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

submitted by Kay Sugg Best

published Mar. 01, 2006

Keith L. Ingram

Shawnee resident Keith L. Ingram, 82, died Saturday, Feb. 25, in Shawnee due to long illness.

He was born Aug. 12, 1923, in Ellsworth, Kan., to Lloyd E. Ingram and Gertrude Ingram.

Ingram was in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1941 through 1946.

He was an electrical engineer, an accomplished Aircraft Engineer and was instrumental in the development of the guiding system in Minute Manmissiles.

Ingram was a member of the Masons, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.

Survivors include his wife, Lorraine; daughters, Terry and Peggy of California; stepson, Bob of Shawnee; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Fort Gibson National Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Cathy Spalding

Macomb resident Cathy Spalding, 53, died Sunday, Feb. 26, in Macomb.

She was born Oct. 2, 1952, in Slaton, Texas, to Fred Waylen Knapp Sr. and Opal Catherine (Rackler) Knapp.

She was reared in Rush Springs. Following her marriage, she moved to the Marlow area and in the most western parts of Oklahoma. She had lived in Macomb the last five years.

Spalding was a 1972 graduate of Rush Springs High School.

On May 28, 1972, she married John Spalding.

She worked at COJC for four years. She then transferred to Joseph Harp Correctional Center.

She had worked the last year there as a kitchen supervisor.

Spalding enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.

Her parents preceded her in death.

Survivors include her husband, John Spalding, of the home; two daughters, Amanda Kay Lee of Shawnee; Alicia Faye Spalding of Macomb; sister, Bernice Hampton of Apache; two brothers, Ira Knapp of Baytown, Texas, Waylen Knapp of Apache; two grandchildren, Michael Lee of Shawnee and Madeline Lee of Shawnee; numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.

Service will be 10 a.m. today at Sharon Baptist Church with Clint Dawkins officiating. Burial will follow at Romulus Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home.

Shirley Laster

Former Maud resident Shirley Joann Laster, 69, died Saturday, Feb. 25, at Coalgate Hospital.

Service will be 2 p.m. today at Trinity Baptist Church, Maud, with the Rev. James Williams officiating. Burial will follow at Wolf Cemetery under the direction of Knight-Swearingen Funeral Home in Maud.

Lorena Ponkilla

Shawnee resident Lorena "Bug" Ponkilla, 70, died Monday, Feb. 27, at a local nursing home.

She was born March 8, 1935, in Pawnee to Fred and Amelia (Gokey) Grant.

Ponkilla attended Haskell Institute in Lawrence, Kan., St. Gregory's College and Seminole State College.

She had worked for Shawnee Public Schools.

Ponkilla was a member of Sallateeska Baptist Church and the Sac and Fox Nation.

Her husband, James Ponkilla Sr.; son, James Jim Ponkilla Jr.;brother, Ulyssis Grant; three sisters, Viola Spoon, Freda Blanchard and Elsie Grant preceded her in death.

Survivors include her four children, Loretta Ponkilla of Stroud, Jeffery Ponkilla of Shawnee, Brenda Ponkilla of Shawnee and Gordon and Tonette Ponkilla of Stroud; 20 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and extended family; two brothers, Chester and Jerome Grant; two sisters, Elizabeth Exendine and Christene Rolette.

Ponkilla will be at Sallateeska Baptist Church until service time. Service will be 6 p.m. Thursday at Sallateeska Baptist Church with the Rev. Mike Wester officiating.

Burial will be 10 a.m. Friday at Wakolee Family Cemetery. Services aer under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

SPC Brett William Miller

Chandler resident Brett W. Miller, 23, died Saturday, Feb. 25, in Checotah. Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at First Assembly of God, Chandler, with Brother Doyle Seeley officiating. U.S. Army National Guard will be pallbearers. Burial will follow at Oak Park Cemetery in Chandler under the direction of Browns Funeral Parlor and Undertaking of Luther and Wellston.

Family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the building fund at First Assembly of God, Chandler, in the memory of Brett and Tina.

Tina L. Taylor

Tina LeeAnn Taylor, 3, died Saturday, Feb. 25, in Checotah.

Service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at First Assembly of God, Chandler, with Brother Doyle Seeley officiating.

Burial will follow at Oak Park Cemetery, Chandler, under the direction of Browns Funeral Parlor and Undertaking of Luther and Wellston.

Shirley Annette Kyle Norton

Shirley Annette Kyle Norton, 77, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 28, in Midwest City.
She was born Sept. 18, 1928, in Brownsville, Texas, to William Wallace and Beulah Bell Kyle. She had one brother, William Wallace Kyle Jr.

The family moved to Tahlequah when Shirley was very young. She grew up there with many family relations.

Her mother taught high school and her father worked for the Griffin Grocery Co. She spent many hours fishing and swimming in the Illinois River.

In 1946, her senior year in high school, Shirley's principal encouraged her to take college courses along with her high school courses and she began college at Northeastern State College in Tahlequah.

In the fall of 1946 Shirley went to Oklahoma A&M, now OSU. She was a charter member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority and president of the chapter before graduating in 1949.

Shirley met Sam Norton III while attending Oklahoma State University. He was attending The University of Oklahoma and they were married in Tahlequah on April 21, 1951. They moved to Shawnee, where Sam had a successful car dealership for many years. During Sam's lengthy final illness Shirley took care of him at home for more than a year. He passed away in 1984.

Shirley had three daughters and sons-in-laws; Carol and Mike Rhodes, Janet and Bob McMillin and Linda and Russell Gaskill; five grandchildren, Beau and Blake McMillin and Melissa, Jennifer and Rob Rhodes.

Shirley loved to stay active and busy and had been a volunteer at Unity Health Center for 38 years. She is a lifetime member who has worked more than 7,000 hours. She received the Volunteer of the Year award from her peers in 1997. She also has given more than 300 hours of volunteer time to the Oklahoma Blood Institute and many hours at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art. She has been active in the Rose Unit Garden Club for many years and is a member of two bridge clubs. Shirley also is a member of United Presbyterian Church in Shawnee.

Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with burial to follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. Services are under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Memorials may be made to the Unity Health Center Volunteer Auxiliary.

George Dale Snider

Shawnee resident George Dale Snider, 74, died Monday, Feb. 27, in a local hospital.
He was born Dec. 9, 1931, in Seminole to Mitchell Dale and Dora (Ritter) Snider.

On Aug. 5, 1955, he married Pat Wilson in Shawnee.

George served in the U.S. Air Force.

He was a restaurant owner and operator of City Cafe, Grand Cafe, Town Talk, WideAwake Cafe and BB&G Marine.

George was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, where he served as adviser to the treasurer, served as chairman of the board of Draper Street Methodist Church where he also served as youth director; president of the Round-up Club and member of the Masonic Lodge, Veterans of Foreign War and served on the Board of Directors of the Shawnee Medical Center Hospital. He also served in the state of Oklahoma House of Representatives and as a city commissioner for the city of Shawnee from 1966-1986 and 1994-1998.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Michael Dale and George Dale Snider; sister, Bonnie McGowan; parents-in-law, Jack and Faye Wilson; and brother-in-law, Bob McGowan.

Survivors include his wife, Pat Snider of the home; two sons and daughters-in-law, Brad and Teresa Snider of Shawnee and Sidney Wayne and Brenda Snider of Tecumseh; one daughter and son-in-law, Pamela Snider Stephens and Tim Stephens of Shawnee; one sister, Billie Sue Herrin and her husband, Bill, of Shawnee; grandchildren, Brandy Snider and Tim Vawter, Charlee Snider and Tracey Dutton, Sidney Snider and Dustin Nix, Chase Snider-Jones, Macy Snider, Ryan Snider-Jones, Hannah Stephens and Ian Stephens; three great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn Snider-Vawter, Nathan Snider-Vawter and Riley Snider Nix of Shawnee; mother-in-law, Blanche Wilson of Shawnee; brother-in-law and his wife, Bernie and Anne Wilson of Tampa, Fla.; sister-in-law and husband, Kay and Don Miller of Meeker; sister-in-law and huband, Reta and Vincent Dicastro of Norman; numerous nieces and nephews.

Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Wesley United Methodist Church with the Rev. Jeff Burress and the Rev. Kris Steele officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Visitation with the family will be 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Walker Funeral Service. Memorials may be made to the Lung Cancer Association.

 

Longtime Shawnee News-Star managing editor, reporter and columnist James W. "Jim" Bradshaw, 82, died Sunday, Feb. 26, at a local hospital.

Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Emmanuel Episcopal Church.

Burial will follow at New Zion Cemetery, east of Chandler, under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

published Mar. 02, 2006

Bobby Bruce Fischer

Bobby Bruce Fischer, 71, died Tuesday, Feb. 28, at Unity Health Center, Shawnee.
He was born Jan. 23, 1935, in Shawnee.

Bobby attended and graduated from Meeker High School.

He worked 30 years for the Shawnee Post Office before retiring.

Bobby enjoyed hunting quail, deer and pheasant.

His parents preceded him in death.

Survivors include his aunt, Mayme Markwell of Meeker; and numerous cousins and other family.

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

Jerry C. Brown
Harrah resident Jerry C. Brown, 63, died Tuesday, Feb. 28, in Harrah.

Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Fellowship Bible Church, Harrah, with the Rev. Randall Slack officiating. Burial will follow at Kolb Cemetery, Midwest City, under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service Center.

Norma J. Brawner
Longtime Seminole resident Norma Jean (Sargent) Brawner, 72, died Monday, Feb. 27, in Oklahoma City.

Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Swearingen Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Carl Whitfield officiating. Burial will follow at Little Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.

Jim Bradshaw

Services for Jim Bradshaw, former longtime Shawnee News-Star editor, columnist and reporter, will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 501 N. Broadway, with interment at New Zion Cemetery, east of Chandler, directed by Walker Funeral Service.

The Rev. Clark Shackelford, rector, will officiate, assisted by Robby Trammell, Edmond, who is completing studies toward becoming an Episcopal deacon.

Bradshaw died at 6:43 p.m. Sunday at a local hospital, after becoming ill Feb. 3. He was 82.

Capping a journalistic career that spanned 43 years on Oklahoma newspapers, Bradshaw was awarded membership in the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame in April 1995.

James Winfred "Jim" Bradshaw was born April 21, 1923, in Oklahoma City, to Roy D. and Carrie P. Bradshaw. He was the grandson of Bettie and Jefferson Davis Bradshaw who staked claim to land east of Chandler in the 1891 run that opened Lincoln County to white settlement.

Jim Bradshaw moved to Chandler in 1936, when his father, an Oklahoma City newspaperman, started a newspaper there. He graduated from Chandler High School in 1941 and, after one semester at Oklahoma A&M College, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January 1942

During his four years of active duty during World War II, Bradshaw earned campaign medals for action in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater, including Philippine Liberation, New Guinea and Okinawa operations.

He also served in 1942 in the Aleutian Islands operations. He decided on shipboard, around the end of the war, that he wanted to be a newspaperman.

