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

submitted by Kay Sugg Best

published Apr. 01, 2007

J.D. Brown  

Tecumseh resident J.D. Brown died Friday, March 30, at his residence at the age of 84.

He was born March 1, 1923, in Paoli, Okla., to Frank Alexander Brown and Myrtle Powell.

On March 12, 1940, he married Nancy Love in Oklahoma City.

J.D. Worked for the Roadway Company for many years as a Rate Clerk. He enjoyed working, spending time with his family and sports. His philosopy of work "Do your best today and plan to do your best tomorrow; then you won't have as many regrets for your yesterdays in the future. Be honest, be reliable, and most important, be a good listener."

Preceding him in death were his parents; wife, Nancy; one son, Matthew; four brothers and one great-grandchild, Justice Brown.

Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, Randy J. And Judy Brown, Alan D. And Laurel Brown and Jeffrey L. Brown; sister and husband, Frances and Ed Waits; grandchildren, Chris Brown, Eric Brown, Jerrod Brown, Matthew Brown; Nathan Brown, Cameron Brown, Brian Brown; great-grandchildren, Noah Brown, Gab Brown, Addyson Brown, Jordyn Brown, Makayla Brown, Steven Brown, Levi Brown, Rebecca Brown and Amanda Brown; seven brothers-in-law; three sisters-in-law; numerous nieces, nephews and friends who loved and cared for J.D.

Visitation will be 8 a.m. To 8 p.m. Monday at Resthaven Funeral Home.

Service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Resthaven Funeral Chapel with Tim Flynn officiating. Burial will be in Resthaven Memorial Park.


Nellie A. Davis 

Shawnee resident Nellie A. Davis, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, died Wednesday, March 28, in Shawnee at the age of 70.

She was born April 27, 1936, in Goodfield, Ill., to Theodore and Mildred (Miller) Piper.

Born and reared in Goodfield, she also lived in Tecumseh. She met her husband, Loyd Davis, in a Shawnee cafe. They were married on December 21, 1960.

Nellie worked at Allen Bradley/TDK until her retirement. She was a member of the General Assembly and Church of the First Born.

She enjoyed family gatherings, bowling, music, birds, camping and Gaither's Gospel Group. The focal point of her life were her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her beloved pet, Baby Girl.

Preceding her in death were a daughter, Barbara Hazelwood; an infant son, Tommy Simmons; two grandsons, Carl Hazelwood and James Loyd Copeland; and great-grandson, Samuel Watson; two sisters, one brother and her parents.

Survivors include her husband, Loyd Davis of the home; three sons and one daughter-in-law, Richard D. Davis of Ardmore, Loyd D. Davis Jr. Of Shawnee and John H., and Lynette Davis of Shawnee; four daughters and one son-in-law, Dianna McAllister of McLoud, Dorothy Hasbell of Tecumseh, Linda and Richard Butler of Shawnee, and Della DeMoss of Roddickton, New Foundland, Canada; eight sisters, 19 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren and two on the way, as well as many friends and other family members.

Service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with Bro. Quincy Hammons and Bro. Harold Hammons officiating. Burial will be at Tecumseh Cemetery.

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


Anna Garcia

Wolfe City, Texas, resident Anna Garcia died Thursday, March 29, at the age of 96.
She was born April 11, 1910, in Fife, Texas, to Jacob and Virginia Gonzales Romo.

On November 15, 1924, she married Ignacio Garcia in Chickasha.

Anna enjoyed being a homemaker.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother and two sisters.

Surviviors include a son, Jesus Garcia of Wolfe City; two daughters, Nadine Guerro of Tuscon, Ariz., and Delores Doke of Harrah; 12 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be 1 p.m. To 8 p.m. Sunday at Gaskill Funeral Home.

Service will be noon Monday at St. Benedict's Catholic Church with Father Maurus Jaeb officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery.


Francis Elizabeth Tanyan

Lifelong Seminole County resident Francis Elizabeth (Burgess) Tanyan, 78, died Friday, March 30, at Seminole Medical Center.
Wake services will be 6 p.m. Sunday at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel.

Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Seminole Indian Baptist Church with the Rev. Bill Hobia and the Rev. Houston Tiger officiating. Burial will follow at the Seminole Indian Baptist Church Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.


The Rev. R. Scott Baird

Edmond resident The Rev. R. Scott Baird, 90, passed away on Wednesday, March 28, at his home in Edmond.

Scott Baird was born March 23, 1917, in rural Lincoln County, North of Meeker.

He graduated from Meeker High School and earned his B.A. Degree at Phillips University in Enid. He was ordained to the Christian ministry in 1939. He completed the equivalent of the Master of Divinity Degree from Phillips Theological Seminary in 1942. As a student, he preached at Christian Churches in Meeker, Kendrick, Davenport, and Billings.

Rev. Baird was named Minister Emeritus of First Christian Church in Shawnee, where he served two terms as pastor (1948-1955 and 1967-1978). He also served as pastor of First Christian Church, Blytheville, Ark., (1942-1947), Village Christian Church, Oklahoma City (1955-1964), and as Associate Pastor at First Christian in Oklahoma City (1965-1967).

During his active ministry, Baird guided three congregations in the building of new sanctuaries - (Blytheville, Shawnee, and The Village). He also successfully conducted capital campaigns, including over $500,000 for the Shawnee Senior Citizens Center; $140,000 for the pipe organ at Shawnee First Christian , and $60,000 for Phillips Theological Seminary.

Upon retirement from First Christian Church in Shawnee in 1978, Baird served as Director of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program in Shawnee for three years. He was active in church and civic affairs throughout his life, including President of the Ministerial Association, Chairman of the Good Neighbor Campaign, and Coordinator of the Shawnee Emergency Food Center. He was honored with the Kiwanis Citizen of the Year Award in 1978 and as Oklahoma Department of Human Services "Outstanding Volunteer" in 1983.

Baird is survived by his wife, Mona Holt Baird; one sister, Charlotte Hampton of Yukon; four children, daughter, Beth Gerardy of Edmond, son, Bob Baird and wife, Ann, of Austin, Texas, son, David Baird and wife, Janice, of Kansas City, Mo., son, Russell Baird and wife, Tammy, of Oklahoma City; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be noon to 1:30 p.m. Monday at Walker Funeral Service in Shawnee followed by burial at 2 p.m. Monday at Sunnyside Cemetery North of Meeker, conducted by the Rev. Milo Steffen.

Memorial service will be 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Southern Hills Christian Church, 3207 S. Boulevard, Edmond, with the Rev. Gary Byrkit and the Rev. Pam McGrath officiating.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers contributions be made to the Southern Hills Christian Church Debt Reduction Fund, 3207 S. Boulevard in Edmond, OK, 73013 or to the First Christian Church in Shawnee, 1625 N. Broadway, Shawnee, OK 74804.


Wanda Laverne Gowder

Wanda Laverne Gowder, 86, died Saturday, March 31, from heart complications.

Wanda was born March 20, 1921, in Wanette to Myrtle and George Bean. She graduated from Wanette High School and from East Central State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in business education.

She married Charles Gowder on April 4, 1942, in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Wanda held a Vocational Certification in Data Processing from Oklahoma State University and University of Central Oklahoma. She retired after 30 years of teaching, the last 15 years were at Gordon Cooper Vocational Technical School. She was the Data Processing Coordinator. Wanda was honored as Pottawatomie County Teacher of the year in 1976. In 1995 she was recognized as a VIM (Very Important Member) by Pottawatomie County Retired Educators' Association at the State convention.

Wanda was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Shawnee since 1949, a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, member of Oklahoma Retired Educators' Assocation, AARP Chapter 1527 and a member of Pottawatomie County Genealogy Club.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother and a granddaughter.

Survivors include sons, Charles Gowder and wife, Debbie, of North Richland Hills, Texas, and Larry Gowder and wife, Carolyn, of Shawnee; granddaughters, Amy Graban and husband, Mark, of Keller, Texas, and Liz Green and husband, Jerry, of Shawnee; grandson, Larry Gowder of Shawnee; two great-grandsons, Trey and Hunter Green of Shawnee; and three nieces.

Visitation will be Monday with the family receiving friends from 6 p.m. To 8 p.m.

Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Resthaven Chapel with the Rev. Rockford Johnson of St. Paul's United Methodist Church officiating. She will be laid to rest in the Resthaven Garden of Eternity Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul's United Methodist Church of Shawnee


Cynthia Ann Blanchard

Little Axe resident Cynthia Ann Blanchard, 83, died Friday, March 30, in Oklahoma City.
Cynthia was born April 27, 1923, in Little Axe to Felix and Mary (Gibson) Creek. She attended Knowles Public School and Red Hill School.

