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

submitted by Kay Sugg Best

published Jan. 17, 2006

JoAnn Dowdy

Stroud resident JoAnn Dowdy, 66, died Saturday, Jan. 14.
Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Stroud Cemetery with Pastor Dewayne Jackson officiating. Services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Stroud.

Glenda Ann Brown

Shawnee resident Glenda Ann Brown, 60, died Saturday, Jan. 14, at her home after a long battle with cancer.
She was born Dec. 15, 1945, in Atoka to Spencer and Bethel (Wooldridge) Blankenship.

For 41 years she's been married to Johnie Alfred Brown.

She loved crocheting, sewing, quilting and spending time with grandchildren, family and friends.

Her parents; three sons, twins Stacey Lynn Brown and Joseph Allen Brown and an infant, Jeffrey Lee Brown; sister, Doris Williams; brother, Lee Blankenship.

Survivors include her husband, Johnie Brown, of the home; three children, Daniel Decker, Matt Brown and Melissa Dethrow, all of Shawnee; mother-in-law, Ruby Brown of Shawnee; three sisters, Gwen Hoskins of Midwest City, Nancy Lynch of Washington, Mary Settle of Moore; three brothers, Tom Jurina of Arizona, Jim Jurina of Minnesota, Bob Jurina of Earlsboro; eight grandchildren, Jamie and Joshua Brown, Christian Decker and Karsyn Decker, Zachary, Tylar, Leighton and Arianna Dethrow; numerous nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.

Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with the Rev. Larry Sparks officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Charlene Winfield

Rigby, Idaho, resident Charlene Winfield, 52, died Thursday, Jan. 12, in Tecumseh.
Charlene was born Oct. 3, 1953, in Portland, Ore., to Charles Monroe and Margaret May (Arrowwood) Winfield. She was reared in the Portland area before moving to Muskogee County in Oklahoma where she spent several years. She then moved to Rigby, Idaho, to be with her mother.

Charlene loved her grandchildren very much and also enjoyed fishing with her sister, Darlene.

She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Monroe Winfield, and a sister, Wanda Janette Winfield.

Survivors include two daughters and one son-in-law, Linda and Lance Faulkner of Tecumseh and Becky Coutre of Oregon; brother and sister-in-law, John and Mary Winfield of Missouri; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; mother and stepfather, Margaret and Virgil Hancock of Idaho; sister, Darlene Anderson of Idaho; several nieces and nephews.

Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Chad Brodrick officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.

Lawrence Pierce "Haga" Murray

Shawnee resident Lawrence Pierce Murray, 78, died Saturday, Jan. 14, at his home.
He was born July 14, 1927, in Perkins to Kirwin and Alice (FawFaw) Murray.

He was married July 15, 1980, in Shawnee to Penny Jolene Alexander. They were married for 25 years.

He attended Oklahoma A&M College in Stilllwater.

He served in the Army both active and later as a reserve officer during World War II, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam Era.

He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and was an honorary member of the Seminole Nation Veterans' Color Guard and the Pawhuska VFW Post 198.

Lawrence became involved in tribal government where he served as chairman of the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma for more than 30 years.

He is preceded in death by nine brothers and sisters, two infant children, Lawrence Pierce Jr. and John Paul Murray; and one grown daughter, Pamela Murray.

Survivors include his wife; four children; numerous nieces and nephews; a host of adopted family including four step-sons and six adopted children.

Service will be 2 p.m. today at Resthaven Chapel with the Rev. T.J. Fixico officiating. Burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home.

Betty E. Shepherd

Shawnee resident Betty E. Shepherd, 87, died Monday, Jan. 16, at a local hospital.
She was born Dec. 31, 1918, in Yale to W.F. and Dorcas Nicholson.

Betty came to Shawnee with her parents in 1922 attending Irving School and graduating from Shawnee High School in 1935.

She worked at several local businesses including The Shawnee News-Star and Mammoth Department Store. She also worked at KGFF where she sang with the "Dixie Belles" while attending Hill's Business School in Oklahoma City.

In 1942 she married C.L. Shepherd and moved to Bakersfield, Calif. They later moved to Camp Bowie, Texas, where Mr. Shepherd trained during World War II.

Betty returned to Shawnee during Mr. Shepherd's service overseas. After Mr. Shepherd's return in 1946, she joined him and his partner, Wilson Sumner, in ownership of Johnson-Templeton Men's Wear, later becoming Shepherd's Mens Wear in 1976.

She was a lifelong member of the First Christian Church and remained active and involved in its fellowship throughout her life.

Her parents; one son, Robert Shepherd; grandson, Jacob Shepherd; and a brother, Bill Nicholson preceded her in death.

Survivors include her husband, C.L. Shepherd, of the home; three sons and two daughters-in-law, Nick and Jackie Shepherd and Tom and Gaye Shepherd, all of Shawnee, Gary Shepherd of Oklahoma City; sister and brother-in-law, Jo and Leroy Bond of Shawnee; four grandchildren, Jonathan, Scott, Adam and Greg.

Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at First Christian Church with the Rev. Milo L. Steffen officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Memorials may be made to First Christian Church.

published Jan. 18, 2006

Eloise Francis

Ada resident Eloise Leuown Allen Francis, 77, died Monday, Jan. 16, at a local nursing home.
She was born Oct. 30, 1928, in Bay City, Texas, to W.G. and Geneva Barnes Allen.

Francis attended school at Cromwell and graduated from Cromwell High School.

On Aug. 27, 1946, she married Leon Melvin Francis in Sherman, Texas. He preceded her in death Dec. 29, 1996.

She was a homemaker. In February 2005, she moved to Ada from the Shawnee-Asher areas.

Survivors include two daughters and a son-in-law, Christy and Ray Kettler of Tuttle, Janiece Odom of Fittstown; two sons and daughters-in-law, Paul and Sandy Francis of Shawnee, Leon M. and Rosie Francis of Nassau, Bahamas; brother, James Allen of Atoka; three sisters, Jessie Harris of Dallas, Texas, Wonoma McGovern of Checotah, June Tennell of Newcastle; 10 grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Freedom Center, 14th and Broadway, with the Rev. Jesse Rodgers and the Rev. Carl Hayes officiating. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. in Wanette Cemetery. Criswell Funeral Home is directing arrangements.

Johanna "Frances" Hrebenar

Tecumseh resident Johanna "Frances" Hrebenar, 76, died Sunday, Jan. 15, in Shawnee.
She was born Aug. 23, 1929, in Laubenheim, Germany, to Thomas and Ella Heinrich.

Born in Laubenheim, she moved to the United States with her husband. They lived in Florida before moving to Oklahoma.

She married Michael Edward Hrebenar. He preceded her in death in 1966.

Hrebenar was a babysitter and worked at the Arrow Cafe.

She enjoyed knitting and sending greeting cards.

Preceding her in death were her parents, one sister, several nieces and nephews.

Survivors include her sister, Adele Studer of Laubenheim; one niece of Laubenheim; her adopted family, Laquita Mitchell, her daughters, Kayla Danyeur, Gayla Danyeur and Leesa Daniel and grandson, Landon Carpenter, all of Tecumseh, Sharron and Lawrence Robinson of Stillwater; special nurse, Cecillia Noteware, and a host of friends.

Graveside service will be 3 p.m. Thursday at Forest Hill Cemetery with the Rev. Glenn Pence officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home.

Donald Justin Robert Wendt Treat

Shawnee resident Donald Justin Robert (D.J.) Wendt Treat, 18, died Tuesday, Jan. 17, at his home.
On May 2, 1987, he was born.

Treat was a senior and future graduate of 2006 from Shawnee High School.

He enjoyed video games, movies and music. He will be missed by all.

Treat is preceded in death by his mother, Ladonna Treat; grandfather, Walter Treat; grandmother, Emma Treat; cousins, Rex Treat Jr., Stacey Treat and Larry Treat.

Survivors include aunt (guardians) Darla and Carl Endress, of Shawnee; brother Terrence Wendt of Moston, Wis.; sister, Summer Star Wendt of Moston, Wis.; father Donald Wendt of Moston, Wis.; and a multitude of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with the Rev. Donnie Knight officiating. Burial will follow at Dale Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Glenda Jolene Yancey

Seminole resident Glenda Jolene Yancey, 60, died Monday, Jan. 16, at Unity Health Center, North Campus.
Service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Doyle Long officiating. Burial will follow at Little Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.

James Lynn Bush

Oklahoma City resident James Lynn Bush, 69, died Sunday, Jan. 15, at Grace Living Center.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Lone Grove Cemetery, Lone Grove, with Mack Roark officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Pitcher-Hackney Funeral Home of Carnegie.
 

published Jan. 19, 2006

Oma Enderle

Tecumseh resident Oma Enderle, 84, died Tuesday, Jan. 17, in Shawnee.
She was born Oct. 25, 1921, in Maud to Jesse and Martha (Hargus) Bray.