Following discharge from naval service in 1946, Bradshaw attended The University of Oklahoma from 1946-49 and received a bachelor's degree in journalism.

He was married to Virginia Browning Jan. 18, 1951, at Chandler.

Bradshaw began work on the Lawton (OK) Constitution and Morning Press immediately following graduation from OU. He worked on those newspapers three and one-half years.

He was the Chandler Bureau for the Shawnee News-Star for a period before joining the News-Star staff as a reporter here in 1954. He later became city editor and was News-Star managing editor from 1977 until his retirement in 1991.

Bradshaw wrote a column originally titled "From This Moment" from about the early 1960s through much of the 1990s.

It covered a wide spectrum, from public affairs, government and community activity to family vacations and grandchildren. Through the years, he also crusaded in his column for various civic needs, such as the walking and bike trail at the airport.

Manhunts and murder trials, tornadoes and fires, political campaigns, labor disputes, industrial plant comings and goings, years of Shawnee City Commission and Shawnee school board activities were among the stories he wrote as a reporter.

His hall of fame plaque states it is for "outstanding service to the profession of journalism."

After retirement he compiled and edited "Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 1896-1996, One Hundred Years of Religious Service," a 40-page book.

His last journalistic work was co-authoring and editing "Shawnee Milling Company, An American Dream, 1906-2006," a book due out for the company's centennial this spring.

Bradshaw had been a member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church since the mid-1950s and served a total of eight years on the church vestry.

He was a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Bradshaw served from 1977 to 1991 as a member of the Shawnee Civic and Cultural Development Authority and helped establish the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center.

He was the National Weather Service's cooperative rainfall observer for Shawnee for 20 years. His daughter, Nancy Antosh, succeeded him in 2003.

Bradshaw became a lifetime OU football fan when he saw his first game at age 10. He followed the Sooners from coast to coast and witnessed at least 50 OU-Texas games in Dallas after his first one in 1949.

Bradshaw's biggest retirement project was building a cabin at 9,200 feet elevation in the northern New Mexico mountains.

Survivors are his wife, Virginia, of the Shawnee home; two sons and daughters in-law, Jim and Peggy Bradshaw, Springfield, Va., and Tom and Lara Bradshaw, Keller, Texas; one daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Jim Antosh, Shawnee; two granddaughters, Kyra and Julianna Bradshaw, Keller, Texas; five grandsons and one granddaughter-in-law, David and Ashley Antosh, Nashville, Tenn., Bobby and Peter Antosh; Shawnee; Jim III and Bobby Bradshaw, Springfield, Va.

LeRoy J. Michener

Shawnee resident LeRoy J. Michener, 86, died Monday, Feb. 27, at his residence.
He was born Jan. 21, 1920 in Briggsville, Ark., to Olney Jewel Michener and Viola T. (Roberson) Michener.

Michener was a graduate from Shawnee High School.

In 1939, he married Harriett H. (Hart) in Meeker.

He was a dental technician and enjoyed raising cattle and gardening, especially flower gardens.

Michener was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, local bass club and the National Rifle Association.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife, Harriet Michener of the home; daughter, Judith Lee Michener of Shawnee; son, Gregg Cameron Michener of Garland, Texas; four grandchildren, Amy Ruth Creed, Melody Ann Phillips, Garret Lee Michener and Wendy Ford; seven great-grandchildren; three sisters, Anna S. Williams, Eloise McEldowney and Clara Mae Lafferty; two brothers, Harold Dean and John R. Michener; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation was from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. yesterday at Resthaven Funeral Home. Service will be 2 p.m. today at Resthaven Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Leroy Rice officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home.

published Mar. 03, 2006

Thelma Oleda Chambless

Newalla resident Thelma Oleda Chambless, 91, died Thursday, March 2, at her home.
Service will be 1 p.m. Saturday at McLoud Kingdom Hall. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

M
Velma Irene Chaffin

Seminole resident Velma Irene Chaffin, 86, died Wednesday, March 1, in Seminole.
Graveside service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Little Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.


Florence E. Calder

Oklahoma City resident Florence E. Calder died Wednesday, March 1, at her home. She was 86.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Garber Cemetery, Garber, Okla., with Randy Pratt officiating. Swearingen Funeral Home is directing arrangements.


Nellie Overturf

Shawnee resident Nellie "Nell" Overturf, 94, died Thursday, March 2, at her home.
Service will be noon Saturday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Tracy Schumpert officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery. Other information is pending with Cooper Funeral Home.


Cody Wayne Butler

Shawnee resident Cody Wayne Butler, 19, died Wednesday, March 1, in Shawnee.
He was born Nov. 10, 1986, in Shawnee to Sherri Lynne Butler.

He attended Shawnee High School and worked in the restaurant industry.

Butler enjoyed Tae Kwon Do, video games, fast cars and girls.

Survivors include his mother, Sherri Lynne Butler of Kansas; grandmother, Barbara Walker of the home; great-grandparents, Carl and Marjorie Lightener of Shawnee; sister, Raceen Butler of the home; aunt, Marjorie Ann Flanagan of Shawnee; cousins, Brandon Flanagan, Mackenzie Flanagan, Patrick McCown, Megan McCown; niece, Aurelia Pleets; several great-aunts and many friends.

Visitation was held 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Resthaven Funeral Home.

Graveside service will be 10 a.m. today at Resthaven Memorial Park with Terry Newell officiating. Resthaven Funeral Home of Shawnee is handling arrangements.


Dora Harrington

Tecumseh resident Dora "Dodie" Harrington, 71, died Wednesday, March 1, in Oklahoma City.
She was born March 9, 1934, in Delaware, Okla., to James K. and Myrtle E. (Collins) Vaughn.

On June 4, 1977, she married Kenneth Harrington.

She was a homemaker. She loved flowers and gardening. She also loved to listen to country western music and sing it with her sister and sister-in-law. She liked to collect porcelain dolls. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were very special to her.

Her parents preceded her in death.

Survivors include her husband of 29 years, Kenneth Harrington, of the home; brother and sister-in-law, Leroy and Pete Collins of Tecumseh; twin sister and brother-in-law, Billie and Gene Addington of Tecumseh; four children and spouses, Keith Davis of Tecumseh, David and Lisa Davis of Haslet, Texas, Katherine and Bobby Chambers of Oklahoma City, Glen and Trish Davis of Chelsea; four stepchildren and spouses, Dennese and Chuck Rosenfelt of Lexington, Gary and Karin Harrington of Germany, Kerri and Rick Kirby of Norman, Lynda and Jon Gaither of Arlington, Texas; 21 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchilren; many relatives and friends.

Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with Chaplain Herman Kincaid, 1st Baptist Church of Moore, and Chaplain Boyd Fallwell, officiating. Burial will follow at Sunnylane Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home.

The family offers a special "Thank You" to Dr. Cooper of the Carl Albert Hospital, Ada, and a heartfelt "Thank You" to all of the staff of the Oklahoma Heart Hospital for the professional and loving care they gave Dora during her stay in the hospital.


Boyd Parker

Lifelong Shawnee resident Boyd Parker entered into his heavenly home Monday, Feb. 28, at age 100.
While too young to go to war in World War I and too old to serve his country in World War II, Mr. Parker employed as a civilian aircraft mechanic at Tinker Air Force Base until his retirement in the late 70s. He also graduated from barber college and worked for The Shawnee Morning News.

Boyd was one of the oldest members of Temple Baptist Church in Shawnee. He also enjoyed the outdoors, especially his home garden.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Marie Parker; a brother, Fern Parker; sister, Irene Carson.

Survivors include his three children and spouses, Dema Lee of Phoenix, Ariz., Leon and Beverly Parker of Topeka, Kan., Melvin Parker of the home; seven grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild who completed a family of five living generations.

More than 100 family and friends celebrated his 100th birthday in April 2005.

Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Gaskill Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Gary Gay officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery Pavilion under the direction of Gaskill Funeral Chapel.


Mary Sylvia Andrews

Mary Sylvia Andrews, 92, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 28, in Seminole.
She was born Sept. 1, 1913, in Nesmit, Ala., to Mahlon David and Sallie Mae (Jones) Judd.

In June of 1931 she married William Spencer Andrews in South Dakota.

Mary Judd Andrews lived a long life and was loved by all with whom she had contact. She will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband; son, William Sydney Andrews and nine siblings.

Survivors include five sons and spouses, Glenn W. Andrew of Maud, Stanley Andrews of Seminole, Edwin and Lori Andrews of Laverne, Tenn., Lonnie Andrews of Bellflower, Calif., Danny Andrews of Perris, Calif.; five daughters and sons-in-law, Rosemary and Terry Bryan of Milton, Fla., Edith and Paul Grant of Wardville, Okla., Lydia and Basilio Leal of Shasta Lake, Calif., Georgenia Westfall of Seminole, Sheryl and Larry Cannon of Franklin, Tenn.; brother and sister-in-law, Emmett and Helen Judd of Oregon; two sisters, Sarah Jazek of Rapid City, S.D., Thresia Guy of Tupelo, Miss.; 46 grandchildren; 63 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday. The family will greet friends 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Knight~Swearingen Funeral Home.

Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Trinity Baptist Church, Maud, with Robbie Whitefield officiating. Burial will follow at Cummings Cemetery in Maud.

Casket bearers will be Farron Whitefield, Charles Whitefield, John Whitefield, Edwin Whitefield, Scott Whitefield and Conan Whitefield.

The family will gather at Golden Corral, Shawnee, following the graveside service for anyone who wishes to come and greet them.


Dalton Claude McElfresh

Shawnee resident Dalton Claude McElfresh, 81, died Tuesday, February 28, at Unity Health Center, in Shawnee.
He was born August 23, 1924, in Atoka, to James Quiller and Maggie Rose (Wright) McElfresh.

He was married July 17, 1967, in Purcell.

He worked most of his life as a farmer and later a heavy equipment operator.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers, Buck and Danny McElfresh; and 1 sister, Dona Tilley.

Survivors include his wife, Lois McElfresh of the home; three daughters and sons-in-law, Betty and Earl Little, Rose and Bill Groth, and Leia and Kevin Campbell all of Shawnee; two sons and daughters-in-law, Roy and Cynthia McElfresh and Dirk and Effie McElfresh all of Shawnee; 13 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; one brother and sister-in-law, Jackie and Delores McElfresh of Shawnee; four sisters and two brothers-in-law, Audiette Fulbright of Shawnee, Imagene French of Shawnee, Genevieve and Newton Hensley of Euless, Texas, and Oma and Bill of Shawnee.

Service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday at Gaskill Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow at Blackburn Cemetery under the direction of Gaskill Funeral Chapel.

published Mar. 04, 2006

Sherrie Lynn Riley

Earlsboro resident Sherrie Lynn (Davis) Riley, 34, died Thursday, March 2, in Earlsboro.
Service will be noon Monday at Johnson Church God with Charles Higgins, Donna Morton and Donnie Knight officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery. Other information is pending and will be announced by Cooper Funeral Home.


