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

submitted by Kay Sugg Best

published Jun. 01, 2006

Sherry Renee Bertram

Sherry Renee Bertram passed away May 23, 2006, in Arlington, Texas, after an extended illness of cancer.
She was born in Shawnee to SR and Billye Threlkeld.

On Sept. 28, 1977, she married Steve Bertram in Shawnee.

Sherry was employed with ONG for 26 years.

She would like to say a special thank you to her husband, family, friends and co-workers for their constant love and support throughout life's ups and downs. Thank you for all the lovely cards, letters and phone calls offering encouragement.

Preceding her in death were Fred and Gladys Bertram.

She is survived by her husband, Steve Bertram; parents, SR and Billye Threlkeld of Shawnee; sister and brother-in-law, Connie and Bill White of Shawnee; brothers-in-law and wives, Max and Julie Bertram of Shawnee, Mike and Anita Bertram of Shawnee; special friend, Corretta Blancett; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and her beloved dog, Itsy Bitsy.

A celebration of life service will be 2 p.m. Friday, June 3, at Immanuel Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Immanuel Baptist Church Building Fund, 1101 E. Main, Shawnee, OK 74801.


Neal Harwell

Former Shawnee resident Neal Harwell, 75, died Tuesday, May 30, in Checotah.
Neal was born Feb. 3, 1931, in Wetumka to Alfred A. and Carrie Duck-Harwell. He attended Shawnee schools.

On Oct 27, 1951, he married Charlene Blount in Shawnee.

He served in the U.S. Army and was a life member of VFW Post #1316 Shawnee.

When Neal returned from the Korean War he worked for Rainbo bread. In 1976, Neal and Charlene moved to Checotah with the Sonic Drive Ins.

Neal had many fishing buddies and famous fish fries in both Oklahoma and Florida. He loved to travel and made numerous trips to Tunica and Florida with his special friend and neighbor Evalene Chamber. Neal enjoyed life to the fullest. He never met a stranger. Neal was loved by many, he was a loving father, papa and friend.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Charlene Harwell in 1997; six sisters, Bernice Higgenbottom, Ruby Keeton, Helen Manis, Alphia Kelly, Ada Jones and Roberta "Shorty" Lewis.

Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Pam and Pat Patricca of Largo, Fla.; special friend/neighbor, Evalene Chambers and her son, Jason Chambers of Checotah; brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Opal Harwell of Checotah; grandson, Corporal Stephen Neal Harwell, U.S.M.C. Recon; numerous nieces and nephews.

Service with Military Honors by U.S. Army Honor Guard, Fort Sill, will be 11 a.m. Friday at Resthaven Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Larry Sparks officiating.

Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery


Tiffany Michelle Richey

Harrah resident Tiffany Michelle Richey, 31, died Monday, May 29, in Oklahoma City. Jesus reached out his hands to Tiffany and said it is time to come home, your loved ones will be here later.
Tiffany loved nothing better than watching Trevor and Brooke play ball. She was a very special mom, wife, daughter and sister.

Tiffany was born June 24, 1974, in Shawnee to Kenneth and Cheryll Hulsey. She graduated from McLoud High School in 1992 and then attended Rose State College.

In 1993 Tiffany married Jackie Lee Richey II in Oklahoma City.

She is survived by her husband Jack, son, Trevor, and daughter, Brooke, all of the home; her mother, Cheryll Hulsey of Harrah and her father, Kenneth Hulsey of Harrah; brother, Tony Hulsey of Oklahoma City; sister, Tammy Janway of Shawnee; brother, Travis Hulsey of Moore; a host of other relatives and friends.

Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday in the Candlewood Chapel, 315 S. Sooner Road, with burial in Memory Lane Cemetery in Harrah. Ford Funeral Service of Midwest City is directing arrangements.

published Jun. 02, 2006

Barbara (Steward) Wittmann

Lifelong Tecumseh resident Barbara (Steward) Wittmann, 62, died Wednesday, May 31, in Shawnee.

Barbara was born Jan. 28, 1944, in Shawnee to Marvin and Nola Belle (Cowan) Steward. She was a 1961 graduate of Tecumseh High School. She also had earned an Associates Degree from Seminole Junior College.

On Sept. 15, 1962, she married Joe Lloyd Wittmann in Romulus.

Barbara worked at Farmers and Merchants Bank for 20 years, where she began as a teller and later worked in the Trust Department. An Avon representative for more than 30 years, she was a member of the President's Club, Honor Society and was a Unit Leader. She received several awards and recognition for her accomplishments with Avon.

She was preceded in death by her husband on June 16, 1997; her father; one sister, Jaqueta Steward; one brother, Darvin Steward; and one grandson, Christopher Sala.

She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Sherri and Curtis Albertson of Norman; son and fiancee, Tony Wittmann and Brandi Brown of Tecumseh; seven grandchildren, Stephanie Sala, Brandon Sala, Cody Wittmann, Joseph Wittmann, Wyatt Brown, John Albertson and Lindsey Albertson; her mother, Nola Steward of Shawnee; sister and brother-in-law, Coetta and Jack Helton of Shawnee; two brothers and sister-in-law, David and Ladine Steward of Tecumseh and Danny Steward of Missouri; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with James Albertson officiating. Burial will be in Tecumseh Cemetery.


Billy Joe Combs

Shawnee resident Billy Joe Combs, 77, died Tuesday, May 30, at an Oklahoma City hospital.

He was born Sept. 11, 1928, in Shawnee to Ed and Bessie (Bragg) Combs.

Combs graduated from Shawnee High School and attended Okmulgee Tech.

In 1949 he married Bertha Friend.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and the Korean Conflict.

Combs was a Shawnee Police Officer and a Pottawatomie County Deputy Sherriff until his retirement.

He was a member of Central Church of Christ.

Combs loved fishing, hunting and camping with his family.

His parents; brother, Kenneth Combs; son, William "Billy" Combs; preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife Bertha Combs of the home; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Teresa Combs of Tahlequah; daughter, Pamela Combs and fiance, Marcus Pischedda of Shawnee; brother and sister-in-law, Glendon and Juanita Combs; sister, Patsy Copeland of Shawnee; two sisters-in-law, LaVonne Vail and husband Eugene, Bobbie Hulsey and husband Embre; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

Service will be 2 p.m. today at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with Robert Perry officiating. Burial will follow at Little Cemetery.


John "Spike" Riley Short II

Wellston resident John "Spike" Riley Short II, 63, died Tuesday, May 30.

Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Saturday in Wellston Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothes Funeral Service, Chandler.


Wanda Lee Sangster

Earlsboro resident Wanda Lee Sangster, 75, died Wednesday, May 31, in Earlsboro.

She was born Feb. 2, 1931, in Shawnee to Earl J. and Lee (Oxley) Guinn.

On Oct. 4, 1947, she married Houston Sangster in Shawnee.

Wanda was reared in Shawnee. A military wife for 20 years, she also had lived overseas in Turkey, Israel and Jordan. She had been a resident of Earlsboro for more than 30 years.

Along with her husband, they owned and operated Sangster's Sweet Shop in Tecumseh for 23 years. They retired in 1995.

She and her husband were avid travelers. She was an active member of the Freewill Baptist Church of Earlsboro, where she served as a Sunday School teacher and enjoyed singing.

