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

submitted by Kay Sugg Best

published Oct. 01, 2006

Roger Dale Porter

Konawa resident Roger Dale Porter, 55, died Friday, Sept. 29, at his residence.
Private family service under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.


Lila Clarice (Ferguson) Winters

Harrah resident Lila Clarice (Ferguson) Winters, 81, died Friday, Sept. 29, in Midwest City.
Service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at the First Baptist Church, Harrah, under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral in Harrah.


Gilbert Ray Foster

Seminole resident Gilbert Ray "Gib" Foster, 85, died Saturday, Sept. 30, at Solara Hospital in Shawnee.
Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Sweraingen Funeral Chapel.

Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Gardens under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole.


Stanley Keith Pratt

Shawnee resident Stanley Keith Pratt, 58, died Wednesday, Sept. 27, at a local hospital.
He was born Dec. 26, 1947, in Shawnee to David C. and Ruth (Crouch) Pratt.

Stanley graduated from Shawnee High School and Oklahoma State University.

On Dec. 29, 1999, he married Betty L. Allen.

He was a police officer for Shawnee for 20 years and a Tecumseh policeman for five years.

Stanley was a member of Fraternal Order of Police and Blue Knights.

Preceding him in death were his parents and a twin brother, Stephen Pratt.

Survivors include wife, Betty, of the home; four children and their spouses, Mike and Kim Pratt of Tecumseh, David and Heather Pratt of Elgin, Barbie and Clint Barnes of Chelsea and Mary and Tyre Love of Shawnee; one brother and sister-in-law, Phil and Odra Pratt of Norman; grandchildren, Brandi Sebastian, Austen, Kristinyn and McKenzie Pratt, Gabi Smith and Luke Love; one great-grandchild; two nieces and their husbands; Tamra and David Prater and Kendra and Don Martin, all of Edmond; his first wife, Marcia Cox of Fletcher; other extended family members.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Resthaven Memorial Park with the Rev. Larry Sparks officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.


Samuel A. Ricketson

Samuel A. Ricketson, 66, died Thursday in Shawnee from complications related to leukemia. A memorial service is planned for 3 p.m. today at University Baptist Church, 2515 N. Kickapoo.
Ricketson was born in Chefoo, China, Feb. 26, 1940, to Dr. Robert F. and Bettie Ricketson, who were Southern Baptist missionaries. Ricketson was reared in China and the Philippines before returning to Hollis to complete high school.

He earned a bachelor of arts degree in chemistry from Oklahoma Baptist University in 1961. He was a member of the Key Club and the Storer Class while a student at OBU. He completed a master's degree in religious education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas, in 1965, and a master of arts degree from George Peabody College for Teachers, Nashville, Tenn., in 1966. He also completed coursework toward a master of business administration degree from Oklahoma City University.

In 1966, Ricketson and his wife, the former Corella Bounds, were appointed as Southern Baptist missionaries to Taiwan, Republic of China. They served there until 1984. Ricketson worked in the business office at Oklahoma Baptist University from 1992 to 2001. He served as accounts payable accountant, payroll accountant, assistant controller and student loan and collections manager during his tenure at the university.

He moved to the San Francisco Bay area in June 2001, and worked with the University of California's Hastings College of Law in San Francisco. He retired from that position in July 2006 and returned to Shawnee.

Ricketson invested his life in helping young people find their way, educationally and spiritually. He worked as a counselor for many summers at Falls Creek Baptist Assembly and at Camp Hudgens in eastern Oklahoma.

Ricketson was a member of University Baptist Church in Shawnee. He is survived by his wife, Corella Bounds Ricketson, and three sons, Robert, John, and Steven.

Memorial contributions may be made to Oklahoma Baptist University.

published Oct. 03, 2006

Patricia Ann Molsbee

Dale resident Patricia Ann Molsbee, 72, died Sunday, Oct. 1, at a local hospital.
She was born July 20, 1934, in Dale to John Ralph Rooker and Audrey Mae (Heath) Rooker.

In 1980 she married Donald Kent Molsbee in Gainesville, Texas.

Patricia was a homemaker.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Sam Rooker and John Ralph Rooker; and one sister, Virginia Craig.

Survivors include her husband, Don Molsbee of the home; two daughters and sons-in-law, Teela and Ron Young of Knoxville, Tenn., and Johna and Allen Knight of Colorado Srings, Colo.; one son and daughter-in-law, James Glen and Holly Hayden of Paden, Okla.; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; three brothers, Tommy Joe Rooker, Gerald "Pete" Rooker and Michael Dean Rooker.

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

Arrangements are under the direction of Walker Funeral Service, Shawnee.


Sharon Kay Stanley

Shawnee resident Sharon Kay (Jones) Stanley, 64, died Saturday, Sept. 30, at her home.
She is preceded in death by her father, George Rex Jones.

Survivors include her mother, Louise Alice (Whittern) Jones of Waco, Texas; three children, Kara Coats of Oklahoma City, Kama Sullivan of Edmond and Krista Scherler of Waco, Texas; six grandchildren, Tristan Fletcher, Teague Sullivan, Bailee Sullivan, Wil Scherler, Keaton Coats and Klaiborne Coats; one great-grandchild, Brody Fletcher.

Service will be 10 a.m. today at Resthaven Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Neal Cemetery


Jannie Louise Lyon

Longtime Seminole resident Jannie Louise Lyon, 88, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 1, at Seminole Estates Nursing Center.
She was born on June 6, 1918, in Konawa to Jeff L. and Roxie (Kemper) Akin.

Louise married Paul Lyon on Nov. 12, 1941 in Sasakwa. He preceded her in death on Feb. 3, 1998.

She was a graduate of Konawa High School. Louise was a retired secretary at Pleasant Grove School in Seminole County. She was a member of the First Baptist Church and the Seminole Retired Teacher's Association.

Louise is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, David and Debbie Lyon of Seminole; sister Mary Dorr of Edmond, and sisters-in-law Bobbie Upton of Seminole and Estelle Lyon of Wewoka; two granddaughters, Trisha and husband Matt Weber of Duncan, and Traci and husband, Nick Gray of Fort Worth, Texas; one great-grandson, Cody Weber of Duncan.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, and son, Danny Lyon; brothers, Frank Akin, Jube Akin, and Bobby Akin, and sisters Kate Sweetman, Virginia Zoeller and Mildred Streetman.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff of Seminole Estates Nursing Home, Doctors Park Home Health of Shawnee and Dr. McCrory and the staff of Seminole Medical Center for all the kindness and care they have shown to Louise for many years.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. today, at the First Baptist Church in Seminole with Tommy Clark officiating.

Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Seminole under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.

Casket Bearers will be, Clyde Dorr, Roderick Dorr, Charles Akin, Mark Streetman, Ken Harrod, Larry Upton, Keith Upton, Mike Upton, Mickey Upton, Steve Olsen and Tim Olsen.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund.


Thelma Lee Miller

Former Shawnee resident Thelma Lee (Bolton) Miller, 88, died Saturday, Sept. 30, in Tulsa, where she was currently residing.
She was born Nov. 24, 1917, in Vernon, Texas, to Joel and Maggie (Nunn) Bolton.

Thelma attended Vernon High School.

She was married to Rufus "Ed" Miller Jr. for 67 years until his passing on Feb. 2, 2004, in Tulsa.

Thelma was a former member of First Baptist Church in Shawnee where she had been involved in many different clubs and activities.

Also preceding her in death was her brother, Morris Bolton.

Survivors include two sons, Jan Miller and wife, Paige, of Tulsa and Gary Miller of Fairfax, Calif.; three grandchildren, Amy Welsh, Amanda Miller and Ryan Miller; and two great-grandchildren, Harlee Welsh and Cade Welsh.

Visitation will be 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. today at Gaskill Funeral Chapel, Shawnee.

Service will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at Gaskill Funeral Chapel with Dr. Paul Calmes officiating.

Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park, Shawnee.


Debby (Coffey) DeShazer

Shamrock resident Debby (Coffey) DeShazer, 47, died Sunday, Oct. 1, in Shawnee.
Service will be 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6 at Cooper Funeral Chapel under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home.


Robert Honsinger

Lifelong Konawa area resident Robert Stanley "Ace" Honsinger, 66, died Sunday, Oct. 1, at Ada Retirement Center in Ada.
Service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Vamoosa Baptist Church. Burial will be at Vamoosa Cemtery (East of Konawa on Hwy 377).

Swearingen Funeral Home is directing arrangements.


James Newton Wall

James Newton "Newt" Wall was called to be with the Lord Saturday, Sept. 30. He died at his home in Shawnee encircled by his loving family.
Newt was born Aug. 8, 1932, in Holdenville to Isaac Newton Wall and Maurine (Tucker) Wall. Both parents and two brothers, Harold and B.K., preceded him in death.

He leaves his cherished wife of 54 years, Mary Ellen (Ewing) Wall; daughters and sons-in-law, Laura and Robert Cox of Norman, Nancy and John Vincent of Houston, Texas, Elizabeth Wall of Shawnee, Jamie and David Hammons of Shawnee, Amy and Daniel Coroama of Washington, Mo.

Other survivors include one sister, Charlotte Lowe, and brother-in-law, Jim Lowe, of Shawnee; longtime special family friend, Linda Stonecipher of Shawnee; sisters-in-law, Idamae Matteyer of Stillwater and Frances Gillaspy of Shawnee; 11 nieces and nephews.

Also mourning him are 17 adoring grandchildren whom he loved in return, Wes, Ben and Alyse Cox, Jonathan and Cameron Vincent, Julie and husband, Chris Martin, Andy and wife, Baylee Hammons, Nate, Libby, Kate, Trudy and Emma Hammons, Josiah, Emily Matthew, Laura Beth and Joshue Coroama.

Among others who will greatly miss him are numerous business associates, many longtime employees, Rivergate alumni and multitudes of admiring friends.

Newt attended Holdenville schools where he distinguished himself both in academics and sports. He was named a high school All-American Football Player and was inducted into the Holdenville Sports Hall of Fame.

He was president of his senior class and the student council.

He attended East Central University and Oklahoma University on football scholarships.

Newt joined the National Guard while still in high school and was called to active duty with the 45th Infantry Division to serve in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in September 1951.

His many successful business ventures commenced at the age of 10 with a newspaper route and he started what may be Oklahoma's first fast food enterprise with a hamburger drive-in at the age of 17.

Newt Wall was chairman of the Newton Wall Company, which he co-founded with his father and brothers in 1954. When he joined the company, there were two stores; one in Shawnee and one in Stillwater. Newton Wall Co. stores are now in 28 locations in Oklahoma, Texas and Mississippi.

Newt also was on the board of directors and was the principal stockholder for Vision Bank of Ada, Prague, Meeker and Durant.

Among his charities and philanthropical interests are Oklahoma Baptist University, Seminole State College, Oh Be Joyful Church of Crested Butte, Colo., Eagle Flight Ministries, Rivergate's Men's Retreat and individual college scholarships.

He served three terms on the Seminole State College Board of Regents, two terms as president.

While he was a member of First Baptist Church of Seminole he served as a deacon, Sunday school department director and held other offices.

Currently, he was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church of Shawnee.

Newt founded both the Seminole Prayer Breakfast and Rivergate's Men's Retreat in 1983. The purpose of Rivergate is to gather men around the person of Jesus Christ. Men are invited to attend the four-day sessions at random and by personal referral. They attend without costs.

Rivergate is celebrating its 23rd year. One of Newt's greatest joys was to see the changed lives that came from Rivergate Retreats. He was always the happiest when he was helping someone who needed a friend.

Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Holdenville Cemetery.

The celebration of his remarkable life follows at 2:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Seminole.

Casket bearers will be his grandsons. Honorary pallbearers are men of Rivergate. They will also be officiating at the services.

Walker Funeral Home of Shawnee is directing arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel Baptist Church Building Fund, 1101 East Main, Shawnee, OK 74801.

published Oct. 04, 2006

Garlin Lee Cheatwood

Longtime Maud resident Garlin Lee Cheatwood died Sunday, Oct. 1, in Shawnee at the age of 77.
Service will be 2 p.m. today at Fairview Cemetery, near Maud, with the Rev. Wayne Taylor officiating.

Knight-Swearingen Funeral Home of Maud is directing arrangements.


Wiley Riley Jackson

Lifelong Seminole resident Wiley Riley Jackson died Sunday, Oct. 1, at Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City at the age of 80.
Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at the Swearingen Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Allen Wood officiating. Burial will follow at Little Cemetery, Seminole County, Okla.

Swearingen Funeral Home is directing arrangements.


Keith Lytle

Kingston, Okla., resident Keith "Kow Boy" Lytle, 47, died Monday, Oct. 6, at his home.
A memorial service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Hilltop Baptist Church in Kingston with John Meeks officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Watts Funeral Home, Madill.