William Enis Floyd

Tecumseh resident William Enis "Doc" Floyd, 73, died Thursday, March 2, in Tecumseh.
Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Sharon Baptist Church with the Rev. Clint Dawkins of Sharon Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home, Tecumseh.


Bob J. Reynolds

Bob J. "B.J." Reynolds passed away Monday, Feb. 6, at a Chico, Calif., hospital with his family by his side after a brief illness and fight with pneumonia and vasculitis. He was 79.
He was born June 25, 1926, in McLoud.

A previous resident of El Sobrante, Calif., Bob moved to Cottonwood, Calif., for 17 years until moving to Willows, Calif., a year ago.

He worked with Chevron for 40 years.

Bob was a member of Bay Cities Lodge No. 337 F. & AM, Scottish Rites, Contra Costa County Sherriffs' Search and Rescue and Eastern Star.

He spent the past 18 years raising horses. Bob centered himself around his son and daughter and their families.

Preceding him in death were his parents, one brother and two sisters.

Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Gary Brown of West Linn, Ore.; son and daughter-in-law, Rick and Tessie Reynolds of Vallejo, Calif.; sisters and brother-in-law, Beverly Steward of Shawnee and Peggy and Pat Akerman of Guthrie; six grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; three great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and other family to cherish his memory.


Velma Lee (Whelchel) Howell

Longtime Seminole resident Velma Lee (Whelchel) Howell, 94, died Thursday, March 2.
Viewing will be today from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday at Swearingen Funeral Home. Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at the Church of Christ in Little. Burial will follow at Pontotoc Cemetery in Pontotoc County.


Jewell M. Saylor

Jewell M. Saylor, 83, died Friday, March 3, at Golden Rule Nursing Home.
Service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Swearingen Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Carl Whitfield officiating. Burial will follow at Little Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home of Seminole.


Lyle "Alonzo" Fulbright

Oklahoma City resident Lyle "Alonzo" Fulbright, 29, died Saturday, Feb. 25, in Tecumseh.
Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with Wilson Beardsley officiating. Cooper Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.


Terry W. Wright

McLoud resident Terry W. Wright, 57, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 1, in Shawnee.
Wright was born Nov. 2, 1948 in Shawnee to John M. and Martha Ann (James) Wright.

He attended Shawnee schools.

On April 6, 1974 he married Maxine Matthews in Bethany.

Wright worked at Wilson Meat Company and was a member of the First Baptist Church, Newalla.

His parents preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife, Maxine Wright, of the home; three sons and daughter-in-law, Patrick Wright of Marble City, Lonnie Wright of Sallisaw and Matthew and Kimberly Wright of Newalla; two daughters, Lynette Wright of Midwest City and Alicia Wright of Newalla; one brother, Gene Wright of Tecumseh; one sister, Wanda Chapman of Chickasha; seven grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

Service will be 10 a.m. Monday at the First Baptist Church, Newalla, with the Rev. Griff Henderson, the Rev. Bill Derrick and Chaplain Roy Barker officiating. Burial will be noon at Tecumseh Mission Cemetery in Tecumseh under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service in Harrah.

A guest book is available to share your memories on-line. Please visit www.smithparks.com.


Thelma Oleda Chambless

Newalla resident Thelma Oleda Chambless, 91, died Thursday, March 2, at her home.
She was born July 31, 1914, in Fort Cobb to James Calvin and Della Maud (Tucker) Bell.

She attended two country schools and McLoud Public School. She graduated from Harrah High School in 1932.

On April 28, 1933, she married Olen Chambless in McLoud.

She was a Jehovah's Witness and a homemaker.

In November 1918 her family along with her uncle and his family left Fort Cobb in covered wagons and settled northeast of McLoud.

Preceding her in death were her parents; brother, Vernas Bell; sister, Jessie Hawkins; husband on Dec. 28, 1988; a nephew and a niece.

Survivors include a nephew and his wife, Harold and Doe Hawkins of Wallace, Calif.

Service will be 1 p.m. today at McLoud Kingdom Hall with Elder Mike Hurley officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.


James H. Bell

Lifelong Shawnee resident James H. Bell, 75, died Thursday, March 2, at a local hospital.
He was born June 16, 1930 in Shawnee to Henry and Lorine Bell.

Bell grew up in Shawnee, attended local grade schools and graduated from Shawnee High School in 1948. During his high school years he worked at several local theaters owned by the Jones family. He then attended Oklahoma Baptist University until his National Guard Unit was activated in 1950. He served in the Korean Conflict until his return and discharge in 1952. Bell then worked for several Shawnee manufacturing companies including JONCO and Sylvania, before going to work at Tinker Air Force Base in 1962. He worked there until retirement in 1987.

On July 29, 1953 he married Mary Ann Wood.

He was a member of South Rock Creek Baptist Church, Class of 1948 Alumni Association and the American Legion.

His parents preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife, Ann Bell, of the home; son an daughter-in-law, James and Mary Lynn Bell of Earlsboro; three daughters and sons-in-law, Donna and Jim Tinsley of Choctaw, Teresa and Terry Campbell of Choctaw and Linda and Scott Gardner of Oklahoma City; five grandchildren, Shannon Bell, Mike and Megan Tinsley, Aaron Campbell and Brandi Middleton; two great-grandchildren, Taryn and Ethan Gunn; and other relatives.

Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Walker Funeral Service Chapel. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery und er the direction of Walker Funeral Service.


Nellie Overturf

Longtime Shawnee resident Nellie "Nell" Overturf, 94, died Thursday, March 2, in Shawnee.
She was born Feb. 29, 1912, in Shawnee to Elijah James and Estella Hannah (Grove) Osborn.

Overturf attended grammar school and high school at Shawnee. She attended college at Oklahoma A&M, where she was an honor graduate in 1949, as well as Oklahoma Baptist University.

On Oct. 16, 1954, she married Edgar Jesse Overturf in Stillwater.

She was a teacher and homemaker and attended Broadway United Methodist Church.

Overturf enjoyed music, gardening, church and family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Ben, Henry and Carl Osborn; and her first husband, Dell LeRoy Miller.

Survivors include her husband, Edgar "Ed" Overturf of Shawnee; son and daughter-in-law, Dell L. and Ruth Miller of Rockledge, Fla.; stepdaughter and her husband, Pat and Ward Tweedy of Branson, Mo.; 7 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Service will be noon today at Cooper Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Tracy Schumpert of Broadway United Methodist Church, Tecumseh, officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Shawnee under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home, Tecumseh.

published Mar. 05, 2006

Arline Bell

Arline Bell, 96, Shawnee, died Thursday, March 2, 2006, in Shawnee.
She was born Oct. 31, 1909, in Earlsboro, the daughter of Homer Knappenberger and Carrie Burch. She was a 1929 graduate of Earlsboro High school.

She married Harry Bell on March 9, 1945. She was a homemaker and had been a waitress and caregiver.

She was a member of Women's Missionary Union, TNT, AARP and PAL of Unity Health Center. She loved to travel and spent many hours doing so with her church family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harry Bell, on Nov. 15, 1957; two stepsons, Jack Bell and Howard Bell; a nephew, Clay McClure; and a sister, Freeda McClure.

Surviving are two nieces, Carrie Brasier and husband Cliff of Choctaw and Geri Huston of Shawnee; a nephew, Chub McClure of Seminole; seven great-nieces, Donita Parker of Meeker, Kellea Akkah of Plano, Texas, Keisha Bachman of Cape Coral, Fla., Carrie Huston of Shawnee, Pam Best of Denver, Colo., and Jona Moritz of Mareno Valley, Calif.; three great-nephews, Mike Lee of Shawnee, Terry Boen of San Antonio, Texas, Barry McClure and Keith McClure; two stepgrandchildren, Larry Bell of Beaverton, Ore., and Steve Bell.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Resthaven Memorial Park with the Rev. Sam Hendry officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Gaskill Funeral Chapel.


Velma Pauline McCraw

Velma Pauline McCraw, 85, Tecumseh, died Friday, March 3, 2006, in Oklahoma City.
Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 7, at Cooper Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Chad Brodrick and the Rev. Robert Rider officiating. Burial will follow at Mars Hill Cemetery. Other information is pending and will be announced by Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.

Viewing will begin at 9 a.m. Monday.


Jean Spicer

Jean Spicer, longtime Seminole resident, died Thursday, March 2, 2006, in Oklahoma City. She was 74.
Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 8, at First Baptist Church in Seminole with Dr. Mike Thompson and Russell Vicars officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.


Nancy Evelyn (Jett) Austin Brumley

Nancy Evelyn (Jett) Austin Brumley, 91, Tecumseh, died March 2, 2006, in Shawnee.
She was born July 6, 1914, in Maud, the daughter of John M. and Rhoda Alice (Crouch) Jett. She was reared in the Maud/Tecumseh area and also lived in Oklahoma City. She moved back to Tecumseh 40 years ago and had lived here since.

On July 23, 1932, she married Altus "Mutt" Austin in Tecumseh. He preceded her in death on Oct. 17, 1951. She later married Walker Brumley.

She worked at Sylvania and was activity director at Tecumseh Sunset Estates, from which she retired.

She was a member of the Pentecostal Church of God, where she taught adult Sunday school classes for many years. She loved taking care of her friends and church family, and her grandchildren were a focal point of her life.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, two infant sisters and one brother, Dale Jett.

Surviving are her daughter and son-in-law: Margie and Burton Gill of Shawnee; son and daughter-in-Law, Gene and Karla Austin of Odessa, Texas; brother James Jett of Tecumseh; and sisters Zora Wirz of Midwest City and Lorene Ray of Baytown, Texas.

Service will be 10 a.m. Monday at Pentecostal Church of God in Tecumseh with the Rev. Marty Shirey and the Rev. Fred Owens officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery. Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh is in charge of arrangements.


Jon L. Hart

Jon L. Hart, 59, Shawnee, died Thursday, March 2, 2006, at Unity Health Center in Shawnee.
He was born Dec. 9, 1946, in Shawnee, the son of Walter Floyd Hart and Margene (Matthews) Hart. He graduated from Shawnee High School in 1965 and attended The University of Oklahoma. Jon married Penny Orcutt. He worked as a trucker before retiring. He enjoyed OU football, golf and working in his yard.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Surviving are his wife, Penny Hart, of the home; two children, Allison Turner of Conroe, Texas, and Aaron Hart of Moore; a sister, Ann Novey of Shawnee; and a grandchild, Kelsie Scott Turner of Conroe, Texas.

Service will be 2 p.m. Monday, March 6, at Resthaven Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Larry Sparks officiating. Burial will follow at Restahaven Memorial Park under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home. Other information is pending.


William Enis "Doc" Floyd

William Enis "Doc" Floyd, 73, Tecumseh, died Thursday, March 2, 2006, in Tecumseh.
He was born Feb. 13, 1933, in McLoud to William and Lilly Ida (Gilbreth) Floyd. He was raised between Meeker and McLoud and had lived in Tecumseh the past 45 years.