Wanda also enjoyed sewing, crocheting, gardening and cooking and was also an accomplished artist.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Vesta Sparks and Earlene Perry.

Survivors include her husband, Houston Sangster, of the home; daughter, Tawana Sue Herron of Del City; grandsons, Leonard Herron of Del City, Shane Herron of Guthrie; granddaughter, Tasha Herron of Oklahoma City; five great-grandchildren, Nathaniel James, Garreth, Cheyenne, Ryan and Zack; two sisters, Beulah and Bob Kinnamon of Shawnee and Bea Haas of Konawa; five sisters-in-law, Mary, Lila, Darlene, Margy and Velma; several other loved ones.

Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with J.R. Reid, pastor of Free Will Baptist Church of Earlsboro, and Delbert Akin. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery.


LaHoma Williamson

LaHoma Williamson passed peacefully into the hands of the Lord on Tuesday, May 31, in Colorado Springs, Colo. Her daughter and granddaughter were by her side.

She was born in LeQuire, Okla., to William Henry and Hattie Carl LeQuire.

LeHoma graduated from Northeastern State University n Tahlequah.

She was married to H.G. "Dick" Williamson for 67 years.

During World War II, she followed her husband, who was enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, to work in Memphis, Tenn., and later in an airplane factory in Long Beach, Calif. When W.W.II ended, she and Dick moved to Shawnee. After working several years at The Shawnee Warehouse and Cold Storage Company, she returned to college and received her teaching degree from The University of Oklahoma.

Teaching was her first love. LaHoma first taught in Spring Hill, Okla., near McAlester, in the 1930s with her husband. Later LaHoma taught English at Shawnee High School for more than 25 years. She also was the yearbook and pep club sponsor for many years. She followed the careers of many of her former students after they graduated. When she retired, she and Dick traveled extensively in the United States and Canada. Spending many summers in northern British Columbia fishing and socializing with friends.

LaHoma was a member of the First Baptist Church, an active member of the Phoebe Sunday School Class and WA P HE study club.

Survivors include her daughter, Judy Barnett; granddaughter, Ann Marie Bennett; nephews, Robert K. Branson of Tallahassee, Fla., and Bill Head of Gallup, N.M.

Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Gaskill Chapel, Shawnee. Viewing will be from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to CASA, 326 W. 11th, Shawnee, OK 74801, or the First Baptist Church, 227 N. Union, Shawnee, OK 74801.

published Jun. 06, 2006

Stanley E. Bratton

Newalla resident Stanley E. Bratton, 82, died Friday, June 2, in an Oklahoma City hospital.
He was born June 6, 1923, in Hanford, Calif., to Charles and Hannah Bratton. He graduated from Hanford High School.

In 1961 he married Vivian Widell in Santa Cruz, Calif.

Stanley served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

He was an Operating Engineer.

Stanley loved to spend time outside in his garden and he lived to make his wife Vivian happy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Charles Bratton Jr. and three sisters, Eva Cobine, Beulah Robideaux and Floris Hall.

Survivors incude his wife Vivian of Newalla; six children, Linda Evans and husband, John, of Turtletown, Tenn., Michael Widell and John Widell, both of Fairbanks, Alaska, Ramona Gallassi and husband, Art, of Scotts Valley, Calif., William P. Widell and wife, Alicia, of Beneta, Ore.; brother, Bob Bratton of Colorado; sister, Hazel Roop of Idaho; grandchildren, Casey Eckert, Kelly C. Kelly, Aaron Gallassi, Shannon Widell, Angela Widell, Land Widell, Sean Widell, John Todd Widell, William P. Widell Jr., Maria Johnston, Michele A. Freeman, Phillip Widell, Anna Widell, Canyon Widell, Mya Widell; 19 great-grandchildren.

Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with Phil Thompson officiating. Burial will follow at Pilgrims Rest Cemetery.


Paul Wayne Palmer

Paul Wayne Palmer's life was ended in a motorcycle accident in Benton County, Ark., on Thursday, June 1.
Paul was 60 years old, a resident of Shawnee since 1976 and owner of Fab Seal Industrial Liners, Inc.

He was born on June 16, 1945, to Russell and Jewel Cosby in Batesville, Miss.

Paul served in the National Guard in the 1960s.

During the '70s and '80s he was a Pottawatomie County Deputy Sheriff, worked with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the OSBI.

Paul was preceded in death by his wife Diana, his parents, brother Rick Cosby, and son Scott Palmer.

He is survived by son Wayne Palmer; son David Palmer, his wife Jen and their children Sean, Cheyenne and Emma; son Patrick Schiltz, his wife Faith and their children Sebastian, Zachary, and Nathaniel; daughter Dana Freeman and her fiance4 Rick Austin; and mother-in-law Mary Shoopman. The viewing will be Monday 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Gaskill Funeral Chapel.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 7, at noon at St. Benedict Catholic Church. Father Maurus Jaeb, O.S.B., will officiate. Family and friends will be gathering after the service at 4608 Kellye Green.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Bikers Against Child Abuse, P.O. Box 580084, Tulsa, OK 74158-0084.

Paul has now joined the love of his life, Diana and their son Scott.


Lucile Johnson Peters

Born in Macomb, the daughter of Pharmacist and later State Senator Clarence Johnson and Ethel McMakin Johnson, Lucile was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and educator.
Lucile Johnson began teaching in Macomb two years after finishing high school. She attended East Central State University in Ada and transferred to The University of Oklahoma where she earned her bachelor's degree in education. She later worked on her master's degree at the University of California -- Berkley. During World War II, Lucile taught the "flyboys" at Oklahoma Baptist University, taught high school math in Midwest City and worked at McDonald Douglas at Tinker Air Force Base. In 1947 she received a call from Edmond High School -- they were in need of a high school math teacher. She accepted the position and the next day began a long and fruitful teaching career that she continued until her retirement in 1978. It was while teaching in Edmond that she met and married Oren Lee Peters and raised their 4 children Mike, Pat, Shan and Polly.

Lucile's teaching opportunities did not end in the classroom. She worked with the children and youth of Edmond as a den mother for eight years, Girl Scout leader for 10 years, Sunday school teacher, Sunday school superintendent and docent at the Edmond Historical Museum.

Lucile was a member of the First Presbyterian Church where she was an active member of the Presbyterian Women's Association. She received the National PWA award for her service through Christian Education. She was a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Edmond Historical Society, where she was in the first class of volunteers for the Edmond Historical Museum. She was a member of the Edmond Sorosis Club and continued to volunteer for the Last Frontier Council of Boy Scouts.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Ethel Maud McMakin Johnson; brother Lawrence Johnson; grandson, Drew Michael Peters.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Oren Lee Peters; son and daughter-in-law, Mike Lee and Lisa Jan Peters of LaPlata, M.D., their children Crystal Jan and Donald J. Sprose, Travis Lee Peters, Caylee Michele Peters and granddaughter Cora Jan Sprouse; son Pat Jay Peters of Edmond; son and daughter-in-law Shan Mac and Jane Modesta Peters of Lynchburg, Va., and their children Brianna Modesta and Weston Woodward Roberts, Joshua Evan Peters, Rian Shannon Peters and Emily Kay Peters, daughter and son-in-law Polly Ann and Jeffrey Paul Goodier of Lufkin, Texas, and their children Dalton Jay Goodier and Dylan Reed Goodier.