In 1940 she married Lewis Blanchard in Norman.

She was a retired custodial worker and a member of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma.

She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant daughter, Sue Ann Blanchard, and a sister, Geneva Wilson.

Survivors include her husband, Lewis Blanchard of Little Axe; five sons and daughters-in-law, Kenneth and Bernice Blanchard of Little Axe, George and Sue Blanchard of Little Axe, Chester and Kathy Blanchard of Noble, Thurman "Duke" and Fredith Blanchard of Little Axe and Kevin "Moose" and Arleen Blanchard of Lexington; four daughters and sons-in-law, Cleta and Bud Johnson of Little Axe, Redena and Glenn Miller of Little Axe, Glendine and Boyd Ponkilla of Tecumseh and Betty and John Isaacs of Bedord, Texas; 24 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; sister, Eunice Sloat; brother, Albert "Jim" Creek; many nieces, nephews and numerous other relatives.

Tribal rites were held Saturday evening at the Blanchard Family Home in Little Axe. Burial will be Sunday morning at the Blanchard Family Cemetery with Don White officiating.

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


Lona Arwood 

Springfield, Mo., resident Lona Arwood, 93, died Friday, March 30, at Cox South after a short illness.

She was born Sept. 17, 1913, in Meeker to William and Della White Flowers.

Lona was married March 10, 1935, in Meeker to Howard Arwood.

She was a homemaker and a member of High Street Baptist in Springfield. She delivered Meals on Wheels and volunteered at Primrose Place. She was a skilled seamstress and enjoyed doing needlework.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, four brothers and three sisters.

Survivors include her children and their spouses, William and Effie Arwood of Springfiled, and Jane and Don Hotsenpiller of Virginia; grandchildren, Leslie, Malinda and Bill Arwood all of Texas, Greg and Susan Hotsenpillar and Gina and Scott Hoffman of Virgina; numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 6:30 to 7:30 at Greenlawn North Funeral Home, Springfield.

Service will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at Greenlawn North Funeral Home, Springfield. A second service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Morning Star Baptist Church, Meeker. Burial will be at Rossville Cemetery, Lincoln County.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to High Street Baptist Church.


L.D. Gatlin

Newalla resident L.D. Gatlin died Thursday, March 29, in Norman at the age of 78.
Service will be 10 a.m. Monday at the First Baptist Church, Newalla, with the Rev. Griff Henderson and the Rev. Bob Willis officiating. Burial will follow at Dale Cemetery under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service in Harrah.


Michael Ray (Mike) Allen

Newalla resident Mike Allen, 44, died Thursday, March 29, in Midwest City.
Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at the first Baptist Church, Choctaw, with Dr. Ray Sikes officiating. Burial will follow at memory Lane Cemetery in Harrah under the direction of Smith-Parks Funeral Service in Harrah.

published Apr. 03, 2007

Kenneth Paul Williams

Kenneth Paul Williams, 73, a native of Shawnee and resident of Carrollton, Texas, at the time of his death, died Thursday, March 29, in Carrollton.
Mr. Williams was born July 12, 1933, in Shawnee to Paul Morris Williams and Mildred Ruth Overstreet.

He married Carolyn Ledbetter on Dec. 27, 1970, in Shawnee.

At the time of his death, he was a member of Park Cities Baptist Church, Dallas.

Mr. Williams was a longtime grocer, having owned and managed Ken's Little Giants Convenience Stores in Shawnee from 1975 to 1980. Before that, he managed the family-owned Williams Red & White Grocery for many years before his father's retirement in 1974. During that time, he was a member of the Shawnee Lion's Club and the First Baptist Church of Shawnee. He attended Oklahoma Baptist University and served in the U.S. Army in Germany from 1953 to 1955.

He is survived by his wife; one daughter, Aerin Elizabeth Williams of Carrollton; a brother, Jim M. Williams and his wife, Klara, of Murrieta, Calif.; nephews, Guy Williams and wife, April, of Midwest City and Randy Williams and wife, Lucia, of Debarry, Fla.

Service will be 2 p.m. Today in Ellis Chapel, Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas with Lynn Craft of the Baptist Foundation of Texas officiating.

A reception for friends and family will be held in Ellis Parlor at the church following the service.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be made to the American Heart Association, the Alzheimer's Association, or Boston Terrier Rescue of North Texas.


Dorothy Franklin

Monett MO., resident Dorothy (Boardman) Franklin, 75, died Sunday, April 1, at her home.
She was born Oct. 30, 1931, to Mitchell T. And Elizabeth Boardman in Shawnee.

She was the Drum Major for the Shawnee High School Band her Senior year.

She married Don Franklin, May 5, 1950 at the First Baptist Church of Shawnee.

She is survived by her husband Don, of the home; sister Allene Dossey, of Oklahoma City; daughter, Mrs. Jeff Shriver and two sons, J.D. And Jack Shriver of Webb City, MO.; and a son J.D. Franklin of Lufkin, Texas.

Graveside service will be 1 p.m. Thursday at Resthaven Cemetery.

Arrangements under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home, Shawnee.


William "David" Cellars

Wewoka resident William "David" Cellars, 36, died Friday, March 30, in Holdenville.
He was born Feb. 22, 1971, to Johnny and Willie Mae (Rose) Cellars in Wewoka.

David attended school in Shawnee.

He was a manager of Seminole Scraps works.

David and Shannon Wands were married Dec. 15, 1990, in Cromwell.

He was of the Baptist faith, and loved to fish, hunt, and go camping with his family.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Orvel N. And Roberta Jean Cellars, J.W. And Ruby Rose.

Survivors include his wife, Shannon Cellars of the home; father, Johnny Cellars of Eufaula; mother, Willie Mae Cellars of Cromwell; four children, Cody Alan Cellars, Lacey Dawn Cellars, Jessica Fate Cellars, Cameron David Lee Cellars; brothers, John Nolan Cellars of Wanette and James Lee Cellars of Seminole; sisters, Christa Shea Alred of Eufaula; mother-in-law, Irene Ingram of Cromwell; host of other relatives and friends.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Fairview Cemetery in Shawnee with the Rev. Amanda B.P. Lockwood officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Stout-Phillips Funeral Home, Wewoka.


Estelene Marie Cole

Shawnee resident Estelene Marie Cole died Saturday, March 31, in Shawnee at the age of 84.
She was born April 27, 1922, in Johnson County, Texas, to Gordon and Lillie (Askew) Daniel.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband; three brothers; and son, Nick E. Nelson.

Survivors include her children, Merroll Lupton and husband, Sam, of Shawnee, Elaine Abbott and husband, David, of Tecumseh, and Carolyn Skeen and husband, Brent, of Oklahoma City; nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be 3 p.m. To 8 p.m. Today at Resthaven Funeral Home.

Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Resthaven Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be at Maud-Cummings Cemetery.


Velma Jean Hogue

Hayward, Calif. Resident Velma Jean Hogue, 81, died Wednesday, March 28, in Hayward.
Mrs. Hogue was born Feb. 15, 1926, in Macomb.

On Dec. 22, 1943, she married Albert Hogue in Oakland, Calif. She had lived in Hayward for over 50 years. She enjoyed playing bingo and spending time with her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband on Oct. 5, 1982; and one son, Stephen.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Ernest and Kathy Hogue; three grandchildren, Jeff Hogue, Ernest Hogue II, and Melissa Dutrow; six great-grandchildren, Jeremy, Christopher, Ashley, David, Kalyn and Eric.

Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Tecumseh Cemetery with the Rev. Larry Sparks officiating. To share memories, or to sign the guest book on-line, go to www.cooperfuneral.com


Sue Emma Sisson-Reed

Shawnee resident Sue Emma Sisson-Reed died Friday, March 30, in Oklahoma City at the age of 77.
She was born Jan. 5, 1930, in Oklahoma City to Cleveland Russell and Viola (Snell) Allred.

She graduated from Noble High School and attended Oklahoma Baptist University. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Dale.

She was a Public Accountant for 46 years. She liked to visit with her customers and always had a joke or two for them. She liked to travel and visit family and she always liked to bake.

Preceding her in death were her parents, two brothers, two sisters, and first husband, Carlos Sisson.

Surviors include her husband of 10 years, Gene Reed; daughters, Nita and husband, Les Coker, and Pattie Sisson; son, Michael and wife, Jackie Sisson; step-sons, Kenneth Reed and Justin and wife, Jemalu Reed; step-daughters, Teresa and husband, Gary Thompson and Melia and husband, Bruce Porter; four brothers; 12 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Rock Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. Doug Parker officiating. Burial will be at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery.