Jolene Ann Householder

Maud resident Jolene Ann Householder, 64, died Monday, Oct. 6, at her home in Maud.
Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. today at Knight-Swearingen Funeral Home, corner of Broadway and Monroe, Maud.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Cummings Cemetery, Maud, with Steve Martin officiating.

Arrangments are under the direction of Knight~Swearingen Funeral Home, Maud.


Jannie Louise Lyon

Longtime, Seminole resident Jannie Louise Lyon, 88, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 1, at Seminole Medical Center. She was currently a resident at Seminole Estates Nursing Center.
She was born on June 6, 1918, in Konawa to Jeff L. and Roxie (Kemper) Akin.

Louise married Paul Lyon on Nov. 12, 1941 in Sasakwa. He preceded her in death on Feb. 3, 1998.

She was a graduate of Konawa High School. Louise was a retired secretary at Pleasant Grove School in Seminole County. She was a member of the First Baptist Church and the Seminole Retired Teacher's Association.

Louise is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, David and Debbie Lyon of Seminole; sister Mary Dorr of Edmond, and sisters-in-law Bobbie Upton of Seminole and Estelle Lyon of Wewoka; two granddaughters, Trisha and husband Matt Weber of Duncan, and Traci and husband, Nick Gray of Fort Worth, Texas; one great-grandson, Cody Weber of Duncan.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, and son, Danny Lyon; brothers, Frank Akin, Jube Akin, and Bobby Akin, and sisters Kate Sweetman, Virginia Zoeller and Mildred Streetman.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff of Seminole Estates Nursing Home, Doctors Park Home Health of Shawnee and Dr. McCrory and the staff of Seminole Medical Center for all the kindness and care they have shown to Louise for many years.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. today, at the First Baptist Church in Seminole with Tommy Clark officiating.

Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Seminole under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.

Casket Bearers will be, Clyde Dorr, Roderick Dorr, Charles Akin, Mark Streetman, Ken Harrod, Larry Upton, Keith Upton, Mike Upton, Mickey Upton, Steve Olsen and Tim Olsen.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund.


Debby DeShazer

Shamrock, Okla., resident Debby (Coffey) DeShazer, 47, died Sunday, Oct. 1, in Shawnee.
She was born March 29, 1959, in McAlester to Jimmy Levi and Dorothy Christine (Sinclair) Coffey.

Debby spent most of her life in Parker, Ariz., and Tecumseh. In 1977 she graduated from Parker High School in Parker.

She married Jerry DeShazer in 1955. Debby worked as a bookkeeper for St. Gregory's, Jerry Matthews and her mother. She also enjoyed crocheting, reading and fishing.

Preceded her in death were her parents and one son, Christopher Wayne Cruce.

Survivors include her husband, Jerry DeShazer, of the home; one son, Nickolas Jimmy Tanner of Wanette; three sisters and two brother-in-laws; Joy and Gary Carter of Tecumseh, Jan and Craig Wright of Vacaville, Calif., Donna Bryan of Shawnee; one brother and sister-in-law; David and Lori Coffey of Tecumseh; step-daughter, Addrene DeShazer of Texas; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6, at Cooper Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Clint Dawkins officiating.


Marguerite W. Saxton

Newalla resident Marguerite W. Saxton died Monday, Oct. 2, in her home at the age of 84.
Rosary service will be 7 p.m. tonight at Asa Smith Memorial Chapel, Harrah. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Teresa's Catholic Church, Harrah, with Father Alan Loth officiating.

Smith-Parks Funeral Service, Harrah, is directing arrangements.

published Oct. 05, 2006

Maj. Bobbie Joe Cullum

Retired U.S. Army Maj. Bobbie Joe Cullum, 70, of Shawnee died Tuesday, Oct. 3, at his residence. He lived in McLoud for 33 years before moving to Shawnee.
He was born Dec. 27, 1935, in Rosie Clare, Ill., to Hal Cullum and Edith Craig-Cullum.

He was married July 13, 1981, in Norman to Donna Rogers.

Maj. Cullum retired from the U.S. Army after 20 years of service to his country. He also retired from Oklahoma Tax Commission as a computer programmer manager.

He enjoyed ranching and farming. He dearly loved his children and grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother and stepfather, Floyd "Shorty" Simmons.

Survivors include his wife, Donna Cullum, of the home; sons and daughters-in-law, Eugene and Gayle Cullum of Shawnee, David and Dorinda Cullum of McLoud, Craig and Lyndsa Cullum of McLoud, Dennis Cullum of Seattle, Wa., and Josh Cullum of Shawnee; daughters and sons-in-law, Lisa and Neal Anderson of Shawnee, Tammy Cullum-Deal of McLoud, Dana and Steve Jones of Shawnee and Bobbie Sue and Greg McInturff of Tecumseh; sister and brother-in-law Betty and Frederick Heaton of Illinois; brother, Tommy Cullum of Illinois; 19 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Thursday and Friday.

Service will be Friday at 2 p.m. at Rock Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. Richard Zimmer officiating. Burial will be Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery.


Sheena Danea' Booth

Konawa resident Sheena Danea' Booth, 20, died Wednesday, Oct. 4, at Children's Hospital in Oklahoma City.
Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Grace Community Church in Vamoosa with the Rev. Drew Isaacs officiating. Burial will be at Vamoosa Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Swearingen Furneral Home, Seminole.


Dorothy June Loving

Seminole resident Dorothy June Loving died Monday, Oct. 2, in her home at the age of 55.
Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel in Seminole with Bruce Benson officiating. Burial will follow at Little Cemetery, north of Seminole.

published Oct. 06, 2006

Carolyn Sue Outland

Former Shawnee resident Carolyn Sue Outland, 62, died Oct. 1, doing what she loved best, driving fast in her converible Ford Thunderbird.
She was born Oct. 29, 1943, to Mary "Goldie" and J.E. "Jake" Wilson, just a few hours before her lifetime soulmate and future husband. He also was born at City Hospital in Shawnee. Their mothers shared the same hospital room.

She attened Shawnee High School and Oklahoma Baptist University.

Known as Sue by most people, she made an immediate impression with her outgoing personality and charm.

She married Robert F. Outland, whom she called "Butch," in the early 1960s. They have two children together, Robert Craig Outland and Starla Patrice Outland-Smith.

Carolyn has a son from a previous marriage, Don Allen McNutt, with whom she had recently reunited.

She lived most of her life in Norman helping with the family business which grew to become what is now known as the Outland Group of Companies.