A memorial service will be held at Edmond's First Presbyterian Church Friday, June 9, at 2 p.m. All friends and former students are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the building fund of Edmond's First Presbyterian Church, Last Frontier Council of Boy Scouts or Redlands Council of Girl Scouts.


Elizabeth Jayne Stephenson

Shawnee resident Elizabeth Jayne "Betty" Stephenson, formerly of Enid, passed away Friday, June 2, in Shawnee. She was 80.
Betty was born May 6, 1926, in Topeka, Kan., to Henry and Alma Wierenga More.

She was raised in Topeka, where she attended and graduated from high school.

In 1944 she moved to Enid to attend Phillips University.

On April 15, 1949, she married Joe Stephenson Jr. in Topeka.

Betty worked for her mother in the cafeteria at Emerson Junior High. In 1969 she moved to Ardmore where she worked for the State of Oklahoma. They moved to Shawnee in 1984.

She loved to travel and spend time with family and friends.

Her daughter, Diane Ronck and three sisters preceded her in death.

Betty is survived by her husband Joe of the home; two daughters and son-in-law, Deborah Stephenson of Concord, Calif., Cathi and Jay Kidd of Soda Springs, Idaho; son, Joe Stephenson III of Houston, Texas; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Service will be 2 p.m. today at Ladusau-Evans Chapel, Enid, with the Rev. Don Tines officiating. Burial will follow at Enid Cemetery under the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home.

Condolences may be sent to [email protected].


Maxine R. Giles

Lifelong Shawnee resident Maxine R. Giles, 83, died Friday, June 2, at a local hospital.
She was born July 13, 1922, in Shawnee to Ferd and Effie (Jackson) DeGroat.

Maxine graduated from Shawnee High School.

She was married to Raymond M. Giles for 65 years.

Maxine was a homemaker and a member of Immanuel Baptist Church and the Rebekah Lodge.

Her parents and two sons, Sonny Ray Giles and James David Giles preceded her in death.

Survivors include her husband, Raymond Giles of Colonial Estates Nursing Home; three grandsons, David Giles of Oklahoma City, Jeff Giles and Justin Giles, both of Thousand Oaks, Calif.; granddaughter, Andrea Alred of Oklahoma City; one great-grandson, Cody Giles of Oklahoma City; great-granddaughter, Aspen Alred of Oklahoma City; sister-in-law, Marie Giles of Shawnee; extended family Leroy and Susie Barnes of Oklahoma City; many nieces and nephews.

Service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with the Rev. Sam Hendry officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.


Lois Evelyn Newell

Shawnee resident Lois Evelyn Newell, 83, died Friday, June 2, at her home.
She was born August 22, 1922 in Bethel Acres to Everett Byron and Leona (Milton) Legg. She graduated from Bethel High School and worked for Southwestern Bell and Oklahoma Baptist University for several years. She retired in 1992.

She married Dee L. Newell on March 31, 1950 in Shawnee. She was a member of Liberty Baptist Church and lived in area all of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Ruby Legg and Blanche Sitler; and two brothers, Byron Legg and Vernon Legg.

Survivors include her husband, of the home; three daughters and sons-in-law, Sharon and Bill Pyeatt of Norman, Martha and Jeff Totten of Shawnee, and Sandie and Mike Bussey of Shawnee; two granddaughters, Jordan Schornick and Micah Bussey, both of Oklahoma City; step-grandchildren, Nate and Kelsey Totten of Shawnee and Lindsey Hart and her husband, Brandon of Oklahoma City; two sisters, Lora and Howard Thompson of Shawnee and Ava Brown of Deer, Ark.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Liberty Baptist Church with Bill Matthews, Larry Goins and Phil Thompson officiating. Burial will be at Resthaven Memorial Park.


Jewell Akins

Shawnee resident Jewell Akins, 78, died Saturday, June 3, in Shawnee.
She was born April 17, 1928, in Marlow to Walter Scott and Martha Adeline (Holt) Davis.

Mrs. Akins was reared near Marlow. She had resided in Pottawatomie County for the past 32 years.

On May 17, 1944, she married Oscar Benard Akins in Duncan.

She was a homemaker.

Mrs. Akins was a member of the Baptist church and had attended Hilltop Baptist Church while her health allowed.

She enjoyed flower gardening, cooking and listening to classic country music.

Mrs. Akins was preceded in death by her husband on Nov. 7, 2001; daughter, Betty Kingsley; granddaughter, Heather Elizabeth Doak; several brothers and sisters.

Survivors include two daughters, Sharon Ferree-Akins of Norman, Mary Alexander-Akins of Earlsboro; four sons and daughters-in-law, Oscar David and Gail Akins of Duncan, Jim and Roberta Akins of Tecumseh, Larry and Theresa Akins of Shawnee, Glen and Pam Akins of Shawnee; 19 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; brother, Edward Davis of Marlow; sister, Shirley Hurley of Marlow.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. today at Tecumseh Cemetery with Pastor Forest Weast officiating.


Flora Hurst

Tecumseh resident Flora Hurst, 86, went to be with her Lord and Savior Saturday, June 3.
She was born Oct. 24, 1919 to John and Gertrude Packwood Shankle in Stigler, Okla.

On Sept. 10, 1936 she was united in marriage to the Rev. Lucien Robert Hurst in Oktaha, Okla.

Flora worked along side her husband in ministry. Together they pastored churches in Texanna, Muskogee, Saint Louis and Shawnee. For 38 years they pastored the Pentecostal Church of God in Tecumseh. The past 12 years she has been instrumental in pioneering a new church, Bethel Acres Assembly. She was a Sunday school teacher and a licensed minister with the Pentecostal Church of God.

Flora was preceded in death by her husband; parents; one son, Edward Leon Hurst; two grandsons, Ranson Joe Hurst and Randon Lee Hurst; granddaughter, Rachel Hurst; four brothers, Levi, Elder, Boyd and Hugh Shankle; and one sister, Ida Bell Shankle.

She is survived by her daughter, Shirley Scott; son and daughter-in-law, Lonnie and Linda Hurst; daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Ron Smith, all of Tecumseh; sons and daughters-in-law, Robert and Carol Hurst, Oklahoma City, and Ronnie and Katherine Hurst, Checotah. Granny Hurst was blessed with 18 grandchildren, 33 great-children, and three great-great-grandchildren.

Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Bethel Acres Assembly in Bethel with the Rev. Lonnie Hurst, the Rev. Ronnie Hurst, the Rev. Travis Hurst, and the Rev. Larry Townsend officiating. Burial will be at Tecumseh Cemetery.

published Jun. 07, 2006

Bob E. Washburn

Shawnee resident Bob E. Washburn, 86, died Saturday, June 3, in Shawnee.
He was born March 11, 1920, in Weleetka to Jack Wandrew and Lena (McGinnis) Washburn.

Washburn was reared in the Shawnee area. He lived in various states including Alabama, Florida, Missouri and New Mexico, always returning to Shawnee.

He attended Seminole Schools.

Washburn served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in Okinawa, Japan.

On Jan. 11, 1947, he married Vera Ziegler in Shawnee.

He worked as an auto mechanic and attended the Church of God.