He served two years in the U.S. Army and eight years in the inactive Reserve. On Feb. 24, 1960, he married Jean O'Neal. He retired from Tinker Air Force Base in 1976 then worked for the Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Department, serving as deputy jailer, baliff and investigator, until retiring in 1989. After his retirement, he worked as a reserve officer with the Tecumseh Police Department for several years.

In the 1980s, he was Scout Master and a charter member of the Oklahoma Outlaws C.B. Club in the 1970s. He was a recipient of the American Legion Certificate of Commendation on June 10, 1977.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Kelly Justine Floyd; a sister, Nora Bell Barnhart; and a sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Melvin Griffin.

Surviving are his wife, Jean, of the home; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Billy Joe Floyd of Catoosa and Steven D. and Doyalyne Floyd of Eufaula; nine grandchildren, Tracy McDonald, Shane Floyd, Cody Floyd, Savannah Floyd, Christie Floyd, Mico "Bubba" Hagen, Kurtis Gibson and Leonda Gibson; five great-grandchildren, Kyle McDonald, Brian McDonald, Dillon Jones, Heavyn Gibson and Jayden Watkins; three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Betty and Gene Davis of Seminole, Louise and Lester "Buck" Hall of Meeker and Jackie Ware of Meeker; an aunt, Hazel Gilbreth of Meeker; numerous nieces and nephews; two sisters-in-law, Carol Hackler and Judy O'Bright; and a brother-in-law, Bruce Daniels.

Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Sharon Baptist Church with the Rev. Clint Dawkins of Sharon Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery and arrangements are under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home.

The family will have lunch at noon at the church.


Sherrie Lynn (Davis) Riley

Sherrie Lynn (Davis) Riley, 34, Earlsboro, died March 2, 2006, in Earlsboro.
She ws born Jan. 2, 1972, in Shawnee, the daughter of Howard Dwayne Davis and Helen Ruth (Smith) Bales. She grew up in Shawnee and Sallisaw and had lived in Earlsboro for many years. She attended Sallisaw High School.

On Sept. 1, 2001, she married Keith Riley in Shawnee. She worked as a job coach in the nursing home industry before becoming a purchasing agent for TTK Construction in Edmond in 1998. She enjoyed raising horses and spent her spare time boating, camping, fishing and working crossword puzzles. She also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Dele and Dorothy Davis and Wiley Smith, and her stepfather, Claid Bales.

Surviving are her husband, Keith Riley, of the home; son and daughter-in-law, James and Michelle Ross of Shawnee; three stepchildren, Kendra Riley and Kurtis Riley, both of Wheatland, and Cordell Riley of Bethany; three grandsons, Jonathan Ross, Lantz Fixico and Joe Fixico; her mother, Ruth Bales of Meeker; father and stepmother, Howard and Sandy Davis of Shawnee; two brothers, Howard Dwyane Davis of Meeker and Christopher Brown Davis of Shawnee; grandmother Letha Smith of Meeker; and numerous other family members and friends.

Service will be noon Monday at Johnson Church of God with Charles Higgins, Donna Morton and Donnie Knight officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery. Cooper Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.


Warren Dale Wallis

Warren Dale Wallis, 73, McLoud, died March 3, 2006.
He was born April 7, 1932, in Paden, the son of Arthur Silas Wallis and Dovie Mae (Green) Wallis. He was a graduate of Prague High School and attended Oklahoma State Technical School in Okmulgee. He was a retired budget manager at Tinker Air Force Base. He married Wanda Jean Morris in Prague on Sept. 8, 1956. She preceded him in death on Jan. 18, 1987. He was a member of the McLoud Church of Christ, the McLoud Masonic Lodge No. 126 and was a 32nd degree Mason at the Guthrie Consistory. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister.

Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Gary Dale and Elanor Wallis, McLoud; daugther and son-in-law, Elwanda and Robert Billins, McLoud; brother and sister-in-law, Deloyd and Betty Wallis, Oklahoma City; sister and brother-in-law, Dessie and Woody Lockhart, Shawnee; sister-in-law, Bessie Wallis, Claremore; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday in the Parks Brothers Funeral Home Chapel in Prague with Wayne Price officiating. Burial will follow in the Prague Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service of Prague.

published Mar. 07, 2006

Dorothy M. Sloan

Tecumseh resident Dorothy M. Sloan, 84, died Sunday, March 5, in Shawnee.
Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Cooper Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home, Tecumseh.


Aline Julie Bailey

Former Seminole resident Aline Julie (Aldridge) Bailey, 92, died Friday, March 3, at Manor Care in Northwest Oklahoma City.
Service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel in Seminole with Rusty Dawson officiating. Burial will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens - 2.5 miles east of Seminole on Hwy 270.

Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole.


Velma A. (Ross) Keech

Harrah resident Velma A. Keech, 78, died Monday, March 6, in Oklahoma City.
Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at the Lighthouse Family Church in Harrah with the Rev. David Dick and the Rev. Delbert Reed officiating. Burial will be 2 p.m. Friday at the Nancy Newton Cemetery near Mansfield, Mo. Services are under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service in Harrah.


Rev. Edward V. Cartwright Jr.

Reverend Edward V. Cartwright Jr., retired Presbyterian Minister and veteran of World War II passed away Friday, March 3, at the Kansas Veterans Home in Winfield, Kan.
The Rev. Cartwright enlisted Feb. 3, 1942 and was discharged as a Staff Sergeant June 14, 1945. He was a forward observer in Battery C, 391st Field Artillery, 3rd Armored Division. He received the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and the EAME campaign medal with 5 battle stars. Rev. Cartwright received his Batchelor of Divinity in 1962 from the Austin Theological Seminary and was pastor of churches in Elderville, Texas, Shawnee and Durant.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Beulah Cartwright Sr.; wife of 59 years, Betty; one grandson, Jeremy Lucas; and one sister, Joyce Sankey.

Survivors include his sons, Edward and his wife, Jan Cartwright of Lexington Park, Md., Mike and his wife, Rose Cartwright of Arkansas City, Kan, Tom Cartwright and fiancie Kim Dibble of Shawnee; seven grandchildren; one great-granddaughter, Kathryn Ann O'Hara.

A memorial service will be 3 p.m. Friday at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery in Winfield, Kan. In Lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in the Rev. Cartwright's name with the "Benefit Fund at the Kansas Veterans Home", 1220 World War II Memorial Drive Winfield, Kan. 67156

Oscar Bridge

Longtime Chandler resident Oscar Bridge, 87, departed this life on Saturday, March 4, at his home.
Oscar was born on Dec. 1, 1918, in Davenport, the son of Eli and Flossie (Waller) Bridge. He was a member of Davenport High School's graduating class of 1936.

Oscar was a decorated Veteran of World War II. He served as a crew chief on a B25 in the 100th Bombardment Squadron of the U.S. Army Air Corps that was stationed in the South Pacific and was honorably discharged in July of 1946.

Oscar married Geneva Spencer on Jan. 19, 1946, in Healdton. After working in the oil fields of Kansas for several years, Oscar returned to his hometown of Chandler in 1960 where he operated his own drilling company. He later became a vice president of the Union National Bank of Chandler. Oscar also spent several years as owner and operator of Bridge Enterprises, a real estate and appraisal company. Until his death, he had been employed in a part-time capacity at the Central Oklahoma Federal Credit Union in Davenport.

Oscar was a former multi-term mayor of Chandler and a past city councilman. He also was a past president of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce and Lions Club. Oscar had been a member of the American Legion for more than 50 years and also was a member of the First Christian Church of Chandler.

His wife; parents; two brothers, Orval Bridge and H.L. (Pete) Bridge, preceded Oscar in death.

Survivors include son and daughter-in-law, Don and Angela Bridge of Chandler; two daughters and sons-in-law, Betty and Steve Guest of Chandler and Patty and John Greenfield of Chandler; two sisters, Ocie Ward and Myrtle (Sula) Osborn, both of Harlingen, Texas; five grandchildren, Stacy Hart of Chandler, Eli Bridge of Memphis, Tenn., Aaron Gardner of Chandler, Doug Bridge of Moore and Kristy Shelton of San Springs; three great-grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.

Expression of sympathy may be made to the American Heart Association or any other charitable organization of your choice.

Memorial service will be 10 a.m. today at the Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Chandler with the Rev. Bruce Newby officiating. Services are under the direction of the Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Chandler.


Velma Pauline McCraw

Tecumseh resident Velma Pauline McCraw, 85, died Friday, March 3, in Oklahoma City.
She was born June 16, 1920, in Tecumseh to Asa L. and Annie (Stapp) McLaughlin. She grew up on a farm south of Pink. She attended grade school at New Pink and Willow View and also attended Tecumseh High School.

On Sept. 18, 1939, she married Ralph Frank McCraw.

Following their marriage, she and her husband lived in Los Angeles, Calif., four years before returning to Oklahoma, at which time Ralph entered the military. They later lived in Oklahoma City, McAlester, Shawnee, Boise, Idaho, and Tecumseh.

During the 1950s she worked at Sylvania in Shawnee. In the 1960s she attended beauty college and opened her own business, Velma's Beauty Shop, in their home. She retired in 1998 when her husband became ill and she cared for him in the home. After his death, she devoted her time to quilting. She loved to sew, crochet and needlepoint. Her quilts were virtually works of art and many of her family and friends were recipients of these projects. She loved to cook and was a master in the tradition of old country cooking. She was happiest when she was doing for other people.

She was a member of the Tecumseh Assembly of God Church, Spinning Spools Quilting Guild of Shawnee and the Tecumseh American Legion Aux. No. 270.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph; her parents; one sister, Naomi Claxton; one brother, Clarence L. (John) McLaughlin.

Survivors include her sister and brother-in-Law, Clyde and Olivia Voyles of Harrah, with whom she had lived since June while taking dialysis in Shawnee; brother-in-law, Richard Merel Claxton of Norman; numerous nieces and nephews, including Stephanie and Kimberly Claxton, Nancy Poore and Shirley Space, all of Norman, and Jeanette Calvillo of Shawnee; nephews, Mark A. Voyles of Oklahoma City, Kevin L. Voyles of Harrah, Dwain and Charles McCraw of Noble, Terry McCormick of Amarillo, Texas, Larry McCormick of Austin, Texas, and Steve McCraw of Dallas, Texas; numerous cousins and a host of friends and wonderful neighbors, all of whom will miss her very much.

Service will be 2 p.m. today at Cooper Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Chad Brodrick and Rev. Robert Rider officiating. Burial will follow at Mars Hill Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.


Jerry Berry

Jerry Berry of Shawnee went to be with the Lord Friday, March 3, 2006, in Norman Regional Hospital after an extended illness.
She was born September 25, 1941, in Ada to Stillman and Vera McGrew. She attended Midwest City schools.

Jerry was a homemaker and parrot breeder.

She loved to fish, cook, gardening, crafting, sewing. She was passionate about her rose garden and fountain and her birds.

She was a member of Central Oklahoma Bird Club and Faith Christian Outreach.

Survivors include her husband, Mark Berry, of the home; mother, Vera Ned, of the home.