Virgie P. Miller

Chandler resident Virgie P. Miller died Friday, March 30, at the age of 93.
Graveside service was held 2 p.m. Monday at Perkins Cemetery, Perkins, Okla., under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Chandler.


Milton Jones

Seminole resident Milton Jones, 82, died Saturday, March 31, at Seminole Estates Nursing Center.
Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Maple Grove Cemetery with the Rev. Carl Whitfield officiating.

Arrangement are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home of Seminole.


Billy Jack Weatherford

Stroud resident Billy Jack Weatherford died Saturday, March 31, in Stroud at the age of 72.
Visitation will be 8 a.m. To 9 p.m. Monday and 8 a.m. Till service Tuesday.

Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Parks Brothers Funeral Services Chapel with the Rev. Jim Beard officiating. Burial will be at Stroud Cemetry under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Services, Stroud.


Charles Theodore "Ted" Shephard, Jr.

Shawnee resident Charles Theodore "Ted" Shephard, Jr., 69, died Sunday, April 1, in a local hospital.
Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with the Rev. Larry Sparks officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery.

Arrangements under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.


Rodney Stephen Fraley

Luther resident Rodney Stephen Fraley, 59, died Saturday, March 31.
Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at the Asa Smith Memorial Chapel, Harrah with the Rev. Tony Alvarez officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Lane Cemetery, Harrah.

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

published Apr. 04, 2007

Judge Jesse Robinson (J.R.) Field

Former Special District Judge Jesse Robinson (J.R.) Field died Saturday, March 31, in Shawnee at the age of 96.
He was born Jan. 25, 1911, in Hobart, Okla., to Jesse and Sue Field.

In September 1943 he married Pauline Elizabeth Field who preceded him in death in 1975. In April 1978 he married Brondel Field who preceded him in death in 1992.

Judge Field graduated from Hobart High School in 1928. He attended Oklahoma Military Academy (OMA) for two years and attended The University of Oklahoma graduating with a LLB degree in law. He passed the Oklahoma Bar in 1934.

He worked as an attorney, 1934 to 1941, in general law (practicing before the State Industrial Commission, the State Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court).

From 1941 to 1942 he was the Oklahoma State Representative for Kiowa County.

He worked as an FBI Agent from 1942 to 1973 in Philadelphia, New York City, Manhattan, Kansas City and Shawnee.

From 1973 to 1995 he served as Special District Judge, Pottawatomie County-23rd Judical District.

He was a member of First Baptist Church, Beacon Sunday School Class, Kiwanis-Hobart and Shawnee (Diamond K) and Past President. He received the George Hixson Fellowship Award in 2002. He also was a member of the Society of Former FBI Agents and member of the Oklahoma Bar Association for 73 years.

Judge Field enjoyed farming, raising cattle, travel, and family.

Survivors include son and daughter-in-law, Jesse and Susan Field of Shawnee; grandchildren, Clark and Courtney Field of Shawnee; daughter-in-law, Mary Douglas Field of Bermuda; numerous nieces and nephews.

Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church of Shawnee. Burial will be at Hobart Rose Cemetery, Hobart, Okla.


Brette D. Baldwin

Former Shawnee resident Brette D. Baldwin, currently of Joplin, Mo., 56, passed away Sunday, April 1, at her home after a sudden illness.
Brette was born May 27, 1950, in Long Beach, Calif., to the late J.W. Baldwin and Ida May Ellis Baldwin.

She received her bachelor's degree in psychology at Ft. Lewis, Colo., and was a member of the Sac and Fox Nation. She worked as a mental health counselor for several years.

Brette is survived by a brother, Jesse W. Baldwin and his wife, Kim, of Joplin; two aunts, Lena Ellis Clark and Anna Ellis Tully, both of Shawnee; and a cousin, Mike Tully of Oklahoma City, Okla.

Her body has been taken for cremation; no formal services are planned at this time.

Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary in Joplin, Mo.


Janet Lowden-Kennedy

Longtime Saint Louis, Okla., resident Janet Lowden Kennedy, 67, died Sunday, April 1, at her home in Saint Louis.
Service will be 2 p.m. Today at the First Baptist Church in Saint Louis with Brother Glenn Peck officiating. Burial will follow at Vista Cemetery West of Konawa.

Knight-Swearingen Funeral Home in Maud is directing arrangements


Johnny Lee Reeves

Tecumseh resident Johnny Lee Reeves, 62, died Monday, April 2, in Oklahoma City.
Service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with Louis Hopper Officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery.

Arrangements under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home.


Gary Douglas Davis

Holdenville resident Gary Douglas Davis, 44, died Saturday, March 31, in Holdenville.
Memorial service will be 6 p.m. Friday at Fisher Funeral Home, 700 S. Broadway, Holdenville, with Jose Velazquez officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.

published Apr. 05, 2007

James Larry Hart

Lubbock, Texas, resident Larry Hart, 74, died Monday, April 2, at his home.
James Larry Hart was born August 10, 1932, in Shawnee to the late Robert L. And Margaret (Mattingly) Hart.

He graduated from Shawnee High School in 1950 and attended East Central Oklahoma State University. Larry served in the U.S. Army in 1953 during the Korean War and was discharged in 1955. He returned to East Central State University and lettered four years in football.

He married Charlene Maloy, a marriage that lasted 51 years. After his graduation, he taught one year in Nevada before moving to Lubbock in 1958. He coached at Smylie Wilson Junior High, J. T. Hutchinson Junior High and Coronado High School. Larry continued his education and received his masters degree at Texas Tech University and became Activities Director at Coronado High School. Larry retired in 1990.

Larry loved his family and enjoyed solving crossword puzzles, golfing, hunting, fishing, playing Bridge and doing lots of traveling. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, TSTA and Texas Retired Teachers.

Larry was preceded in death by a sister, Marjorie Cooke.

Survivors include his wife, Charlene, of Lubbock, Texas; daughter, Marcia Hart Perry and husband, Kenneth, of Lubbock; granddaughter, Kristin Perry Walton and husband, Shawn, of Fort Stewart, Ga.; great-granddaughter, Addison Walton; two nieces, Cyndi Cooke of Oklahoma City and Debbie Baker of Choctaw.

Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Maple Grove Cemetery in Seminole. Arrangements under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home, 5740 W. 19th Street, Lubbock, Texas 79407, Phone# 806-791-6200.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.


Charles Theodore "Ted" Shephard Jr.

Shawnee resident Charles Theodore "Ted" Shephard Jr. died Sunday, April 1, in a local nursing home at the age of 69.
Ted was born Aug. 16, 1937, in Los Angeles, Calif., to Charles Theodore Sr. And Beulah Marie (Sanford) Shephard.

He was married to Sylvia (Reeves) Shephard.

Ted was a security officer. He loved to work on cars.

Preceding him in death were his parents and granddaughter, April Gillham Hall.

Survivors include his wife, Sylvia Reeves Shephard of Shawnee; four step-children and their spouses, Trudi and Bob Root, Allie and Ron Gillham, Louis and Kim Reeves, and Anthony and Janet Reeves; two sisters, Gloria Cronin of Arvin, Calif., and Zora High of Greeville, Texas; one brother, Robert W. Shephard of Ferndale, Calif.

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


Geri Croslin

Geri (Austin) Croslin died Friday, March 23, in Manteca, Calif.
She was born in Lexington, Okla., and had lived in Manteca for 33 years.

She was a member of the Church of Christ. Mrs. Croslin worked 15 years with Contel Telephone Company. She enjoyed reading, bowling, games and gardening. She loved roses and had a beautiful rose garden. Of everything in her life, family was the most cherished and she loved each family member.

Her home was open to all and she made visitors feel like part of the family. Relatives describe Geri as an amazing person who was beautiful, intelligent and special to everyone who knew her. She will be dearly missed.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles (Chuck) Croslin, and her parents, Guy B. And Stella Austin.

She is survived by her children, Randy Croslin and his wife, Cindy, of Escalon, Calif., and Diana Croslin of Manteca; siblings, Shirley A. Henry and her husband, Joe Henry, of Shawnee, Margaret Phillips of Lexington, Louise Burton of Norman and Don Austin and his wife, Betty, of Manteca; grandchildren, Jennifer Croslin and Daniel Croslin, both of Escalon, and Dominic Croslin-Ynostrosa of Manteca; brothers and sisters-in-law, Virgie Farrow of Coalinga, Calif., Joe Croslin and his wife, Paula, of Sonora, Calif., Rita Croslin of Lexington, Cliff Croslin and his wife, Barbara, of Lexington. She is survived by many other friends and relatives, including her Aunt Ruby and her Aunt Cornelia and special cousins, including Louise Rose of Shawnee.

