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

submitted by Kay Sugg Best

published Nov. 17, 2005

Reba (Neighbors) Collins

Edmond resident, Reba (Neighbors) Collins, 80, died Monday, Nov. 14, following a brief illness.
She was born Aug. 26, 1925, in Shawnee.

Collins grew up on a farm north of Edmond where she attended Rock Mound School. She attended Edmond High School but never graduated as she eloped on her 16th birthday. She was married in Kingfisher County to Delmar L. Collins.

Collins worked at Haliburton, Streets and Sears. She was able to take the GED exam, available to veterans at that time, and began studies at Central State College (CSC) in January of 1955. She graduated with the class of 1958. She earned a masters in journalism from Oklahoma State University (OSU) in 1959 and a Doctorate in Journalism for Higher Education from OSU in 1967. She did further graduate work in Speech and Journalism at the University of Oklahoma. Collins began teaching at CSC while still working on her bachelor's degree and continued for 17 years. She retired from the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) as a full professor and Director of University Relations. She left UCO to become the director of the Will Rogers Memorial and Birthplace from January of 1975 to August of 1990. Her husband, Delmar, worked as the facilities manager. She taught history part time at Rogers University while at the Memorial.

At the time of her death, Collins was Director Emeritus of the Will Rogers Memorial, Professor Emeritus of UCO, wrote newspaper columns for the Edmond Sun and the Bethany Times-Tribune, wrote book reviews for The Daily Oklahoman, and was a freelance writer for various newspapers and magazines.

Collins authored Will Rogers: Courtship and Correspondence; Will Rogers and Wiley Post in Alaska; Will Rogers Memorial [Guide book]; Will Rogers: Roping Will's Family Tree; Will Rogers, Writer and Journalist; History of the Janes-Peek Family, including four addenda to the Janes-Peek book; and Alice Robertson, Congresswoman for Oklahoma; and One-Room Schools. She edited a number of books, including: Will Rogers Says; Will Rogers Says...On the Constitution; and The Old Home Ranch. Collins was considered the foremost expert on Oklahoma's native son, Will Rogers. At the time of her death, Collins was working on a biography of Will Rogers, Jr., the Neighbors Family Genealogy, and "Reba, Her Story."

Collins was a member of the Daughters of American Revolution, the Samuel King chapter in Edmond, and was an organizing member of the Verdigris Valley chapter in Claremore. She was the first woman member of the Optimist Club in Claremore, a member of Delta Kappa Gamma for several years, the organizing president of the Public Relations Association of Oklahoma, and the charter president of the Pilot Club in Claremore. She was a lifetime member of the UCO Alumni Association, serving on the board almost continuously for about 30 years. At the time of her death, she was serving on the Board for the UCO Foundation, the Edmond Historical Society, and was a member of the Edmond Genealogy Society, Logan County Historical Society, Claremore Historical Society, Oklahoma Heritage Association, Oklahoma Historical Association, and Sigma Delta Chi.

Collins was preceded in death by her parents, Susie Ione (Peek) and Robert Luther Neighbors of Edmond, three sisters, Venita, Florene and Carleta, brother Robert Luther Neighbors Jr.; and two husbands, Delmar L. Collins, and William Anderson Hubbard, both natives of Logan County.

Collins loved her students from UCO, boasting of their successes often. She had a zest for life and great love and support for the communities of Guthrie, Edmond, and Claremore, for UCO, for the life and history of Will Rogers and his family and for her own family. She instilled in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren the importance of a college education. Her favorite title was "Grandma Reba."

Survivors include three siblings, Wanda I. (Neighbors) Voss of Edmond, Fred Neighbors of Naples, Fla. and Paul Neighbors of Fort Myers, Fla.; three children, Rebecca (Collins) Janes of Edmond, Wanda Jean "Wendy" (Collins) Johnson of Edmond and Dennis Mikel Collins and wife, Kathy, of Phoenix, Arizona. Other survivors include eight grandchildren, Marla Peek of Edmond, Marcy Greene and husband, John, of Corpus Christi, Texas, Missy Pickens and husband, Gregg, of Stillwater, Monica Hardesty and husband, Norman, of Laramie, Wyo., Eric Johnson and wife, Debbie, of Oklahoma City, Adam Johnson and wife, Caroline, of Yukon, Christina (Collins) Perrine and husband, Chris, of Edmond, and Jennifer Collins of Edmond; thirteen great-grandchildren, Rebecca Webb of Bartlesville, Kelley Webb of Edmond; Riley and Jace Harrell of Corpus Christi, Texas, Justin, Ella and Pete Pickens of Stillwater, Ian Hardesty of Laramie, Wyoming, Sydney Johnson of Oklahoma City, Mason Johnson of Yukon, Kahla and Lilliana Belle Perrine of Edmond, and Kiersten Collins of Edmond.

Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at the Baggerley Funeral Home in Edmond.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, sympathizers may send a donation to their favorite charity.

Alberta (Feemster) Griggs

Shawnee resident Alberta (Feemster) Griggs, 86, died Monday, Nov. 14, at a local nursing home.
She was born Jan. 13, 1919, in Locksburg, Ark., to Albert and Nancy (Baber) Feemster.

She graduated from Dale High School and had lived in the Dale area most of her life. She was a kindergarten teacher in Texas for many years.

Griggs was married Nov. 27, 1937, in Oklahoma City to Clifford Griggs.

She was a member of First United Presbyterian Church and Rebekah Lodge. She was active in Cub Scouts, church activities and was a pianist and organist for many different occasions and served as AARP president.

Survivors include her husband, Clifford Griggs of the home; two sons and daughters-in-law, Jim and Cindy Griggs of McPherson, Kan., Gerald and Luz Griggs of Goddard, Kan.; grandchildren, Jesse and Jenny Griggs, Jenny and Jeremy Gegg, Jackie Griggs, Janice Griggs; great-grandchildren, Emma Griggs, Olympia Gegg and Jazelle Griggs.

Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at the Chapel of Walker Funeral Service with the Rev. Russell Currie and Mike McAuley officiating. Burial will be at Dale Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

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

Geneva Iris Green

Shawnee resident Geneva Iris Green, 82, died Sunday, Nov. 13, at a local nursing home.
She was born August 3, 1923, in Chandler to Joseph Don and Eva Cox-Howell. Geneva attended Red Oak and Clematis schools and later graduated from Davenport school.

Geneva moved to Shawnee in 1948 and married Curtis Green on June 13, 1954, in Shawnee. He preceded her in death on Dec. 20, 1984.

She had worked for Douglas Aircraft during the War and later worked as a sales clerk for C.R. Anthony and retired from Sears as a customer service clerk after 38 years of employement.

Geneva was a member of Central Church of Christ in Shawnee.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; five brothers, Wallace Howell, Garland Howell, Wayne Howell, Warren Howell and an infant twin brother of Evelyn Holman.

