.

He married Opal May Cooper in 1981 in Shawnee.

Fowler was a carpenter and had worked many years at Oklahoma Baptist University.

He was a member of the Meeker Christian Church and Meeker Masonic Lodge.

Fowler enjoyed carpentry. He built many clocks for family and friends over the years.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Opal May Cooper, on April 3, 2003.

Survivors include his daughter, Wanda Helms of Scottsdale, Ariz.; sister, DeLila Nelson of Shawnee; brother, Lillard Cooper and his wife, Lucille, of Amarillo, Texas; granddaughter, Judy Fletcher of Meeker; niece, Cristy Wilkinson and her husband, David, of Amarillo; four nephews, Carl and Lois McGlothin of Oregan; Dr. Lynn and Pattie McGlothin of Idaho; Bill and Linda Boland of Calera; Dr. Anthony and Julia Thomas of Midwest City; several great-nieces, great-nephews and many friends.

Service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Resthaven Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Glen Walters officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery.

published May 13, 2005

Emma Pauline Manning-Bess view obit image
Emma Pauline Manning-Bess, 79, of Tecumseh died Saturday, May 7, in Oklahoma City.
She was born Aug. 24, 1925, in Macomb to William Alfred and Maudie Alice (Cathey) Manning.

Emma was reared in the Macomb area. She attended elementary school at Hope school and was a 1943 graduate of Macomb High School. She lived in Norman while attending nursing school.

On March 2, 1945, she married George Andrew Bess in Norman.

In 1946, she earned her registered nurse degree at Oklahoma City General Hospital (now known as Mercy Hospital). She served in the Cadet Nurses Corp. from 1944 to 1946. She then moved to West Los Angeles where she worked at the VA Hospital for 25 years. She returned to Shawnee area in 1970 and worked at the VA Hospital in Oklahoma City. Emma later became head nurse at Unity Hospital-North Campus in Shawnee. She volunteered at the Shawnee Senior Citizens Center for many years.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one son, John A. Bess.

Reuel Jamison Kirk view obit image
Reuel Jamison "Jamie" Kirk, 76, died peacefully Wednesday, May 11, at home his home in Paradise Valley, Ariz.
He was born in Konawa to Reuel G. and Madge Kirk.

He graduated from Shawnee High School in 1946 and was a graduate of Oklahoma University. He also was a former Marine Corps Staff Sergeant. Retiring from Intel Corporation in 1994, he had a long career in the semiconductor industry.

Kirk was an avid tennis player, golfer, woodworker, reader, traveler and lover of jazz music and movies -- especially the classics. He was active and engaged in life until his final days.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Margaret Ann; four children, Bruce, Brian, Jennifer and Laurie; sister, Mary Walton Teape of Shawnee, brother, Wendell P. Kirk of Birmingham, Ala.; daughter-in-law, Lori, and granddaughters, Sarah and Claire.

Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Barnabas on the desert, 6715 Mockingbird Lane, Paradise Valley, Ariz..

Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014, the St. Barnabas on the Desert Music Program or a charity of choice.

Joel T. Parsons
Seminole resident Joel T. Parsons, 79, died Wednesday, May 11, in Seminole.
Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Resthaven Memorial Gardens with Karen Smith officiating. Swearingen Funeral Home is directing arrangements.

Stella Mae (Hines) Quinalty view obit image
Seminole resident Stella Mae (Hines) Quinalty, 95, died Thursday, May 12, in Seminole.
Graveside service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Little Cemetery with Charles Lester officiating. Swearingen Funeral Home is directing arrangements.

Minnie Lee (Joslin) Petty view obit image
McLoud resident Minnie Lee (Joslin) Petty, 77, died Tuesday, May 10, in Midwest City.
Graveside service will be 11 a.m. today at Riverside Cemetery of McLoud with the Rev. Griff Henderson officiating.

Smith~Parks Funeral Service of Harrah is directing arrangements.

Noy Bucy view obit image
Noble resident Noy Bucy, 59, died Monday, May 9, in Noble.
Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Open Door Church of God in Tecumseh with the Rev. John Keeling officiating.

Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh is directing arrangements.

published May 14, 2005

Verna Lee (Pate) Miller view obit image

Anita King view obit image

Winnogene Roller view obit image

Laura Mae Malsbury view obit image

published May 15, 2005

Helen E. Perceful view obit image

Clarola Stith view obit image

Leonard D. Smith view obit image

Margaret Keegan view obit image

Wilton Brewster view obit image