Preceding him in death were his daughter, Roberta "Shelly" Walker; his parents; three sisters, Opal Washburn, Genevive O'Dell and Jacqueline Washburn; two brothers, Bill and Glen Washburn.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Vera Washburn of the home; three daughters and sons-in-law, Linda Painter of Shawnee, Pauline and John Butts of Dallas Texas, Rebecca and Roy Painter of Shawnee; two sons and daughter-in-law, Johnny Washburn of Shawnee, Phillip and Sarah Washburn of Shawnee; grandchildren, Robert Walker, Danielle Cook, Johnathan Washburn, Shelby Driscoll, Michael Butts, Cynthia Butts, Whitney Butts, Allison Davis, Jill Robason, Brian Drummond, Amber (Drummond) Rodriguez and Anthony Drummond; 14 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; his beloved dog, Pepe.

Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with Chaplain Glen Pence, Angelic Family Hospice, officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery.


Violet Marie Evans

Shawnee resident Violet Marie Evans, 87, died Monday, June 5, at Unity Hospital.
She was born Dec. 10, 1918, in Bearden to C.J. and Myrtle May Vangilder-Rogers.

Violet grew up in Tecumseh and attended grade school there. She was a 1936 graduate of Varnum High School.

On Dec. 5, 1953, she married Glen F. Evans. They were married for 50 years.

During World War II she worked as a floor supervisor with Harps. She attended beauty school and worked for Grace Brook's beauty shop in Tecumseh. She later became a florist and worked for Graves Floral Co. as a designer for more than 40 years.

She was a longtime member of Temple Baptist Church in Shawnee and taught Sunday school for many years.

Violet loved to quilt and spend time with her chihuahua, Chip.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Glenn Evans on Aug. 12, 2003.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Wayne and Sheri Evans of Cedar Hill, Texas; daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Randy Bowen of Shawnee; grandson, Clint Bowen; granddaughter, Rochelle Hudson; great-grandson, Zachery Hudson.

Visitation will start today at 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Trinity Chapel with the Rev. Mike Craig and the Rev. Dale Rogers officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Gideon's or Temple Baptist Church.


Wilma Lee White

Wilma Lee White was born April 20, 1925, in Byars, Ok, to Olan Lee and Maude V. (Gilstrap) Davenport. They moved to Oklahoma City in 1930, Wilma attended school there and graduated with honors from Crooked Oak School in 1943.
She married Robert E. Beasley Jr. in 1945 and they lived in California and Oklahoma City. Later she married Lester L. White in 1972, they lived in Moore, Warner Robins, Ga., and retired in Prague.

Lester and Wilma spent 10 years working with the Freewill Baptist's Helping Hands crew. This was a volunteer group that helped build Mission Churches all over the United States.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Robert and Lester; stepfather, Robert Beasley Sr.; grandchild, Robin Lee Crawford; and great-grandchild, Brian Allen Crawford.

Survivors include three children, Cheryl Crawford of Prague, Darryl and Paula Beasley of Monroe, La., and Larry Joe Beasley of Prague; three stepsons, Byron and Willean White of Meeker, Loren and Silke White of Norman, Darron White of Oklahoma City; 14 grandchildren, Kenneth and Anna Crawford of Shawnee, Christina and Wayne Pullen of Thomas, Scott Alan Beasley of California, Brian and Nicole Beasley of Arkansas, Chase Beasley of Texas, Ashley Dawn White of Meeker, Amber Nichol of Alaska, Zach Davidson of Meeker, Laurence and Eric White of Norman, Jennifer Ann Beasley of Louisiana, Laran Lee Beasley of Arkansas, Robert Lee Beasley of Prague, and Amanda June White of Oklahoma City; six great-grandchildren, Nicole Lee and Mike Shirey of Earlsboro, Kristin Pullen of Watonga, Raymond Hernbrode of Earlsboro, Brad and Bryce Crawford of Shawnee, Damian White of Oklahoma City; two great-great-grandchildren, Rachael Lee Shirey of Earlsboro, and Joseph G. Pullen of Weatherford; stepmother, Jessie Davenport of Edmond; two halfbrothers, Sam Davenport of Oklahoma City, and Jon Davenport of Edmond; one stepsister, Lois Shinn of Tampa, Fla.

Service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Prague Freewill Baptist Church in Prague with the Rev. Randall Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Prague Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Prague.


Jack Lee Miller

Jack Lee Miller was born in Shawnee on Jan. 8, 1933. He was a member of Riverchase Church of Christ, Hoover, Ala.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl Curtis and Velma Elizabeth Miller; daughter, Teresa Miller; sister, Evelyn Lacquement; brother-in-law, Howard Lacquement.

He is survived by his loving wife of fifty years, Nona Jones Miller; one son, Keith James Miller; four daughters and their husbands, Donna Miller and Lance Rushing, Tawana Miller and David McMeen, Dena Miller and Paul Netterville, Melisa Miller and Paul Parmley; grandchildren, Stephanie, Will and Brittany Rushing, Jim, Natalie and Julianne McMeon, Taylor, Rush and Nick Netterville; mother-in-law, Kittie Jones; sisters and their husbands, Janita and Ivan Patterson of Shawnee, and Glenita and Tom Hogland of Tuttle; sister-in-law, Demetra Jones and Jimmy Patrick; many nieces and nephews.

Jack loved all people and will be missed by many.

Visitation will be 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. today at Southern Heritage Funeral Home.

Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Riverchase Church of Christ. Burial will follow at Southern Heritage Cemetery. The body will lie in repose from 9 a.m. until service on Thursday. Service is under the direction of Southern Heritage Funeral Home, Pelham, Ala.


Lelia Mae Edwards

Longtime Seminole resident Lelia Mae Edwards, 86, died Tuesday, June 6.
Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Little Cemetery with the Rev. Doyle Long officiating under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.

published Jun. 08, 2006

Paige Marie Brown

Paige Marie Brown passed away Sunday, June 4, at Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa.
She was born Nov. 16, 2004, in Hillcrest Hospital, Tulsa, to Stephanie and Kevin Brown Jr.

Her grandmother, Jamie Brown, precedes her in death.

Survivors include her parents; brother, Landon Brown; grandfather, Kevin "Papa" Brown Sr.; grandmother, Carolyn Barr; uncle Spenser Brown; great-aunts, Tracy Ballard and Shannon Sparks; great-aunt and uncle, Mike and Melanie Graves; great-grandparents, Harold and San Brown and Dianna Ledford; great-great-grandmother, Edna Brown; great-great-grandfather, H.L. Ledford.

Burial will be 1 p.m. today at Green Hill Funeral Home in Sapulpa.


Mathew Veitenheimer

Retired Master Sgt. Mathew Veitenheimer passed away May 17, 2006, at the age of 84.
He was born on November 6, 1921, the son of Peter Paul and Grace Mae Veitenheimer in Sacred Heart, Okla., where he grew up and went to school.

Preceding him in death are his parents; brothers, William, Peter II, Emmit and sister, Violet Jean.

Mathew took part in five campaigns in Europe during WWII and in six campaigns during the Korean War. After 20 years of service he retired having been awarded four Silver Stars for bravery, the Bronze Star Medal with V-device, a Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster, and Combat Infantry Badge with star.