Oma grew up in oil patches throughout Oklahoma and New Mexico, where she graduated from high school with academic honors in 1938.

During World War II she was "Rosie the Riveter" with Douglas Aircraft.

After the war, she moved to California where she met and married the light of her life, Al Enderle, a career Navy man. They lived in many military locations including Kwajalein Island, Japan, Southern California and finally settling in Tecumseh, where they have lived for 39 years.

Oma was a homemaker. She enjoyed books, crossword puzzles, birdwatching and her beloved pets. She was always ready to travel to destinations exotic and ordinary, but her favorite was Lauglin, Nev. She was always quick to display radiant smiles and offer warm hugs. Her twinkling blue eyes could light any room and warm hearts.

She loved new shoes and custard pies. Above all, she loved her sweetheart of 58 years.

Her parents and a close cousin, Rena Bray Cole, precede her in death.

Survivors include her husband, Al Enderle, of the home; two daughters and son-in-law, Linda Ellen Innis of Edmond; Gaye Enderle and Monte Arney of Oklahoma City; grandchildren, Dr. Rob Rice, Scott Rice, Erich Ward and Adam Ward; special friends, Bob and Jimmie Ruth Ward; many friends and other family members.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Romulus Cemetery with Bob Anderson, Highland Church of Christ of Tecumseh, officiating. Cooper Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

James Perryman

Prague resident James "Frosty" Perryman, 63, died Sunday, Jan. 15, at his home.
He was born Sept. 15, 1942, in Carmi, Ill., to William Lee Perryman and Mary Raye (Foreman).

Perryman graduated from Shawnee High School in 1960 and attend Oklahoma State University.

He served in the U.S. Army and was a self-employed electrician.

Perryman enjoyed fishing and playing pool.

His parents preceded him in death.

Survivors include his daughter, Jamie Perryman; brothers and sisters, Johnny and Joann Lee of Coco Beach, Fla., Billy and Chris Perryman of Prague, Casey Perryman of Shawnee, Lydia and Jay Lowman of Dale, LaRue Perryman and Keith Slankard, both of Lafayette, Colo., Livia and Nolan Norman of Prague; several nieces and nephews.

Graveside service was held 2 p.m. Wednesday at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home.

James Earl Middleton

James Earl Middleton, 58, died Wednesday, Jan. 18, at Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma City.
Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Resthaven Funeral Chapel. Futher information is pending with Resthaven Funeral Home.

Sandra Lynne Burkhart

Seminole resident Sandra Lynne Burkhart, 50, died Sunday, Jan. 15, at Seminole Medical Center.
Service will be 1 p.m. at Swearingen Funeral Home with the Rev. Doyle Long officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.

Guy C. Hurst Sr.   view copy of obit

published Jan. 20, 2006

Roscoe Owen Melton

Roscoe Owen Melton, 82, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, Jan. 18, surrounded by his family.
He was born Dec. 30, 1923, in Okmulgee to Roscoe Lee and Ruthe Elizabeth (Owen) Melton.

At an early age, Owen's family moved to the Seminole area where he attended school. After graduating from Seminole High School, Owen attended The University of Oklahoma until he was called to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Upon his honorable discharge from the Army, Owen returned to Seminole to work alongside his father in the family business, Melton Supply Co.

While in Seminole, he met and married Wynema "Nema" Chesser on Aug. 19, 1946. Together they shared more than 59 years of wonderful marriage and raised four children, Rick, Linda, Melody and Doug, in a loving and godly home.

In the 1960s he took over the daily operations of the family business, Melco Drilling and Production Co., until his retirement in 1988.

In 2002, he was inducted into the Seminole Oilman's Hall of Fame for his excellent skilled service in the industry.

An active member of his community and church, Owen was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Seminole, where he served as deacon, Sunday School director, superintendent and sang in the choir. For the past three years, he was a faithful member of Southern Hills Baptist Church, where he sang in the senior choir and participated in the B.A.L.L. Club. With a servant's heart and willingness to be used in God's kingdom, Owen also served in numerous capacities at Oklahoma Baptist University, including chairman of the board of trustees, National Board of Development, member of President's Council and established the R.O. Melton Family Scholarship.

In his spare time, Owen enjoyed church and family activities, golfing and traveling.

A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Owen left an impressionable influence upon everyone he met and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

His memory will be lovingly cherished by his beloved wife, Nema, of the home; sons, Rick Melton of Palm Springs, Calif., Dr. Douglas O. Melton and his wife, Lana, and their children, Drew, Zachary, Brandon and Samuel, all of Oklahoma City; daughters, Linda Yerby and her husband, Paul, of The Woodlands, Texas; their children, Jon Yerby and Erin Yerby and husband Daniel Barber, and Melody Melton of Tulsa; three sisters, Frances Morris, LaVonne and her husband, Fred, all of Hobbs, N.M. and Elaine Burkhead of Norman; numerous other loving family and friends.

Services to celebrate his life will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Southern Hills Baptist Church, 8601 S. Penn. Committal service will be 2 p.m. at Little Cemetery under the direction of Vondel L. Smith and Son Mortuary of Oklahoma City.

Memorials may be made to the R.O. Melton Family Scholarship Fund at Oklahoma Baptist University, 500 W. University, Shawnee, OK 74804.

James Hardy Orr

James Hardy Orr was born on April 1, 1921, in Stilwell and departed this life on Wednesday, Jan. 18, at his home in Welty at the age of 84.
Hardy, the son of John and Sarah "Millie" Richards Orr, was a longtime resident of Welty. He married Billie Wilson on March 15, 1950, in Cushing.

Hardy served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. He worked in the oilfield and was a member of the Burnett Mission Church in Paden.

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

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Billie Orr, of the home; daughters, Diane Walkup of Meeker and Darla Orr of Ada; granddaughters, Jamie Walkup and Amy Walkup of Paden and Destiny Smith of Ada; grandson, Haden Sparks of Ada; great-grandson, Jalen Vorise of Paden; brother and sister-in-law, Lonnie and Pauline Orr of Paden; sisters and brothers-in-law, Helen and Phillip White of Stroud and Alta Mae and Cecil Brown of Stroud; brother and sister-in-law, Tommy and Lura Wilson of Okmulgee; sisters-in-law, Jane Case of Paden and Fran Wilson of Yukon; several nieces, nephews, and many, many friends.

Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Burnett Mission in Paden with the Rev. Paul Heard officiating. Burial will follow at the Paden Cemetery.

Services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Prague

Michael "Mikey" Wayne Krause

Bowlegs resident Michael "Mikey" Wayne Krause, 41, died Wednesday, Jan. 18, at his home.
Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church, Bowlegs, with Brother Rick Harrison officiating. Burial will follow at Vamoosa Cemetery, Konawa, under the direction of Searingen Funeral Home.

Joseph Larry Houck Sr.

Seminole resident Joseph Larry Houck Sr., 59, died Wednesday, Jan. 18, at Seminole Hospital.
Service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Temple of Praise Pentecostal Church of God, Seminole, with the Rev. Harold Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Little Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.

published Jan. 21, 2006

Dorothy Jean Clough

Seminole resident Dorothy Jean Clough, 79, died Thursday, Jan. 19, at Seminole Estates Nursing Home.
Service will be 2:30 p.m. Monday at Seminole Church of Christ with Chris Stinnett officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home of Seminole.

Doris Elaine Terry

Stroud resident Doris E. Terry, 86, died Friday, Jan. 20, in Prague.
Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Stroud Cemetery with the Rev. Joe Molencupp officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Stroud.

Willie Nipper

Earlsboro resident Willie Nipper, 84, died Friday, Jan. 20, in an Ada hospital.
He was born Aug. 17, 1921, in Prague to Clarence A. and Zella (Licklider) Nipper.

On July 8, 1939, he married Rosa Belcher.

He was a dairy farmer and a member of Fairview Baptist Church for 57 years.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Rosa Nipper; twin granddaughters, Billie Sue and Terrie Lou Bennett; his brother, Howard Nipper; and sister, Wilma Montegomery.

Survivors include his three daughters and sons-in-law, Zeta and Ron Carty of Earlsboro, Wynonia and Dean Bennett of Earlsboro, Zelda and Gwin Prather of Earlsboro; seven grandchildren, Cody Bennett, Lee Ann Bourland, Bobby Bennett, Rose Fulton, Mamie Shannon, Angie Price and Alan Prather; 14 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Melba and Robert Buoy of Prague, Mabel and J.H. Uldrich of Prague and sister-in-law, Lorene Nipper of Prague; three sisters-in-law, Ruth Johnson, Mary Strong and Dorothey Sanders; one brother-in-law, Harvey Belcher.

Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Fairview Baptist Church with the Rev. Bythel Friend officiating assisted by Tim Emmons. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home.

John W. "Jack" Morrel

Gonzales, La., resident John W. "Jack" Morrel, 75, died Wednesday, Jan. 18, in Baton Rouge, La.
Jack was born May 1, 1930, in Macomb to John Dalton and Zula (Moon) Morrel and was a graduate of Macomb High School.

He married Dorothy Gautreaux.

Jack was a veteran of World War II serving in Germany from 1946-1947 and later the Korean Conflict.

He was a retired supervisor with Vulcan Chemicals and a member of the Gonzales American Legion Post 81 and VFW Post 3693.

Jack was an avid reader and a Oklahoma Sooner and LSU fan. He and his wife hosted the annual VFW Fishing Derby at their lake site in Prairieville, La.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Christian Acosta; brother-in-law, Mickey Jeanson; and a nephew, Kevin Jeanson.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Morrel, of Gonzales, La.; two daughters and sons-in-law, Gayla and Bruce Curtis of Bartlesville and Lisa and John Moody of Shawnee; stepdaughter and spouse, April and Chuck Nickens of Gonzales; three stepsons and spouses, Lee and Bridgette Acosta, Todd and Rebecca Acosta, Kevin Acosta, all of Gonzales; four sisters and three brothers-in-law, Shirley Jeanson and Doryce and Lewis Livingston, all of Midwest City, Joyce and Jim Allen of Enid and Karol and Bryan Cheatwood of Choctaw; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Jim and Sue Morrel of Harrah, Reece and LaReta Morrel of Tulsa and Bob and Suzanne Morrel of Marion Ill.; ten grandchildren, Rebekah and Michael Curtis, Tara Adams, Emily Overland, Mindy Lingo, Jordan "Mike", Whitney and Avery Acosta and Connor and Hunter Nickens; three great-grandchildren, Brycen, John Barret and Katen Adams and many special friends.

Graveside service will be 1 p.m. Monday at Fairview Cemetery with the Rev. Larry Sparks officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Jack H. Gettle

Shawnee resident Jack H. Gettle, 76, died Thursday, Jan. 19, at his home.
He was born April 27, 1929, in Ventura, Calif., to Ocay and Iva Cecile (Shafer) Gettle.

Gettle has lived in Shawnee since 1960.

On Nov. 5, 1960, he married Georgia Lea Hildebrand in Bentonville, Ark.

He served with the U.S. Army from Jan. 29, 1951, to Oct. 30, 1956.

Gettle worked in construction as a foreman for United Builders.

He was a member of Aydelotte Baptist Church, Masons and a charter member of the Shawnee Bass Club.

Preceding him in death were his parents.

Survivors include his wife, Georgia, of the home; three sons, Joe Murray Gettle of Springfield, Mo., Tracy Odell Gettle and Mike Louis Gettle, both of Shawnee; three granddaughters, Melinda Marie Gettle of Madill, Leslie Anne Gettle and Molly Lynne Gettle, both of Shawnee; grandson, Jeff Thomas of Springfield; one great-granddaughter; four sisters, Jean Elizabeth Litke of Midwest City, Sue Carol Gettle of Oklahoma City, Mary Alice Gettle of Del City, Ann Evelyn Holmes of Beaumont, Texas; brother, Paul Murray Gettle of Del City; a number nieces and nephews.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. today at Resthaven Memorial Park with the Rev. Bill Holmes officiating. Walker Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

published Jan. 22, 2006

James Earl Middleton

James Earl Middleton, 58, Shawnee, died Wednesday, Jan. 18, at Integris Baptist Hospital, Oklahoma City.

He was born Sept. 30, 1947, in Tahlequah, the son of Arthor Oscar Middleton Sr. and Martha (Faughn) Middleton.

He attended Wewoka schools and was a truck driver for Pam Transport. He enjoyed trucking, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents; two brothers, Jimmy David Middleton and Clarence Eugene Middleton, and a sister, Jewel Groseclose.

Surviving are his wife, Carlyon Middleton of Earlsboro; son, Manuel Krueger and his wife, Debra, of Earlsboro; daughters, Renea McCune and her husband, Mark, of Shawnee; Aletha Middleton and Paul Compton of Hartshorne; five grandchildren, Jeffrey McCune, Andrew McCune, Johnathon McCune, Matthew McCune and Kaitlyn McCune; a brother, Arthor Oscar Jr. Middleton of Poteau; sister, Vera Lee Johnson of Poteau; brother-in-law, Paul Groseclose of Chickasha, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends

Funeral will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Resthaven Funeral Chapel with Ruby Nell York officiating. Burial will follow at Little Cemetery under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home.

Tom Mantooth

Tom Mantooth, 76, of Tecumseh died Wednesday, Jan. 18, in Shawnee.
He was born Nov. 30, 1929, in Arpelar, Okla., the son of Hillard S. and Jessie (Russell) Mantooth.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. On March 14, 1955, he married Haru Minori in Okinawa. He lived in California for many years while raising his family and lived in Oklahoma for the past 12 years.

He was a retired electrician, having worked for Haveg-Rheinhold and Hercules in California. He also enjoyed farming.

Surviving are his wife, Haru Mantooth, of the home; two sons and daughters-in-law, George and Debra Mantooth of Apple Valley, Calif.; Thomas and Spring Mantooth of Oklahoma City; daughter and son-in-law, Shirley and Clarence Bryan of Tecumseh; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Lee and Beverly Mantooth, Lloyd and Sandy Mantooth, Harrison and Elen Mantooth, all of Eufaula; sister, Aislene Gaylord of McAlester; 12 grandchildren, Richard, Renee, Alicia, Jonathon, Michelle, Jacob, David, Heather, Jamie, Danny, Adrianne and Kenya, and 19 great-grandchildren.

Service will be 10 a.m. Monday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with Lee Mantooth and Danny Mantooth officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery.

Ora Mae O'Neal

Ora Mae O'Neal, 81, of Tecumseh died Friday, Jan. 20, in Tecumseh.
Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Todd Tiffin officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery.

Gabriell Michelle Williams Plotner

Gabriell Michelle Williams Plotner, infant daughter of Russell Plotner and Monica Williams of Shawnee, died Thursday, Jan. 19, in Oklahoma City.
She was born Jan. 18, 2006, in Oklahoma City.

She is survived by her parents; her sister, Trinity Alexis Plotner of Shawnee; her brother, Benjamin Ovalby of Seminole; sister, Desiree Atkinson of Seminole; grandparents, Don and Nancy Plumley of Shawnee, Kathleen Williams and Crockett Wood of Weleetka and Jimmy Williams of Taft; great-grandparents, Joyce McCoy and Bob Carr of McLoud, and numerous other family members.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Brown Cemetery with Crockett Wood officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home.

The family has set up a trust fund in Gabriell's name at BancFirst.

Harold Simmons

Harold Simmons, 85, of Oklahoma City died Friday, Jan. 20, after a long battle with heart problems.
Viewing will be 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at Cooper Funeral Home in Tecumseh and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday at Hahn-Cook-Street and Draper Funeral Home, 6006 N.W. Grand Blvd. in Oklahoma City.

Graveside service will be 3 p.m. Tuesday at Memorial Park Cemetery at 13400 N. Kelley Ave. in Oklahoma City.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.

James Lewis Smith

James Lewis Smith, 30, Edmond, died Wednesday, Jan. 18, at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City.
Service is 3 p.m. today at Oakdale Baptist Church in Eakly with the Rev. Eddie Reichert officiating. Burial will follow at the Binger Cemetery under the direction of Binger Funeral Home.

He was born March 20, 1975, in Hobart to Kenneth and Sue Smith. He attended Hobart High School through the 11th grade and later earned a GED. He was a carpenter and had been employed at Wood Crafters in Oklahoma City.

He loved his children very much and was a loving father, son, brother and friend. Family and friends nicknamed him "Chunky" and "Big Daddy Cane." He enjoyed fishing and playing jokes. He was country music fan and he and his brother, Cary, sang together on many occasions. He had accepted Christ as personal Savior and had been baptized. He will be great missed by all who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace.

He was preceded in death by one brother, Gary Smith.