Survivors include her son, David Curtis Green of Shawnee; sister, Evelyn Corabeth Holman of Paden; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Resthaven Funeral Home Chapel with Dwyane Dennis officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Gaskill Funeral Chapel

Donald Eugene Freeze

Lifelong Paden resident Donald Eugene Freeze, 70, departed this life on Monday, Nov. 14, in Lexington.
He was born Feb. 20, 1935, in Paden to Riley and Mural (Pyle) Freeze.

Donald was married Aug. 30, 1974, in Prague to Patsy Ruth Hightower. He was a retired oilfield tool pusher.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one son.

Survivors include his wife, Patsy of the home; sons and daughter-in-law, Randy Freeze of Prague, Tommy and Margaret Freeze of Prague and Rocky Freeze of Prague; step-children, Bobby and Carol Harris of Norman, Allen and Carol Harris of Dallas, Texas, and Yvonda and Lonnie Lefebure of Colorado Springs, Co.; and eight grandchildren.

Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Prague with Palmer Smith officiating. Burial will follow at the Paden Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Prague.

A guest book is available to share your memories on-line at www.ParksBrothers.net.

Bobby Gene Moore

Former Shawnee resident Bobby (Bob) Gene Moore, 58, of Braggs died Monday, Nov. 14 in Braggs.
Graveside service will be 1 p.m. Friday at the Tecumseh Mission Cemetery with Chaplain Cliff Horvath officiating. Burial will follow in Tecumseh Mission Cemetery under the direction of Smith Funeral Home of Checotah

Herman C. "Ben" Humphrey

Shawnee resident Herman C. "Ben" Humphrey, 61, died Saturday, Nov. 12, at a local hospital.
Ben was born July 2, 1944, in Wellston to William "Bill" and Frances (Goad) Humphrey.

On Oct. 19, 1983, he married Evelyn Shelton in Oklahoma City.

He retired from Tinker Air Force Base after 20 years of service as an aircraft mechanic. He was a member of Shawnee United Pentecostal Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Bennie Joe Humphrey; and two brothers, James Humphrey and Robert Humphrey.

Survivors include his loving wife, Evelyn, of the home; son and daughter-in-law, Dennis Leon and Rhonda Humphrey of Del City; two granddaughters, Stephanie and Amber of Del City; four step-children, Jerry and Lisa Thomas of Ft. Smith Ark., Terry and Paula Richardson of Asher, Steven and Debbie Richardson of Irving, Texas, and Gina Cude of Westminister, Colo.; two step-grandchildren, John and Carissa Thomas; one great-grandson, Isaiah Willet; five brothers, John and Joyce Humphrey of Wellston, Carl Ray Humphrey of Oklahoma City, Wayne Humphrey of Harrah, Mikel and Linda Humphrey of Guthrie, and Warren and Sue Humphrey of Wellston; two sisters, Mary and George Payne of Wellston and Ann Prince of Edmond; one sister-in-law, Carol Humphrey of Wellston; many loving nieces, nephews and friends.

He loved unconditionally, was generous to a fault and will be greatly missed.

Service was held Tuesday at Walker Funeral Service chapel with the Rev. Vance Bowman officiating. Burial followed at Wellston Cemetery.

Mary L. Wright

Shawnee resident Mary L. Wright, 74, died Saturday, Nov. 12, in a local hospital.
She was born Nov. 24, 1930, in Flatgap, Ky., to Delbert and Viola (Sparks) Jones. She lived and graduated in Marysville, Ohio.

On April 7, 1952, she married Lewis L. Wright in Marysville, Ohio.

She retired from Newton Walls. She was a member of Liberty Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband on Jan. 18, 2003.

Survivors include five children and their spouses, Carol and Steve McInturff of Ft. Worth, Texas, Garey and Betty Wright of Meeker, James and Sherri Wright of Shawnee, Charles Wright of Pawhuska, and Brenda Wright of Shawnee; five grandchildren, Shonna and Phillip Stone of Moore, Darin and Casey Fowler of Meeker, Jimmie Wright, Devon Wright and Hailey Wright, all of Shawnee; four great-grandchildren, Austin Stone and Breanna Stone of Moore, Dustin Caples and Clayton Fowler, both of Meeker; two sisters, Jewell Kimbler and Dorothy Combs, both of Marysville, Ohio.

Service will be 10 a.m. today at the Chapel of Walker Funeral Service with Phil Thompson officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Walker Funeral Service, Shawnee.

Lee Roy Troxel

Macomb resident Lee Roy Troxel died Sunday, Nov. 13, in Macomb at the age of 75.
He was born March 7, 1930, in Macomb to Simon and Suzie Rebecca (Davis) Troxel. He lived most of his life in the Macomb/Tribbey area and attended school in Tribbey.

Lee Roy served in the Army National Guard during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the Oklahoma National Guard.

On July 12, 1947, he married Willie Mae Churchwell in Shawnee.,

He worked as a truck driver and in the oil field. For the past 25 years, he and his wife, Willie Mae, bought and sold at auctions.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing music.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Robert "Bud" Troxel; and one son, Harold Dewane Troxel.

Survivors include his wife, Willie Mae Troxel of the home; two daughters and one son-in-law, Janice Underwood of McLoud and Rebecca Ann and David Mann of Strafford Springs, Conn.; one son, Keith Troxel of Macomb; seven grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren.

Service will be 1 p.m. Thursday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with Toby Clinkenbeard officiating. Burial will follow at Mars Hill Cemetery.

The casket will remain open until service time and will not be reopened following the service.

Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh is directing arrangements.

Bobby Gene Moore

Braggs resident Bobby (Bob) Gene Moore, formerly of Shawnee and the Lake Eufaula area, died Monday, Nov. 14, at his home in Braggs.
Bob was born July 24, 1947, in Shawnee to Alfred and Beulah (Shelton) Moore. He was a 1965 graduate of Shawnee High School.

He was united in marriage to Tina Ham on June 29, 1967, in Shawnee. He was of the Baptist faith and an auto mechanic.

Bob was preceded in death by his mother, Beulah Moore in 1993.

Survivors include his wife, Tina, of the home; his father, Alfred Moore, of Shawnee; one son, Jeff Moore, of Houston, Texas; and one daughter, Renee' Luce, of Eufaula; three brothers, Jack Moore of Shawnee, Danny Moore of Norman and Mack Shelton of Shawnee; two sisters, Marita Gray and Greta Taylor, both of Shawnee; three grandchildren, Brett and Jake Threet and Kyla Cleaveland, all of Eufaula.

Graveside service will be 1 p.m. Friday at the Tecumseh Mission Cemetery, Tecumseh, with Chaplain Cliff Horvath officiating.

Visitation will be held 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, and Thursday, Nov. 17. The family will greet friends and family members 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Smith Funeral Home, 311 S.W. 2nd St., Checotah, Okla.

Sara-Grace "Gracey" Tehlia McIntire

Sara-Grace "Gracey" Tehila McIntire, infant daughter of Ninah E. Byington and Paul J. McIntire Jr., died Saturday, Nov. 12, in the Jane Phillips Medical Center.
A prayer service will be held 10 a.m. today in the New Hope Indian Methodist Church of Dewey with the Rev. Roger Scott officiating and the Rev. Tim Byington assisting.