In 1963 he came to Pacific Grove where he raised his family and worked as an engineer at Fort Ord while

attending college. He then entered the real estate market. Matt was a tribal member of the Potawatomie Nation, was a past president of the Lion's Club of Seaside, Calif., and a member for many years, devoting his time to volunteering.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and most of all spending time with his family. He is survived by Hisako, his wife of 51 years; his children, Matthew, Jr. (Alicia) Veitenheimer of Marina, Judy (Terry) White of Oregon, Hilda (Brian) Johnson of Monterey, Calif., Donna (Paul) DeVincenzi of Pleasanton, Calif., and Gary (Elizabeth) Veitenheimer of Seaside, Calif.

He has ten grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service was held Friday, May 26, 2006 at 11 a.m. at Mission Memorial Park, 1915 Ord Grove Ave., Seaside, Calif.

The family requests that memorial contributions be sent to The Alzheimer's Association of the Monterey Peninsula, 182 El Dorado, Monterey, CA 93940


Bertie E. Stockton

Tecumseh resident Bertie E. Stockton, 93, died Tuesday, June 6, in Tecumseh.
She was born Nov. 30, 1912, in Nebo, Okla., to Marion and Annie Mae (Mackey) Stockton.

Bertie was raised in Seminole County, graduating from Vamoosa High School in 1930. She then worked in Oklahoma City before moving back to Konawa in 1965. In 1968 she moved to the Tecumseh area and has resided there since.

She was a very active member of Highland Church of Christ, as well as the American Legion Auxiliary and the Rebekah Lodge, where she held the position of treasurer. She also was active in the Golden Age Center.

Bertie was very talented in arts and crafts and was an Avon representative.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Vernon and O.T. Stockton; and one nephew.

Survivors include her sister-in-law, Emma Stockton of Tecumseh; niece, Cindy Caldwell of Norman; nephew, Jeff Stockton of Sharon, Pa.; several cousins, great-nieces and nephews, as well as many other relatives and loving friends.

Service will be 2 p.m. today at Cooper Funeral Chapel with Bob Anderson officiating. Burial will follow at Konawa Cemetery.


Helen L. Crabb

Shawnee resident Helen L. Crabb, 85, died Tuesday, June 6, at her home.
Helen was born Nov. 27, 1920, in Perryton, Texas, to Joseph N. & Nannie Ellen (Lovett) Schollenbarger. She attended school in Perryton.

On Oct. 4, 1943, she married Floyd H. Crabb in Leedy, Okla.

Helen retired from Parkview Nursing Home after 18 years. She was a longtime member of Temple Baptist Church. She always enjoyed working with youth and children.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Floyd; two sons, Odell and Harvey Crabb; six brothers, Samuel M., Roy Dale, John, George, Joe and Clayton Schollenbarger; and sister, Bess Hibler.

Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Nancy and Scott Neff of Meeker, Sue and Wesley Wilsie of Shawnee; son and daughter-in-law, Monty and Nanette Crabb of Shawnee; 15 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson; brother and sister-in-law, Burl and Darlene Schollenbarger of Liberty, Mo.; sister, Betty Gibson of Paris, Texas; brother-in-law and his wife, Moe and Lori Crabb of Oklahoma City; sister-in-law and her husband, Maxine and Wilbur Bray of Little Rock, Ark.

Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Temple Baptist Church with the Rev. Mike Craig officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.


Alma Marie Russell

Prague resident Alma Marie Russell, 86, died Wednesday, June 7, in Shawnee.
Graveside service will be 2:30 p.m. Friday at Little Cemetery in Seminole County with the Rev. Ben Husted officiating.

Parks Brothes Funeral Service in Prague is directing arrangements.

published Jun. 09, 2006

Elizabeth Jeanne Holland

Tecumseh resident Elizabeth Jeanne Holland, 70, died Wednesday, June 7, at Unity Health Center.
She was born Aug. 12,1935, in Castle, Okla., to Floyd Virgil Brewer and Marsha Maxine (Stamphill).

Holland attended Shawnee schools.

She was employed at Firelake Casino with Security and Surveillance.

Holland was an avid reader and loved spending time with her grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her father, Floyd Brewer; daughter, Debra Faye Pooler; brother, Floyd Virgil Brewer Jr.; infant brother, Gary Arthur Brewer; and sister, Loretta Faye Nixon.

Survivors include her mother, Marsha Maxine Brewer of Shawnee; one son, Charles Day and his wife, Connie of Shawnee; two grandchildren, Charli Ann Day of Garden Grove, Calif., and Floyd Taylor Day of Shawnee; numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Service will be 1 p.m. today at Resthaven Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Jim Gladney officiating.


Louise Johnson Doakes

Shawnee resident Louise Johnson Doakes, 88, died Monday, June 5, at a local hospital.
Visitation with the family was from 5 p.m to 8 p.m. Thursday.

Service will be 1 p.m. today at Union Missionary Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Fairview


Rosalie Ramirez Cook

Shawnee resident Rosalie Ramirez Cook, 83, died Wednesday, June 7, at an Oklahoma City hospital.
She was bron Jan. 16, 1923 to Jesus and Juanita Ramirez in El Paso, Texas.

Nursing was her calling and caring for others was her passion. Rose began her career as a practical nurse at the City Hospital, then went on to work in surgery at the ACH Hospital, later moving to Shawnee Regional Hospital until her retirement.

She has been a lifelong member of St. Benedict Catholic Church.

Cook is preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Helyn Padilla Crain; two grandsons, Danny Joe Honeycutt and Steven Michael Honeycutt; two brothers, Joe Ramirez and Alfred Savala.

Survivors include her husband of 45 years, Thomas W. Cook of the home; son and his wife, Tom Cook Jr. and Danita, their children, Bethany and Grant of Illinois; daughter and her husband, Linda Rose Cook and Travis, their children, Jamie Lyn Mikish and Lauren Elizabeth Roggow of Shawnee; grandson, that she raised, Adam Rogers and his wife, Kacey, and their children, Jordan and Jared of Dale; Rosalie is also survived by her daughter, Trinie Padilla Odle and her children, Tony Clark, Lisa Hopkins, Dallas Odle and Rhonda Dodson of Shawnee; children of her deceased daughter, Helyn, Todd Honeycutt, Vickie Saxton, Monte Hudgins, Misty Crain, Jenna Crain; daughter, Marcella Padilla Rose and her children, Mark Rose and Sherrie Christy; daughter, Therese Padilla Smith ahd her husband, Ernie Smith, their children, Freddie Blalock II and Bonn Padilla; sons, Ronnie Sluder and his wife, Young Hwa, and their children Ben Sluder of Wichita, Kan., and Danny Padilla and his children, Chris, Hon and Michael Padilla of Florida; sister, Isabel Esquivel of Arkansas City, Kansas; nieces, Patsy Hastings and her husband, Bill of Ponca City, and Anita Esquivel and her son, Jesse of Arkansas City, Kansas; she is also survived by many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and other relatives and friends.

Rosary will be 7 p.m. today at Walker Funeral Service.

Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Benedict Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.


Lou Emma (Walton) Holmes

Shawnee resident Lou Emma (Walton) Holmes, 87, died Wednesday, June 7, in Shawnee.
She was born April 25, 1919, in Lindsey to Samuel Lafayette and Lilly Amelia (Moore) Walton. Born and raised in Lindsey, she lived in Enid and Stroud before moving to Shawnee in 1989. She graduated from Lindsey High School.