Graveside service for Mrs. Croslin was held Tuesday, March 27, at Parkview Cemetery in Manteca, followed by a Memorial and fellowship in Escalon.


Mary L. King

Shawnee resident Mary L. King, 73, died Tuesday, April 3, a Midwest City hospital.
She was born March 30, 1934, in Sasakwa, Okla., to Dudley Scroggins and Ollie (Robbins) Scroggins.

She attended Horace Mann Elementary and Shawnee High School.

Mary was married Dec. 14, 1950, to Bennie C. King. They celebrated their 56th anniversary last December. She was totally committed to loving her family and caring for her home.

She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, Ray, Brad, Dempsey and Dallas, one sister, Margaret Preston, one son, Bennie King II, one grandson, Justin King.

Survivors include her husband, Bennie King of the home; one son, Dennis King and wife, Susie; one daughter, Cassandra Myers and husband, Randy; grandchildren, Carmen and Wesley Myers, fianci, Mandy Steward, Brian and Logan King, Misti Hayes and husband, Tim; great-grandchild, Jordyn Tatar; one daughter-in-law, Gail King; numerous nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with Jeff Burress officiating. Burial will be at Dale Cemetery.


Arvilla Altman

Longtime Seminole resident Arvilla Altman died Tuesday, April 3, in Shawnee at the age of 95.
Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at the Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Wade Robertson officiating. Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.


Richard C. Brown

Midwest City resident Richard C. Brown, died Tuesday, April 3, at the age of 70.
Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Barnes and Johnson Funeral Home Chapel, Midwest City. Burial will be at Arlington Memory Gardens, Midwest City under the direction of Barnes and Johnson Funeral Home, Midwest City.


Lila May Weaver

Tecumseh resident Lila May Weaver, 89, died Wednesday, April 4, in Tecumseh.
She was born Aug. 17, 1917, in Earlsboro to Joe B. And Ruth Etta (Boyd) Sangster.

She was born and reared in Earlsboro and had lived in McAlester for 10 years. She also lived in Wichita, Kan., for 32 years before moving to Tecumseh more than 20 years ago.

Lila was married March 29, 1935, in Ada to Herbert G. Weaver. He preceded her in death May 19, 2000.

She was office manager for Social Rehabilitation Services in Wichita for 23 years. She was a member of Highland Church of Christ.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; three brothers; Olin, Eugene and Boyd Sangster; and one sister; Monnie Hicks

Survivors include one brother Brother, Houston Sangster of Tecumseh; step-daughter and spouse, Betty and Bill Gibbens of Pearland, Texas; step-grandchildren; Gail Davis and Terry Koontz; stepgreat-grandchildren, Troy and Tara Davis, and Christy Koontz; stepgreat-great-granddaughter, Cassidy Shank; many nieces and nephews, including, Leonard Herron, Tawana Sue and Eueil Herron, Shane and Marla Herron, Tasha Herron, Fred and Carol Hicks, Sue and Jim Scrivner, and Mike and Susan Weaver.

Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with Bob Anderson and Junior Mize officiating. Burial will be 10 a.m. Monday at Oak Hill Cemetery, McAlester.

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


Johnny Lee Reeves

Lifelong Shawnee / Tecumseh area resident Johnny Lee Reeves, 62, died Monday, April 2, in Oklahoma City.
He was born Dec. 17, 1944, in Shawnee to John W. And Leona M. (Trammell) Reeves.

Johnny graduated from Shawnee High School in 1964.

He served in the U.S. Army Reserves until he was honorably discharged in March 1971.

On May 28, 1984, he married Marian Alford in Tecumseh

Johnny was a self-employed carpenter all his working life. He owned a shop on Main Street where many friends would gather to visit and admire his collection of antique cars. He never met a stranger and had a multitude of friends.

Preceding him in death were his father, John W. Reeves; his step-father, James T. Lewis; sister, Donna Sue Childers; brother-in-law, Larry Schoemann; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Leon and Mina Alford.

Survivors include his wife of 23 years, Marian, of the home; his mother, Leona Lewis of Shawnee; two daughters and one son-in-law, Angie and Robby Richards and Dalana Parks; three sisters, Cathy Schoemann, Linda Marrs and her husband, Mike, and Ruth Loftis and her husband, Randy; one brother and sister-in-law, Mack and Kathy Reeves; sisters-in-law, Ann Alexander and her husband, Paul, and Janie Floyd; brothers-in-law, Dean Childers and Paul Alford and his wife, Debbie; five grandchildren, Ryan, Brooks and Shelbie Richards, Brandon Windsor and Ivy Parks; and his beloved pets, Daisy, Sophie and Louise.

Service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with Louis Hopper officiating. Burial will be at Tecumseh Cemetery.

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


Betty Jean Hamilton

Stroud resident Betty Jean Hamilton died Wednesday, April 4, in Oklahoma City at the age of 72.
Visitation will be 11 a.m. To 9 p.m. Today and 8 a.m. To service on Friday.

Service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Parks Brotehrs funeral Chapel, Stroud, with the Rev. Joe Molencupp officiating. Burial will be at Stroud Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brotehrs funeral Services, Stroud.


Donald R. Arterbery

Chandler resident Donald R. "Donnie" Arterbery died Wednesday, April 4, at the age of 72.
Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Parks Brothers Chapel in Chandler.

published Apr. 06, 2007

Carl Franklin Carlile

Shawnee resident Carl Franklin Carlile, 73, died Wednesday, April 4, at Midwest City Regional Hospital.
He was born Feb. 2, 1934, in Sayre, Okla. To Wiley and Hattie (Tipton) Carlile.

He was a graduate of Stuart High School.

Carl was a retired Logistics Officer at Tinker Air Force Base. He served in the U.S. Army.

He enjoyed his horses, attending horse sales and spending time with his family, friends, and his dog.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife, Joan; two sons, Tony Carlile and his wife, Debbie, and Gary Carlile and his wife, Rhonda; one daughter, Brenda Burright and her husband, Terry; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Carl Bailey and his wife, Dukie; mother-in-law, Lula Mae Bailey; and many other loving relatives.

Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with Pastor Bill Derrick officiating.


Adolph Henry Santin

Chandler resident Adolph Henry Santin died Wednesday, April 4, at the age of 91.
Graveside service will B 2 p.m. Saturday at Frisco Cemetery, Yukon, under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Chandler.


Lawrence D. Hall

Shawnee resident Lawrence D. Hall, 79, died Thursday, April 6, in Shawnee.
Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Monday at New Hope Cemetery, Meeker, with the Rev. Jeff Burress officiating.

Arrangements under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

published Apr. 07, 2007

Reed Wayne Robinson

Reed Wayne Robinson, 92, of Midwest City passed away Wednesday, April 4, 2007.
Wayne, also known as R.W., was born in Oklahoma City, on May 18, 1914, to Edward and Grace Elizabeth (Reed) Robinson. Wayne was the 7th of 8 children born to the family of four girls and four boys. As a young boy in Oklahoma City he worked at the Belle Isle Amusement Park with the Shetland ponies, and always loved animals. His family moved to a farm near Newalla, Oklahoma, in 1929, and he attended school and graduated from high school in Harrah, Oklahoma.
After graduation, he soon began his career with OG&E where he worked 47 years and retired at the age of 64 as Electrical Supervisor of the Horseshoe Lake Station at Harrah. He was an active member of the OG&E Trailblazers Club until his death. He also owned and operated Robin Electric in McLoud.
Wayne was known for his intellect, wit, and was always ready for a challenge of a good game. He was an avid outdoorsman, and loved to hunt, fish, boat and water ski. He was still fishing the waters of Colorado at age 89 and waterskiing in his late 70's. He loved to train his birddogs and hunt quail, pheasant, deer, elk, and bear. His hunts took him from Oklahoma to Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, and all the way to Alaska.
Wayne wed his sweetheart and soul mate, Verna Van Ellsworth, of McLoud, on September 7, 1938. They were married for 57 years until her death in 1995. They lived in McLoud, were active in the First United Methodist Church, and supported the community in many activities. Wayne was on the McLoud School Board for many years and was a member of the McLoud Masonic Lodge.
In 2002, he married a wonderful woman, Joyce Swearingen, who brought much love and joy to him and his family the last few years of his life.
He was preceded in death by Verna and their son, Eddie Wayne; his parents; all of his siblings; and his first great grandson, Joshua, son of Greg and Diane Jennings.
Wayne is survived by his daughter, Kay and her husband, Cloise E. (Sonny) Johnson Jr. of Edmond; his grandson and his wife and family of Edmond, Greg, Diane, Tim, Kayla and Matthew Reed (his namesake); and his granddaughter, Julie Kay Jennings, of Denver, Colo.; and many, many, other loving family members and friends. Nothing was more important to Wayne than his family.
A celebration of his life will be held 2 p.m. Saturday at the First United Methodist Church of McLoud. Memorial donations may be made to the Robinson Family Memorial at the Church or to the American Cancer Society.