Service will be 10 a.m. Friday in the Kickapoo Friends Center Church in McLoud with the Rev. Brad Wood officiating and the Rev. Tim Byington assisting.

Committal prayers and burial will be directed in the Jameson Cemetery near McLoud by The Arnold Moore Funeral Service, Bartlesville.

Jack M. DeWitt

Harrah resident Jack M. DeWitt, 64, died Tuesday, Nov. 15, in Harrah.
A Memorial Service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday at the Asa Smith Memorial Chapel, Harrah, under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service.

Joe Marshell Tracy

Lifelong Seminole resident Joe Marshell Tracy, 78, died Tuesday, Nov. 15.
Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at the Swearingen Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Gary O. Wilburn officiating. Burial will follow at Little Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.

published Nov. 18, 2005

Clovis Clyde McIninch

Clovis Clyde McIninch, 87, passed away Sunday, Nov. 13, in Oklahoma City.
He was born Nov. 19, 1917, in Wanette to Wes and Emma (Landsdown) McIninch.

Clovis served his country proudly in the U.S. Navy for 21 years. After retiring from the U.S. Navy, he went to work for civil service at Tinker Air Force Base for 20 years before retiring in 1978.

He is preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Millard McIninch.

Survivors include his wife, Annie McIninch; one son, Steve McIninch of Dallas; and one brother, Joe Snodgrass and his wife, Helen, of Shawnee.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. today in Resthaven Memory Gardens under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home, Oklahoma City.

Kenny Wayne Carpenter

Bethel resident Kenny Wayne Carpenter, 44, passed away Friday, Nov. 11, in Shawnee.
He was born April 18, 1961, to Larry Gene Carpenter and Karen Beth (Garner) Carpenter.

Carpenter attended both Dale and Bethel schools. He was a roofer and construction worker.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Larry and Karen Carpenter; sister, Lisa Kay Carpenter; grandparents, Villard and Jewel Garner and Lee and Stella Carpenter.

Survivors include his brother, Phillip "Phil" Gene Carpenter, of the home; two nieces, Tiara and Star Carpenter, both of the home; several aunts and uncles.

Graveside service will be 3 p.m. Saturday at Dale Cemetery.

Kenny was loved very much and is missed by all.

Willa Faye Hand Creamer

Harrah resident Willa Faye (Seitz) Hand Creamer, 61, died Wednesday, Nov. 16, in Harrah.
Service will be 2 p.m. today at Asa Smith Memorial Chapel, Harrah, with the Rev. David Brassfield officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Lane Cemetery, Harrah, under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service Center.

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 3000 United Founders Blvd. #108, Oklahoma City, OK 73112, the American Heart Association, 5700 N. Portland No. 203, Oklahoma City, OK 73112, or Hospice of Oklahoma County, 4334 NW Expressway No. 106, Oklahoma City, OK 73116.
 

published Nov. 19, 2005

Katie Marie Newton

Former longtime Prague resident Katie Marie Newton, 89, died peacefully Thursday, Nov. 17, in a Norman hospital.
The youngest and last survivor of Robert C. and Sephrony (Hopper) Warden, she was born June 10, 1916, in Paden.

She attended Paden High School where she met Roy Newton. They were married Oct. 12, 1933, in Paden. He preceeded her in death in the Prague Nursing Nome on Oct. 14, 1995, at the age of 81.

A resident of Prague from 1943 to 1996, Marie had moved to the University Village Retirement Community on the Oral Roberts University Campus following the death of her husband in 1996.

Her parents moved from Missouri in 1904 and settled southwest of Paden where they began farming. Her father, R.C., was appointed County Road Commissioner in 1930 to help build roads and bridges. He received an award for outstanding service from Governor William "Alfalfa" Bill Murray.

After their marriage, her husband, Roy, began a long career in the oil production industry that took the family through Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas before they settled permanently in Prague in 1943. They were active in the community, especially the Eastern Star with both serving as Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron at the same time. Their five children were all active in school and graduated from Prague High School.

She also was preceded in death by her parents; seven brothers, Claude, Dan, Kin, Audley, Ennis, Denver and Rollie; one sister, Demah; and one son, Gary Leroy Newton.

Survivors include her favorite sister-in-law, Opal Warden, wife of her deceased brother, Rollie Warden, of Prague; son and daughter-in-law, Rick and Sharon Newton of Woodward; daughters and son-in-law, Florine Kunstel of Tulsa, Linda Burleson of Houston, Texas, and Royena and Joe Holladay of Chapel Hill, N.C.; ten grandchildren and their spouses, Donna and Richard Thompson of Tulsa, David Peterson of Denver, Andrea Burleson Lorenz of Casper, Wyo., Philip and Julie Burleson of Norman, Chris and Jo Burleson of Petaluma, Calif., April Burleson of Houston, Texas, Heather Holladay Vigil and David of Sydney, Australia, Matthew Holladay of Chapel Hill, N.C., Jennifer and Brian Newton of Woodward; ten great-grandchildren, Noelani, Kanani, Philip and Nathan Burleson of Petaluma, Calif., Aaron Heeschen of Casper, Wyo., Lindsay and Seth Burleson of Norman, Arielle Judd of Tulsa, Devon and Hayden Peterson of Denver, Col.

Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel with Dr. Warren Danskin officiating. Burial will follow at the Prague Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service of Prague.

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

Donnie Floyd

Tecumseh resident Donnie Floyd, 60, died Wednesday, Nov. 16, in Shawnee.
Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Bethel Acres Assembly with the Rev. Lonnie Hurst, Larry Townsend and Kenny Hawkins officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home, Tecumseh. Viewing will begin Monday at 9 a.m.
 

published Nov. 20, 2005

Phyllis Kay Heald

Phyllis Kay Heald, 58, Shawnee, died Friday, Nov. 18, at a local hospital.
She was born March 4, 1947, in Shawnee to Eldon and Doris Bradbury-Whittern. She graduated from Prairie Valley School and had lived in Shawnee most of her life. She retired from Tinker Air Force Base after 28 years of service.

She loved to write poems for family and friends and for all occasions. Phyllis had a heart of gold and always put others before herself. She was a loving mother, daughter, aunt and friend. Phyllis was devoted to taking care of her parents. She will be greatly missed.

The family would like to personally thank the nursing staff at Solara Hospital and Dr. Tony Haddad for the care he provided her and his genuine concern for the family.

She was preceded in death by both parents and sister, Beverly Conner.

Surviving are her daughter, Kay Lyn Clifton and husband, William Schwartz, of Shawnee; brother Jim and wife Janette Whittern of Oklahoma City; brother-in-law, Wayne Conner of Bartlett, Tenn., and her aunt, Phyllis and husband Joe Scheidt of Shawnee.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Fairview Cemetery in Shawnee with Rob Prater officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Gaskill Funeral Home of Shawnee.

Donnie Floyd

Donnie Floyd, 60, Tecumseh, died Nov. 16, in Shawnee.
He was born Nov. 7, 1945, in Oklahoma, to birth father Willard Floyd and Ted and Bernice (Holderfield) Hughes.