She was a member of First Baptist Church in Norman but was baptized in a creek in rural Shawnee as a child.

Sue was a collector of knick-knacks and had a love for cooking.

She enjoyed spending time at home with her dog, "Simba," who misses her terribly.

Carolyn took special delight in her grandchildren, who called her "Sue-Sue". She spent many hours caring for them throughout the years.

She had a beautiful, warm smile and contagious laughter that will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary "Goldie" Harmon; brother, Elbert Lee Wilson; father, J.E. "Jake" Wilson.

Survivors include her children; grandchildren, Robert "Connor" Outland, 15, Jaigi Margaret Smith, 14, Arsei Crystalle Smith, 13, William "Spencer" Outland, 8, and Gabriel Edward Outland, 5, Amy Nicole and Kari Dawn McNutt; two sisters, Linda Hackwell and Patricia Starn; daughter-in-law, Malinda K. Outland; son-in-law, Christopher Smith.

To send a condolence message to Sue's family, please visit the Guestbook page at www.Our-Memories-Of.com/Carolyn _Sue_Outland.aspx

A private family service was held Thursday, Oct. 5.


A. James Flowers

Tecumseh resident A. James Flowers, 72, died Tuesday, Oct. 3, in Shawnee.
He was born Aug. 12, 1934, in Meeker to Levi and Emma (Edmondson) Flowers. Although born and raised in Meeker, he lived in Shawnee until 1974 and had been in Tecumseh the past 32 years.

On Oct. 7, 1975, he married Dixie Harris.

James worked as a carpenter for several years before beginning work at Shawnee Mill in 1956. He retired from the mill in 1990.

He was a member of Day Star Bible Baptist Church. James enjoyed horses.

Preceding him in death were his parents; daughter, Anita Sanders; sister, Wanda Inman; and a step-son, Ricky A. Harris.

Survivors include wife, Dixie, of the home; two sons and daughters-in-law, Bobby and Denise Flowers and Johnny and Kim Flowers, all of Bethel; daughter and son-in-law, Cindy Diane and Sam Howard of Shawnee; two step-daughters and spouses, Enola G. and Roscoe Like of Waynoka, Okla., and Mieva L. and Edgar Riedel of Marlow; step-ston and spouse, Orian and Belinda Harris of Tuttle; five grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.

Service will be 10 a.m. today at Cooper Funeral Chapel with Gary Sorrells of Day Star Bible Baptist Church officiating.

Burial will be at New Salem Cemetery.

To share memories, or to sign the guest book on-line, go to www.cooperfuneral.com.


Brian Adam Lane

Prague resident Brian Adam Lane, 26, died Saturday, Sept. 30, following an automobile accident in Seattle, Wash.
He was born July 21, 1980, in Oklahoma City to John and Jeanne (Davenport) Lane.

He graduated from Prague High School in 1998 and attended The University of Oklahoma.

Brian entered the Navy on Feb. 8, 2001, and later that year, married Julie Burke.

Survivors include his wife; five-year-old daughter, Kailey, both of Seattle; mother, Jeanne Cornelius of Vinita; father, John Lane of Noble; stepfather, Kevin Cornelius of Prague; sister, Amy Cornelius of Bethel Acres; brother, Sean Lane of Washington; grandmothers, Leona Davenport of Wayne and Lurene Cornelius of Prague; mother and father-in-law, Nita and Steve Burke of Shawnee.

Service will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Wilson-Little Funeral Home Chapel in Purcell.

Burial will be at Hopping Cemetery in Wayne.


Mary Ann Opela

Prague resident Mary Ann Opela, 88, died Thursday, Oct. 5, in Prague.
Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Prague, with Father Jim Knight officiating.

Burial will follow at Catholic Cemetery in Prague.


Lucille N. Perkins

Shawnee resident Lucille N. Perkins, 85, died Tuesday, Oct. 3, at a local hospital.
She was born Jan. 12, 1921, in Talihina, Okla., to Sanford Merlin Wells and Ira Myrtle (Odell) Wells.

On Oct. 22, 1955, she married Theodore Perkins in Shawnee.

Lucille was secretary for The City of Shawnee Water Department for 17 years.

She was a member of First Baptist Church and Mary Sunday School Class.

Lucille had lived in Shawnee since 1955.

Preceding her in death were her parents; three sisters, Faye Brothers, Opal Brothers and Merlin Llanes; one brother, Robert Wells.

Survivors include husband, Theodore, of the home; son, Kenneth Rutledge of Shawnee; brother, Ray Wells of Buffalo Valley, Okla.; a number of nieces and nephews.

Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church with the Rev. J.C. Farrand officiating.

Burial will be at Resthaven Memorial Park. Arrangements are under the direction of Walker Funeral Service, Shawnee.


David T. Hughes Sr.

David T. Hughes Sr. passed away Wednesday, Oct. 4, at Golden Rule Home in Shawnee.
Mr. Hughes was born in 1913 near Brewster, Neb., but lived most of his childhood in Alexandria, Ind.

He graduated from Butler University in accounting.

He served during World War II in the 97th Infantry under General Patton.

David worked for several accounting firms including Blue and Company in Carmel, Ind. Along with accounting he served as a lay minister for Sunnyside Church of God in New Castle, Ind.

During the 1960s he served with his family on several mission stations in New Mexico and Arizona to the Navajo Indians.

Calling hours will be noon Saturday until service. Graveside service following at 2 p.m. at Resthaven Memorial Park,Veterans Section, Shawnee, with Bro. Carl Shaffer and Bro. Vada McMillian officiating.

In lieu of flowers gifts may be sent to Golden Rule Home in Shawnee Oklahoma and Hospice.

The family appreciates the loving care given during Mr. Hughes' illness.


Brian Wesley Conway

Tecumseh resident Brian Wesley Conway died Monday, Oct. 2, at the age of 39.
Brian was born Oct. 28, 1966, in Santa Anna, Calif., to Floyd and Linda Conway.

Brian loved dancing, camping, swimming and music. He was very talented as a chef. He was a grade 10 donut maker.

Brian was preceded in death by his mother, Linda Gally.

He leaves behind his dad, Floyd Conway and stepmom, Reba Conway; two brothers, Dustin and wife, LeeAnn Conway of Tecumseh and David Conway of Prague; one sister, Eva Rena Conway; one nephew, Coby Conway and one niece, Kaydence Conway.

Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Full Gospel Church in Tecumseh under the direction of Hibbs Funeral Home.