Paul Delane Looman

Earlsboro resident Paul Delane Looman died Thursday, April 5, at his residence at the age of 51.
Service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Chapel of Walker Funeral Service, Shawnee.


Lawrence D. Hall

Shawnee resident Lawrence D. Hall, 79, died Thursday, April 5, in Shawnee.
He was born March 9, 1928, to Nobby and Cora (Van horn) Hall near Prague.
He worked as a construction worker. Lawrence enjoyed woodworking, fishing, and hunting.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, and one daughter.
Survivors include his sons, Dennis, Danny, and Steven; daughters, June and Anita; three step-children, Patt Johnson and Allen Hodges; sister, Esther; two brothers, Lester and James; 13 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Monday at New Hope Cemetery, Meeker with the Rev. Jeff Burress.


Melton Earnest

Longtime Seminole resident Melton Earnest died Friday, April 6, at Seminole Medical Center at the age of 73.
Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at the First Assembly of God in Bowlegs with the Rev. Roy Robertson officiating.
Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole

published Apr. 08, 2007

Christine Gibson  

Konawa resident Christine Gibson, 73, died Friday, April 6, at a local hospital.

She was born March 2, 1934, to Marcy Gibson and Maude (Wood) in Konawa.
She attended Sacred Heart Catholic School and Vamoosa. She was a member of the Seminole Nation and worked as a homemaker. At an early age she was baptized at Salateeska Baptist Church in Shawnee.
Preceding her in death were her parents, step-mother, Lucy Gibson, brothers, Richmond Harjo, Amond Harjo, Jack Gibson, Tony Gibson, Roman Harjo; and an infant brother; one sister; Pauline Panoske.
Survivors include her four daughters, Carol Walker Cathey of Bowlegs, Kay Walker Lehman of Konawa, Gina Burgess Lankford and Tiffany Jo Walker, both of Shawnee; four sons, Dean Walker of Konawa, Terry Walker of Wewoka, David Walker of Shawnee, and Ronnie "RB" Burgess of Seminole; two sisters, Joan (Dorset) Pickens of Ada and Cynthia Cooper of Castle; one brother, Marc Gibson of Okemah; numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other family and friends.
Wake service will be 5 p.m. today at Walker Funeral Service Chapel.
Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with Kellos Walker and Houston Tiger officiating. Burial will be at Vamoosa Cemetery.


Paul Delane Looman

Earlsboro resident Paul Delane Looman, 51, bid for a project in heaven, God accepted the bid on Thursday, April 5, and asked him to begin work immediately.
He was born in Purcell, Okla. in 1956.
He worked 20 years for the Santa Fe Railroad, and 10 years as a subcontractor for Ideal Homes, Inc.
Throughout his 51 years on earth, Paul had more than his share of challenges. Yet, he faced each and every one of them with integrity, authenticity, courage, and compassion for others. He has the distinction of being the longest survivor of a glio-type brain cancer, a total of 15 years.
His loving crew remains behind to continue his work, his wife, Mary; his children, Jennifer, Victoria, Christian, and Lindsay; his children-by-marriage, Rob and Calypso Gilstrap, Jeremy and Adrianna Cherry; his grandchildren, Alexandra and Ian Gilstrap, and Cynthia and Veronica Cherry; his best friends of many, many years, Ronnie and Trish Harris; and a large extended family of Harryman's and Looman's.
A celebration of Paul's life will be held at the Walker Funeral Chapel, 201 E. 45th St., Shawnee, Okla., at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday.
In lieu of flowers and plants, please make a commitment to do a random act of kindness every day.


Barbara Jean Herrold Barnard

Shawnee resident Barbara Jean Herrold Barnard, 76, died Friday, April 6, at a local Midwest City hospital.
She was born Oct. 7, 1930, to Ivan T. Herrold and Ruby Ione (Cook) in Luther.
She married Alfred E. Barnard on Nov. 1, 1947.
Barbara worked as a housewife and homemaker, nurse's aid at Mission Hill and Independence Manor Nursing Home. She also was a member of Temple Baptist Church and V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary #1317.
Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, one son, Charles Allen Barnard.
Survivors include her five sons, Clyde Barnard and wife, Sharon, of McLoud, Carl Barnard and wife, Velma, of Shawnee, Cal Barnard of McLoud, Chester Allen Barnard and Cecil Barnard, both of Shawnee; one daughter, Carolyn Barnard of McLoud; five grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; five sisters; Lola Mae Spriggs and husband, Jeff, and Marilyn Winas and husband, Don, both of Oklahoma City; Carolyn Chapman and husband, C.L., of Duncan; Bonita Tucker and husband, Bill, of Garland, Texas; Darlene Hale and husband, Steve, of Oklahoma City; two brothers, Ralph Herrold and Ivan Herrold, both of Oklahoma City; one brother-in-law, Calvin Barnard and wife, Loretta, of Ponca City; one sister-in-law, Rosalie Henderson and husband, Bob, of Ponca City; and numerous nieces, nephews, other family and friends.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Resthaven Memorial Park with the Rev. Robert Milsap officiating.


Thelma Clayton

Chandler resident Thelma Clayton, 89, died Friday, April 6.
Service will be 9 a.m. Monday at Resthaven Memorial Park in Shawnee. Memorial service will follow 11 a.m. at The First United Methodist Church in Chandler. Arrangements under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Chandler.


Kimberly A. Deere Clark

Former Shawnee resident Kimberly A. Deere Clark, 41, died Friday, April 6, in Sherman, Texas.
Tribal service will be 5 p.m. Sunday at Edgar Ellis Place on Moccasin Trail, Shawnee.
Graveside service will be 10 a.m. at Sac and Fox Cemetery, Stroud.
Arrangement under direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service of Prague.

published Apr. 10, 2007

Edward James Bullock

Edward (Ed) Bullock went to be with our Lord Friday, April 6, at the age of 74 years old.
He was born Sept. 16, 1932, in Guthrie. His parents were Harold Higley (father), John Bullock (step-father) and Ruby Bullock. He has two sisters, Allene Bartman of Huntington Beach, Calif., and Genevieve Murray of Tecumseh.
He graduated from Shawnee High School and was an All State Tackle. He also was an Eagle Scout. He attended Southwestern Bible College. He worked in the Oil Industry and retired from Occidental Petroleum.
On Jan. 30, 1954, Ed married the love of his life, Joyce Brooks, in Lovington N.M. They were married for 53 years and three months. They had three children, Randy, Mary and Sherri.
Although Ed suffered from Polio at the age 16 and Muscular Dystrophy at age 44, he still had a zest for life, people and his community. He had worked in Royal Rangers for 34 years including Evangel Temple, Wichita Falls, Texas, Evangelistic Center, Family Worship Center and Downtown Pentecostal Holiness, all in Shawnee. He was a Section 6 Advisor, Outpost Commander, and Group Commander. He received a Honorary Lifetime Membership in Frontiersman Camping Fellowship and was awarded the Leadership Medal of Achievement. He founded, oversaw and supported the Area Wide Royal Ranger Campout that has continued for 20 years and is sill going. His motto was "When you help a boy today, you've helped a man for tomorrow."
He was a member of the save our neighborhood schools committee. He was awarded the MDA Personal Achievement Award in 1996 and 1997. He also appeared on the MDA Telethon. Ed and his wife are part of the family of Living Love Christian Center with the Rev. Mark Guinn.
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandson, Jeremy Bullock.
Survivors include his wife, children, and grandchildren, Chad, Chuck, Preston, Shelby, Curtis, Kevin, Joy, Ruth, Susan, Shawna, Jessica and Debra; nine great-grandchildren and many other loving family members and friends.
After God, his priority was his wife and family. He has always been there for them. Through everything, he remained steadfast in his upbeat and positive attitude. He was always happy and willing to share a joke with everyone.
Service will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Chapel of Walker Funeral Service with the Rev. Paul Tucker, Wrenshall, Minn., and the Rev. Mark Guinn officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery.