He was raised in California and Colorado.

On March 3, 1968, he married Billie S. Burks in Las Vegas. Following their marriage, they lived in Arkansas, California and Oklahoma, where they resided in Tecumseh since 1989.

He served two terms in Vietnam while in the U.S. Army. He worked as a carpenter and was a member of Bethel Acres Assembly.

He enjoyed playing the piano when he was younger.

Preceding him in death were his daughter, Jessica Floyd, mother Bernice, father, Arch Hughes, and a brother, James Hughes.

Surviving are his wife, Billie S. Floyd of the home; daughter, Lisa Floyd of California; son, Jason Floyd of California; two stepsons and spouses, Kevin and Annie Bentz of Eugene, Ore., Jeff and Tonya Bentz of Oklahoma City; brother Archie Hughes of California; two grandsons, Zachary and Finley Bentz; granddaughter, Hannah Bentz, and many friends and family.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Bethel Acres Assembly with the Rev. Lonnie Hurst, Larry Townsend and Kenny Hawkins officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery.

Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh is in charge of arrangements. Viewing will begin at 9 a.m. Monday.

Gary Nicholas Curto

Gary Nicholas Curto, 54, Chandler, died Nov. 17, in Stroud.
He was born April 21, 1951, in Springfield, Mass, the son of Nicholas L. and Carmella (DiFalco) Curto. He married Lisa Syzek in Edmond on Feb. 29, 1988. He was a rancher and of the Catholic faith.

His mother, son, Enrico, and brother, Christopher, preceded him in death.

Surviving are his wife, Lisa Curto, of the home; father Nicholas L. Curto of Mission, Texas; sons, Anthony Curto of Quincy, Ill., and Nicholas Curto of Chandler; daughters, Rikki Curto of Chandler and Christina Curto of Chandler; brothers, Paul Curto of Atlanta, Ga., Nicky Curto of Tampa, Fla., J.J. Curto of Sanford, Fla., and David Curto of Enfield, Conn.; sisters, Nalerie Blythe of Stafford Springs, Conn., and Karen Duncan of Long Meadow, Minn.; with many other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be 11 .m. Monday at the Friends Church in Chandler with the Rev. Homer Smuck officiating. Graveside services will follow at 2 p.m. in the Oak Park Cemetery in Chandler. Services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Chandler.

Memorial donations may be made to the Rico Memorial Scholarship Fund, Communities Foundation of Oklahoma, 2932 N.W. 122, Suite D., OKC, OK 73120.

published Nov. 22, 2005

George Baldridge

Tecumseh resident George Baldridge, 70, died Sunday, Nov. 20, in Shawnee.
Graveside service will be 3 p.m. Wednesday at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh

Joe E. Phelps

Seminole resident Joe Elton Phelps, died Monday, Nov. 21, at the age of 85.
Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Swearingen Funeral Chapel with Don Gill officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery.

Paul Albert Cox

Lifelong Stroud resident Paul Albert Cox died Saturday, Nov. 19, in Norman at the age of 88.
Graveside service will 2 p.m. today at the Stroud Cemetery with the Rev. Joe Molencupp officiating.

Services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Stroud.

Donnie Floyd

Donnie Floyd, 60, Tecumseh, died Nov. 16, 2005, in Shawnee.
He was born Nov. 7, 1945, in Oklahoma, to birth father Willard Floyd and Ted and Bernice (Holderfield) Hughes.

He was raised in California and Colorado. On March 3, 1986, he married Billie S. Burks in Las Vegas, Nev. Following their marriage, they lived in Arkansas, California and Okahoma, where they resided in Tecumseh since 1989.

He served two terms in Vietnam while in the U.S. Army. He worked as a carpenter and was a member of Bethel Acres Assembly. He enjoyed playing the piano when he was younger.

Preceding him in death were his daughter, Jessica Floyd; mother, Bernice; father, Arch Hughes and a brother, James Hughes.

Surviving are his wife, Billie S. Floyd of the home; daughter, Lisa Floyd of California; son, Jason Floyd of California; two stepsons and spouses, Kevin and Annie Bentz of Eugene, Ore., Jeff and Tonya Bentz of Oklahoma City; brother, Archie Hughes of California; two grandsons, Zachary and Finley Bentz; granddaughter, Hannah Bentz, and many friends and family.

Funeral service was held Monday, Nov. 21, at Bethel Acres Assembly with the Rev. Lonnie Hurst, Larry Townsend and Kenny Hawkins officiating. Burial followed at Tecumseh Cemetery.

Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh directed arrangements.

Lola V. Kinnmon

Shawnee resident Lola V. Kinnamon, 79, died Friday, Nov. 18, at a local hospital.
She was born December 31, 1925, in Mt. Valley, Ark., to Walter Beecham and Ada Alva (Johnson) Herron.

On Jan. 20, 1945, she married Robert Kinnamon in Johnson Community.

Lola was a homemaker and a member of Johnson Church of God. She had lived in Shawnee most of her life.

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

Survivors include three daughters and sons-in-law, Bobbie and Leroy Wiley of Shawnee, Sandra and Julius Carmichael of Lawton and Marilyn and Randy Crane of Shawnee; two grandchildren and spouses, Jeffrey and Denise Wiley of Shawnee and Jennifer and Naman Sharma of Shawnee; step-grandchildren and spouses, John and Trisha Granger of Columbia, S.C., Carmen and Tonia Monachelli of Florence, S.C., and Julius III and Jennifer Carmichael, Ft. Bragg, N.C.; three great-grandchildren, Chestney, Lacey and Chantce Wiley; four step-greatgrandchildren, Sarah and Ethan Granger and Jania and Jalen Carmichael; brother, Lou Herron of Shawnee; six sisters-in-law; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Service will be 2 p.m. today at Johnson Church of God with the Rev. Charles Higgins and the Rev. Mark Guinn officiating. Burial will follow at Johnson Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

published Nov. 23, 2005

Mabel Alice Burleyson Lucas

Shawnee resident Mabel Alice Burleyson Lucas, 94, died Saturday, Nov. 19, at her home with her family by her side.
She was born Oct. 17, 1911, in Hitchita to James Cromwell Burleyson and Rachel (Davis) Burleyson.

Mabel was valedictorian of her class in 1931. She graduated from Connors State College in 1933 and Northeastern State University in 1950.

On Sept. 20, 1935, she married Theron Monroe Lucas in Winfield, Kan.

She worked as a school teacher for 30 years teaching at Hitchita, Victor, Prairie Valley, Musson, Grove and Franklin.

Mabel was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church, Retired Teachers Association, AARP, TNT at Immanuel Baptist Church and was a Sunday School Teacher.