Elizabeth C. McMillin

Wellston, Okla., resident Elizabeth C. (VanderOord) McMillin, 71, died Wednesday, Oct. 4, in Wellston.
Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at the Asa Smith Memorial Chapel, Harrah, with the Rev. Russell Houser officiating.

Burial will follow at Memory Lane Cemetery in Harrah.

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

published Oct. 08, 2006

Jack Willis Parry

Shawnee resident Jack Willis Parry, 77, died Friday, Oct. 6, in Eufaula.
Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Monday at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. Larry Sparks officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home


Jack Allen Richardson

Former Wewoka native Jack Allen Richardson, 71, died Saturday, Oct. 7.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Oakwood Cemetery, Wewoka, under the direction of Stout-Phillips Funeral Home.


Howard L. Shivers Sr.

Big Spring, Texas, resident Howard L. Shivers Sr., 78, died Thursday, Oct. 5.
Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Nalley-Pickle and Welch Rosewood Chapel with Chaplain Walter McCall of Odessey Hospice officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Olive Memorial Park, Big Spring.


Norma June (Hickox) Franklin

Shawnee resident Norma June (Hickox) Franklin, 77, died Friday, Oct. 6, in Shawnee.

She was born Sept. 18, 1929, to Loyd and Beatrice (Harris) Hickox in Konawa.

She lived in Konawa during her childhood. As a teenager, she moved to Shawnee. She lived in Wittier, Calif., for 47 years before returning to Shawnee 10 years ago.

Norma graduated from Shawnee High School in 1948.

She was married on June 24, 1949, in Compton, Calif., to Bill Franklin.

She was a homemaker. While living in California, she was a hospital volunteer at Whittier Hospital. She also volunteered at Shawnee Regional Hospital for a short time after returning to Oklahoma.

Norma was a member of University Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Survivors include her husband, Bill Franklin of the home; daughter and son-in-law, Janet and Lee Worthy of LaCosta, Calif.; son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Suzie Franklin of Ontario, Calif.; four grandchildren, Brian, Amy, Sara Franklin, and Cortney Worthy; brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Janet Hickox of Tecumseh; aunt, Lucille Parker of Tecumseh; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins

Service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with Dr. John Burns, Dr. Bob Searle and the Rev. Doyle Loveland officiating. Burial will be at Tecumseh Cemetery.

The family has designated Alzheimer's Association: 6465 S. Yale Ave., Suite 206; Tulsa, OK 74136-7804, or your favorite charity, as appropriate for memorials.

To share memories or to sign the guest book on-line, go to www.cooperfuneral.com.


Wanda Marie (Hardin) Miles

Shawnee resident Wanda Marie (Hardin) Miles, 80, died Friday, Oct. 6, at her home.
She was born July 22, 1926, in Shawnee to Charles B. and Nellie (Martin) Hardin.

Wanda attended Shawnee High School and St. Benedict High School.

She was married in 1943 in Gainesville, Texas, to Walter Jack Miles Sr., known as "Waddie." He died in 1951, leaving Wanda to raise her children by herself.

She worked at various jobs and mostly cleaned houses. She made lifelong friends with many of her clients. Mrs. Miles was a member of Citizens Potawatomi Tribe. Her pride in life was being with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition to her four children, Mrs. Miles helped to raise her nephew Michael Todd Wisely. Her life was loving and giving. She will be missed by her family and friends.

Survivors include her children and their spouses, Barbara J. Fields, Kaye and Steve Warren, Annette Miles and W. Jack Jr. and Mary Miles; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Gina, John and Allyson Moon, Christy and Della Marie Fields, Jason, Brandy, Maddie and Libby Warren, Kasey, Tom, Jordon and Tommy Brennaman, John Miles, Michael, Cinda and Christopher Miles; and nephew and family, Michael, Carrie, Adam and Alaina Wisely.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Fairview Cemetery with the Rev. Larry Sparks officiating. Arranges are under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Her casket will be open at the funeral home. It will not be opened at the cemetery.


Katie Ellen Watts Ashford

Former Shawnee resident Katie Ellen Watts Ashford, 86, currently of Houston, Texas, died Friday, Oct. 6, in Houston, from complications of congestive heart failure.
She was born Aug. 25, 1920, in Shawnee to Ray and Maude (Wallace) Watts.

Katie was married July 21, 1941, to Al Ashford. He preceded her in death on Aug. 7, 1986.

She was an employee of Sylvania Plant, Wilson Greenhouse and retired from the Shawnee Public Library. She was a member of Draper Street Methodist Church and later joined Wesley United Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Ernest, Glen, Jimmy Dale and William; and a baby sister, Mary Lou.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Lynda and Steve Hillner of Texas; brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Nancy Cole of California; grandsons and granddaughters-in-law, Les and Melissa McGuire of Oklahoma City, Eric and Jessica Hillner of Virginia, and U.S. Army Capt. Brian Hillner; great-grandchildren, Matthew, Parker, Paydon and Alexandra; nieces, Margie, Karen and Christine; and nephew, Charlie.

Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Fairview Cemetery, Shawnee, under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Park Manor and Vista Hospice of Houston, Texas, for their loving care during Mrs. Ashford's final days.

published Oct. 10, 2006

George Floyd

Hughes
Shawnee resident George Floyd Hughes, 76, died Saturday, Oct. 7, at an Oklahoma City hospital.

Graveside service will be 10 a.m. today at Forrest Hill Cemetery with Donald Pate officiating. Service is under the direction of Walker Funeral Service, Shawnee.


Anthony Joseph Coppola

Depew resident Anthony Joseph Coppola died Saturday, Oct. 7, in Bristow. He was 17.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. today at Davenport Cemetery with Father Jim Mickus officiating.

Service is under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Stroud.


Pamala Thrasher

Shawnee resident Pamala Thrasher, 52, died Sunday, Oct. 8, at a Midwest City hospital.
Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Immanuel Baptist Church. Further announcements will be made by Walker Funeral Service.


Wendy (McAdams) Reeves

Stroud resident Wendy (McAdams) Reeves, 39, died Sunday, Oct. 8, in Oklahoma City.
Visitation will be 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. today and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday

Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Stroud Cemetery with the Rev. Sara Bodenstein officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service of Stroud.


Euthene E. Burdick

Euthene E. Burdick passed from this earth to be with the Lord on Sunday, Oct. 8, in her daughter's home with her family.
Euthene fought a six-month battle with cancer with courage and strength. She lived a rewarding life of 88 years. She brought much happiness with her smile and gentleness. Euthene was a teacher of faith and the Bible to all. She felt her charge in life was to bring the word of God to those who she spoke with daily. Her Christian attitude glowed to everyone who knew her.