Jackie Meyer

Tecumseh resident Jackie Meyer, 70, died Thursday, April 5, in Tecumseh.
She was born Jan. 19, 1937, to Jack O. and Martha (Frenkel) Brown in Huntington Beach, Calif.
After living most of her life in Shawnee, she was currently a Tecumseh resident.
In 1980 she married John H. Davis. He preceded her in 2002.
She was a homemaker and avid Bingo player, being very good at Mini. Her biggest smile was when she Bingoed on the Hot Ball. If you couldn't find her, she was with Hinky playing Bingo. Her kids and grandkids were the joy of her life. She was known for her sharp tongue and wry sense of humor. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, one brother and sister-in-law, Emil and LaVerne Bolz; and sister, Elsie (Kirk) Borelli.
Survivors include daughter, Christine Folks of Tecumseh; son, Timothy Meyer and Elizabeth Stearman of Tecumseh; grandchildren, Christy Hall, Kevin Folks, Christopher, Megan, Maquella, and Jacob Folks, Brianna Wise, and Brittany Meyer; two sisters and one brother-in-law, Virgie Taylor, and Mary and Gene Hammons; brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Hazel Bolz; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with Tommy Hale, General Assembly Church of the First Born officiating. Burial will be at Tecumseh Cemetery.
To share memories, or to sign the guest book on-line, go to www.cooperfuneral.com. 
A family memorial fund has been established at First United Bank in Tecumseh.
obituaries


Beatrice Ann Franklin

Eufaula resident Beatrice Ann Franklin, 67, died Sunday, April 8, in Eufaula.
Visitation will be 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. today and 8 a.m. to service time Wednesday at Parks Brothers Funeral Home.
Service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Parks Brothers Chapel, Stroud, with the Rev. Ellis Rollette officiating. Burial will be at Sac and Fox Tribal Cemetery, Stroud, under the direction of Parks Funeral Home, Stroud.
obituaries


Edna May Inman

Prague resident Edna May Inman, 100, died Saturday, April 7, in Prague.
Service will be 10 a.m. today at the Park Brothers Funeral Chapel in Prague with Bro. Tim Emmons officiating. Burial will follow at the Giles Cemetery, Prague.
Arrangements under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Prague.

published Apr. 11, 2007

Glenda Jane Driver

Tecumseh resident Glenda Jane Driver, 60, died Saturday, April 7, at her home.
She was born Dec. 18, 1946, to Alfred Glen Craven and Bernice Jane (Elliott) Craven in Grand Tower, Ill.
Glenda lived 49 years in California and worked more than 20 years as a psychiatric technician for the state of California.
Throughout her 60 years on earth she was known for being a compassionate and honest person who placed a heart filled pride into each task that she took on. She spent most of her life sacrificing in order to make others happy and was someone who could always be asked for a favor. Those who knew her are familiar with her unique perspective on the world and her incredible ability to see any event in a way that could provide comfort and hope for others. She was very emotion oriented and had a great deal of concern for her feelings and the feelings of others. This gave those around her a special feeling of warmth and love that can scarcely be found anywhere else. The joy in her life was her family and friends. She was a loyal believer and follower of God and wished more than anything else to one day see all her family and friends in heaven.
She was preceded in death by her father Alfred Glen Craven.
Survivors include her husband, Gerry Eugene Driver; son, Jason Kaivola Johnson; daughter, Davena Jane Watso; grandson, Gavin Kaivola Johnson; mother, Bernice Jane Craven; two brothers, Alfred Glen Craven and Charles Ivan Craven; two sisters, Judith Maria Berengue and Donna Grace OneStar.
Visitation will be today and Wednesday, 8am-5pm, Thursday 8am-12pm.
Service will be 1 p.m. Thursday at the Resthaven Memorial Park-Trinity Chapel with Pastor Jerry States officiating.


Frances Regina (Kuestersteffen) Roberts

McLoud resident Frances Regina (Kuestersteffen) Roberts, 92, departed this life on April 10, in Harrah.
She was born March 2, 1915, at Sacred Heart, Okla. to Kasper F. and Theresa (Hillerman) Kuestersteffen. She attended St. Mary's Academy at Sacred Heart.
Frances was married Jan. 30, 1945, to Eskell F. Roberts. Together they raised their children in Shawnee and later retired to their cabin at Lake Eufaula.
Frances worked as a cook, clerk and later as a public accountant. Her family and her church were most important in her life. She enjoyed watching birds, television and people.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two sons, Donald and Thomas; two brothers; four sisters and one grandchild, Jamie Roberts.
Survivors include her son, James Roberts and his wife, Cora, of Spring, Texas; daughter, Linda Ferrell and husband, Gary, of McLoud; daughter-in-law, Linda Roberts of McLoud; eight grandchildren, Lisa Tippin, Becky Roberts, John Roberts, Marla Mills, Michael Ferrell, Margaret McClure, Bart Ferrell and Ellen Ferrell; one great-grandchild, Madison McClure; and many other relatives and friends.
A Wake service will be 7 Thursday, April 12, at St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church, McLoud. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Friday at St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church with Father Adrian Vorderlandwehr, O.S.B. officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. A guest book is available to share your memories on-line. Please visit www.smithparks.com.


Marion Webster Ford

Shawnee resident Marion Webster Ford, 89, died Monday, April 9, in Shawnee.
He was born Feb. 21, 1918, to Richard Elijah and Hattie (Jackson) Ford in Jena, La.
He graduated from Jena High School and attended L.S.U.
He married Goldia D. Diefenderfer on June 22, 1952, in Oklahoma City.
Marion served in the U.S. Army Air Corp. from 1942 to 1946.
He worked at Civilian Conservation Corp., oil field, Welex Perforating Co., Tinker Air Force Base, and was a letter carrier for Shawnee Post Office. He retired in 1975.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church, Masonic Lodge of Shawnee, and the Scottish Rite.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one brother, Kenneth Ford; one sister, Madge Batson.
Survivors include two sons, John Ford of Sand Springs, Richard Ford of Shawnee; nieces, nephews, and other close family and friends including Margaret Morris and family, Curtis Richmond and family, and Jerry Richmond and family.
Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Tecumseh Cemetery.
Memorial service 11 a.m. Thursday at the Chapel of Walker Funeral Service with Larry Sparks officiating.


Tabby Lea Winter

Lifelong Seminole County resident Tabby Lea Winter died Saturday, April 7, at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City at the age of 44.
Visitation will be 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and until service time Thursday at Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.
Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel in Seminole. Burial will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in Seminole, with the Rev. Robert Davis officiating.

published Apr. 12, 2007

Rex (Bengi) Bente Harrison III

Shawnee resident Rex (Bengi) Bente Harrison III, beloved husband, father and son, 39, died Saturday, April 7, in Shawnee.
He was born April 28, 1967, in Shawnee and raised in the McLoud and Shawnee areas. He was the son of Leon and Mary Kaskuske of Harrah and Rex and Nancy Harrison Jr. of Tacoma, Wash.
Rex graduated from Sherman Indian High School in Riverside, Calif.
He was married Sept. 2, 1995, to Michelle Neash-Harrison.
He enjoyed playing and watching sports. He also enjoyed the company of his many friends and family.
Survivors include his wife, Michelle Harrison; six children, Nethia White, Desiree White, Markus Neash, Allister Harrison, Rex Harrison IV and Skylar Harrison all of the home; parents Leon and Mary Kaskuske of Harrah and Rex and Nancy Harrison of Tacoma; and sister, Teri Harrison of Saucer, Miss.
Service was held at the Bently-Walker home. Prayer service was also offered at the Kickapoo Friends Center. Burial is located at the Bently-Walker family cemetery.
Rex Bente Harrison III was a well respected dad as well as an uncle to many nieces and nephews. He will be loved and missed.