Celebration of Life Service will be 7 p.m. Saturday at Faith Christian Outreach, Shawnee.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Faith Christian Outreach Building Fund or National Kidney Foundation.


Ronald Everett Johnson

Lifelong Seminole resident Ronald Everett Johnson, 91, died Sunday, March 5, at Seminole Estates Care Center.
Graveside service was held Monday, March 6, at Little Cemetery north of Seminole with the Rev. Gary Wilburn officiating.

Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole directed arrangments.


Margie Ann Rogers

Stroud resident Margie Ann Rogers, 79, died Saturday, March 4, in Oklahoma City.
Service will be 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, Stroud, with the Rev. Joe Mulencupp and the Rev. Brown Lee Davis officiating.

Burial will follow at Stroud Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service.


Danny M. McCulloch

Oklahoma City resident Danny M. McCulloch, 46, died Sunday, March 5, in Oklahoma City.
Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel, Chandler.

Burial will follow at the Wellston Cemetery in Wellston under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Chandler.


James Martin Wilson

Lifelong Konawa resident James Martin "Marty" Wilson, 39, died Friday, March 3, at Konawa.
Wake service will be 7 p.m. today at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel in Konawa.

Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Konawa High School PAC Building with Father Matthew Brown and Joe Semnter officiating.

Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Konawa.

published Mar. 08, 2006

Albert Peter Tro

Prague resident Albert Peter "Pete" Tro, 65, died Tuesday, March 7, in Shawnee.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Friday at the Prague Cemetery with Steve Stone officiating. Service is under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Prague.


Charles "Chuck" Rye

Tecumseh resident Charles Rye, 73, died Monday, March 6, in Tecumseh.
Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Cooper Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home, Tecumseh


Harold Gregson

Harold Gregson, 81, passed away Monday, Feb. 20, at Kaiser Permanente in Vallejo, Calif.
Harold was born April 9, 1924 in Trousdale, Okla.

On June 2, 1941, he married Ruby Doshier in Trousdale. They moved to California later that year.

In 1941 he was drafted into the army.

After the war, he worked at Benicia Arsenal until it closed in 1954. That same year Harold and his brother-in-law, JD Doshier, began Doshier-Gregson Water Well Drilling Inc.

Survivors include his wife, Ruby Gregson of Napa, Calif.; three daughters and sons-in-law, Phyllis & Ray Webster of Napa, Calif., Debra and Joe Stewart of Michigan, and Joyce and Peter Markey of Arizona; six grandsons; one granddaughter; and three great-grandchildren. Harold has extended family throughout California and Oklahoma.

A private family graveside service took place Feb. 25, at Napa Valley Memorial Park, Napa, Calif. Memorials in honor of Harold Gregson can be sent to the Potawatomi Nation Children's Fund, 1601 S. Gordon Cooper Dr., Shawnee Ok, 74801 or to donor's charity of choice.

Arrangements were under the direction of Inspiration Chapel, Napa, Calif. Friends and family may sign the guest book at www.inspirec.com.


Linda Faye Hardee

Prague resident Linda Faye Hardee, 54, departed this life on Sunday, March 5, in Prague.
She was born March 29, 1951, in Okemah to Wadie Wilburn and Anna Pearl (Quary) Wallace.

Linda was a juvenile correctional worker with the Sac & Fox Nation.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, James A. and Theresa Hardee of Prague; mother, Pearl Lopez of Prague; brothers, Charles and Brad Swinford, John, Thomas Dwayne and Wade Wallace, all of Prague; sisters, Mary Ford of Prague and Judy Owens of Plano, Texas; granddaughter, Melissa Gallagher of Prague.

Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Prague with the Rev. Kevin Wehrli officiating. Burial will follow at the Prague Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Prague.

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


Danny M. McCulloch

Danny M. McCulloch, Oklahoma City resident, was born March 18, 1959 in San Antonio. He departed this life on Sunday, March 5, in Oklahoma City at the age of 46.
Danny was the son of Gattis Lee and Erna Erica (Helene) Hartstock.

His grandfather and one aunt preceded him in death.

Survivors include his father and step-mother, Gattis Lee and Donna McCulloch of Wellston; mother, Erna Teschler of Portland, Ore.; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Joanne and Dennis Allen of Kansas City, Mo., and Teresa and Michael Pittser of Wellston; nieces and nephews, Melissa, Stephanie, Allison and Willie Pittser of Wellston, Andrea Allen of Kansas City, Mo. and Joseph Shrum of Yukon; more relatives and many friends.

Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at the Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel, Chandler. Burial will follow at the Wellston Cemetery in Wellston under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Chandler.


Dorothy M. Sloan

Tecumseh resident Dorothy M. Sloan, 84, died Sunday, March 5, in Shawnee.
She was born Oct. 3, 1921 in Bixby to Frank H. and Florence H. (Martin) Robison Sr.

Dorothy was raised in Seminole. She spent 17 years in Shawnee, moved to Tecumseh and upon retirement she moved to Hemphill, Texas, on the Toledo Bend Reservoir, where she spent 12 years fishing and living the good life. In 1996 she moved back to Tecumseh.

On December 28, 1940 she married Leroy Edwin Sloan Sr. in Shawnee.

She was a homemaker for 60 years and a member of the First Church of God in Tecumseh.

Dorothy loved fishing and enjoyed painting and crocheting. She also love the Lord.

She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Thelma V. Hayes; and two brothers, Frank and Warren Robison.

Survivors include her husband of 65 years, Leroy Edwin Sloan, Sr., of the home; two sons and daughters-in-law, Leroy "Ed" and Janis Sloan Jr. of Tecumseh, and Frank William and Barbara Sloan of Shawnee; one brother, Dean Robison of Houston, Texas; four grandsons, Kyle and Kevin Sloan, Frank W. and Randal D. O'Neal; and seven great-grandchildren.

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


Lillie Bell Holt

Longtime Seminole resident Lillie "Tee" Bell Holt, 95, died Monday, March 6, in Shawnee.
Lillie was born August 11, 1910, in Asher to Theodore and Elvira (Mullins) Holt.

She is preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Earnest, Charles and Robert Holt; three sisters, Lottie Badger, Cassie Hill and Dewey Farley.

Lillie is survived by many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. today at Little Cemetery with Tracy Holt officiating. A viewing was held Tuesday, March 7, at Swearingen Funeral Home. Arrangements are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.

published Mar. 09, 2006

Bill Pybas

Former Shawnee resident Bill Pybas, 75, died Sunday, March 5, at his home in Salinas, Calif. after a lengthy illness.

Bill was born Jan. 20, 1931, to Iva and Jesse Pybas. In 1948 he graduated from Trousdale High School in Trousdale, Okla. He moved to Salinas, Calif., in 1948 where he met and married his loving wife of 55 years, Jewell.

Bill started his career employed by Ferry Morse Seed Company for 18 years. He subsequently became a working partner for Moran Seed Company for 17 years.

In 1983 Bill, along with his son, Robert, became co-founders of Pybas Seeds of Salinas and Santa Maria, Calif.

Bill9s 57 year career in the vegetable seed industry is a testament of commitment to the business he loved.

His peers recognized his commitment to the industry by presenting him in 2003 with the distinguished service award for meritorious service, leadership, and exemplary contributions to the California Seed Industry and Association.

He was a member of the Elks Lodge, The Loyal Order of the Moose, The California Grange Association, The American Seed Trade Association, and the Church of Christ, California Farm Bureau, and The California Seed Association.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Donald and Gordon Pybas and his sister, Betty Haynes.

Survivors include his wife, Jewell; daughter, Christy; sons, Robert and Randall; daughters-in-law, Tami and Delia Pybas; grandchildren, Erik and Evan Pybas, Courtney Pybas and Carissa Pybas Rodriguez; brothers, Bob and Gerald Pybas; sisters, Nancy Klarr, Maxine Cupp and Cleta Cheatwood.

Memorial service will be 10 a.m. today at Healey Mortuary Chapel. Burial will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery, 768 Abbott St., Salinas, CA 93901.

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, 1184 Monroe St., Salinas, CA 93906 or to the donor9s favorite charity.

Services are under the direction of Healy Mortuary, 405 N. Sanborn Road, Salinas, Calif. 93905


Charles Rye

Tecumseh resident Charles 'Chuck' Rye, 73, died Monday, March 6, in Tecumseh.

He was born Aug. 25, 1932, in Shawnee to Dana Mathew and Clara Mae (Mahannia) Rye.

Reared in Shawnee, Chuck had lived in Loyal, Ponca City and Kingfisher while in the oil business. He later lived in Lovington, N.M., for 30 years before returning to Tecumseh in 1995.

He served in the U.S. Air Force for four years during the Korean War.

On Jan. 16, 1954, he married Gail Alford in Arizona.

Chuck worked as a driller in the oil fields, mainly for Landis and Moranco.

He enjoyed fishing and gardening.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brother, Kenneth Rye; sister, Irma White.

Survivors include his wife, Gail Rye, of the home; two sons, Garland Rye of Shawnee, Greg Charles Rye of Lovington, N.M.; two daughters, Rose Knox of Marble Falls, Texas, Sabrina Sherman of Lovington; brother, Jack D. Rye of Shawnee; sister, Sandra Clemence of Shawnee; 14 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren.

Service will be 2 p.m. today at Cooper Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home.


Kenneth Lee Head

Kenneth Lee Head passed from this life Tuesday, March 7, at the age of 74.
He was born in Oklahoma City on July 22, 1931, to Farley and Emily Head.

He was a member of the Lakeview Church of Christ in Bethel Acres where he lived since 1972. He worked many jobs as a boy and fought in the Korean War as a Marine after he graduated from Crooked Oak High School in 1949. After his return, he continued his education, graduating from Oklahoma City University with a masters in electrical engineering and began his career with General Dynamics and then continued at Tinker Air Force Base in the B52 Directorate.

In 1960, he married Lowetta Lee McGehee Landis and was with her for more than 40 years until her passing in 2001. Until his declining health, he enjoyed his family, traveling and church family.

He is preceded in death by his wife; son, Kenneth Keith; his parents.

He is survived by his daughter, Diana Cramer, her husband, Dana, and grandchildren Cody and Shelby; his sons, Donald Landis, his wife, Kay, grandchildren, Robert, Kadriye and John and great-granddaughters, Courtney, Melaney, Samantha and Kayla; Richard Landis, his wife, Dale Ann, grandchildren, Shawn and James and great-granddaughters, Ameila and Annawen; and several special family members and friends.

Services will be held Friday, March 10, 2006, at 2 p.m. at Vondel Smith South Colonial Chapel. Services directed by Vondel Smith/South.


Patsy Sue Coleman

Longtime Asher resident Patsy Sue Coleman, 70, died Tuesday, March 7, at Solara Hospital in Shawnee.
She was born Nov. 25, 1935, in Wetumka to Claude and Edith (Butler) Orr.

Patsy married Edward Don Coleman in Purcell.

She was a homemaker and worked as a social and activities director at a nursing home.

Her parents and one brother, Larry Orr, preceded her in death.