He is survived by his wife, Kari Smith of Oklahoma City; daughter, Lanee Wilson of Oklahoma City; son, Corbin Smith of the home; stepdaughter, Kyla Smith of the home; his mother and stepfather, Sue and Gerald Brooks of Lookeba; father Kenneth Smith of Blackwell; brothers, Steve Smith and his wife, Carla, of Macomb; Cary Smith and his wife, Kathy, of Moore; sisters, Sissy Hopper and husband, Buddy, of Lonewolf, Amy Smith of Nowata and Mary Smith; stepfather, Jim Sloan of Sentinel; grandfather, Robert Yocham of Mangum; uncle, Sonny Yocham of Mangum, and many other relatives and friends.

published Jan. 24, 2006

Roland Lee Latham

Moore resident Roland Lee Latham, 45, died Friday, Jan. 20, as a result of an auto accident.
He was born Nov. 11, 1960, to Homer Dick Latham and Darlene (Likins) in Albuquerque, N.M.

Latham worked as a salesman for Sysco Foods for more than 13 years.

On Nov. 5, 2000, he married Nancy Whitefield in Shawnee.

Latham was a dear, precious husband, father, son and brother. He loved people and the Lord. Thank you God for our precious memories of him.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Rose Padilla.

Survivors include his wife, Nancy Latham, of the home; three children, Adina Vellekamp of Norman, Jessica and Michelle Latham, both of Moore; mother, Darlene Cormier and her husband, Tony, of Sparks, Nev.; father, Homer Dick Latham and his wife, Pauline Phelan, of Albuquerque; sister, Cheryl Kapitz-Latham and her husband, Paul, of Reno, Nev.; and a host of family, friends and loved ones.

Service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Resthaven Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent in memorial of Mr. Latham to Arvest Bank, Shawnee.

Maxine Jamison

Edmond resident Maxine Jamison, 88, died Saturday, Jan. 21, in Oklahoma City.
She was born Sept. 5, 1917, in Shawnee to Eric M. Seward and Nina Lenora Pring.

Jamison graduated from Shawnee High School in 1935 and Oklahoma Baptist University in 1940.

On April 15, 1947, she married Marshall Jamison. He preceded her in death on March 28, 1988.

Jamison began her career as a secretary and was later promoted to administrator for Department of Human Services. She moved to Edmond in 1971 and retired from DHS in 1980.

She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Edmond.

Also preceding her in death were her parents and a sister, Vermille Ruff.

Survivors include his two sons and daughter-in-law, Eric M. and JoAnna Jamison of Tulsa, Robert L. Jamison of Edmond; sister, Maurine Dale of Edmond; five grandchildren.

Graveside service will be 3 p.m. Wednesday at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home.

William Leon Boland

Oklahoma City resident William Leon "Bill" Boland, 67, died Saturday, Jan. 21, in Oklahoma City.
Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Asa Smith Memorial Chapel in Harrah. Burial will follow at Memory Lane Cemetery in Harrah under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service.

Charles Gore LaReau

Wanette resident Charles Gore LaReau, 89, died Saturday, Jan. 21, at a local hospital.
He was born June 4, 1916, in Oklahoma to F.C. and Elizabeth LaReau Sr.

Charles attended school at Pauls Valley, Wanette and Norman and graduated from The University of Oklahoma.

He served in the U.S. Army Air Corp and was discharged from the U.S. Air Force.

Charles was the Postmaster and City Clerk of Wanette. He traveled extensively around the world with a select group of friends and was very active in the Catholic Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Wyona Smith; brother, Cass LaReau; great-nephew, Derek LaReau, and a nephew, Mike Smith.

Survivors include children and grandchildren of his deceased nephew, Michael Smith; niece and her spouse, Lesley and Larry McElroy, of Norman and their children and grandchildren; nephew and his spouse, Joe and Laketa LaReau of Norman and their children and grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.

No service are scheduled as his request.

Walker Funeral Service is directing arrangements.

Ora Mae O'Neal

Lifelong Tecumseh resident Ora Mae O'Neal died Friday, Jan. 20, in Tecumseh at the age of 81.
She was born July 11, 1924, in Tecumseh to Henry and Rosa (Weston) Tibbs.

She attended school at Mount Delona and was a graduate of Maud High School. She attended LPN Nursing School at Old City Hospital and Mission Hill Hospital.

On March 13, 1947, she married Wendell G. O'Neal in Sebastian County, Ark. He preceded her in death on June 20, 1982.

She worked as an LPN for many years and was a member of the First Christian Church of God of Tecumseh. She loved to raise plants and enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

She also was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Gary Tibbs; sister, Ophelia Canfield; and a granddaughter, Anita O'Neal.

Surviviors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Randal and Judy O'Neal of Choctaw and Dean and Sherry Chaffin of Macomb; two daughters and one son-in-law, Kay and Jim White of Tecumseh and Peggy O'Neal of Oklahoma City; brother and sister-in-law, Walter and Helen Tibbs of Shawnee; two sisters-in-law, Trelma O'Neal and Rosemary Kent, both of Tecumseh; ten grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Todd Tiffin officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.

Judith Irene Cosar

Konawa resident Judith Irene Cosar, 67, died Saturday, Jan. 21, at Valley View Hospital in Ada.
Service will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Cedar Creek Indian Baptist Church with the Rev. George Harjochee and the Rev. Dorsey Nero officiating. Burial will follow at the Cosar Family Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home of Konawa.

Carmen Ireta Mae Bell

Longtime Seminole resident Carmen Ireta Mae (Otto) Bell, 87, died Saturday, Jan. 21, in Noble.
Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at First Missionary Baptist Church in Seminole with Brother Tom Tripp and Brother Mike Raines officiating. Burial will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens, Seminole.

Orvil Arthur Gilbert Harris

Prague resident Orvil Arthur Gilbert Harris died at his home on Sunday, Jan. 22, at the age of 82.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Garden Grove Cemetery in Prague with the Rev. Jerry Don States officiating.

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

published Jan. 26, 2006

Maxine Jamison

Edmond resident Maxine Jamison, 88, died Saturday, Jan. 21, in Oklahoma City.
She was born Sept. 5, 1917, in Shawnee to Eric M. Seward and Nina Lenora Pring.

Jamison graduated from Shawnee High School in 1935 and Oklahoma Baptist University in 1940.

On April 15, 1947, she married Marshall Jamison. He preceded her in death on March 28, 1988.

Jamison began her career as a secretary and was later promoted to administrator for Department of Human Services. She moved to Edmond in 1971 and retired from DHS in 1980.

She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Edmond.

Also preceding her in death were her parents and a sister, Vermille Ruff.

Survivors include her two sons and daughter-in-law, Eric M. and JoAnna Jamison of Tulsa, Robert L. Jamison of Edmond; sister, Maurine Dale of Edmond; five grandchildren, Eric M. Jamison, Jr. and his wife, Allison, of North Carolina, Andrew M. Jamison and his wife, Meggan, of Fort Worth, Texas, Leslie Ferguson and her husband, Ryan, of Tulsa, Jennifer and Jay Jamison, both of McKinney, Texas; two great-grandchildren, Jude Jamison and Hudson Jamison.

Graveside service will be 3 p.m. today at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. Douglas Hall officiating under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home.

James Lynn Bush

James Lynn Bush, 69, died Sunday, Jan. 15, at Grace Living Center in Oklahoma City.
He was born Dec. 1, 1936, in Stephens County near Comanche to Lee and Thelma (Roark) Bush.

He moved to Hollywood, Calif., at an early age. He served in the U.S. Army. He returned to the Oklahoma City area in the 1970s.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lee Bush and Thelma Roark Bush Meers.

Survivors include three aunts, Frances Roark Patterson of Tecumseh, Doris Martin of Ryan and Macie Jones of Livingston; Numerous cousins including, Francine Roark Robison of Tecumseh, Mack Roark of Shawnee, Jerry Nutter of Lone Grove, Donnetta Mitchell of Ryan and Glenda Lopez of Rogers, Ark.

Graveside service was held 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, at Lone Grove Cemetery in Lone Grove.

Arrangements are under the direction of Pitcher-Hackney Funeral Home of Carnegie.

Irene Columbus

Oklahoma City resident Irene Columbus, 81, died Monday, Jan. 23, at her residence.
Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at High Springs Baptist Church with Leon Postoak officiating. Burial will follow at Vamoosa Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Konawa.

Kenneth D. Blankenship

Tulsa resident Kenneth D. Blankenship, 59, died Monday, Jan. 23, in Tulsa.
Service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Garnett Church of Christ in Tulsa with the Rev. Wade Hodges officiating. Burial will be 2 p.m. at Oak Park Cemetery in Chandler, under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Chandler.