On April 2, 1937 she married Virgil Holmes in Anadarko. He preceded her in death on April 2, 1985.

Holmes owned and operated a restaurant in Eakly, as well as working several years as a home health care aid.

She was a Chickasaw Tribal Elder, member of the Church of God in Shawnee, where she was active in church missions. She had been active in Girl Scouts and Campfire Girls with her daughter.

Holmes loved to quilt, bake, and can jellies.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband; one son, Bobby Dewayne Holmes; one sister, Jewell Harris; one brother, Jack Walton; and one granddaughter, Michelle Holmes.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Marilyn Lou and Andrew Miller of Manitou, Okla; six sons and daughters-in-law, Peter Lynn and Jeanne Holmes of Carney, Meryl Dean and Wilma Holmes of Stigler, Eric Earl Holmes and his companion Michael Balch of Phoenix, Ariz., B.D. and Gilda Holmes of Hulbert, Okla., Virgil Arthur and Wanda Holmes of Shawnee, and Jerry Don and Becky Elder of San Antonio, Texas; honorary son, Jack Dodge of Oklahoma City; honorary daughter, Linda Fisher of Kendrick, Okla.; 21 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Vera Bowlware of Oklahoma City; Winona Bourland of Kerrville, Texas, and Faith Ellen Pate of Shawnee.

Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with Don Pate, Church of God, Shawnee, officiating. Burial will be 3 p.m. at Enid Cemetery.
 

published Jun. 10, 2006

Florence Maxine Walley

Chandler resident Florence Maxine Walley, 82, died Friday, June 9.
Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Monday at White Dove Cemetery in Sparks under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service.


Timothy Finney

Wanette resident Timothy Finney, 59, died Wednesday, June 7, in Wanette.
He was born Feb. 27, 1947, in Nitazen, Kan., to Clinton and Georgia K. (Lewis) Finney.

Born and raised in Kansas, he had lived in Wanette for more than 20 years.

On Sept. 14, 1979, he married Rosemary Moore.

He worked as an auto mechanic for many years. He enjoyed playing shuffleboard, as well as camping and traveling with his family. Later, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Thomas Finney, and sister, Susie Perry.

Survivors include his wife, Rosemary of the home; sister, Katie Perry of Rogers, Ark.; two daughters, Kelly Sloan of Drumright and Georgia Joann Dial of Stratford; three step-daughters, Kimberly Patterson of Shawnee, Angela Schrader of Sasakwa and Roseanna Prater of Stratford; 17 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Wanette Cemetery with Stuart Rising, minister of Worldwide Church of God officiating.


Michael Craig Tucker  

Michael Craig Tucker, 48, went to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on Thursday, June 8, after a lengthy struggle with multiple sclerosis.
Craig was born March 29, 1958, in Holdenville to Robert and Johnnie Tucker.

He attended Mid-Del Schools and graduated from Midwest City High School in 1977.

Craig was a tireless worker, always busy, working most of his career in his greatest area of interest, the automotive industry.

He had a brilliant mechanical mind and spent the last several years of his working life in management with AutoZone. He knew the auto parts business well and earned great respect from his customers and co-workers.

Craig also enjoyed a law enforcement career as a reserve officer with the Sac and Fox Nation.

He is survived by his wife Sheila of the home; his daughter Heather and grandson, Jevin; parents; brother and sister-in-law, Keith and Pam Tucker of Midwest City; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Solan and Pat Dodd; sister-in-law, Tammy Keller of Shawnee; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Service will be 10 a.m. today at Gaskill Funeral Chapel, 119 N. Union, with Pastor John Keeling officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery.


Larry Wayne Brown

Shawnee resident Larry Wayne Brown, 66, died Wednesday, June 7, at his home.
Larry was born Nov. 24, 1939, in Shawnee to Charles Masquat and Beulah Brown Williams.

He married Joyce Miller of Perkins.

Larry served in the U.S. Air Force. He loved to fish, visit and cook for family and friends. He gave his life to the Lord and "served one God" as he said to the end.

His parents and a brother, George Masquat, preceded him in death.

Survivors include four children, April Perez of Wichita, Kan., Billy Freeman of Albuquerque, N.M., Travis Brown of Lawrence, Kan., and Stewart Brown of Pueblo, Colo.; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; seven sisters, Elaine "Micki" Guitierrez of Wichita, Kan., Charlene Atwell of Shawnee, Lula "Johnnie" Bettelyoun of Shawnee, Judy Wood of Shawnee, Matilda Thorpe of Shawnee, Georgia McGuire of Shawnee, Cheryl Masquat of Shawnee; several nieces, nephews and cousins and many friends.

Service will be 10 a.m. today at Kingdom Hall with Bob White officiating. Burial will follow at Wakolee Cemetery.


Virginia Stricklin Bailey

Prague resident Virginia Stricklin Bailey, 86, departed this life on Thursday, June 8, in Prague.
Virginia was born on Sept. 26, 1919, in Pottawatomie County to Luther Franklin and Grace Charlotte (Fawcett) Bailey.

On June 7, 1941, she married Stephen B. "Steve" Bailey in Prague. He preceded her in death on April 29, 1989.

Virginia was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church.

Her parents and one son, L. Steven Bailey, also preceded Virginia in death.

Survivors include grandchildren, Eric Bailey of Shawnee, Tina Stroup of Shawnee and Steven Dale Byrd; sister-in-law, Mildred Stricklin of Prague; three great-grandchildren.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. today at the Prague Cemetery with Bro. Tim Emmons officiating.

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


David L. Hall

Shawnee resident David Leroy Hall, 66, died Tuesday, June 6, at Unity Health Center.
Service will be 6 p.m. Saturday, June 17, at 802 N. Park.

published Jun. 11, 2006

Murlyn R. Johnson

Murlyn R. "Murk" Johnson, 70, of Laverne died Friday, June 9, 2006, in Laverne.
Service will be 10 a.m. Monday at the United Methodist Church of Vici. Burial will follow at Vassar Cemetery in Vici, with arrangements under the direction of Shaw Funeral Home.


Angie Harness  

Angie L. Harness, 50, Shawnee, went to be with her Lord on Friday, June 9, 2006.

She was born Dec. 13, 1955, in Shawnee to Thomas W. and Cordelia Dee (Green) Algeo. She was a lifelong resident of Shawnee and graduated from Shawnee High School before attending East Central College in Ada.

On Aug. 24, 1979, she married Jere Harness. He preceded her in death on Dec. 7, 2001. She was a homemaker and attended Immanuel Baptist Church.

She enjoyed writing poetry, loved to sing and listen to music, and enjoyed reading the Bible.

Also preceding her in death were her mother, Cordelia Turman; her father, Thomas Algeo, and her PaPaw, N.M. Green.

Survivors are her daughter, Corie Dee Harness of Shawnee; daughter-in-law, Lana E. Maston of Shawnee; grandson, Tyler T. Mosley of Shawnee; MeMaw, Juanita Maden of Shawnee; sister, Sharon Turman of California, and many other relatives and friends.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Monday at the pavilion at Fairview Cemetery with the Rev. Sam Hendry officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh. Viewing will begin 10 a.m. Monday.