Survivors include her husband, Edward 3Don2 Coleman, of the home; one son, Kenneth Coleman of Konawa; one daughter, Dawnna Brittain of Byng; five grandchilden; and two great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be 2 p.m. Friday at the Vista Cemetery with the Rev. Drew Isaacs officiating. Swearingen Funeral Home of Konawa is in charge of arrangements.


Thomas E. King

Chandler resident Thomas E. 'Tom' King, 67, died Wednesday, March 8, at his home.
Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel, Chandler. Burial will follow at Oak Park Cemetery, Chandler, under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Chandler.


Dannie Ray Ewing

Shawnee resident Dannie Ray Ewing, 44, died Monday, March 6, in Tecumseh.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery.

Gaskill Funeral Chapel is directing arrangements.


Amos Oscar Schonfield

Former Wewoka resident Amos Oscar Schonfield, 84, died Monday, March 6, in Shawnee.
Graveside service was held 10 a.m. Wednesday at Oakwood Cemetery with the Rev. Tommy Azlin officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Stout-Phillips Funeral Home of Wewoka.

published Mar. 10, 2006

Doretha Winrow

Seminole resident Doretha Winrow, 79, died Thursday, Mar. 9, in Oklahoma City.
Service will be 11 a.m. Monday at First Baptist Church, Seminole. Burial will be at Westwood Cemetery, Wewoka, under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home


Imo Fulkerson

Stroud resident Imo Fulkerson, 91, died Wednesday, March 8, in Stroud.
Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church with the Rev. Burl Mackey officiating. Burial will follow at Stroud Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funerla Service of Stroud.


Clarine Boland Hubbard

Former Seminole resident Clarine Boland Hubbard, 91, died Thursday, March 9, in Paris, Texas.
Graveside service will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Maple Grove Cemetery in Seminole with Vernon Thompson officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.


Paul McKinney

Shawnee resident Paul McKinney, 80, died Thursday, March 9, at a local nursing home.
Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Liberty Baptist Church with Bill Matthews, assisted by Phil Thompson, officiating. Walker Funeral Service will have further announcements.



Dannie Ray Ewing

Shawnee resident Dannie Ray Ewing, 44, died Monday, March 6, in Tecumseh.
He was born Nov. 11, 1961, in Shawnee to Leonard Ewing and Bernice Steelman-Ewing. He attended Shawnee High School.

Dannie was a member of Temple Baptist Church of Shawnee. He enjoyed camping every summer.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Leonard Lee Ewing.

Survivors include his son, Carl Ewing of Shawnee; daughter, Maquella Ewing of Tecumseh; sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Thomas Cook of Shawnee; brother and sister-in-law, Ernest and Donna Ewing; numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. today at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. Mike Craig officiating.

Gaskill Funeral Chapel is directing arrangements.


Catherine F. Glimp

Catherine F. Glimp was born on Aug. 5, 1910, in South Carrollton, Ky., and departed this life on Thursday, March 9, 2006, in Prague at the age of 95.
Catherine, the daughter of Arthur Peay and Lillie E. (Speer) Fentress, was a longtime resident of Prague. She married Ernest L. Glimp on Sept. 23, 1929, in Tecumseh. He preceded her in death on April 17, 1981.

Catherine was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church in Prague. She was a longtime volunteer for the Prague Hospital Auxiliary as a "Pink Lady."

Her parents; one son, Larry Glimp, and one sister also preceded Catherine in death.

Survivors include daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Jay Hutchens of Prague; daughter-in-law, Connie Glimp; five grandchildren, Lori Ann and Michael Marks, Russell and Lori Glimp, Darci Hutchens of Lincoln, Neb., Catey and Mark Moring of Norman, and Christina Glimp; five great-grandchildren.

Graveside service will be 4 p.m. today at the Prague Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Prague


Duane Whited

Former Shawnee resident Duane Whited, 70, passed away Saturday, Feb. 18, at Wyoming Medical Center.
He was born July 3, 1935, in Shawnee to Roy and Edna Lee (Owens) Whited.

Whited was raised in Shawnee, graduating from Shawnee High School in 1953. He also graduated from Murray State College, Tishomingo, in 1955 and attended The University of Oklahoma.

On Jan. 8, 1956, he married Margaret Alice Jiter in Brush, Colo., before settling in Casper, Wyo., in 1959.

In July of 1956 he became partners with his father, Roy, in the family business, Whited Floor Surfacing. In 1981 he became partners in the business again, this time with his son, Bob.

Whited enjoyed traveling, bowling, boating and coaching baseball and football. He loved all sports, especially the Wyoming Cowboys and Denver Broncos.

He was known for his sense of humor and his kind heart.

His father preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Margaret, of Casper; two daughters and son-in-law, Debra Lynn Whited, Becky Ann (Whited) and Bob Dill, all of Casper; son and daughter-in-law, Robert Duane and Sara Whited of Casper; mother, Edna Lee (Owens) Whited of Shawnee; sister, Phyllis Jean (Whited) Kelly of Shawnee; grandchildren, Michael, Anthony and Janelle Dill and Steven, Calvin and Patrick Whited; numerous nieces and nephews.

Service was held Friday, Feb. 24. at Our Saviours Lutheran Church, Casper.

Memorials can be sent to the attention of Margaret Whited, 1455 Bon Ave., Casper, WY 82609.

published Mar. 11, 2006

Amey Casey

Our dear, sweet Momma and Grandma went home Thursday, March 9, 2006 .
Amey Syrilda (McCabe) Casey was born Aug. 21, 1919, to Jasper Marion McCabe and Martha Elizabeth (Spears) McCabe in Casey, Ark.

She married Orvil Monroe Casey on Aug. 17, 1935. The Lord gave them three daughters, Beth Marie (Casey) Brewster Vogt of Oklahoma City, Saundra Norene (Casey) Johnson of Shawnee and Karolyn Sue (Casey) Johnson of Macomb.

Amey worked as a cook at Santa Fe Beanery, F.W. Woolworth, ACH Hospital, Washington School and Immanuel Baptist Church. She enjoyed cooking and everyone loved her cooking. She always had a smile and a hug for everyone.

Amey and Orvil were members of New Hope Baptist Church, Blackburn Chapel, Calvary Baptist, Sharon Baptist and Aydelotte Baptist. They served the Lord and lived by example for all of us who loved them. Amey and Orvil were married 52 1/2 years before Orvil went home to be with the Lord on Feb. 27, 1988, at the age of 75.

Amey was preceded in death by her parents, Jasper and Martha McCabe; her husband, Orvil; three sisters, Mimi (McCabe) Junk, Mame (McCabe) Gay and Ruthie Spears; four brothers, Joe Mac McCabe, Archie McCabe, Daniel McCabe and Johnnie Bufford.

Amey will be greatly missed.

She is survived by three daughters and their husbands, Beth and Jim Vogt of Oklahoma City, Saundra and Don Johnson of Shawnee, Sue and Joe Johnson of Macomb; 13 grandchildren and their spouses, John Brewster and Mary Ann, Jerrettia (Brewster) Sorrells and Wayne, Harold Brewster and Dawn, Faron Johnson and Joan, Norenia (Johnson) Jones and Paul, Lorenia Johnson, Ferlin Johnson and Hollie, Amey Jo (Johnson) Bain and Mike, Joe Wayne Johnson and Lisa, Orvil Johnson and Bonnie, Tammy (Vogt) Hasslebring and Jeff, Marsha (Vogt) Tucker and David, James Vogt and Lisa; 33 great-grandchildren; her first great-great-grandchild is due in September; two cousins, Blanch Wilson and Leon Casey; many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Service will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at Gaskill Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Gaskill Funeral Chapel.


Retha Vera Edmonds

Retha Vera Edmonds passed away Thursday, March 9, in Holdenville, she was 91.
She was born March 9, 1915, in Dora, Okla, to William Houston and Ora Vera (Barrett) Robertson.

On Jan. 31, 1931, she married J. Thomas Edmonds in Dora, he preceded her in death in 1983.

She was a resident of Seminole for 18 years, she had moved from Davis.

Edmonds was a nurse for many years.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband and one son, Jimmy Don.

Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Lucy and Glenn Cook of Wewoka, and Virginia and Larry Fox of Shawnee; one son and daughter-in-law, Fred and Mary Edmonds of Davis; four brothers and their wives, Earl and Lillian Robertson of Shawnee, James Robertson of Seminole, Roland and Ruby Robertson of Seminole, and Oland Robertson of Houston, Texas; one sister, Lucillia and Arnold Barber of Texas; and 8 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Viewing was Friday from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Swearingen Funeral Home. Graveside service will be 10 a.m. today at Little Cemetery with the Rev. Mike Vallandingham officiating. Swearingen Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.


Russell Bratcher

Tecumseh resident Russell Bratcher, 82, died Friday, March 10, in Norman.
Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Pentecostal Church of God, Tecumseh with Pastor Fred Owens officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home, Tecumseh.


Mary B. Barnett

Mary B. Barnett, 65, died Thursday, March 9, at Tecumseh Sunset Estates.
Visitation will begin 1 p.m. Sunday. Service will be 1 p.m. Monday at Resthaven Funeral Chapel.


Frances Kay Jones

Oklahoma City resident Frances Kay Jones, 59, passed away Tuesday, March 7, at St. Anthony Hospital following a lengthy illness.
Frances was born Nov. 27, 1946 in Shenandoah, Iowa.

She was an active member of the Central Seventh Day Adventist Church in Oklahoma City.

Frances worked many years as a director in the food service industry in the Shawnee and Oklahoma City areas.

She loved spending time with her family and friends and was a caregiver to all that knew her.

Frances is preceded in death by her parents, John A. and Hazel J. Jones; one brother, Roy Jones; and two sisters, Mildred I. Lopez and Dorothy M. Roller.

Survivors include two brothers, Donald D. Jones and Terry Jones of Oregon; four sisters, Loretta A. Fenton of Oregon, D.M. Griggs of Oklahoma City, E. Kathleen Wilson of Tecumseh and Susan Haley of Tennessee; nephews, Johnny, Stephen and David Cox, all of California and Billy Tolentino of Georgia.; nieces, Jolene Follette of California and Janice Pierce of Bartlesville; she also had 6 other nephews and 12 nieces and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews; and special friend of 19 years, Dick Lorenz.

Service will be 10 a.m. Sunday at the Central Seventh Day Adventist Church under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home, Oklahoma City.


Maurice H. "Jack" Perkins

Osteen, Fla., resident Maurice H. Perkins, 85, went to the open arms of God on Thursday, March 2, to be with his parents Chester and Mary Perkins and his sons Richard and Bobby Perkins.
He was born Nov. 14, 1920, in Asher.

Jack was a member of the U.S. Army in World War II.

He is remembered by his sons, Merrell Perkins of Winter Springs, Maurice T. Perkins of Osteen, Fla., Ronald Perkins of Atlanta, Ga., Scott Houlsey of Blue Ridge Ga.; daughters, Tressie Wano and Tayana Maxey, both of Shawnee; and loving friend, Oletta Gunter of Shawnee; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Zanders Marvin C. Funeral Home, Apopka, Fla., is in charge of arrangements. Condolence may be sent to The Perkins Family, 1170 Flowing Creek Way, Osteen Fla., 32764.