Longtime state Sen. Robert M. Kerr dies

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- State Sen. Robert M. Kerr, a longtime Democratic legislator from Altus who was a strong supporter of the farming industry and helped bring new technology to law enforcement, died Wednesday after a long illness, authorities said. He was 73.
Kerr, surrounded by members of his family and friends, died shortly before 7 a.m. at the OU Medical Center, the Senate said in a news release.

Robert M. Kerr

STAFF
"We are deeply saddened at the passing of our friend and colleague," Senate President Pro Tem Mike Morgan said. "He was a dedicated public servant who loved Oklahoma."

Gov. Brad Henry, who served with Kerr in the state Senate before he was elected governor in 2002, described Kerr as "the consummate professional" and "the consummate gentleman."

"Senator Kerr was a dear friend and a tremendous public servant whose unflagging commitment to our state will be felt for generations to come," Henry said. "The Oklahoma State Senate is a better place because of him. Indeed, Oklahoma is a better place because of him."

Lt. Gov. Mary Fallin, who serves as president of the Senate, said Kerr was "a true servant of the people."

"Senator Kerr was a tireless advocate for the people of southwest Oklahoma as well as a leader for our entire state," Fallin said.

State senators were informed nearly a year ago that Kerr was undergoing chemotherapy for cancer that was first diagnosed 12 years ago. In remission for 11 years, doctors discovered that the cancer had returned in early 2005.

Kerr said at that time he wanted to finish out the remaining two years on his term.

"Senator Kerr was a brave an honorable man, a model public servant and a good friend whom I will dearly miss," said Senate Minority Leader Glenn Coffee.

A native of Friendship, Kerr was a farmer, stockman and real estate developer who was elected to the state Senate in 1986. He represented all or parts of eight southwestern Oklahoma counties.

Kerr, assistant majority leader of the Senate, chaired the Senate agriculture and rules committees during his years in the Senate. He was vice chairman of the Appropriations Committee at the time of his death.

Kerr authored legislation that created the Automated Fingerprint Identification System that gave the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and other law enforcement agencies access to crime-fighting computer technology.

He also authored legislation that created the state-of-the-art Food and Agricultural Products Research and Technology Center at Oklahoma State University, which promotes the processing of goods produced on Oklahoma farms.

OSU honored Kerr by naming the "Robert M. Kerr Auditorium" in his honor for his role in developing the center in 1996.

Kerr was a key promoter of the American Indian Cultural Center planned for Oklahoma City and encouraged officials to rebuild the Quartz Mountain State Lodge and Cultural Center near Altus after the Quartz Mountain resort burned in 1995.

"Bob Kerr was the kind of public servant that all of us should have been and I think that most of us tried to be -- it was just a lot easier for him," said former Sen. Dick Wilkerson.

Kerr is survived by his wife, Robbie, a daughter, two sons and five grandchildren. Funeral services were pending at Lowell-Tims Funeral Home of Altus.

Marie Robertson

Seminole resident Marie Robertson, 83, died Tuesday, Jan. 24, in Seminole.
Service will be 10 a.m. Friday at the First Assembly of God in Bowlegs with the Rev. Roy Robertson and Dr. Jack Medlock officiating. Burial will follow at Wolf Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.

Deborah Lynn (Hunter) Jackson

Red Rock resident Deborah Lynn (Hunter) Jackson, 51, died Monday, Jan. 23, at her home.
Deborah was born July 29, 1954, to Harrison Jr. and Doris (White) Hunter in Enid.

In August 1977, she married Charles Ross in Muskogee.

She later married Kevin Jackson in April 2001 in Perkins.

Deborah was an enrolled member of the Otoe-Missouria Tribe and was a descendant of the Iowa Nation of Oklahoma. Deborah belonged to the Eagle Clan of the Otoe-Missouria Tribe.

She was a graduate of McLoud High School and was a certified medical assisant and elder care giver. She was in the field of home health care and was employed by the Otoe-Missouria tribe as a caregiver program coordinator.

She was on the 2005 Otoe-Missouria Encampment Committee, the Sac and Fox Nation Pow-Wow committee and was a Otoe-Missouria housing authority commissioner.

She was a member of the Native American Church and was a homemaker.

Deborah was a loving mother, grandmother, daughter and sister.

Her father, Harrison Hunter Jr. and two brothers, Lloyd and Richard Watts, preceded her in death.

Survivors include her husband, Kevin Jackson of the home; mother, Doris Hunter of the home; children and their spouses, Shawn and Bobbi Lynn (Ross) Wooten of Norman and Richard A. Ross of Choctaw; grandson, Garrett Alan Hayes of Norman; two brothers, Henry Hunter of Shawnee and Warren Hunter of Perkins; four sisters, Rita Monoessy of Shawnee, Annette Rice of Cushing, Harriet Hunter of Eldon, Mo., and Karen Gibson of Shawnee.

Pallbearers will be Lloyd Gowin, John C. Eidson, Brian Queton, John Queton, Harrison Rice, Mitchell Watts and Quinn Harragarra. Honorary pallbearers will be Perry Botone, Will Walking Sky, Preston Walking Sky, Chink White Cloud, Butch Butler and Chad Butler.

Service will be noon today at Otoe-Missouria Cultural Center with the Rev. Thomas Morris officiating. Burial will follow at Otoe-Missouria Cemetery in Red Rock under the direction of Strode Funeral Home Stillwater.

James Randall Grisham

Seminole resident James Randall "Randy" Grisham, 41, died Wednesday, Jan. 25, in Seminole.
Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Swearingen Funeral Chapel with the Rev. John Lively officiating. Burial will follow at Little Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral home.

Connor Lee Frentz

Connor Lee Frentz, infant son of Denise and Robbie Frentz, died Friday, Jan. 20, in Shawnee.
Survivors include his parents, Denise and Robbie Frentz of Macomb; two sisters, Holly Frentz of Oklahoma City and Michelle Frentz of Macomb; one brother, Joshua Frentz of Macomb; grandparents, Lee and Sherry Connor of Norman and Irene Totherow of McLoud; and many other family members and friends.

Graveside service will be 3 p.m. Friday at Romulus Cemetery with Darrell Witten officiating. Cooper Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Loretta Long Dutton

Shawnee resident Loretta Long Dutton, 65, died Monday, Jan. 23, at St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City.
She was born Feb. 29, 1940, to Thomas and Nancy Simpson Long, in Dustin.

Dutton was a homemaker and loved to read and work puzzles.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her first husband, J.R. Wells.

Survivors include four sons, Tom Wells, Todd Wells, Robert Wells, all of Shawnee, and Tyler Wells of Pauls Valley; three daughters and sons-in-law, Hayley and Bruce Mcleskey of Shawnee, Lori Dutton and fiance, Brian Johnson of Shawnee, and Jamie Dutton of Shawnee; one brother, Stanley Long of Shawnee; one uncle, Harold Lee Long of Holdenville; 11 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and numerous other family members.

Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Swearingen Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow at Achena Cemetery, near Maud, under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.

Bennie J. Green

Shawnee resident Bennie J. "B.J." Green, 67, died Monday, Jan. 23, in an Oklahoma City hospital.
He was born in Wister, Okla., to C.G. and Lula Green on Sept. 6, 1938.

Green graduated from Fanshawe High School and lettered in basketball and baseball.

On June 6, 1995, he married Mary Alice Pilcher.

He served in the Oklahoma National Guard and worked for Rock Island Railroad then went to barber school and became a barber.

B.J. loved the sport of golf and played as often as he could until his health in the past years years prevented him from playing.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Alice Green of Shawnee; two sons, Kelly Green and his wife, Lynn, of Ardmore, and Justin Riley Green and his fiance, Rebecca Baca, of Albuquerque, N.M.; two stepsons, Tim Rose and his wife, Cathy, of Vernon, Conn., and Mark Rose and his wife, Kara, of Mulberry, Ark.; brother, Tommy Green and his wife, Thelma, of Yukon; two sisters and their husbands, Jewel and Gerald Marsh of El Reno, and Helen and Jim Jones of Union City; 11 grandchildren and step-grandchildren; a cousin, Billy Jones, who was his best friend in high school; special friends Jim and Chris Poole; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Service will be 2 p.m. today at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with the Rev. Ken Taylor and the Rev. Mike Fields officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

published Jan. 27, 2006

Rhoda A. Cook

Chandler resident Rhoda A. Cook, 82, died Tuesday, Jan. 24.
Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at New Zion Cemetery in Chandler under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Chandler

Jack H.L. Elkins

Jack Elkins was born Oct. 19, 1918, in Macomb. He passed away in Tecumseh on Jan. 26, at the age of 87.
Mr. Elkins graduated from high school in Chickasha and attended the University of Oklahoma in Norman, graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering in 1942. While at OU he was vice-president of Pi Tau Sigma engineering society, a member of Sigma Tau, a member and office of the Engineer's Club and a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. He was a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy during World War II, serving in the Pacific theatre, in Hawaii and the Philippine Islands.