She was pure love, a Christian lady with a beautiful zest for life. Everything she did was full of heart. Her warm and loving nature was surrounded by a delightfully mischievous sense of humor. No matter what the situation, she always had a bright twinkle in her eyes and calmness in her voice that let you know that everything was going to be all right. She had a way of making the best of anything, having fun every step of the way. She was above all devoted to the Lord and her family. Selflessly giving to bring pleasure to others, she truly made this world a better place. It was wonderful to watch her excitement and happiness escalate as she got the family together and filled her house with the delicious smell of food and sounds of love. She did and experienced everything that she could. Always ready to go, Mabel would travel at every opportunity. It seemed as if she always kept a bag packed ready for any adventure that might be around the corner. Car, boat, plane; it did not matter, she was ready to go. She lived in the middle of life with an immense love of people and nature. You would often find her in the garden, behind a fishing pole or watching a football or basketball game. The enormous joy that she had in her heart at these times was almost tangible. So many lives have been touched and transformed by this magnificent woman. Her charming spirit will live on forever as many will, hopefully follow her example of love, patience, forgiveness, kindness and generosity. She will never be forgotten as her imprint upon this world is one of permanence.

Preceding her in death are her parents; husband, Theron Monroe Lucas; two brothers, Patrick and Bartley Burleyson; two sisters, Francis Rais and Bea Foster; two infant sisters and an infant brother.

Survivors include her caregiver and special friend, Dianna Brooms of Prague; three daughters and son-in-law, Sharon Bayes of Dallas, Texas, Barbara and Bill Stewart of Shawnee, Gail Edwards of Shawnee; son and daughter-in-law, Theron Ronald "Ron" and Mary Lucas of Blackville, S.C.; sister, Clonnie Birdsong of Mattoon, Ill.; 11 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren.

Service will be 10 a.m. today at Resthaven Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Sam Hendry officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home.

Leroy William Geissler

Harrah resident Leroy William Geissler, 77, died Monday, Nov. 21, in Harrah.
Service will be 10 a.m. Friday at the Church of the Nazarene, Harrah. Burial will follow at Lutheran Cemetery, Wellston, under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service Center.

Dr. Don Vogt

Shawnee resident Dr. Don Vogt, 76, died Sunday, Nov. 20, in a local hospital.
He was born May 7, 1929, in Guthrie to Oscar Benjamin and Freda (Kosanke) Vogt. He had lived in Shawnee since 1960.

He was a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University and University of Tennessee School of Denistry. He was a dentist for 37 years, from 1960 to 1997.

On May 15, 1953, he married Carol Koontz in Healdton.

Dr. Vogt served in the U.S. Navy.

He was the director of music at Park Avenue Baptist Church in Memphis, Tenn.; member of First Baptist Church of Shawnee; 50-year member of Shawnee Lions Club; many dental organizations, including president of Oklahoma Dental Foundation; director of the Shawnee Barbershop Chorus and sang in a barbershop quartet. He also was an avid gardener.

Survivors include his wife, Carol Vogt of the home; two daughters and sons-in-law, Dr. Kimberly and Larry Fisher of Evanston, Ill., and Amy and Shawn Roberts of Oklahoma City; one grandson, Samuel Roberts; one brother, Calvin O. Vogt of Tulsa; one sister, Judy Norman of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Service will be 10 a.m. today at First Baptist Church with the Rev. J.C. Farrand and Dr. Jerry Ball officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Christopher Michael Elliott

Tecumseh resident Christopher Michael Elliott, 37, died Friday, Nov. 18, at his home.
He was born July 4, 1968, in Colorado Springs, Colo., to Michael John Elliott and Jeannette (Barnard) Messenger.

On Feb. 7, 1992, he married Lynn Riley in Edmond.

He served in the U.S. Army. He was of the Catholic faith and a member of the Disabled American Veterans.

He worked in B-52 production support at Tinker Air Force Base.

He lived in the Bethel area for the past nine years.

Survivors include his wife, Lynn, of the home; son, Joshua Elliott of the home; parents, Mike Elliott and Jeannette Messenger; two sisters, Becki Elliott and Sara Swain; grandfather, John Elliott; grandmother, Dorothy Barnard; a number of nieces and nephews; and mother-in-law, Marda Riley.

Service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with the Rev. Manuel J. Magallanes, O.S.B., officiating. Burial will be at Fort Gibson National Cemetery.

Walker Funeral Service is directing arrangements.

Loren Edward Gregory

Meeker resident Loren Edward Gregory, 61, died Tuesday, Nov. 22, in Prague.
He was born April 11, 1944, in Bartlesville to Wayne Loren and Gladys (Medford) Gregory.

Loren graduated from Labette County Community High School in Altamont, Kan., and received a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering form Kansas University.

He worked as an engineer for Ashgrove Cement Plant in Kansas and Wolverine Tube in Shawnee. He also was a farmer and rancher.

On July 28, 1965, he married Ruthanne Bayles in Miami.

He was a member of the Kiawanis Club and the Meeker United Methodist Church. He also was active in the Big Brother Program.

Preceding him in death are his parents and his brother, Lavern Gregory.

Survivors include his wife, Ruthanne, of the home; sons and daughters-in-law, Charles and Tracey Gregory of Oklahoma City, David and Sarah Gregory of Bethel; daughter, Sherry Gregory of Oklahoma; little brother, Mike Lancaster of Kansas City, Mo.; brothers and sisters-in-law, Larry and Nancy Gregory of McPherson, Kan.. Lynn and Ann Gregory of Edna, Kan.; four grandchilren; several nieces and nephews.

Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Meeker United Methodist Church with the Rev. Mike Melton officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Prague.

Glen Edward Fitzgerald

Former Shawnee resident Glen Edward Fitzgerald, 75, passed away on November 23, 2005.
Glen was born December 18, 1929, in Konawa to William and Mola (Arnett) Fitzgerald.

He retired from his business, Lonnie's Body Shop, which he owned until 1995.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Bobby Glen and Momma Hoff.

Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 57 years, Betty; children and their spouses, Phil and Lori Fitzgerald of Oklahoma City, Kevin and Kit Fitzgerald of Littleton, Colo., Karen and Bob Marquis of Edmond, Pat and Karon Fitzgerald of Edmond; siblings and their spouses, Max and Grace Fitzgerald of Yukon, Bill and Joan Fitzgerald of Houston, Texas, Terry and Sybil Fitzgerald of Alabama, Jerry and Carolyn Fitzgerald of Moore; grandchildren, Brandon, Blake, Hallie, Adam, Kyle, Chad, Kaitlyn, Stephanie, Claire, Drew, Lindsay, Marly, and Alison.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donation be made to Hospice of Oklahoma County, 4334 NW Expwy, Oklahoma City, OK 73116. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at St. James Catholic Church, 4201 S. Blackwelder. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens under the direction of Baggerley-South Funeral Home, Oklahoma City.

Edgel R. (WID) Keith

Shawnee resident Edgel R. (WID) Keith, 101, died Monday, Nov. 21, in Shawnee.
He was born Oct. 7, 1904, in LaSalle, Ind., to William Henry and Myrta May (Williams) Keith.

His childhood years were spent in and around Wellston and Rossville.

On April 16, 1930, he married Cora Lee Bebee in Seminole. They were married 70 years until her death in 2001.