Paul Ray Stone

Paul Ray Stone, 59, died Friday, June 9, 2006, in Paden.
Paul was born April 7, 1947, in Prague, the son of Ralph Cecil Stone and Lorraine (Shero) Stone. He was a resident of Paden most of his life and graduated from Paden High School with the class of 1965. He earned an associate degree from OSU Technical School at Okmulgee and was a member of the Prague United Methodist Church.

He married Janie Howard on Dec. 31, 2004, in Okemah. He was a self-employed construction worker.

His parents preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife, Janie Stone, Paden; fours sons and their wives, Steven and Amy Stone, Okemah; Richard and Shakara Stone, Stanley and Robin Stone, all of Paden; John McLemore, Camp Pendleton, Calif.; one daughter and son-in-law, Tara and John Martin of Prague; two stepdaughters, Lisa and Rick Davis of Okemah and LeAnne Kenneda of Oceanside, Calif.; sister, Patricia Clifton of Orlando, Calif.; aunts and uncles, Iris Smith, Gene and Maxine Stone, Bill Stone and Evelyn Wren; special cousin, Sharon Sala of Norman; and nine grandchildren.

Funeral will be 2 p.m. Tuesday in Parks Brothers Funeral Home Chapel in Prague with Brother Paul Heard officiating.


Jerry David Tackett

The Rev. Jerry David Tackett, 55, Shawnee, died Thursday, June 8, 2006, at a Tecumseh nursing home.
He was born April 2, 1951, in Ada to John Steven and Flora Bell Blevins Tackett. He lived in Fittstown and graduated from McLish High School.

He surrendered to the ministry at Falls Creek Baptist Assembly and was licensed to preach by Fittstown Baptist Church. He was a Baptist minister and took seminary extension classes at Oklahoma Baptist University.

He was pastor for several Southern Baptist churches -- in Olney, Bennington, Rubottom, Schulter, Oklahoma, East Peoria, Ill., and Jack Fork Mission, Lebanon, Lakeview, Bullard Chapel and New Hope Baptist churches in Oklahoma. He was a member of Sharon Baptist Church.

He married Alice Marrie Foster on Dec. 10, 1971, at Olney, Okla.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Edna Lee Spradlin, and daughter, Angela Denise.

Survivors include his wife, Alice, of Earlsboro; three daughters, Jo Ann McKey, Jennifer Tison and April Watts and her husband, Cory, all of Shawnee; three sisters, Bea Rowley of Bixby, Helen Cooper of Cleveland and Cleo Hinton of Sun City, Calif.; five brothers, Carl Tackett of Fittstown; Eugene Tackett of San Diego, Calif.; James Tackett of Mounds; Hollis Tackett of Jenks, Howard Tackett of Chelsea; and eight granchildren, Kortney, Tarynne, Laura, Nathan, Cordell, Sean, Zack and Aiyanna.

Bearers are Cory Watts, Marcus Kline, Carl Cornett, Kevin Tackett, Chip Tackett, Tom Foster and Donald Foster.

Service will be 11 a.m. Monday at New Hope Baptist Church, west of Tecumseh, with the Rev. John Coker and the Rev. Clint Dawkins officiating. Burial will follow at New Hope Cemetery under the direction of Criswell Funeral Home of Ada.


Joe David Compton

Longtime Seminole resident Joe David Compton, 74, died Friday, June 9, 2006, at Solara Hospital in Shawnee.
Graveside service with military honors will be 10 a.m. Monday at Little Cemetery with the Rev. Carl Whitfield officiating. Viewing will be noon until 8 p.m. today at Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole.

published Jun. 13, 2006

William Woodrow Haney Jr.

Lifelong Seminole resident William Woodrow "Bill" Haney Jr., 62, died Sunday, June 11, at his home in Seminole.
Wake service will be 6:30 p.m. today at Swearingen Funeral Home.

Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Little Cemetery under the direction Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.


Terry Wayne Casey

Bugtussle, Okla., resident Terry Wayne Casey, 62, died Friday, June 9, in Oklahoma City.
Service will be 1 p.m. today at Grand Avenue Methodist Church with Pastor Kris Steele officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Brumley-Mills Funeral Home of McAlester. Military honors will be provided by the Harrison-Powers Post No. 79 of the American Legion.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Heart Association or Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A.)


Ronald J. Sanders

Stroud resident Ronald J. Sanders died Sunday, June 11, in Stroud at the age of 49.
Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Stroud Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Services, Stroud.


Samuel "Sammy" Joseph Frost

Sammy Joseph Frost, 19, passed away Sunday, June 11, in Oklahoma City.
He was born Jan. 19, 1987, to Dana and Tab Frost in Oklahoma City.

Sammy was an inspiring young man that was very gentle and caring who always thought of others. His funny sense of humor found him being a daredevil. He enjoyed riding bulls and wild horses. Coon hunting and noodling were important hobbies that Sammy enjoyed.

He leaves behind his parents, Dana Lindsey and Tab and Janet Frost; one brother, Nathan Frost; one sister, Jessica Combs; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Hibbs Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Jamison Cemetery in McLoud.

Pallbearers will be Roger Frost, Dusty Statton, Phillip Northam, Jay Mahan, Chuck Hale, and Brian Wimer.

Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Frost, Paul Taylor, Kyle Taylor, Tim Northam, and Kenny Looney.


Carl Skaggs

Davenport resident Carl Skaggs, 62, died Friday, June 9, in Oklahoma City.
He was born in Welty, Okla., to Leonard and Lucille (Watts) Skaggs.

On April 30, 1988 he married Tammy Dingman.

Skaggs was a retired truck driver whom enjoyed going to the lake and playing dominos and cards with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sister, Helen and Jeannetta.

Survivors include his wife of the home; two sons and their spouses, Kenny and Belinda Skaggs, and Gary and Christina Skaggs of Prague; one stepson and his spouse, Ryan and Stacey Robinson of Scheveifurg, Germany; two granddaugthers, Kayla and Kerry Skaggs of Prague; one brother, J.M. Skaggs of Lafayette, Ore.; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Wanda McQuiston of David City, Neb., Faye and Joe Bennett of Bristow, Okla., and Jesse and Leroy Hutchison of Glenpool, Okla.

Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Welty Cemetery.


Jewell Evelyn Trent

McLoud resident Jewell Evelyn Trent, 95, died Sunday, June 11, at a local hospital.
She was born Jan. 18, 1911, in Francis to Andrew and Katie (King) Thrasher.

Jewell worked many years as a beautician, store owner, postal worker, telephone company employee and nursing home aide.

She was a longtime member of Eastern Star and McLoud Baptist Church.

Jewell lived most of her life in the Dale and McLoud area. She kept her sense of humor through many trials and hardships and her family will remember many happy times with her.

Her parents; six brothers and her husband, Robert Eugene Boone Sr. preceded her in death.

Survivors include her son, Robert E. Boone Jr. and his wife, Marilyn; grandsons and granddaughter-in-law, Mike, Keith and Greg and Ann; two great-grandchildren, Heather and Heidi; her deceased husband Ray Trents children, grandchildren; three sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews.

Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with Tuney Roff officiating. Burial will follow at Dale Cemetery.

published Jun. 14, 2006

Elsie Reta Farris

Midwest City resident Elsie Reta Farris, 82, passed away Tuesday, June 13, following a brief but courageous fight against lung cancer.
She was born Aug. 9, 1923, in Eston, Saskatchewan, Canada, to Mabel and Wellington Warren. She was very proud of her Canadian heritage.