He married the former Betty Jeanne Bailey of Macomb in 1946 and worked his entire professional career as an engineer with Phillips Petroleum Company in Oklahoma City, Phillips, Texas, Idaho Falls, Idaho, and Bartlesville. His many interesting and beneficial assignments included working on a joint project with the Atomic Energy Commission in Idaho and on commercial development projects with Native American groups in Oklahoma. He retired to a family farm in Pottawatomie County in 1980. He and Mrs. Elkins then traveled extensively, often to visit children on the west coast and in Central America and the Caribbean. He was an active member and supporter of the First Baptist Church everywhere he lived and traveled.

Mr. Elkins was predeceased by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. O.P. Elkins and by his wife, Betty J. Elkins. He is survived by two daughters, Joyce E. and John Warren of Norman and Jane Elkins of Tiburon, Calif.; two sons, Neal L. Elkins of Tecumseh and David B. and Gay Elkins of Wichita, Kan; five grandchildren, Elizabeth Warren VanDerLaan, Alyson Elkins Adler, Leigh Ann Hulva, Jordan Elkins and Shane Elkins; four great-grandchildren, Esther, Joseph, Hannah and Izuak VanDerLaan.

Services are scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Cooper Funeral Home in Tecumseh. Interment will be at Prairie View, Macomb.

Donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home.

Jean LeCompte

Shawnee resident Jean LeCompte, 70, died Tuesday, Jan. 24, at a local hospital.
She was born Aug. 15, 1935, in Wolf to General "G.B." Hopper and Maddie (Robertson) Hopper.

LeCompte attended school in Maud.

On July 11, 1955, she married Oren LeCompte.

She was a homemaker and member of Oak Park Church of God.

LeCompte had lived in Shawnee since 1999.

Her parents, one brother and one sister precede her in death.

Survivors include her husband, Oren LeCompte, of the home; three daughters, Diana McCarty of Choctaw, Susan Glover of Maud, Debby Nabors of Tecumseh; six grandsons; six great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Oak Park Church of God with the Rev. Leroy Kerbo and the Rev. Ken Kerbo officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Walker Funeral Home.

Wanda Charlene Wilson

Seminole resident Wanda Charlene Wilson, 72, died Wednesday, Jan. 25, in Oklahoma City.
She was born June 17, 1933, in Lorenzo, Texas to Homer Dan Ogle and Jessie Pearl (Mull) Ogle.

On June 2, 1949, she married Bill Wilson in Olton, Texas.

She was a homemaker and had lived in Seminole for 40 years.

Preceding her in death are her parents.

Survivors include her husband, Bill Wilson, of the home; two sons and daughters-in-law, Joel and Cindy Wilson of Shawnee, Phillip and Vicki Wilson of Seminole; daughter and son-in-law, Sheila and Tony Genoff of Bixby; brother, Arthur M. Ogle of Clovis, N.M.; two sisters, Charlotte Craig of Clovis and Oleta Klett of Greeley, Colo.; five grandchildren.

Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Trinity Baptist Church with Steve Cline officiating. Burial will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.

Pallbearers are Jack O'Daniel, Barry O'Daniel, Steve O'Daniel, Kevin O'Daniel, Chuck Anderson and Terry Morris. Honorary bearers are Carl McMillion and Alvin Yoesel.

published Jan. 28, 2006

Margaret Doris Denson

Margaret Doris Denson left this earth to join our heavenly father on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2006, after a lengthy illness.
She was born to James Isaac and Evelyn Dolly Carpenter on July 12, 1928, in Maud. She was later adopted by Jesse and Dorothy Denson, an aunt and uncle.

She was a straight "A" student and a star basketball player at Harjo High School.

She married LaVoy Baylis, the father of her children, on May 12, 1945.

She was a bookkeeper and homemaker adn was active in her church, Eastern Star and the Parent Teacher Association. She was a talented artist and left a legacy of paintings with her family. She lived in Velma, Duncan, Norman and Shawnee.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her adopted parents; grandson, Russell Thomas; one great-granddaughter, Victoria Pollard; and one sister, Betty Scott.

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Sheila and Donald Jones of Oklahoma City, Diane and Don Thomas of Comanche, and Gayla Hudson of Shawnee; eight grandchildren, Sean Pollard, Robbie Jones, Melanne Greenwood, Randy Jones, Jason Thomas, Jessica Bottoms, Justin Pollard and Sasha Bottoms; 13 beloved great-grandchildren; her brother and sister-in-law, James and Deane Denson; sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Clois Anderson; her aunts, Juanita Langford and Cleo Owens; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Service will be 2 p.m. today at First Baptist Church of Shawnee with J.C. Farrand and Jon Greenwood officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.

Bill Wood

Tecumseh resident Bill Wood died Wednesday, Jan. 25, in Tecumseh at the age of 76.
He was born April 11, 1929, in Stratford to Layton and Hazel (Stark) Wood.

Reared in Stratford, he moved to Tecumseh in 1963.

He graduated from Stratford High School in 1947 and East Central College, Ada, in 1957 with a double major in math and physics. He also had a minor in chemistry.

During the Korean War he served in the U.S. Army.

On Sept. 24, 1954, he married Betty Lou Hanks in Stratford.

He worked as a computer programmer at Tinker Air Force Base, retiring in 1979.

Wood was a member of the First Baptist Church of Tecumseh and Macomb Masonic Lodge No. 310.

He was an avid golfer and loved farming (not to be confused with flower gardening).

Preceding him in death were his parents; two brothers, Carlon Wood and O.B. Wood, as well as a sister-in-law, Wanda Wood.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Wood, of the home; four daughters and two sons-in-law, Belinda O'Brien of Tulsa, Becky and Loyd Steward of Shawnee, Brenda Parks of Norman, Danna and Matt Hidgon of Tecumseh; son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Karen Wood of Tecumseh; grandchildren, Kevin O'Brien, Erin O'Brien, Jon Daniel and Glenna Steward, Jennifer and Rusty Lynch, David and Tara Jones, Andrea Jones, Staci and Mike Buck, Brian and Casey Chaffin, Tara Wood, Amy Higdon, Emily Higdon and Matt Dillon Higdon; three great-grandchildren, Kylee, Shelby and Ramzie; brother, Eual "Buster" Wood of Oklahoma City; sisters, Naomi Tucker of Oklahoma City and Joyce Wood of Stillwater; sister-in-law, Virginia Wood of Purcell.

Service will be 10 a.m. today at Cooper Funeral Chapel with Dr. Tim Walker and Dan Napier officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home.

published Jan. 29, 2006

Dr. Charles Gauchat

Shawnee resident Dr. Charles Gauchat, 86, died Jan. 26 at his home.
He was born Dec. 26, 1919, in Brock, Neb., to August and Freda (Schrader) Gauchat.

He attended the University of Nebraska and graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine in 1945. He served his internship at Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. and took a three-year residency in internal medicine at Nashville General Hospital in Nashville, Tenn. He joined the ACH Clinic in Shawnee in 1952.

August was a founding member of the Shawnee Medical Center and was a captain in the U.S. Air Force.

He married Augusta A. Quidas Nov. 22, 1947, in Riverhead, N.Y.

He was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Oklahoma State Medical Association, Pottawatomie County Medical Association and the American Medical Association. Aside from work, he had a passion for gardening, collecting tractors and other items of interest, and the music of the Big Band era.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Rosa Lee Harding; and two brothers-in-law, Vernon Guild and Sterling Woodhull.

Survivors include his wife of the home; three daughters, Sandra Kenworthy of Mansfield, Texas; Rhonda Klopfenstein and her husband, Phil, of Shawnee; Lynne Tackett and her husband, Bruce, of Vienna, Va.; one son, Robert Gauchat of Irving, Texas; 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; one brother-in-law, Kenneth Harding of Dripping Springs, Texas; two sisters-in-law, Albertine Guild of Long Island, N.Y., and Elizabeth Woodhull of Long Island, N.Y.; and many other relatives.

Services will be held at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with Dr. Rockford Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery. The time and date of services are pending.

Memorials can be made to St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Heartland Hospice or Unity Health Center North Campus.

Walker Funeral Service is directing arrangements.

Lorena Gail Larman

Shawnee resident Lorena Gail Larman, 70, died Jan. 27 at a local hospital.
She was born July 13, 1935, in Wanette to Henry and Faye Holloway.

Lorena married Galvin Larman on April 9, 1951, in Purcell. She was a homemaker and manager of the Potawatomi Smoke Shop.