Paul McKinney

Shawnee resident Paul McKinney, 80, died Thursday, March 9, at a local nursing home.
He was born Nov. 21, 1925, in Durant to Ben and Mildred McKinney.

McKinney graduated from Durant High School. He received his bachelors degree from Southeastern State College and his masters degree from The University of Oklahoma. Later he attended OCU where he received his jouris doctorate in 1962.

He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II then returned to Durant.

McKinney worked for Southwestern Bell, Duncan, where he was promoted to district manager, he was later promoted to district manager in Shawnee. After receiving his jouris doctorate in 1962 he started practing law in Shawnee. He was the city attorney from 1965 to 1988. He was admitted to practice in the United States Supreme Court in Washington, D.C.

He was a member of Phi Delta Phi, served on the Board of Directors for Shawnee Chamber of Commerce, Salvation Army, YMCA, City Chairman for the Boy Scouts of Shawnee, served as the Oklahoma Director of the Red Cross, 32nd Degree Mason, member of the Shriners and lifetime member of the American Legion.

Preceding him in death were his parents and brother, Ted McKinney.

Survivors include his wife, Marion, of the home; four children, Mike McKinney of Dallas, Texas, Letitia and Hugh Brady of Norman, David and Tonye McKinney of Mount Pleasant, Texas, Karl and Glenda Ness of Rio Rancho, N.M.; four grandchildren, Aurora Ness, Jeremy Ness,Kelsey Ness and Max Brady; two nieces.

Visitation will be 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at Walker Funeral Service. The casket will remain open until noon Monday. Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Liberty Baptist Church with Bill Matthews officiating assisted by Phil Thompson. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Memorials may be made to Liberty Baptist Church.


Clinton Snider

Shawnee resident Clinton Snider, 78, died Friday, March 10, at his home.
He was born Dec. 5, 1927, in Gotebo to Fort Louis and Clara Faye (Heasley) Snider.

Snider graduated from Gotebo High School in 1946.

In June of 1960 he married Betty Dobyns in Tulsa.

Snider served in the U.S. Army from 1950-1952. He was stationed in Germany and France.

He worked for Johnson Oil Co. before serving in the military and then moved back to Cleveland, Okla., after military service and worked for Johnson Oil Co. which was bought out by Kerr McGee Oil Industry. He worked for Kerr McGee for 47 years until health forced him to retire in 1997.

Snider was a member of the local, state and national Homebuilders Association. He was founder of Snider Land Co. and owned several rural developments.

His parents and one son preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife, Betty, of the home; two sons and daughters-in-law, Gene and Misty Snider of Meeker, Earl and Carmine Snider of Shawnee; brother, Adrain Snider of Oklahoma City; sister, Mary Wilcoxson of Cleveland; grandchildren, twins Camaron and Cuyler Snider, Ashley Snider, Siara and Mariah Snider; great-grandchild, Austin Snider.

Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with Wayne Wilson officiating. Burial will follow at Sunnyside Cemetery, Meeker, under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Memorials can be made to Heartland Hospice.


SherriAnne Gayman

Shawnee resident SherriAnne Gayman, 49, died Tuesday, March 7, at a local hospital.
She was born April 30, 1956, in Miami, Fla., to John A. Gayman and Barbara (Gray) Lane.

She grew up in Florida and attended Killian High School in Miami. She also attended Regents College-University of Rochester, N.Y., School of Nursing and Binghampton University State of New York where she received a masters degree in nursing.

SherriAnne was a Family Nurse Practioner and practiced in the field of nursing for 30 years.

She was of the Catholic faith.

SherriAnne enjoyed sewing, quilting, knitting and many crafts along with hiking, camping, travel and gardening.

Her grandparents and an infant brother preceded her in death.

Survivors include her parents, Barbara and Boyd Lane of Shawnee; sister, Janine Rivera and Chris Eads; stepsister, Wynona Thompson; three stepbrothers, Charles and Judy Lane, Boyd Wane and Selma Lane, Robert Lane; best friend, Dawn Davis of Royal Palm Beach, Fla.; many aunts, uncles and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Walker Funeral Service is the funeral home in charge.

published Mar. 12, 2006

Larry Wayne Bevan

Longtime Seminole resident Larry Wayne Bevan, 58, died Friday, March 10, in Seminole.
He was born Dec. 23, 1947, to James Olen and Emily M. (Mullinax) Bevan.

He married Neta Dianne Reissig on Aug. 12, 1969, in Belton, Texas.

He was a sheet metal mechanic and worked for many years with Prague Air Conditioning and Heat. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

He was preceded in death by his father; one sister and a grandson, Justin Wayne Bevan.

Survivors include wife, Neta, of the home; three sons and daughter-in-laws, John Wayne and Belinda Bevan of Seminole, Kenneth Leon Bevan of Seminole and David Edward Bevan of Seminole; four daughters, Dora Marie Nadeau of Earlsboro, Angela and Emily Bevan of the home, and Mary Bevan of Seminole; three sons-in-law, Jose Gaytan of Little Rock, Ark., Christopher Tate of Seminole and Rex Nadeau of Earlsboro; his mother, Emily Margaret Bevan of Seminole; brothers and sisters-in-law Paskel and Kathy Bevan of Seminole, Sonny and Pauline Bevan and Don and Cindy Bevan, all of Whitesboro, Texas; sisters and brother-in-law, Charlise and Donald Rich of Seminole and Sharon Green of Sallisaw; grandchildren, Christopher Bevan, Braittiane Bevan, Ashley Nadeau, Brianna Nadeau, Michael Nadeau, Carrie Babb, Eric Bevan, Auturo Bevan and Rosa Bevan.

Service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Friends Freewill Baptist in Cromwell with the Rev. Victor Underwood officiating. Burial will follow at Friends Church Cemetery. Service is under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Prague.


Ruth Jean Horn

Longtime Paden resident Ruth Jean Horn, 86, died Friday, March 10, in Paden.

She was born in Mount Home, Ark., on May 30, 1919, to James Hubert and Viola Francis Morris.

She married Cecil T. Jackson on March 17, 1934 in Paden. They had five children together. She later married H.B. Horn.

She was preceded in death by both husbands; her parents; stepfather Lee Shell Sr.; four brothers; four sisters; and two grandchildren, Ruth Ann (Goss) Scott and Andy Goss.

Survivors include three sons and two daughters-in-law, James W. and Virginia Jackson of Hillsboro, Ohio, Jackie Lee Jackson of Paden and J.C. and Wilma Jackson of Bethel Acres; two daughters, Mary Allen Carter, also known as Ginger Williams, of Paden, and Margaret Traylor of San Antonio, Texas; a brother, Lee Shell Jr. of Paden; a sister, Geraldine Childers of Heber, Calif.; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Parks Brothers Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Paul Heard officiating. Burial will follow at Paden Cemetery.

Parks Brothers Funeral Service of Prague is directing arrangements.


Mary Bell Sanders Barnett

Mary Bell Sanders Barnett, 67, died Thursday, March 9, in Tecumseh.
She was born June 5, 1938, in Trousdale to Thomas Jackson and Ruby Jewel (Thomas) Sanders.

She married Charley A. Barnett Sept. 25, 1956. She worked at Benton's Cafe for many years before retiring. She enjoyed reading and working crossword puzzles.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Benjamin Sanders.

Survivors include three daughters, Brenda Snider and husband, Wayne, of Tecumseh, Carla York and husband, John, of Tecumseh, Alayne Allen and husband, Randy, of Maud; four grandchildren, Charlee, Sidney and Macy Snider and John Allen York; three stepgrandchildren, Brandy Ipock and Rantz and Keelan Allen; one great-granddaughter, Rylee Snider Nix; three brothers, Curtis Jackson and wife, Molly, Tommy Sanders and wife, Pearlene, and Jerry Sanders and wife, Shirlene; three sisters, Ruby Burris and husband, Vernon, Potsy Hoofard and husband, Royce, and Wynona Jones and husband,Jerry; one sister-in-law, Charlene Sanders; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. today. Services will be at 1 p.m. Monday at Resthaven Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Bryan Pain officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Resthaven Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.


Coy Price

Coy Price, 90, died Saturday, March 11, in Oklahoma City.

He was born in rural Ozark County, Mo., on Nov. 18, 1915, to William Harvey and Nancy Eve (Upton) Price. He moved with his family at an early age to Lincoln County where they farmed.

Coy worked for Lincoln County and the WPA. He was instrumental in blasting the rock used to build the Armory in Chandler.

He married Marie Holman March 10, 1942. During World War II, Coy served in the U.S. Army, 1st Medical Squadron, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. He saw action in New Guinea, Bismark Archipelago and the Philippines.

Upon his return from World War II, he owned a cafe and worked in a foundry before beginning a career at Oklahoma Natural Gas Co. He retired from ONG following 26 years of service.

His parents, his wife of 52 years, two brothers, three sisters, and one grandson preceded Coy in death.

Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law Darrell and Sharon Price of Mustang, Donald and Donna Price of Tuttle; a brother, Ray Price of Tulsa; sisters, Belle Castoe of Marlow and Betty Quinn of Prague; eight grandchildren, Debbie Estes of San Dimas, Calif., David Price of Upland, Calif., Donald Price of Mustang, Priscilla Price of Mustang, Brenda Battles of Moore, Coy Price of Oklahoma City, Michele Cummings of Edmond and Todd Henderson of Newton, Kan.; eight great-grandchildren, Amanda Estes, Chelsea Miller, Ashley Price, Morgan Price, Madison Price, Landon Battles, Adara Price and Brittany Henderson.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Calvary Way Church in Prague with the Rev. Jim Harris Starland David officiating. Burial will follow at the Czech National Cemetery in Prague.

Service is under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Prague.


Russell Bratcher

Tecumseh resident Russell Bratcher , 82, died Friday, March 10, in Norman.

He was born June 30, 1923, in Washington to Will and Hazel Estel (Trimm) Bratcher.

On Aug. 4, 1942, he married Wilma Sartors in Byars. He owned and operated numerous service stations and wrecker services. He owned a sand and gravel business for the past 25 years.

He was a member of the Penecostal Church of God, where he served as Sunday school secretary. He also a member of the Oklahoma Wreckers Association and the Tecumseh Roundup Club. He loved working, talking, baseball, his family, friends and his great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 12 brothers and sisters.

Survivors include his wife, Wilma, of the home; daughters and son-in-law, Jan Mankin of the home and Brenda and Tom Kennedy of Tecumseh; grandchildren, Tammara and Wendell Davis of Norman, Shanda and Dennis Stockstell of Tecumseh and Todd and Regene Kennedy of Tecumseh; two great-grandchildren, Blake and Baylee Kennedy of Tecumseh; a brother, Gerald Bratcher of Oklahoma City; a sister, Pearl Mathis of Oklahoma City; and numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Penecostal Church of God in Tecumseh with Pastor Fred Owens and Ronnie Churchwell officiating. Burial will be at Tecumseh Cemetery.