Euthene was born Aug. 16, 1918, in Indianola, to Georgia and Jim Procter. She lived in Rocky Ford, Colo., for two years from age 12 to 14 when her mother passed away. She then lived with her grandparents, Mary Jane and Robert (Dan-Dan) Thompson, who raised her and moved to Haileyville. There she attended and graduated from Haileyville High School. She attended Eastern A&M College in Wilburton for two years. Euthene was on the Honor Society throughout her school days. She was very active in school plays and a member of the Thespian Society. Euthene had a beautiful voice and won many choral competitions. Her dear friend, Dean Milton, made sure she got to play practice on time. Dean and his wife, Jean, remained friends with Euthene and her husband, O.J., throughout the years.

Euthene was married Sept. 4, 1938, in Antlers to O.J. Burdick. They were married 54 years. Euthene cared for her husband during a lengthy illness at home before he died in 1992.

She was a homemaker and mother. She was very active in school activities with her daughter in Haileyville. She had to learn to drive in 1954 so she could take Suzi to school. She was always the homeroom mother at school and president of the PTA. She was a member of the Eastern Star. Her husband worked for the Rock Island Railroad and in 1964, they moved to Shawnee.

Euthene was baptized at 14 in the Church of Christ in a lake in Rocky Ford, Colo. She has been a faithful member of Northridge Church of Christ since moving to Shawnee. She sat in the same place every Sunday with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She picked them up and took them to Sunday school most of their lives.

Euthene was preceded in death by her parents, Georgia and Jim Procter; her grandparents, Mary Jane and Robert Thompson; an infant sister, Magelina; her stepfather, Jim Bowen, who she adored and loved; and her husband, O.J. Burdick.

Euthene is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Suzi and Johnnie Lawrence; two granddaughters, Angie Price and her husband, Chris, and Carolyn Lawrence. She will live in the memories and the hearts of her "five little angels," Bailey, Trevor and Caleb Price and Boston and Maddox Tulley, all of Shawnee. Euthene also is survived by three very special nephews and a niece, William McBroom and his wife, Harriett, of Pensacola, Fla., John McBroom and wife, Bertie, and Pat Russell and her husband, Virgil, all of Mobile, Ala.

A very special thanks to Sarah Mosley, RN, and Tammy Simmons, LPN, for their gentle and loving care during Euthene's illness and to Vicki Grider for the meals she provided for mother daily. Thanks also to Dr. Gregory Blair and Dr. Aleda Toma of Unity Health Center, North Campus, of Shawnee. Our family wishes to thank Heartland Hospice for the kindness, help and strength you provided us.

Visitation with the family will be 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today

Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Northridge Church of Christ, Shawnee. Burial will be at Resthaven Memorial Park in Shawnee under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.


Jack Willis Parry

Shawnee resident Jack Willis Parry, 77, died Friday, Oct. 6, in Eufaula of natural causes.
He was born Nov. 3, 1928, in Ada to Willis Parry and Alice Champ-Parry.

Jack was a house painting contractor. He was well known for his talent as a house painter.

He was preceded in death by both parents; son; Stephen Parry; and two half sisters

Survivors include daughter, Debbie Parry of Shawnee; sons, Brent Parry of Atlanta and Jay Parry of Shawnee; two sisters; two grandchildren, Brandon Parry of Ada and Seth Parry of Shawnee two great-grandchildren, Caleb Parry and Caley Parry; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Graveside service was held 10 a.m. Monday, October 9, at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. Larry Sparks officiating.


Lonnie Lee Brooks

Tecumseh resident Lonnie Lee Brooks, 63, died Saturday, Oct. 7, in Shawnee.
He was born Oct. 2, 1943, in Tecumseh to Jewel and Ida (Offoot) Brooks. He was raised in Tecumseh

Lonnie attended New Hope school and graduated from Tecumseh High School in 1962.

He served in the U.S. Army Reserves for six years.

On October 6, 1967,he married Lana Crouch in Shawnee.

He worked at Tinker Air Force Base for 30 years until his retirement.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant twin sister; and one brother, Wilbert R. Brooks

Survivors include his wife, Lana Brooks of the home; son and daughter-in-law, DeWayne and Christi Brooks of Shawnee; grandson, Justin Brooks of Shawnee; brothers and sisters-in-law, Charles and Maxine Brooks of Tecumseh and Willie and Bea Brooks of Bethel; sister, Juanita DeWeber of Tecumseh; two sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law, Carolyn and Charles Sims of Tecumseh, Patti Preston of Del City; several nieces and nephews.

Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Mark Guinn officiating. Burial will be at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Visit www.cooperfuneral.com to sign the guest book and to share memories.

published Oct. 11, 2006

Lois Anita Orsburn

Prague resident Lois Anita Orsburn died Monday, Oct. 9, in Prague at the age of 85.
Service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Calvary Way Church in Prague with Starland Davis officiating. Burial will follow at Yeager Cemetery in Yeager, Okla., under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Prague.


Bertie B. Hensley

Tecumseh resident Bertie B. "Nanny" Hensley, formerly Midwest City, 93, passed away Saturday, Oct. 7.
Bertie was born Aug. 10, 1913 in Conway, Ark., to George and Mary (Wilson) Thompson.

She enjoyed sewing, making quilts and cooking. She loved to spend time with her family who thought of her as "the world's best cook ever!"

Bertie was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church of Midwest City. Her husband, William, whom she married in 1965, and a son, Charles Edward preceded her in death along with four sisters and three brothers.

She is survived by a sister, Eula Coursey; a daughter, Barbara Trimble; grandson and wife, Mark and Molly Trimble; granddaughter and husband, Patti and Jeff Christiansen; three great-granddaughters and husbands, Cristal and William Leetka, Sara and Korey Whitt, Tiffany Trimble and fiance Matthew Tate; great-grandson, Troy Christiansen; and three great-great-grandsons, Timothy, Cameron, and Gage Leetka.

Service will be at 1 p.m., Thursday, October 12, at Bill Eisenhour N.E. Chapel with graveside service following at Konawa City Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Tecumseh Sunset Estate for the loving care they gave her. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. May God bless you.


David T. Hughes Sr.

David T. Hughes Sr. passed away Wednesday, Oct. 4, at Golden Rule Home in Shawnee.
Mr. Hughes was born in 1913 near Brewster, Neb., but lived most of his childhood in Alexandria, Ind.