She was a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and St. Benedict Catholic Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and one sister.

Survivors include her husband, of the home; four children and their spouses; Ronnie and Jackie Larman of Shawnee; Stan and Marcia Larman of Shawnee; Philip and Ruthie Larman of Tecumseh; and Kathy and Gary Powell of Tecumseh; seven grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one sister, Berneice Bodine of Oklahoma City.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with the Rev. Larry Sparks officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery. Walker Funeral Service is directing arrangements.

Ira Elwood Wall

Ira Elwood Wall, 80, died Friday at his Del City home.
He was born Dec. 6, 1925, in Tecumseh.

Graveside service will be 2 Monday at Tecumseh Cemetery.

Gaskill Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements.

Ed B. Antosh

Edward "Ed" B. Antosh, 81, died Wednesday, Jan. 25, in Shawnee.
A first generation American, Ed was born Oct. 6, 1924, in Johnstown, Pa., to Andrew and Antonia (Straub) Antosh, who immigrated to the United States from Poland.

He graduated from high school in Johnstown and received his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Colorado. He served as a navigation and aircraft engineer in the U.S. Navy, and as an officer taught ground school to naval aviators during World War II.

He married Donna Heusel Milburn on April 22, 1990, and was active in the Beacon Sunday school class at First Baptist Church of Shawnee and the Republican party. Those who knew Ed knew that he always had a project going or something to fix. His current project was building a Sonex full-size experimental airplane.

Before retirement Ed was the owner and president of Varicolor Duplicator Company, Shawnee Garment Company (Roundhouse Overalls), American Wire Harness Company and founder and chairman of the board of First State Bank, Shawnee.

He was married to Dottie M. Goodwin on June 6, 1953. They were married for 33 years.

He is preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Joe, Ted, Henry, Frank and Ray; and one sister, Helen Golke.

Survivors include his wife, Donna; sister, Beth McLaughlin of California; sons and daughters-in-law, Jim and Nancy Antosh of Shawnee, Steve and Cindy Antosh of Fairfax, Va.; daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Stottler Starr of Dana Point, Calif.; stepson and daughter-in-law, Kermit and Tapi Milburn of Shawnee; stepdaughter and son-in-law, Paula and Mark Miller of Texas; 10 grandchildren, David, Bobby and Peter Antosh of Shawnee, Jonathan, Catherine and Lucas Antosh of Fairfax, Aubrey and Brenner Milburn of Shawnee, Kara and Kelton Miller of Texas. Ed also leaves behind nieces and nephews, many friends and an old, faithful dog, "Barney."

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Monday at First Baptist Church of Shawnee with the Rev. J.C. Farrand officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Demuth Funeral Home of Oklahoma City.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Beacon Sunday school class of First Baptist Church, 10th and Union, Shawnee, OK 74802 or The Jesus Film Project, Ed Antosh Memorial gift, P.O. Box 72007, San Clemente, CA 92674.

Melvin Jack Hessman

Melvin Jack Hessman was born May 7, 1935, in Paden, and departed this life on Saturday, Jan. 28, in Shawnee, at the age of 70.
Jack, the son of Fred William "Dutch" Hessman and Lillian Pearl (Chaney) Hessman, was a resident of Paden most of his life. He graduated from Paden High School with the class of 1953.

He served overseas during the Korean conflict with the U.S. Army, attended Oklahoma State Technical School in Okmulgee and retired from Tinker Air Force Base in 1990.

He married Fern Height in Sacramento, Calif., on June 6, 1959.

He was a member of the Okemah Masonic Lodge.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and one son, Theron Hessman, on Oct. 28, 2005.

He is survived by his wife of the home; two sons and daughters-in-law, Erik and Brandi Hessman of Norfolk, Va., and Derek and Amy Hessman of Centerton, Ark.; one daughter and son-in-law, Laura and Lorin Slayton of Prague; one brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Sue Hessman of Paden; one sister, Betty Spicer of Prague; and five grandchildren.

Graveside services will be at Paden Cemetery, and the date and time is pending. Parks Brothers Funeral Service of Prague are directing arrangements.

Mabel Irene Cheatwood

Mabel Irene Cheatwood, 59, of Tecumseh went to be with the Lord Thursday, Jan. 26, in Norman. She was born Aug. 12, 1946, to Roy and Leota Cheatwood in Corbet, Okla.
Mabel was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Leota Cheatwood; sister, Sharon Cheatwood; brother, Tommy Cheatwood; and granddaughter, Elyse Kitchen.

She will be deeply missed by her four children, Rodney (Chiefy) Kitchen of Choctaw, Spring Cleveland of Shawnee, Joe and his wife, Andrea Kitchen, of Newalla, and Chris Kitchen of Bainbridge Island, Wash.; five sisters, Lucille and her husband, Jesse, Goforth of Newalla, Mary and her husband, Bill, Duggan of Wilburton, Linda and her husband, Jerry, Armstrong of Midwest City, Karon Cheatwood of Tecumseh, Cindy and her husband, Bobby, Bibb of Oklahoma City; two brothers, Edward and his wife, Ruth, Cheatwood of Conroe, Texas, Gilbert and his wife, Bonnie, Cheatwood of Oklahoma City; six grandchildren; extended family, Mary, Shannon, Jessica, Regina, Robert, Cindy, Bolia and Sergio; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Monday at Hibbs Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Sunny Lane Cemetery in Del City. Pallbearers will be Mike Arambula, Howard Gottschalk, Robert Gibson, Mike Courtney, Chad Koster and Jason Arambula. BJ Bibb and Joe Baker will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Charles Raymond Simon

Charles Raymond Simon, 65, was called to his Heavenly home on Jan. 26.
He was born to J.C and Helen Simon on April 12, 1940, in Shawnee.

He raised his family in Oklahoma City, where he was employed at L&S Bearing as an electrician for more than 40 years. Having served as the president of Machinist Union Local No. 850 for 13 years, Charles dedicated his life to trying to make a difference for the working man.

Charles was preceded in death by his father, J.C. Simon.

He is survived by his wife of almost 47 years, Elizabeth Seimon, of the home; mother, Helen Simon of Harjo; two brothers, Bobby and Larry Simon; three children, Robert Simon, Janet Jones and Shana Killian; 11 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Charles was an honest, hardworking man who enjoyed his family, the outdoors, camping, hunting, cars and country music. We love him and he will be greatly missed.

Service to celebrate his life will be held 1 p.m. Monday at the South Lindsay Baptist Church, 330 S. Lindsay. Burial will be held 3:30 p.m. at Foresthill Cemetery in Tecumseh.

Services are under the direction of Vondel L. Smith & Son Mortuary, 69343 S. Western Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73139.

Verna Nell Young

Verna Nell Young, 83, died on Jan. 27 after a lengthy illness at her home surrounded by her sister, Bertha Ann Young, her family and friends.
She was born on May 17, 1922, to John and Lydia Smith Young in Abilene, Texas. The family moved to Shawnee when she was a teenager and Vernell (as she was called by her family and friends) graduated from Shawnee High School in 1939.

She attended Abilene Christian College.

She was a lifelong member of the Central Church of Christ.

She began working for Lloyd Henry in the District Attorney's office Jan. 1, 1955, and worked there for 14 years. She began work as the municipal court clerk for the city of Shawnee on Feb. 1, 1969, and retired from that position Aug. 31, 1999.

She was a longtime member of the Shawnee Business and Professional Women's Club and was president in 1971-1972.

She was an active member of the Oklahoma Municipal Court Clerks Association.

Her father, John Young, mother, Lydia Young, and infant brother preceded her in death.

Her sister, Bertha Ann Young, survives her, along with cousin Kim Lillard, Kim's son, Tripp Lillard, and daughter and son-in-law, Andrea and Will Koepke, and their daughter, Bella, of Shawnee; cousin, Carolyn Miller and her sons, Andy Miller and Chad Miller from Norman; cousin, Penny Smith from Shawnee; Stella and Bill Delanghe from Ontario, Canada; and Clara Zoe Smith from Tulsa; her aunt, Lillie Smith from Shawnee; family friend, Betty Boswell; and many other loving family and friends.

Verna Nell never allowed her very busy schedule as court clerk to interrupt her devotion to be the family cook, morning, noon and night.

She was known for her remarkable memory regarding case law and case history by the law enforcement agencies.

Vernell was a lifelong best friend to her sister, Bertha Ann.

She was dedicated to her work and to her family and will always be remembered for her love and kindness to her family and friends.

The family extends special thanks to Charlene Hammock for her special care and assistance to Vernell over the past few years.

Funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday in the chapel of Walker Funeral Service, with Robert Prater and Dewyane Dennis officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery.