In his early years, he was superintendent of Pine Oil Co. in Bowlegs. He moved to Oregan, California and Utah to work in oilfields until his return to Saint Louis in 1953. He was foreman for Kennedy and Booth Well Servicing in Saint Louis until his retirement. He then lived in Noble for 20 years until he moved to Golden Rule in 2002.

Preceding him in death are his wife; his parents; two daughters, Mary Lee Ingram and Phyllis Ann Ross; son, Paul Richard (Ricky) Keith; 12 brothers and sisters.

Survivors include his four daughters and spouses, Dorothy Keith Ingram of Shawnee, Vicky and James Driskell of Norman, Marlene and Bill Bird of Edmond, Andrea Kay Keith of Norman; three sons, Edgel R. "Sonny" Keith Jr. and his wife, Betty, of Meeker, Tom Keith, Ray Keith of Norman; sister, Opal Willhite; 28 grandchildren and numerous great- and great-great-grandchildren.

Service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with Harold Lloyd Willhite officiating. Burial will follow at Rossville Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.

Mark Elliott Ramsey

Seminole resident Mark Elliott Ramsey, 44, died Tuesday, Nov. 22, at his home.
Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Living Water Pentecostal Holiness Church, Wetumka, with the Rev. Rene' Ross. Burial will follow at Holdenville Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen.

Donald E. "Eddie" Beesley, Jr.

Wellston resident Donald E. "Eddie" Beesley, Jr., 55, died Tuesday, Nov. 22, in Oklahoma City.
Service will be 10 a.m. Friday at the Asa Smith Memorial Chapel in Harrah. Burial will follow at the Wellston Cemetery under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service in Harrah.

Daniel Griffin Armstrong

Longtime Konawa and Asher area resident Daniel Griffin Armstrong died Wednesday, Nov. 23, at Carl Albert Indian Health Center in Ada at the age of 63.
Service will be 10 a.m. at the Pickard-Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel. Burial wil follow in the Vamoosa Cemetery under the direction of Pickard-Swearingen Funeral Home in Konawa.

published Nov. 25, 2005

James Sandefur

James Sandefur of Tecumseh died Wednesday, Nov. 23, at the age of 96.
Services will be 3 p.m. Saturday at Cooper Funeral Chapel in Tecumseh with burial at Tecumseh Cemetery.

Johnnie Mae (Tiger) Gokey

Johnnie Mae (Tiger) Gokey of Shawnee died Wednesday, Nov. 23, at the age of 76.
Wake will be Friday evening at Horseshoe Bend. Arrangements are under the direction of Cooper Funeral Chapel of Tecumseh.

Mildred V. Lobdell Sims

Mildred V. Lobdell Sims went to be with her Heavenly Father Tuesday, Nov. 22. God must have needed a very special alto singer for his Christmas choir and those who knew her well know that he made a good choice.
Mildred was born in Stratford Jan. 23, 1924, to Homer Henderson and Sarah Florence (Gray) Strickland. She was proceeded in death by her parents; her first husband, Roy Lobdell; and two brothers and sisters-in-law, Larry and Iris Strickland and Royce and Pat Strickland.

She is survived by her husband, A.C. Sims of the home; four daughters, Karen Pinkston, Glenda Humfleet, Robert Duy and Judy Holand; three sons-in-law; Merle Pinkston, Joe Humfleet and Delbert Duy; one son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Elizabeth Sims; and three grandchildren and their spouses, Rae and Rick Sharp, Lisa and Willie Webb and Darla and Marshall Smith. She also had five great-grandchildren who referred to her as "Great." They are Christina Baker, J.W. Webb, Nicholas Webb, Braden Webb and Cadence Smith. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends.

Services will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Temple Baptist Church with the Rev. Mike Craig, Phil Thompson and the Rev. Steve Lance officiating. Burial will follow at 12 p.m. in McGee Cemetary in Startford under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home, Tecumseh.

Memorials may be made to the Temple Baptist Church Building Fund, 1234 E. Highland, Shawnee, OK 74801.

Sophia Bertha (Hodde) Moose

McLoud resident Sophia Bertha (Hodde) Moose, 94, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 23.
She was born April 2, 1911, in Wellston to William and Sophia Hodde, the sixth of their 14 children. She attended Woodlawn School near Wellston.

On May 11, 1939, she married the Rev. Walter A. Moose. They served many years in the Lutheran ministry throughout the United States. She was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Shawnee.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter, her parents and 12 brothers and sisters.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Charles and Linda Moose of Shawnee; four grandchildren; a sister, Alvena Stieber of Chandler; a sister-in-law, Louise Hodde of Wellston, and a host of family and friends.

Services will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 39307 MacArthur, with the Rev. Lewis Walter officiating. Burial will follow at St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery near Wellston. Arrangements are under the direction of Walker Funeral Service, Shawnee.

published Nov. 26, 2005

Daniel Griffin Armstrong

Daniel "Chebon" Griffin Armstrong passed on to be with the Lord. Danny left us on Wednesday afternoon the 23rd of November 2005 at Carl Albert Hospital in Ada.
Danny was born April 8, 1942, in Konawa to Hobart and Irene Armstrong.

He was a member of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe. He was very proud of his Indian heritage and loved to do his Indian arts and crafts.

Danny was a hard worker and did general labor for many around the Konawa and Asher area. Danny had resided in the Asher and Konawa area all his life.

He attended Asher School and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Asher.

Family and friends were very important to Danny so he enjoyed getting together and visiting.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Hobart and Irene Armstrong; one sister, Mary Wiley; one brother, Robert Armstrong.

Survivors include five sisters, Vesta Mauch of San Bernadino, Calif., Betty Burgess of Ada, Nettie Moreland and Edna Odell, both of Asher; Katie Breeden of Ada; two brothers, Bill Armstrong and Frank Armstrong, both of Konawa; many nieces and nephews.

Pall bearers will be Frank Armstrong, Larry Bruno, Travis Odell, Darrell Armstrong, Steven Anderson and Ronnie Odell. Honorary bearers will be Bill Armstrong, Hobart Armstrong, Brian Bruno and Bob Armstrong.

Wake service was held 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Pickard~Swearingen Funeral Home officiated by Arthur Carpitcher of Pentecostal Indian Mission, Konawa.

Service will be 10 a.m. today at Pickard~Swearingen Funeral Home, Konawa, with the Rev. Frank Moppin, Spring Indian Baptist Church of Sasakwa, officiating. Burial will follow at Vamoosa Cemetery under the direction of Pickard~Swearingen Funeral Home.

Johnnie Mae Gokey

Shawnee resident Johnnie Mae (Tiger) Gokey, 76, died Wednesday, Nov. 23, in Shawnee.
She was born June 23, 1929, in Carter-Nine, Okla., to John W. and Caroline Andrus (Hood) Tiger.

Gokey was raised in Tulsa and Corpus Christi, Texas. She spent most of her adult life in Wichita, Kan., moving to Oklahoma in the late 1960s.