He graduated from Butler University in accounting.

He served during World War II in the 97th Infantry under General Patton.

David worked for several accounting firms including Blue and Company in Carmel, Ind. Along with accounting he served as a lay minister for Sunnyside Church of God in New Castle, Ind.

During the 1960s he served with his family on several mission stations in New Mexico and Arizona to the Navajo Indians.

He was preceded in death by his son, David Hughes Jr.; his parents, James and Mary Hughes formerly of Alexandria, Ind.; Ethel Freeman formerly of Anderson, Ind.; and six other siblings.

Survivors include his wife, Florence (Pipes) Hughes; daughter, Mary Beth and Joe Worley; four grandchildren, Elizabeth Robbins of Columbus, Ohio, Deborah and William Ehrman of Independence, Ky., Anna Bartram of Chicago, Ill., and Mark Martram of Canton, Ohio.

Calling hours were held Saturday, Oct. 7 at Resthaven Funeral Home with a graveside service following at Resthaven Memorial Park, Veterans Section, Shawnee. Bro. Carl Shaffer and Bro. Vada McMillian officiated.

In lieu of flowers gifts may be sent to Golden Rule Home in Shawnee Oklahoma and Angelicia Hospice.

The family appreciates the loving care given Mr. Hughes during his illness.


Pamala Anne Thrasher

Shawnee resident Pamala Anne Thrasher, 52, died Sunday, Oct. 8, in Midwest City, OK, after a year long battle with cancer.
She was born June 11, 1954, in Shawnee to Don and Pat (Nelson) Thrasher.

She graduated from Shawnee High School. Pamala worked at Tinker Air Force Base for 33 years. She was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church.

Pamala loved to travel and read.

Survivors include her parents, Don and Pat Thrasher of Shawnee; two sisters, Brenda Harris and husband, Gerald, of Wiley, Texas, and Sherma Knox and husband, Mark, of Arlington, Texas; nieces, Bethany and Mark VanWart of Burleson, Texas, Kathryn Knox of Denton, Texas, and Erin Gamble of Shawnee, Savannah Harris of Wiley, Texas; nephews, Micah Knox of Austin, Texas, Josh Harris of Norman, Ben Knox of Arlington, Texas; numerous other relatives and friends.

Service will 2 p.m. Friday at Immanuel Baptist Church with Dr. Todd Fisher officiating. Burial will be at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction Walker Funeral Service.

Memorials may be made to Immanuel Baptist Church Building Fund.

published Oct. 12, 2006

Raymond Fred Roller

Choctaw resident Raymond Fred Roller, 78, died Monday, Oct. 9, in Midwest City.
Service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at Asa Smith Memorial Chapel in Harrah.

Arrangements are under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service, Harrah.


Frances H. Miller

Chandler resident Frances H. Miller, 84, died Wednesday, Oct. 11.
Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel, Chandler.

published Oct. 13, 2006

Dale Ralph Ward

Franklin, Tenn., resident Dale Ralph Ward, 62, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 10, at Alive Hospice at St. Thomas Hospital.
Dale was the executive producer of World Christian Broadcasting and a member of the Woodmont Hills Church of Christ.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Ward; sons, Steven Dale and Kristin Ward and Thomas Eldred and Sherry Ward; daughters, Stefani Gail Ward; brother, James Ward; grandchildren, Joshua Thomas, Karissa Lea and Christopher Dale Ward.

Visitation will be 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. today at Woodmont Hills Church of Christ, 3710 Franklin Pike, Nashville, Tenn., 37204.

Service will follow at 7 p.m. with James Vandiver and Gayle Crowe officiating.

Burial will be at Williamson Memorial Gardens with active pallbearers being family and friends.

Honorary pallbearers include the staff of World Christian Broadcasting.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Dale R. Ward Madagascar Fund, World Christian Broadcasting, 604 Bradley Court, Franklin, TN, 37067 or www.worldchristian.org.


Tiffany M. Deisher

Former Chandler resident Tiffany M. Deisher, currently of Cushing, died Tuesday, Oct. 10, in Stoud at the age of 17.
She was born Nov. 18, 1988, in Edmond to Phillip and Sherri (Crouch) Deisher.

Tiffany was a senior at Stroud High School, where she excelled academically.

She also was a cheerleader and was involved in many school activities.

Tiffany attend First Baptist Church in Stroud.

The light of Tiffany's life was her 4-month-old daughter, Taigan.

Preceding her in death were her grandfather, Harold Deisher, and great-great-grandmother, Frances Murray.

Survivors include daughter, Taigan Ora Brook Deisher of the home; father, Phillip Deisher of Cushing; mother, Sherri (Crouch) Deisher of Chandler; sister, Kandace Deisher of Oklahoma City; grandparents, Harold and Judy Crouch and Norma Jean Cooper, all of Chandler; great-grandmother, Dean Crouch of Chandler; soul mate, Daniel Andrews of Stroud; other relatives and many friends.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to First Bank of Chandler, 902 Manvel, Chandler, OK, 74834, in the name of Taigan Deisher.

Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at the Performing Arts Center at the Chandler High School Complex, Chandler, with the Rev. Mark Mackey and the Rev. Hugh Willoby officiating.

Burial will follow at Oak Park Cemetery in Chandler.

published Oct. 14, 2006

Delia Cole Tucker

Former Shawnee resident Delia Cole Tucker, 95, died Friday, Oct. 13.
Delia, one of seven children born to Charles L. and Mollie Cole, was born in Tecumseh on April 13, 1911.

She met and married Chester Russell Tucker, in Arkansas, in 1931. They lived in Pearson, Okla., until 1947 when they were transferred to Silsbee, Texas, where Mr. Tucker worked for Houston Oil Co.

In 1956 they transferred to Houston, Texas, when the company became Atlantic Richfield. Mr. Tucker was a drilling superintendant.

Upon his death Delia moved to be near her sisters and brother in Shawnee. She then to Denton in 1996 to be near her immediate family. She lived at Sterling House, formerly Merrill Gardens Retirement Home.

Recently, she had moved to Denton Good Samaritan, where she passed away.

Delia was a homemaker. She loved being in the kitchen and will be remembered for preparing delicious meals.

She had many talents and shared with the family her crocheted afghans, china paintings, tole paintings, oil paintings, large portraits and still life needlepoint.

Delia also played the organ and took pride in her flowers.