Eula Geraldine Brewer

Longtime Meeker resident Eula Geraldine Brewer, 88, departed this life on Sunday, April 8, at her home in Meeker.
She was born July, 16, 1918, to Clarence and Naomi (Conley) Armitage in Meeker, Okla.
She married O. J. "Bus" Brewer on Jan. 20, 1940, in Meeker.
Geraldine worked many years at Tinker Air Force Base. She was a member of Mammoth Baptist Church and Order of the Eastern Star.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son, James Dean Brewer; and twin sister, Bula Gwendolene.
Survivors include daughter-in-law, Li Brewer of Charleston, S.C.; caregivers, Eddie and Charlotte Hall of Meeker; two step-grandchildren; a number of great-grandchildren; other relatives and many friends
Service was held Wednesday, April 11, at the Mammouth Baptist Church, Meeker, with the Rev. Mike Hazelwood officiating. Burial followed at Rossville Cemetery, Rossville. Expression of sympathy may be made to Heartland Hospices, Shawnee


Lonnie Bobo

Wellston resident Lonnie Bobo, 79, died Monday, April 9.
Service will be 1 p.m. Saturday at the Wellston High School Gym, Wellston.
Arrangements under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Chandler

published Apr. 13, 2007

Charles Henry Smith

Shawnee resident Charles "Chuck" Henry Smith died Thursday, April 12, in Shawnee at the age of 75.
He was born Oct. 26, 1931, in Woburn, Mass., to Francis Henry and Mildred Linnea Smith.
Chuck attended North Quincy High School, Quincy, Mass.
He married Rhoda Loudella Smith, who preceded him in death, and later married Dee Smith.
He retired as Chief Petty Officer from the U. S. Navy after serving 22 years. He was a meteorologist from 1949 to 1971. In 1996 he retired from Worthington Pump as a buyer.
Chuck was a Mason and a Shriner. The highlights of his life were his grandkids, gardening, fishing and he was an active weather enthusiast.
Also preceding him in death was a grandchild, Zachary,
Survivors include his wife, Dee Smith; daughters, Linda Billmeier and her husband, Rudy, and Shirley Conrad; sons, Darrell Smith and his wife, Angela Smith, and Clifford Smith and his wife, Tracy; step-son, Wes Beck and his wife, Terre; step-daughters, Delinda Curtis and her husband, Burky, Karen Ware and her husband, Tom, and Annette Woods and her husband, Brian; 16 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren.
Memorial service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with Kris Steele officiating. Burial will be in Quincy, Mass.


Thelma Irene Clement

Tecumseh resident Thelma Irene Clement, 94, died Wednesday, April 11, at Sunset Estates.
Irene was born Oct. 15, 1912, to Eligah Martin and Ida Mae (Ward) Wright in Tribbey Okla. She was the third of 12 children to be born.
On Sept. 28, 1930, she married Churchill Monroe Clement in Macomb. They moved to California in 1942 where she worked in the shipyards as a welder in Richmond. She also worked in farming cotton, potatoes, grapes and peaches. Irene loved to garden, and she loved her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Churchill Monroe Clement in March of 1972; four brothers and three sisters.
Survivors include her children, Harold Dean Clement and wife, Martha, of Mounds, Carol Bonicelli and husband, Pete, of Shawnee; siblings, Grant Wright of Oklahoma City, Bernice Menser of Livermore, Calif., Wanda Reed of New Sharon, Iowa, Gloria Jean Newell of Port Archer, Wash; 11 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, other family members and friends.
Visitation will be 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. today.
Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at the Resthaven Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the excellent staff and numerous friends at Sunset Estates, as well as the caring staff of Angelic Hospice.


Anthony Louis Lenz

Prague resident Anthony Louis Lenz, 69, departed this life on Tuesday, April 10, in Shawnee.
Dr. Lenz was born Sept. 23, 1937, in Dodge City, Kan., to George Roy Sr. and Juanita Ruth (Barby) Lenz.
He was a graduate of Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, and The University of Oklahoma Medical School.
He married Jessie Cheatwood on June 30, 2001, in Prague.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Nancy and Judy; and son, Anthony Louis Lenz Jr.
Survivors include his wife, Jessie Lenz of the home; son and daughter-in-law, Stewart and Susan Lenz of Salyersville, Ky.; daughters and sons-in-law, Connie and Fred Toney of Louisiana, Debbie and Kent Thionette of Stigler, Vicki and John Powers of New Orleans, La., and Ariel Lenz of Oklahoma City; step-sons and their wives, David and Jennifer Dunlap of Wewoka, Ben Dunlap and Thea Stewart of Prague, and Josh and Terilyn Dunlap of Prague; brother, George R. Lenz Jr. of Laverne; 19 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Services will be 10 a.m. Saturday at the Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Prague with Pastor Wes Peterman officiating. Burial will follow at the Prague Cemetery.
A guest book is available to share your memories on-line. Please visit www.ParksBrothers.net


Laura Frieda Anna Kirch Zito

Laura Frieda Anna Krich Zito, 96, of Wildwood Place, Frankfort, Ky., died Monday, April 9, at the Hospice Care Center in Lexington, Ky.
She was born Feb. 2, 1911, to the late Annie M. and Herman Kirch in Harrah.
Her husband, John Zito, preceded her in death in 2003. In the later years of her life, she was cared for by nieces Connie Farugia, and Donna Cragun. Mrs. Zito had lived in Frankfort with her niece Carol Saenger since 2004.
Laura was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Ogden, Utah, and had attended First United Methodist Church in Frankfort. She also was a former member and officer of the Union Pacific Rail Road Women's Auxiliary. There are many people who knew her as "Aunt Laura", including nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, family and friends in Utah, Oklahoma, and Kentucky. Mrs. Zito retired after many years of faithful service from Sears in Ogden, Utah.
She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Edward Kirch and Herbert Kirch.
Survivors include one sister, Dora Blanken of Frankfort; one brother, Robert Kirch of Ogden; nieces, Carol Saenger of Frankfort and Connie Farugia of Tucson, Ariz.
Memorial services and burial will be at conducted at a later date in Roy, Utah. There will be no visitation.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to Hospice of the Bluegrass, 208 Steele Street, Frankfort, Ky. 40601; First United Methodist Church, 211 Washington Street, Frankfort, Ky. 40601, or The Alzheimer's Assoc., BLUEGRASS CHAPTER, 801 S. Limestone, Suite E, Lexington, Ky. 40508-4048.
Arrangements are under the direction of LeCompte-Johnson-Taylor Funeral Home, 1725 Louisville Road, Frankfort, KY 40601.


Grace Ruckman Kessler

Memorial services for former Shawnee resident, Gracie Fae Ruckman Kessler, 83, were held Monday, April 9, in Norman at the Havenbrook Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Wayne Brown officiating.
Mrs. Kessler was born Nov.20, 1923, in Shawnee to William Frederick and Ida Kreuzberg Ruckman. She died at Norman Regional Hospital on Tuesday, April 3, 2007.
Mrs. Kessler grew up in Shawnee and graduated from Shawnee High School in 1940.
She married Art Kessler, a World War II veteran, in October 1945. They moved to Norman in 1958. Mrs. Kessler worked at The University of Oklahoma beginning in the 1960s until her retirement in 1988.
Mrs. Kessler was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and a sister, Jackie Switzer.
She is survived by three daughters, Carolyn Garmon of Oklahoma City, Patti Kessler and husband, Brian Husted, of Norman and Anita Combs and husband, Don, of The Woodlands, Texas; two sisters, Minnie Mae Queen of Shawnee and Joyce Griggs Emberson of Norman; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to the National Parkinson Foundation, 1501 NW Ninth Avenue/Bob Hope Road, Miami, FL 33136.
Send condolences online at http://www.havenbrookfuneralhome.com/Obituraries.htm


John Edward Gormley

Claremore resident John Edward Gormley died Wednesday, April 11, at the age of 82.
Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Parks Brothers Chapel.
Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Chandler, is directing arrangements.


Robert Howard Jones

Konawa area resident Robert Howard Jones died Tuesday, April 10, at VA Medical Center in Oklahoma City at the age of 64.
Graveside service with full military honors will be 10 a.m. today at Vamoosa Cemetery, outside of Konawa, with Pastor Pam Shirk officiating.
Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Konawa.

published Apr. 14, 2007

Bobby Ray Smith

Maud resident Bobby Ray Smith died Wednesday, April 11, at the age of 51.
Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Trinity Baptist Church, Maud. Burial will be at Romulus Cemetery, Romulus, Okla., under the direction of John M. Ireland Funeral Home and Chapel, Moore.


Harold Victor Stamper

Harrah resident Harold Victor Stamper died Thursday, April 12, in Harrah at the age of 60.
Service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Asa Smith Memorial Chapel, Harrah, with the Rev. Larry Chapman officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Lane Cemetery, Harrah, under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service in Harrah.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

published Apr. 15, 2007

Hannah Vestana (Brant) Neely 

Shawnee resident Hannah Vestana (Brant) Neely died Friday, April 13, at home just eight weeks before her 92nd birthday. She born June 11, 1915.

Hannah Neely was the second child of seven born to William Walter and Lena Mae Brant. she was the namesake of her grandmother, Hannah Cummings, a Potawatomi Indian.

Hannah Neely had great pride and honor for her native heritage and lived with her family on land given to her father as an allotment from the United States government to descendents of native tribes.