Elsie met her husband, Elmer Lee Farris, at a dance while he worked on the Alaskan Highway with the U.S. Army. They were married in Dawson Creek and while Elmer was stationed at the Panama Canal, Elsie came to live with her in-laws in Shawnee.

She suffered many losses in her life and family. In 1939 when she was 13, her parents; three younger sisters, Jean, Pearl and Babe; as well as three nephews were all lost to a flood on the Murray River. Also preceding her in death were husband Elmer; sisters Ethyl Lamont and Edna Parr; brothers Alan Warren and Bert Warren; son-in-law, Bill Anderson.

Elsie is survived by one sister and brother-in-law, Edith and David Knowles; three loving children and their spouses, Preston and Carol Farris, Gloria Anderson, Bruce and Amy Farris; seven grandchilren and spouses, Holly and Jay Reeves, Todd and Jenny Farris, Heather and Derek Feagans, Teal and Scott Williams, Cora and Dustin Davis, Caleb and Shiloh Farris; eight great-grandchildren, Kodi and Lauren Reeves, Caitlin, Braden and Anna Marie Farris, Will Feagans, Max and Addison Williams. They all cherished their special time with "GG."

Elsie loved to work in her gardens and tend to her fish pond. She was loving, independent, strong and had a great sense of humor. Her family was everything to her and all she needed in life.

Elsie's family would like to recognize all of the wonderful and caring nephews, nieces, neighbors, close friends and Carter Hospice for the wonderful attention and care during her final days. They all wrapped her in their arms and hearts. Her smile and quick wit will be greatly missed.

We will love you forever Elsie and you will always be in our hearts.

Service to celebrate Elsie's life will be 10 a.m. Friday at Blackburn Chapel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Free to Live Animal Sanctuary in , P.O. Box 5884, Edmond, OK 73083.


Thomas L. Myers

Chandler resident Thomas L. Myers died Thursday, June 6, at the age of 73.
Memorial service will be 4 p.m. Friday at First United Methodist Church, Chandler

Services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Chandler.

published Jun. 15, 2006

Anthony S. Davis

Tulsa resident Anthony S. Davis, 46, died Tuesday, June 13, in Tulsa.
Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at C.B. Wright Auditorium, Stroud with Rickey Davis officiating. Burial will follow at Golden Valley Cemetery in Stroud under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Stroud.


Arthur Ernest Carroll

Arthur Ernest Carroll, 90, died Tuesday, June 13. He was born Feb. 3, 1916 to Gracie (Billings) and Wiley Carroll in Wade, Okla.
He was employed by Western Auto as a salesman.

On Jan. 14, 1939 he married Edna Marie Graham in Winfield, Kan. They celebrated 67 happy years together and lived in Dibble for 38 of those years. They also lived in the Oklahoma City area.

Carroll was a member of the Midway Baptist Church in Dibble and enjoyed gardening and taking care of his livestock.

Preceding him in death are his parents; wife Edna Marie Carroll on March 23, 2006; and daughter, Nancy Kinsey.

Survivors include his sons and daughters-in-law, Donald and Karen Carroll of Oklahoma City, David and Linda Carroll of Shawnee; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; brother, Wiley Carroll Jr. and wife, Betty of Tuttle; sisters, Mary Carroll of Lexington and Evelyn Westmoreland of Burleson, Texas; numerous other relatives and friends.

Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at the Midway Baptist Church in Dibble with the Rev. Dale Thorn officiating. Burial will follow at Dibble Cemetery under the direction of Eisenhour Funeral Home, Blanchard.


Linda Rakovan

Shawnee resident Linda Rakovan, 47, died Tuesday, June 13, in a local hospital.
Linda was born Sept. 24, 1958, in Shawnee to Michael and June Rakovan. She graduated from Shawnee High School and Oklahoma Christian University.

In 2002 she married Michael Shadaram.

Linda was a system's analyst at Tinker Air Force Base.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Survivors include her husband Michael Shadaram of the home; eight adopted children, Rick Rakovan of California, Chris Rakovan of Shawnee, Karli, Kaitlyn, K'La, Koby, Miquel and Kaci of the home; brother and sister-in-law, Dan and Kittie Rakovan of Raleigh, N.C.; nephew, Evan Rakovan of Raleigh; and several aunts and uncles.

Service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with J.C. Farrand officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to the charity of their choice.


Earl Boyd West Sr.

Earl Boyd West Sr., 75, went to be with his Lord and Savior Monday, June 12, following a lengthy illness. His battle on earth was fought with dignity and grace.
He was born June 24, 1930, in Pennsboro, W.Va., to Jim and Myrtle West.

Earl was a longtime truck driver, retiring in 1975.

He was a longtime member of Bible Temple Church of Shawnee.

Earl is preceded in death by his father, Jim West; his mother and stepfather, Myrtle and James Lucas; one son, Rickey West; one brother, Eugene West.

Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Carolyn West of Shawnee; brother and sister-in-law, Rick and Pam Lucas of Meeker; two sons and daughters-in-law, Earl Jr. and Rachel West, Mike and Velma West, all of Shawnee; seven daughters and sons-in-law, Sherilyn and Jeff Schexnider of Mooreland,Okla., Dolly and John Bettis of Bethany, Angie Hoffman of Shawnee, Carol and Doug Maley of Canton, Ohio, Karen and Jim Leonard of Miami, Fla., Betty and Jerry Weaver of Cleveland, Tenn., Sharon and Steve Cherrine of Canton; 30 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren with one on the way; numerous nieces, nephews, close friends and loved ones.

Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Gaskill Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Wayne Sloan officiating and the Rev. Guy Cagle assisting. Burial will follow at Neal's Cemetery.


Oscar Cole

Lifelong Shawnee resident Oscar "Hooper" Cole, 86, died Tuesday, June 13, in Shawnee.
He was born June 2, 1920, to James Everett and Nora Bell (Votaw) Cole in Shawnee.

Cole worked for the City of Shawnee for more than 20 years. He retired in 1985.

He enjoyed gardening.

Preceding him in death were his parents; seven brothers, Tom, Clyde, Buck, Bill, Martin, Cecil and James; three sisters, Margie Cobb, Nellie Mae Casey and June Weaver; two wives, Chris Malone Cole and Chris Blochowiak Cole.

Survivors include his daughter, Donna Kay Kenney of Front Royal, Va.; brothers, John Cole and Toby Cole, both of Shawnee, and Roy V. Cole of Albuquerque, N.M.; one granddaughter, Lisa Light of Front Royal, Va.; and one great-granddaughter, Loura Lynn Light.

Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Tecumseh Cemetery with Donald Ramsey, chaplain of Unity Health Center officiating.


Jim Taylor McComas

Former Seminole resident Jim Taylor McComas, 61, died Saturday, June 10, at Norman Regional Hospital.
Service will be 11 a.m. Friday at Swearingen Funeral Home with Victor Adams officiating under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Chapel, Seminole.


Agnes Flourine Kiker

Seminole resident Agnes Flourine Kiker died Tuesday, June 13, in Seminole at the age of 89.
Graveside service will be 10 a.m. today at Wolf Cemetery with the Rev. Allen Wood officiating.

Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole, is directing arrangements.