When Delia was a young girl she accepted Christ at Methodist church service. She professed her belief in Jesus to the end of her life.

Delia is preceded in death by her husband; son, Gordon Roy Tucker, on Sept. 25, 2006; five sisters, Gillie Cole Kellogg, Lucy Cole Bizzell, Lula Cole Terry, Marffyd Cole Cooper, Kathryn Cole Newmeyer and Lennie Cole Aldridge; and brother, Harry Cole.

Survivors include her daughter-in-law, Martha Tucker of Beaumont, Texas; three grandchildren, Alan Ray and wife, Terry, Tucker, of Flower Mound, Texas, Cordel Ruth and husband, Mike, Brown, of Denton, Texas, Alice Renee and husband, Mike, Bienvenu of Beaumont, Texas; and five great-grandchildren.

Delia was close to her nieces and nephews of mention; Roddy Bizzell of Midwest City, Jack Bizzell of Tulsa, Dorothy and husband, L.C., Crumline, of Fort Worth, Texas, and others.

Viewing will be noon to 2 p.m. today at DeBerry Funeral Directors, 2025 W. University Dr., Denton, Texas.

Graveside service will be 3 p.m. Sunday at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 4955 Pine St., Beaumont, Texas, with Dr. Jim Fuller of Calder Baptist Church, Beaumont, officiating.

The family is extremely grateful to Delia's granddaughter, Cordel Brown; son-in-law, Mike Brown; and their children for the years they took care of Delia and the love they extended to her. This is not forgetting that all the family was caring of Delia.

DeBerry Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.


Terry Jay Dallas

Seminole resident Terry Jay Dallas, 42, died Wednesday, Oct. 11, at his home.
A private cremation service was held Oct. 13.

Arrangements are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.

published Oct. 15, 2006

Paul H. Williams

Shawnee resident Paul H. Williams, 83, went to be with the Lord, Jesus on Thursday, Oct. 12, in Shawnee.

He was born March 11, 1923, in Oklahoma City to Bert and Opal Williams.

Paul also was raised in Oklahoma City and lived in the southeast part for 40 years.

He attended school at Meshak and Capitol Hill.

During World War II he was in the Air Force under General MacArthur and General Patton.

On March 27, 1947, Paul married Beatrice June Hall in Oklahoma City. She preceded him in death on Nov. 4, 2001.

Paul was an airplane mechanic at Tinker Air Force Base.

He enjoyed fishing, cooking, music, playing the guitar and piano, vegetable gardening and singing. He also enjoyed Tunica trips and good food.

Also preceding him in death were his parents, three brothers and five sisters.

Survivors include his two daughters, Dolores Richards of Norman and Sharon Williams of Shawnee; four grandchildren, Lori Eeds, Tammy Slawson, Garry Batt and Andra Kuzilik; six great-grandchildren, Kayla Batt, Kasey Eeds, Courtlyn and Caleb Batt, Kaitlynn Eeds and Brady Kuzilik; two brothers, Don Williams and Tony Williams; one sister, Betty Williams; many nieces and nephews.

Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Monday with Mike Taylor of New Beginnings Church in Shawnee officiating.

Burial will follow at Worley Cemetery.

To share memories, or to sign the guest book on-line, go to www.cooperfuneral.com.


Aline Bernice Dyer

Lifelong Seminole County resident Aline Bernice Dyer, 62, died Friday, Oct. 13, at Seminole Estates Care Center in Seminole.
Viewing will be 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. today and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.

Service will be Tuesday at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel.

Burial will follow at Vamoosa Cemetery located south of Seminole.


Lt. Col. Rod Richardson

Lt. Col. Rod "K2" Richardson died Wednesday, Oct.4, near Baghdad, Iraq as a result of injuries received from an improvised explosive device, while serving his country as a civilian manager of a private security company.
He was born Oct. 3, 1952, in Lamar, Colo., to Gene and Reta (Fisher) Richardson. He was reared and educated in Kansas and Oklahoma, graduating from Boise City High School, Okla., in 1970.

Following high school graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in Vietnam. Returning to Oklahoma he graduated from East Central University in Ada. There he met his future wife, Rita Aleene Wiley. They were married on July 2, 1977, in Shawnee.

Rod re-entered the Marines after graduation and attended Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Va., and was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. He held ever increasing assignments and responsibilities with the Fleet and in the far East, mixed with shore duty and Marine schools in the United States. He was selected and served a two-year tour of duty with the British Royal Marines in England.

Throughout his years in the Marine Corps he was a leader in training and fighting in the jungles, the desert and with the fleet. This includes some operations still not known to the public. He was credited with many paratroop jumps. He also exited from submerged submarines through the torpedo tube to lead his reconnaissance unit swimming to shore to recon on the beach.

He developed a love and ability for teaching mountain climbing and warfare tactics at the Pickle Meadows training site in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Later this climbing ability allowed him to ascend several of the highest peaks in the Himalayas and elsewhere.

Rod and his wife, Rita, built their home near the Marines' Sierra Nevada training site in Gardnerville, Nev., in 1987. Even though serving with the Marines in other areas of the world they resided in Gardnerville until his retirement from the Marine Corps in 1994.

Following his military retirement he began work with Rite of Passage, a program designed to assist youths with discipline, education and training. He also completed his Masters of Business Administration degree at Chapman University.

Shortly after the war began in Afghanistan he signed on as a contract employee providing VIP security services. He said, "I was trained for it and I want to help!" As the war spread to Iraq he continued his work in Iraq. Besides brief periods of returning to the United States to spend time at home with his wife he served in the midst of unconventional war zone from the onset.

Rod strongly believed in service, discipline, physical training and developing the abilities of those he commanded. He cared for his men but did not expect them to do anything he could not do. He was known for always being out front as a leader.

Rod is survived by his beloved wife, Rita; three sisters, Deb Crabtree, Pam Thrall and Sandy Wells, all of Boise City; one brother, Mike Richardson of Guymon, Okla.; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Kathy and Chris Rick of Shawnee; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and Marine friends throughout the world.

Service was held Saturday, Oct. 14, at Boise City Baptist Church in Boise City with burial at Boise City Cemetery.

Services were under the direction of Cimarron Mortuary, Boise City.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in Gardnerville.

The family requests memorial contributions be made to Wounded Warriors, 1719 North 60th St., Omaha, Neb., 68104. They may also be reached on-line at www.woundedwarriors.org.


Ida L. Sullenger

Davenport resident Ida L. Sullenger, 86, died Friday, Oct. 13.
Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel, Chandler.