Services are under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Nova Marie Sanders

Cromwell resident Nova Marie Sanders, 63, died Jan. 27 at her home.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Oakwood Cemetery in Wewoka, with the Rev. Dennis Yeubanks officiating.

Swearingen Funeral Home of Seminole is directing arrangements.

Thurman C. Daley

Thurman C. Daley, 73, of Shawnee died Saturday, Jan. 28, at an Oklahoma City hospital.
Daley was born March 8, 1932, in Shawnee, the son of Charley Russell "C.R." Daley and Pearl Shaw-Daley.

He graduated from Shawnee High School in 1950.

On Oct. 25, 1989, he married Lou Cornelius in Shawnee.

Daley was a retired dairy farmer.

He was preceded in death by his father in 1976, his mother in 2000 and his wife, Virginia, in 1989.

Survivors include his wife, Lou Cornelius Daley, of the home; son and daughter-in-law, Larry Charles and Anna Daley of Shawnee; sister and brother-in-law, Naomi and George Compton of Shawnee; three grandchildren, Scott and his wife, Karla, Daley Brandy Daley, all of Shawnee, and Cory Daley of Tecumseh; seven grandchildren, Riana Daley, Sara Daley, Gina Daley, and Kasey Daley, all of Shawnee, Cori Daley Jr. and Dani Daley, both of Tecumseh, and Cade Daley of Oklahoma City.

Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Resthaven Cemetery with the Rev. Larry Sparks officiating. Resthaven Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements

Memorial may be made to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 N.E. 13th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73014.

Viola B. Case

Shawnee resident Viola B. Case, 89, died Jan. 27 at a local hospital.
She was born Nov. 3, 1916, in Tupelo, Okla., to John and Annie Elizabeth (Culver) Williams.

Viola graduated Shawnee High School in 1935 and attended Draughn Business College.

She married William Edward "Ed" Case June 8, 1941, in Shawnee.

Viola retired from Tinker Field and was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church, Eastern Star and NARFE, and enjoyed going to the senior center.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one daughter, two brothers and one great-grandchild.

She is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, JoAnn and Eugene Gilbert of Broken Arrow; two sisters, Bessie Jo Young of Houston, Texas, and Ommie Mae Pippin of Georgia; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with the Rev. Sam Hendry officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Walker Funeral Service of Shawnee is directing arrangements.

published Jan. 31, 2006

Verna Nell Young

Verna Nell Young, 83 years of age, died on Jan. 27 at her home surrounded by her sister, Bertha Ann Young, her family and friends after a lengthy illness.
She was born on May 17, 1922, to John and Lydia Smith Young in Abilene, Texas. The family moved to Shawnee when she was a teenager and Vernell (as she was called by her family and friends) graduated from Shawnee High School in 1939.

She attended Abilene Christian College.

She was a lifelong member of the Central Church of Christ.

She began working for Lloyd Henry in the District Attorney's office Jan. 1, 1955, and worked there for 14 years. She began work as the municipal court clerk for the city of Shawnee on Feb. 1, 1969, and retired from that position Aug. 31, 1999.

She was a longtime member of the Shawnee Business and Professional Women's Club and was president in 1971-1972.

She was an active member of the Oklahoma Municipal Court Clerks Association, Treasures, Finance Officers Association and the Municipal Court Clerks Association.

Her father, John Young, mother, Lydia Young and infant brother preceded her in death.

Sister Bertha Ann Young survives her, along with cousin Kim Lillard, Kim's son Tripp Lillard and daughter and son-in-law Andrea and Will Koepke and their daughter Bella from Shawnee; cousin Carolyn Miller and her sons Andy Miller and Chad Miller from Norman; cousin Penny Smith from Shawnee; Stella and Bill Delanghe from Ontario, Canada; and Clara Zoe Smith from Tulsa; her aunt Lillie Smith from Shawnee; family friend Bettie Boswell; and many other loving family and friends.

Verna Nell never allowed her very busy schedule as court clerk to interrupt her devotion to be the family cook - morning, noon and night.

She was known for her remarkable memory regarding case law and case history by the law enforcement agencies.

Vernell was a lifelong best friend to her sister Bertha Ann.

She was dedicated to her work and to her family, and will always be remembered for her love and kindness for her family and friends.

The family extends special thanks to Charlene Hammock for her special care and assistance to Vernell over the past few years.

Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. today at the Chapel of Walker Funeral Service with Robert Prater and Dwayne Dennis officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery.

Services are under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Dr. August Charles Gauchat

Shawnee resident Dr. August Charles Gauchat, 86, died Jan. 26 at his home.
He was born Dec. 26, 1919, in Brock, Neb., to August and Freda (Schrader) Gauchat.

He attended the University of Nebraska and graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine in 1945. He served his internship at Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., and took a three-year residency in internal medicine at Nashville General Hospital in Nashville, Tenn., and joined the ACH Clinic in Shawnee in 1952.

August was a founding member of the Shawnee Medical Center and was a captain in the U.S. Air Force.

He married Augusta A. Quidas Nov. 22, 1947, in Riverhead, N.Y.

He was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Oklahoma State Medical Association, Pottawatomie County Medical Association and the American Medical Association. Aside from work, he had a passion for gardening, collecting tractors and other items of interest, and the music of the Big Band era.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Rosa Lee Harding; and two brothers-in-law, Vernon Guild and Sterling Woodhull.

Survivors include his wife of the home; three daughters, Sandra Kenworthy of Mansfield, Texas; Rhonda Klopfenstein and her husband, Phil, of Shawnee; Lynne Tackett and her husband, Bruce, of Vienna, Va.; one son, Roger Gauchat of Irving, Texas; 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; one brother-in-law, Kenneth Harding of Dripping Springs, Texas; two sisters-in-law, Albertine Guild of Long Island, N.Y. and Elizabeth Woodhull of Long Island, N.Y.; and many other relatives.

Services were held 10 a.m. Monday at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with Dr. Rockford Johnson and Glen Pence officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Memorials can be made to St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Heartland Hospice or Unity Health Center North Campus.

Walker Funeral Service is directing arrangements.

Dennis Lee Roesler

Longtime Seminole resident Dennis Roesler went to be with the Lord on Monday, Jan. 30, at his home in Seminole.
He was born on March 16, 1934, in Wilcox, Neb., to Edwin H. and Helen Marie (Yeck) Roesler.

Dennis' family moved to Seminole in the 1930s and he attended Seminole schools graduating from Seminole High School in 1952. He attended and graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1957 with a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering. He began his first position as an aeronautical design engineer with General Dynamics in Fort Worth, Texas, immediately upon graduation.

He married Leilani Annette Norman on June 8, 1964, at Donnell Baptist Church in Ft. Worth, Texas. To that union was born one son, Steven Layne Roesler. They moved to Georgia and California as the demand for engineers in the large aeronautical plants was plentiful. In 1971 the family moved to Seminole where Dennis built the Vend-A-Wash Car Wash and began his position as Director of Public Works for the city of Seminole. He retired at the age of 54 from the city and spent his retirement enjoying his family, attending all the Oklahoma State University football and basketball games, fishing and camping. He had special interest in investing and philanthropy.

He was a member of the Kiwanis Club in the earlier years and had been a member of the Seminole Bass Club since 1975. He served in all the capacities of that club, ending his last term in 2005 as treasurer. He enjoyed especially the Kiddies Tournament sponsored by the club each year where he had the pleasure of teaching his oldest granddaughter, Ashley, to fish.

Dennis is preceded in death by his father in 1996, his mother in 2004 and his brother, Larry Dean Roesler, in 1994.

He is survived by his wife, Leilani, of the home; his son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Sue Roesler; two granddaughters, Ashley Nicole and Meghan Elizabeth Roesler, all of McKinney, Texas; cousins, Gordan Rowley of Wisconsin and Jan Reynolds of Norman.

Service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, at The First United Methodist Church in Seminole with the Rev. Gary Wilburn officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Seminole under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole.

Florence S. Henderson

Del City resident Florence S. (Mrs. Hack) Henderson, 84, died Monday, Jan. 30, in Oklahoma City.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at St. Paul Apostle Church in Del City with burial in Resthaven Memorial Park.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home, Tecumseh.

Jonas Edward Wayne Perry

Longtime Seminole resident Jonas Edward Wayne Perry, 54, died Saturday, Jan. 28, in Lindsay.
Service will be 2 p.m. today at Swearingen Funeral Chapel with Houston Tiger officiating. Burial will follow at Harjo Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.

Jack Hessman

Melvin Jack Hessman, 70, died Saturday, Jan. 28, in Shawnee.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Paden Cemetery with Paul Heard officiating. Services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Prague.