Cooper Funeral Home is directing arrangements.

published Mar. 14, 2006

Tom Atwood

Tom Atwood
Shawnee resident Tom Atwood died Saturday, March 11, in an Oklahoma City hospital after a short illness. He was 58.

He was born Aug. 14, 1947, in Kansas City, Mo., to J. Thomas and Esther Virginia Atwood.

Atwood attended and graduated from Lexington, Mo., High School. He also attended junior college at Wentworth Military Academy where he was a starter football player. He earned his bachelor's degree from Central Missouri State.

On Sept. 14, 1974, he married Mary Hinckle in Lexington.

He was co-owner of Propane Services and Harrison Auto.

Atwood was a member of Kiawanis, LP Gas Association, American Heart Association, St. Benedict Church, St. Gregory's Board of Trustees and Knights of Columbus 4th Degree. He was a strong supporter of Oklahoma State University and St. Gregory's basketball. He also was a strong advocate of organ donation.

He was affectionately known by his grandchildren as "Da."

Survivors include his wife, Mary, of the home; daughter and son-in-law, Sarah and Russ Oliver of Shawnee; son and daughter-in-law, Nick and Haley Atwood of Oklahoma City; four grandchildren, Wyatt, Ashlyn and Cadence Oliver and Kaitlyn Atwood; sister and brother-in-law, Marietta and Jack Carroll of Lexington; nieces, Reggie and Greg Miller of Lexington and Becky and Jerre Snyder of Arvada, Colo.; mother-in-law, Elizabeth Hinckle; sisters and brother-in-law, Patti Benton of Shawnee, Jenny and Frank Simpson of Moore and Chris Hinckle of Littleton, Colo.; niece, Erin Benton; nephews, Kyle Benton, Rory Benton, Danny Dawson and Matt Dawson; great-niece, Gracie Thompson; and great-nephew, Hunter Thompson.

Service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Benedict Catholic Church with the Rev. Maurus Jaeb, O.S.B., officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that a commitment to organ donation be made. This can be done by marking "yes" on your driver's license or going to www.lifeshareregistry.org. Monetary donations can be made to Life Share of Oklahoma, 7200 Broadway Extension, Oklahoma City, OK 73116.


Edna "Nan" Davis Suggs

Edna "Nan" Davis Suggs
Tecumseh resident Edna "Nan" Davis Suggs, 93, died Sunday, March 12, in Shawnee.

She was born Dec. 29, 1912, in Wise County, Texas, to Robert L. and Alcie (Montgomery) Annanders. She moved to Oklahoma as a small child.

In 1929, she married Clarence "Dee" Davis. He preceded her in death in 1977. In 1984, she married Earl Suggs. He preceded her in death in 2000.

She worked at Shawnee Roundhouse Garment Factory for 21 years.

She loved her church family at Highland Church of Christ where she was an active member and taught Sunday School for 50 years. She also was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, VFW Auxiliary and Rebekas Lodge. She was active in the Tecumseh Senior Citizens and was crowned Frontier Days Sweetheart.

A homemaker, she loved to garden, sew, quilt and cook good meals for her family and friends. She also enjoyed picking and shelling pecans and playing Dominoes.

She also was preceded in death by her parents; five brothers, Johnny, Andy, C. W., Roy and Carl Annanders; two sisters, Susie Troxell and Lela Churchwell.

Survivors include one daughter and son-in-Law, Rosa and Max Brown of Tecumseh; one sister, Betty Cathey of Tecumseh; grandchildren, Gary and Connie Brown of Tecumseh, and Julie Brown of Choctaw; great-grandchildren, Trace and Autumn Brown, Shane and Lori Brown, all of Tecumseh; great-great-grandchildren, Zachary, Colby and Landon Brown, all of Tecumseh; many nieces, nephews and a host of friends

Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Highland Church of Christ with Robbie Kinsey and Bob Anderson officiating. Burial will be at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.


Woodrow "Woody" Sanseverino

Woodrow "Woody" Sanseverino
Yukon resident Woodrow "Woody" Sanseverino, 88, passed away Monday, March 13, in Oklahoma City.

He was born October 11, 1917, in Tulsa, and has lived in Yukon since 1968, moving here from Shawnee.

He had worked for Amoco Oil as a pipeline technician for over 37 years.

Woody was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who enjoyed gardening, fishing, lawn work, golfing, and especially spending time with his family. He had attended Chisholm Trail Presbyterian Church in Yukon and was a World War II army veteran.

He was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Lisa; one brother and three sisters.

Survivors include his wife, Zelda of the home; son Gary of Skiatook; two daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Farrell Johnson of Kingsbury, Texas, and Beverly and James Posey of Yukon; two brothers Jim and Bill Sanseverino and one sister, Josephine Collings, all of Tulsa; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren on the way.

Services will be Wednesday 10 a.m. in the Smith and Turner Chapel with burial in Resurrection Memorial Cemetery in Oklahoma City. Arrangements are under the direction of Smith and Turner Mortuary, Yukon.


Linzy Lee Rivers

Linzy Lee Rivers
Longtime Earlsboro resident Linzy Lee Rivers, 75, died Friday, March 10, at Solara Hospital-Unity Health Center, South Campus.

He was born Feb. 12, 1931, in Hotulka, Okla., to Willie Lee and Lillian (Thompson) Rivers.

Rivers attended Dunbar High School in Shawnee.

On March 13, 1952, he married Letha Napoleon in Shawnee.

He worked at Barton Valve, Shawnee, for 35 years. He retired from the oilfield and worked six years in the manufacturing industry.

Rivers was a member of Kinder Hall of Jehovah Witness in Shawnee.

His parents; sister, Grace Woodfork; three brothers, M.B. Rivers, Reuben Rivers and Dewey Rivers preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife, Letha (Napoleon) Rivers, of the home; son, Leonard Lee Rivers of Shawnee; three daughters, Velma Carr of Tecumseh, Vanessa Alexander of Shawnee, Veada Capas of Shawnee; two brothers, Robert Rivers and Willie Rivers, both of Oklahoma City; five sisters, Mae Lee Hill of Stockton, Calif., Berniece Paysinger of El Cerrito, Calif., Anesa Woodfork of Los Angeles, Calif., Thelma Jackson of Shawnee, Vera Beale of Vallero, Calif.; four grandchildren, Shana Alexander, Robert Ervin, Arsenio Carr and Shawn Alexandra; great-grandchild, Greg Rion LeShore; several nieces and nephews.

Service will be 11 a.m. Friday at Swearingen Funeral Chapel with Brother James Whitley officiating. Burial will follow at Earlsboro Cemetery, Earlsboro, under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.


Michelle Rogers

Michelle Rogers
Shawnee resident Michelle Rogers, 41, died Saturday, March 11, at a Tecumseh nursing home.

She was born March 29, 1964, in Escondido, Calif. to Graden Edward and Rheann Rogers.

She graduated from Checotah High School and served in the army from 1986 to 1989. She was a certified nurse's assistant.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Survivors include two sons, Todd Jackson and Michael Rogers, both of Shawnee; two sisters, and brothers-in-law, Rhonda and Soct Lindsey of Prague, and Tracy and Steve Farrill of Tecumseh; a number of aunts and uncles

Service will be Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with the Rev. J. Clifton Briscoe officiating. Burial will be at Little Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.


Aline Leona Stephen

Aline Leona Stephen
Lifelong Shawnee resident Aline Leona Stephen, 88, died Saturday, March 11, at Unity Health Center in Shawnee.

She was born March 21, 1917, in Shawnee to Kelly Stewart and Lydia (Landon) Stewart.

Aline was a graduate of Shawnee High School.

On Nov. 24, 1938, she married Edward C. "Ed" Stephen in Shawnee.

Aline spent most of her life as a homemaker. She was a member of Wallace Avenue Baptist Church.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Ed, in 1982; brother, A.C. Stewart; sister, Louise Jackson.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Ann and Mack Palmer of Grove; son and daughter-in-law, Eddie and Sharon of Shawnee; five grandchildren, Chad McKee, Jenni Smoliak, Jeff McKee, Amy Stephen, Adam Stephen; stepgrandchild, Brandy Cluck; three great-grandchildren, Abby McKee, Bennett McKee, Makenna Smoliak; sister, Lorieda Lloyd of Cushing; numerous nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Visitation will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Wednesday. Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Resthaven Memorial Park with the Rev. Scott Gordon officiating. Services are under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home of Shawnee.

published Mar. 15, 2006

John Charles Driver

Seminole resident John Charles Driver, 59, died Sunday, March 12, at his home.

Service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Swearingen Funerla Home Chapel with Odis McCray officiating. Burial will follow at Little Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.


Michelle Rogers

Shawnee resident Michelle Rogers, 41, died Saturday, March 11, at a Tecumseh nursing home.
She was born March 29, 1964, in Escondido, Calif. to Graden Edward and Rheann Rogers.

She graduated from Checotah High School and served in the army from 1986 to 1989. She was a certified nurse's assistant.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Survivors include two sons, Todd Jackson and Michael Rogers, both of Shawnee; two sisters, and brothers-in-law, Rhonda and Scott Lindsey of Prague, and Tracy and Steve Farrill of Tecumseh; a number of aunts and uncles

Service will be Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with the Rev. J. Clifton Briscoe officiating. Burial will be at Little Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.


Thomas Edgar Dowdy

Thomas Edgar Dowdy, 50, of Norman and formerly of Palestine, Texas, died Sunday, March 12.
Tom was born on May 14, 1955, the son of Howard M. and Myralene Harris Dowdy in Bay City, Texas. He grew up in Palestine and graduated from Palestine High School in 1974.

On July 16, 1977 he married Beverly Anne Hinson.

He earned a Bachelor of Science from East Texas Baptist College in 1978, a Masters of Science from Texas A&M University in 1980 and a Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts in 1987.

Tom was a professor of Sociology at Oklahoma Baptist University from 1987 until his death.

He was a member of NorthHaven Church in Norman. He was past president of the Board of Directors of the Cleveland County chapter of Habitat for Humanity and put in over 3000 volunteer hours building 30 houses with that organization.

Tom was an inspired teacher of Sociology and impacted many students over 18 years of teaching. His January terms in London were the highlight of the school year and he shared his love of the city with all who traveled with him.

Survivors include his wife, Beverly Hinson Dowdy of Norman; three brothers, Raymond, Claude and Donnie Dowdy all of Palestine, Texas; niece, Donna Dowdy; and nephew, Matt Dowdy.

Visitation will be 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. tonight at Primrose Funeral Home, Norman. A burial service will be 3 p.m. Thursday with the Rev. Jay Abernathy officiating at the Roselawn Park in Palestine, Texas. Memorial service will be 10 a.m. Monday at Raley Chapel on the campus of Oklahoma Baptist University. Contributions may be sent to OBU, PO Box 61275, Shawnee, Ok 74804, where a scholarship fund has been established in his name.