She attended the Pawnee Indian Boarding School, the Haskell Institute in Lawrence, Kan., Chilocco Indian Agricultural School, as well as Wichita Business College, where she received her degree.

On May 29, 1973, she married John Pershing "General" Gokey. He precedes her in death.

She worked for the State of Oklahoma in the Department of Human Service in Oklahoma City until her retirement.

Gokey attended Pow wows and enjoyed the traditional Indian ways, sitting around drums, singing at pow wows. She was a champion shell shaker and participated in stomp dances. She also enjoyed sewing, cooking, camping and Kung Fu movies.

Also preceding her in death are her parents; brother, Riley Gene Tiger; sister, Juanita Faye Tiger Folsum.

Survivors include her daughters, Helen Hamilton of El Reno, Bobbie Janet Briscoe of Illinois, Tammy Dean Bealer of Wichita, Kan., Mary Wood of Shawnee; sons, John W. Hamilton Sr. of Shawnee, Forest Kesko Neil Walker of Shawnee; many adopted sons and daughters; sisters, Nancy Rae Tiger of Wichita, Becky Marie Tiger Rivas of Tulsa; brothers, Benjamin David Tiger of Meeker, Frank Tiger of Shawnee, Jerry Tiger of Wichita; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Graveside service will be 10 a.m. today at Tecumseh Cemetery with the Rev. Thomas Morris and George Blanchard officiating. Services are under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home.

James Sandefur

Tecumseh resident James "Jim" Sandefur, 96, died Wednesday, Nov. 23, in Tecumseh.
He was born Oct. 23, 1909, in Tecumseh to James Harvey and Florence (Royal) Sandefur.

Sandefur was reared east of Tecumseh, where he attended school. He worked for Rock Island Railroad and a dairy. He later lived in California for several years. He returned to Tecumseh and worked at OK Packing Plant in Tecumseh. He later was a butcher.

On Jan. 16, 1937, he married Netta Fowler in Tecumseh. She preceded him in death May 2, 1995.

He was a veteran of World War II, serving with the 84th Infantry in the U.S. Army.

Sandefur was a member of First Free Will Baptist Church of Tecumseh, Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 30 of Tecumseh for 47 years, Tecumseh Masonic Lodge No. 69, AF & AM for 47 years and the American Legion Hill-Huett Post of Tecumseh.

Also preceding him in death are his parents; two brothers, Tom and Bill Sandefur; eight sisters, Elizabeth Boyd, Ella Kilby, Julia Lewis, Daisy Davis, Maude Gaye, Jackie James, Nellie Landsdown and Alma Wise.

Survivors include his niece and her husband, Barbara and Glenn Burns of Tecumseh, with whom he lived; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Carl and Rosa James of Tecumseh; several other nieces and nephews.

Service will be 3 p.m. today at Cooper Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Delbert Akin officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home.

Mark Elliot Ramsey

Seminole resident Mark Elliot Ramsey, 44, died Tuesday, Nov. 22, at his residence.
Service will be 11 a.m. today at Harvey Road Baptist Church, Seminole, with the Rev. Wade Robertson officiating. Burial will follow at Holdenville Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home of Seminole.

Ralph Lee Bell

Seminole resident Ralph Lee Bell, 74, died Thursday, Nov. 24, at South Park Health Center in Oklahoma City.
Service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Highland and Walnut. Burial will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens under the direction at Swearingen Funeral Home of Seminole.

Evelyn Inez Cook Pester

Seminole resident Evelyn Inez Cook Pester, 85, died Thursday, Nov. 24, in Wellston.
Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church, Seminole. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Seminole, under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.

Wilma Jean Jones

Chandler resident Wilma Jean Jones, 74, died Wednesday, Nov. 23, in Chandler.
Graveside service will be 11 a.m. today at Davenport Cemetery withthe Rev. Rick Blackwell officiating. Services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Chandler.

Glen O. Salyer

Lifelong Stroud resident Glen O. "Junior" Salyer, 82, died Friday, Nov. 25, in Stroud.
Service will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel, Stroud, with the Rev. Lonnie Lee officiating. Burial will follow at Stroud Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Stroud.

published Nov. 27, 2005

L.G. Martin

The Rev. Lois Graden "L.G." Martin, 90, longtime Maud resident, died Saturday in Shawnee.
He was born June 9, 1915 in Parthenon, Ark., to Carlos Cleveland Martin and Hettie Angeline (Casey) Martin. He married Eleanor McCulloch on Sept. 17, 1935, in Hazel.

Martin was a retired Assembly of God minister and roustabout for Sinclair Oil, which had become Atlantic Richfield by the time he retired in 1977.

He was a member of Maud Assembly of God.

He is survived by his wife, Eleanor, of the home; sons and duaghters-in-law, John Paul and Neta Martin of Greenville, Texas; James David Martin of Talihina; L.G. Jr. and Julia Martin of Maud; Lawerence Wesley and Joyce Martin of Sasakwa; Lemuel Timothy and Linda Martin of Maud; Luther Carlus Martin of Maud; daughters and a son-in-law, Frieda Lee Martin of Maud, Billie Sue Curtis of Seminole, Rebecca Lou Duncan of Sulphur, Cindy and Ronnie Robertson of Seminole; 18 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by a son, Daniel Leon Martin; a granddaughter, Yvonie Kathleen Martin; four sisters, Bessie Marie Hopper, Jesse Lena Self, Vela Dee Lewis and Biva Mae Palmer; and a brother, Bois Beul Martin.

Services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at First Assembly of God of Bowlegs with the Rev. Wesley Martin,the Rev. Tim Martin and the Rev. John Martin officiating.

Knight-Swearingen Funeral Home in Maud is directing arrangements.

Herman Alfred Floyd

Herman Alfred "Doc" Floyd, 81, died Thursday, Nov. 24, at his home in Shawnee.

Floyd was born Dec. 25, 1923, in McLoud to Alfred Dock Floyd and Mary Myrtle (Ragan).

He served in the United States Army during World War II and fought in the European Theater. He received a Purple Heart.

He worked most of his life as a Teamster truck driver.

He married Dora Foster on April 20, 1974, in Arlington, Texas.

He was a member of Blackburn Baptist Church and loved animals, fishing, gardening and watching old western movies.

"Doc will always be my friend. Love, James."

He is survived by his wife, Dora "Kitty" Floyd, of the home; children, Eddy Cross of Santa Cruz, Calif.; Kathryn Gustafson, Jeanie Diaz, Kelley Carpenter, all of Shawnee; Donna Raiber, Debra Floyd, Bobbi Sales, all of Blanchard; one sister, Aline Whitaker of Broken Arrow; two brothers, Kenneth Floyd of San Antonio, Texas; Donald Floyd of Detroit, Mich.; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Jerry Floyd, and one brother, Johnnie Floyd.

Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Resthaven Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Larry Sparks officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Donald Russell Williams

Donald Russell Williams, 80, died Friday, Nov. 25, at home after a long illness.

He was born May 24, 1925, in Chandler, the son of Virgil and Pearl (Copeland) Williams. He graduated from Davenport High School in 1942.