She graduated from Shawnee High School in 1932

She was married in 1934 to Hershel. They had their first child, Avis Anita, in 1936. Like countless other "Okies" they moved to California in search of a better life during the Oklahoma Dust Bowl. Hannah and Hershel settled in the San Joaquin Valley of California living on the Heffelfinger Hog Farm. She gave birth to their second child, Georganna, while there in 1938. Hannah worked in a peach cannery until they moved back to Oklahoma in 1939 and settled in Shawnee.

Hannah was a housewife and mother. She took employment at Moody's Department Store in Shawnee. It was in Shawnee that her third child, Monty Kent, was born in 1949. She stayed home to raise him. She later worked at the Sylvania Plant as a "heater welder". She worked on vacuum tubes that were used in radios and television sets.

She and the family moved to Tecumseh in 1952 where Hannah saw both her daughters graduate high school and marry; Anita to Jack Williams, and Janna to (the late) Arlie Dale Britt.

Hannah and Hershel returned to Shawnee in 1958 and built the house where Hannah would live until her death. After moving to Shawnee Hannah continued working at Sylvania. She taught herself to type in order to work with the Shawnee public schools. She was secretary at Harrison High School and then took a similar position at Lee School where she continued until she retired in 1977.

She and Hershel enjoyed retirement and were involved with the United Methodist Church. They were active members of Draper Street Methodist Church after moving to Shawnee and then with Wesley United Methodist Church where Hannah remained engaged until the latter part of her life.

Hershel, her beloved husband of 53 years, preceded her in death in 1987. She also was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Ralph Brant; and two sisters, Billie Robinson and Avis Downing.

Hannah is survived by her children, Anita (Jack) Williams of Shawnee, Janna Britt of Anadarko, and Kent (Esther) Neely of Edwardsville, Ill.; three grandchildren, Brenda (Juan) Trevino of Houston, Texas, DeAnna Britt of Oklahoma City, Jeremy Williams of Shawnee; two great-grandchildren, JoAnna and John Trevino, both of Houston; three sisters, Naomi Ward of Houston, Walterene (Robert) Scarborough of Arlington, Va., and Juanelle (Don) Beauford of Shawnee.

Visitation will be from 8 a.m. To 8 p.m. Monday, April 16.

Service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday Resthaven Funeral Chapel.

The family would like to thank Bernice Spoon and Eudell Young for their loving care and tenderness during the last years of Hannah's life. They have truly been angels on earth.


Thomas "Tom" D. Owen 

Shawnee resident, Tom Owen, 86, went to be with the Lord Friday, April 13.

He was born May 26, 1920, in Forreston, Texas to John Frank and Edna Bernice (Dugan) Owen.

Tom attended school in Oklahoma City. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as an Aviation Machinist's Mate, Second Class. After several years as a retail grocery manager, he became an independent business owner and later began his career with the U.S. Postal Service. He retired in 1982 at the age of 62.

He accepted Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior when he was 12 years of age at Dumas Avenue Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. He faithfully served the Lord as a deacon in several Southern Baptist Churches in Oklahoma. At the time of his death he was a member of Rock Creek Baptist Church, Shawnee.

Tom married Esther Ruth Lauderdale August 26, 1939, in Oklahoma City. They had three children. She preceded him in death in Feb. 1974.

He married Velma Ruth Garrison March 31, 1974, in Oklahoma City. After their marriage they moved to Sulphur and lived there for 25 years. In 2003 they moved to Shawnee.

Tom was preceded in death by two sisters, Anna Dubois and Pat Stemm; one brother Frank Owen; and one grandson, Jeffrey Dale Hunter.

He is survived by his wife Velma Owen of the home; two sons and daughters-in-law, Dale and Jackie Owen of Shawnee, and Garry and Regina Garrison of Littleton, Colo.; four daughters and two sons-in-law, Ruth Hunter of Ridgedale, Mo., Jan Bell of Kansas City, Mo., Beverly and Ret. Lt. Col. Don Mitchell, of Yuma, Ariz., and Nora Jean "Soozie" and David Orahood, of Oklahoma City; one brother, Al Owen and wife, Mary, of Redding, Calif.; two sisters, Mary Lou Boddy and husband, Robert, of Hobbs, N.M.; and Harriet Bailey and husband, Richard, of Amherst, Ohio; 12 grandchildren, Keri Hunter, Terry and Michele Owen, Thom and Amy Hunter, Kurtis and Lori Bell, Roger and Mia Owen, Kristie and John Jeans, Robin and Lance Davis, Valerie and Rolf Munk, Ryan and Tonya Orahood, Lincoln Garrison, Shelly and Kevin Johnson, and Kristen Orahood; 15 great-grandchildren, Jonathan Hunter, Colton Owen, Zachary Jeans, William Hunter, Nathan Jeans, Summer Owen, Aaron Jeans, Hayley Garrison, Cheyenne Garrison, Kaylee Davis, Nikolas and McKinley Munk, Oren Munk, Lauren Davis, and Ty Munk; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

A celebration of life service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, at Rock Creek Baptist Church with Brother Eddie Malphrus of Garland, Texas and Brother Richard Zimmer, Rock Creek Baptist Church in Shawnee, officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens, Oklahoma City, under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.

The family has designated the Rock Creek Baptist Church Building Fund, 44900 Hardesty Rd.; Shawnee, OK 74801, as appropriate for memorials.


Claudette Coursey 

Shawnee resident Claudette Coursey, 74, passed away from a massive stroke Saturday, April 14.

Claudette was born Oct. 9, 1932, in Okemah. She was the only child of Gladys and Claude Barnes. She attended school at Butner through the 10th grade and graduated from Midwest City High School in 1950.

She married Glenn Coursey on Jan. 28, 1951. She spent her married life raising her three children until they were on their own. She then spent several years as a teacher's aide at Bethel School and Horace Mann in Shawnee. She sold Home Interior products for 25 years.

Claudette loved helping others. Besides raising her family, she often said the 12 years she spent volunteering at the McLoud Nursing Home was the most rewarding and enjoyable thing she ever did. She also enjoyed singing at church, school, funerals and weddings. She was a member of Temple Baptist Church and the Red Hat Ladies of Shawnee.

She was preceded in death by her parents and an aunt she took care of for more than 15 years.

Survivors include her husband, Glenn; children, Danny and wife, Becky, of Idabel, Terry and wife, Teresa, of Shawnee, and Glennette and husband, Bob, of Edmond; seven wonderful grandchildren, Diane, Shea, Todd, Shelli, Terry, Tera and Katie; and six great grandchildren.

Service will be 2 p.m. Monday, April 16, at the Walker Funeral Service chapel with the Rev. Mike Craig officiating. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Temple Baptist Church Building Program, 1234 E. Highland, Shawnee, Oklahoma 74801.


Earl Preston Pryor

Seminole resident Earl Preston Pryor, 83, died Tuesday, April 10, at Seminole Medical Center.
Viewing will be from 9 a.m. To 8 p.m. Saturday; from noon until 8 p.m. Sunday; and from 8 a.m. Until service time Monday at Swearingen Funeral Home, 100 West Strothers Ave., Seminole, Okla. 74868 - Phone 405-382-3456

Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be at Little Cemetery, eight miles North of Seminole on Highway 377.


Patsy R. Wertz

Patsy R. Wertz, 72, of Spring Township, Pa., passed away Tuesday, April 10, at Jefferson Hospital, Neurosciences, Pa.
Pat was born in Kingston, Okla., to the late Ward J. And Beaulah (Duncan) Tennyson. She attended Shawnee Schools, graduating with the Class of 1952.

She was the wife of Richard H. Wertz.

Pat was a loving and compassionate wife, mother and friend who will be dearly missed by all who knew her. She was an avid golfer and belonged to the Willow Hollow Ladies Golf League.

Preceding her in death were three brothers, Dewey, Jack and Leroy; and two sisters, Lena Mae and Imojean.

Patsy is survived by three children, Michael Anderson and wife, Melanie, of Wyomissing, Pa., Gregory Anderson and wife, Renee, of Ladera Ranch, Calif., and Catherine (Anderson) Kick and husband, Steve, of Leesburg, Va.; two step-sons, Robert Wertz of Wyomissing, Pa., and William Wertz of Mohnton, Pa.; six grandchildren, Michael, Caitlin, Mackenzie, Connor, Scott and Kendall; four step-grandchildren; two sisters, Peggy (Tennyson) Harp of Shawnee and Norma Jean (Tennyson) Crosslin of Tulsa.

Memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 3, at St. John's Reformed Church, Sinking Spring, Pa. Friends may call beginning 9:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation, 612 East Broadway, South Boston, MA 02127 or at www.bafound.org.

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading, Pa., is in charge of the arrangements.