On March 28, 1948, he married Muriel Escoe in Cushing.

Williams worked at Tinker Air Force Base for 27 years and held the position of chief in the Transportation Division.

He was a member of the Del City Masonic Lodge 536 and a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Muriel Williams, of the home; one son, Michael Williams and his wife, Barbara, of Waynesville, Mo.; four grandchildren, Donna Nelson and her husband, Larry, of Ferndale, Wash.; Sgt. Brandon Williams, serving in Iraq; Jason Williams of Phoenix, Ariz.; Kevin Williams and his wife, Leanne, of Tucson, Ariz.; seven great-grandchildren, and one niece, Janet Moore.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Donna Sue Williams, and a brother, Cleo Williams.

Services will be 2 p.m. Monday at St. Paul's United Methodist Church with the Rev. Rockford Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Resthaven Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Steven Winlock

Steven Winlock, 53, of Seminole died Friday, Nov. 25, at Seminole Medical Center.
Services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Immanuel Fellowship, located just north of Seminole State College, with the Rev. Danny Fisher officiating. Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery. Swearingen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mildred Pauline Peercy

Mildred Pauline Peercy, 93, of Tecumseh died Friday, Nov. 25, at Sunset Estates Nursing Home.
Services will be 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Tecumseh with Mike Raines officiating and A.E. "Doc" Webber assisting.

Arrangements are under the direction of Stout-Phillips Funeral Home of Wewoka.

Orda Jean Bitto

Orda Jean Bitto, 70, died Friday, Nov. 25, at Unity Health Center in Shawnee.
Services will be 10 a.m. Monday at Gaskill Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Larry Sparks officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

published Nov. 29, 2005

John Baxter Carpenter

Shawnee resident John Baxter Carpenter, 89, died Friday, Nov. 25, at his residence.
He was born Sept. 9, 1916, in Prague to Sam and Lilly (Lacuement) Carpenter.

On Sept. 28, 1940, he married Ruby Poe in Chandler. She preceded him in death in 2001 after 61 years of marriage. Following their marriage, they lived in the Prague and Shawnee area before moving to his present home in Bethel in 1949.

John farmed and worked at his Uncle Fred Lacuement's grocery store, Men-donca Dairy, for 20 years. He was an independent horse shoer (farrier) until he opened Carpenter's Custom Slaughtering and Processing in 1975. He closed his shop in 2002 due to his health.

He served in the U.S. Navy. John served multiple terms on the Bethel School Board and was a member of the Church of God.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ruby; one daughter, Doris Freeman; five half-brothers, Mike, Dewey, Henry, Dutch and Charley; one half-sister, Gladis Blackwell; and five brothers, Jimmie, Ralph, Joseph, Robert and Willis.

Survivors include two daughters and one son-in-law, Rheta and Bob Smith of Tecumseh and Lynda Carpenter of Tucson, Ariz.; two sons and daughters-in-law, Doyle and Cleta Carpenter of Bethel and Johnny and Carol Carpenter of Bentonville, Ark.; one brother and sister-in-law, Juanita and Tony Ellison of Prague; two sisters-in-law, Myrtle Carapenter and Ruby Carpenter both of Prague; nine grandchildren and spouses, Tim and Daniel Scott, Tracy and Adam Rupert, Angela and Dennis Scarberry, Anna Carpenter, Robin Carpenter, Louie Freeman, Lonnie and Phyllis Freeman and Sgt. Dax A. and Jennifer Carpenter; seven great-grandchildlren, Josh, Ashley and Stephanie Freeman, Lacey and Baxter Scarberry, Rayanna Gaines and Rylie Rupert; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and firnds and family of Angelic Hospice.

Service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with the Rev. Glen Pence officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Lillian L. (Higgins) Dowdy

Shawnee resident Lillian L. Dowdy, 98, died Saturday, Nov. 26, at a local nursing home.
She was born April 20, 1907, in Childress, Texas, to Lindsey C. and Mary Etta Lee. She lived in Shawnee most of her life.

Lillian was a homemaker and a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Clifford and Donald Higgins; brother, Roy; and two sisters, Lena and Esther.

Survivors include two sons, Robert Higgins of Lakewood, Colo., and Jerry Higgins of Maryland Heights, Mo.; ten grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Maurine Geeters of Chula Vista, Calif.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Resthaven Memorial Park with Dr. Rockford Johnson officiating.

Walker Funeral Service, Shawnee, is directing arrangements.

Emma Gold

Shawnee resident Emma Gold, 65, died Sunday, Nov. 27, at her home.
Service will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Christian Church at Wellston with the Rev. Kenneth Violette officiating. Burial will follow at Friendship Cemetery, Friendship, Okla. under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Billy Dwight Smith

Prague resident Billy Dwight Smith, 61, died Wednesday, Nov. 23, in Prague.
Graveside service will be 2 p .m. today at Fort Sill National Cemetery in Elgin, OK.

Services are under the direction of Parks Brothes Funeral Service in Prague.

published Nov. 30, 2005

Pearl Aline Kaufeldt Scriven

Pearl Aline Kaufeldt Scriven, passed away after a short illness on Tuesday, November 22, 2005.
She was born May 26, 1930. Her father came from Hamburg, Germany through Ellis Island and homesteaded in Oklahoma near Grandfield. They became a big hard-working family who owned a large and prosperous farm and dairy. Because of this they thrived during the depression.

She met Dale at Oklahoma Baptist University and married him in 1949, a union that lasted 48 years.

After working at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, she got a job at Sandia Base and moved to Albuquerque in 1958. She was very intelligent and a good worker who was a high ranking civilian for 35 years and was proud to work at OAS and AFOTEC at Kirtland Air Force Base. She was a very spirited person who was family and church oriented. She loved to travel, was involved in the northeast Heights, Lions Club and Highland Baptist Church. She had many friends whom she charmed with wit and wonderful humor. She was an amazing cook, loved animals and adored her children and grandchildren. She will be missed by many.

She was preceded in death by her husband, J. Dale Scriven; son, J Dale Scriven, Jr; father, Carl Kaufeldt; mother, Pearl A. Kaufeldt; sisters, Wilma and Deezera, and brother, David.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Susan Scriven-Wilson and Matthew; son, Mark Scriven; sister, Helen Hein (Ellsworth) of Oklahoma; brother, Glendale Kaufeldt of Oklahoma; sister, Kathleen Counts (Don) of Washington; granddaughters, Jacqueline Whittle of Arizona, and Amanda Wilson of Sandia Park, N.M.; daughter-in-law, Kay Summerhays of Albuquerque; and many nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service was held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at Highland Baptist Church, 417 Palomas SE. Interment of cremated remains will take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery under the direction of French Mortuary, Albuquerque, N.M.

Ray Drake

Stroud resident Ray Drake, 89, died Tuesday, Nov. 29, in Stroud.
Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at First Assembly of God, Stroud, with the Rev. Sean Post and the Rev. Don Wilburn officiating. Burial will follow in Stroud Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Stroud.