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

submitted by Kay Sugg Best

published Apr. 01, 2005

Olus Lee Sparkman
Longtime Shawnee and Tecumseh area resident Olus Lee "Sparky" Sparkman, 84, died Wednesday, March 30, in Tecumseh.
He was born Aug. 16, 1920, in Maud to Clarence and Mary Sparkman.

He was married June 8, 1939, in Chandler to Elsie Jones. She preceded him in death March 8, 1999.

Sparkman has been in the gasoline business more than 60 years. In the late 1960s he purchased Modern Oil Co. and served as president and chairmen of the board since that time. He also was the founder of Kwick Stop convenience stores.

He also was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Elvin and Leonard Sparkman and daughter-in-law, Suzanne Sparkman.

Survivors include two sons, Patrick Olus Sparkman and wife, Sharon, of Tecumseh and Michael Lee Sparkman and wife, Kathy of Chula Vista, Calif.; five grandchildren, Kristie Sparkman Homuth, Sean Sparkman, Summer Moody, Chance Sparkman and Braedan Sparkman and one great-granddaughter, Elliot Moody.

Service will be 3 p.m. today at Resthaven Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Mike Craig officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home of Shawnee.

The casket will remain open until the time of the service. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association

Michael T. Click
Michael T. Click, 57, died Thursday, March 24.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Dennis T. and Mary L. (Howard) Click and one brother, Bill Click.

Survivors include daughter, Amy Pennington; son, Jason Click; one grandson; five brothers; and one sister.

A memorial service will be 1 p.m. Saturday in the community room at St. Benedict Church in Shawnee.

Brenda Joyce Banks

Brenda Joyce Banks
Lifelong Shawnee resident Brenda Joyce Banks, 61, died Wednesday, March 30, in Oklahoma City.

She was born July 23, 1943, in Shawnee to Alvin and Mary Jackson. She graduated from Shawnee High School in 1961.

She was married March 11, 1963, to Cardell Lee Banks in Shawnee. She was a homemaker and member of Cedar Street Church of Christ in Wewoka, where she taught Sunday school and helped with the ladies' seminar and "Second Sunday" meals.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, James Curtis.

Survivors include her husband, Cardell Banks of the home; three sons and daughters-in-law, Maury and Audrey Banks of Broken Arrow, Maurick and Stella Banks of Shawnee and Mauren and Leslie Banks of Broken Arrow; Cardell's siblings who she helped raise, David, Delphia and Danny Smith; eight grandchildren,Amber, Adam, Cassandra, Anthony, Brandon and Denzel Banks and Taylor and Corey Smith; five sisters and three brothers and their spouses, Vivian White, Verda Mae and Roy Massey, Vera Myers, Gladys Jackson, Melvin and Mary Jackson, Maurice Jackson, all of Oklahoma City; Hattie Jackson of Columbus, Ohio; Ervin and Melinda Jackson of Muscle Shoals, Ala.; stepmother, Thelma Jackson of Shawnee, seven stepsiblings and many other relatives.

Services will be 11 a.m. Monday at the Central Church of Christ in Shawnee. Walker Funeral Service is directing arrangements.

David Allen Bunch
Former longtime Seminole resident David Allen Bunch, 52, died Friday, March 25, in Humboldt, Tenn.

Service will be 10 a.m. today at the Bartlett Funeral parlor in Bartlett, Tenn. Burial will be at the West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery with full military honors.

Dorothy Catherine Smedley
Noble resident Dorothy Catherine (Benson) Smedley, 73, died Tuesday, March 29, at Norman Regional Hospital.

Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church of Maud under the direction of Knight-Swearingen Funeral Home of Maud.

Karen Deneise Richards
Seminole resident Karen Deneise Richards, 46, died Wednesday, March 30, at home.

Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Swearingen Funeral Chapel with Chris Stinnett officiating. Burial will be at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in Seminole under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.

Milford E. Bowlan
Shawnee resident Milford E. Bowlan, 77, died Thursday, March 31, in Oklahoma City.

He was born June 24, 1927, in Blue, Okla., to Henry Clay and Vena Mae Brown.

Bowlan, the seventh of nine children, grew up on farms around Dale, eastern Pottawatomie and Seminole counties. He graduated from Prairie Valley High School in 1945. He later attended the University of California at Berkley.

He was a World War II veteran who served in the U.S. Navy from 1945 to 1947.

He married Melba Fry on Jan. 16, 1948, in Shawnee to Melba Fry.

He worked in hotel, insurance and retail sales before starting a carpet cleaning business in 1965. He expanded the business to a mobile carpet business, Milford E. Bowlan Carpets, and eventually two retail carpet stores.

Bowlan served as a charter member of the Shawnee Optimist Club, founded in 1968. He also served as a Shawnee School Board member and former Chamber of Commerce director. He was a Baptist.

Survivors include his wife, Melba, of the home; three sons and two daughters-in-law, Stanley Bowlan, Kent and Deborah Bowlan and Brent and Susan Bowlan, all of Shawnee; two daughters, Vickie Bowlan and Melissa Baker, both of Shawnee; sister and brother-in-law, Georgia and Phil Lewis of Shawnee; brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Ann Bowlan; sister-in-law, Maxine Bowlan of McLoud; 10 grandchildren, Donny Armitage and wife, Tedra, Daniel Armitage, Deanna Armitage, Amber Baker, Garrett Baker, Brian Bowlan, Olivia Bowlan, Matthew Bowlan, Casey Bowlan, Nicholas Bowlan and one great-grandson, Briar Armitage.

Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Resthaven Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Jeff Burress and the Rev. Delbert Akin officiating. Burial will be at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home of Shawnee.

published Apr. 02, 2005

Garland O. Tackett
Rosenberg, Texas, resident Garland O. Tackett, 79, died Thursday, March 31, in Richmond, Texas.

He was born Aug. 12, 1925, in Corsicana, Texas, to Harvey H. and Jossie Ballard Tackett.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II under Gen. George Patton and then served in the Korean conflict. He was decorated with a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. He was a member of New Covenant Fellowship.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Tackett; wife, Lillie Tackett; sister, Opal; brothers, Archie and Thomas; and grandsons, Jason Tackett and Richard Ream.

Survivors include a daughter, Jimmie Odell Ream and husband, Jim, of Shawnee; three sons, Steve Tackett Sr., and wife, Judy, of Rosenberg, Texas; Hugh Tackett and wife, Stephanie, of Caney Creek, Texas, and Tony Tackett of Rosharon, Texas; and grandchildren, Whitney and Taylor Tackett, Steven Tackett Jr. and wife, Elaine, and Josh Tackett.

Service will be 11:30 a.m. Monday at New Covenant Fellowship in Rosenberg, Texas, with the Rev. Charles Surovik officiating. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Rosenberg under the direction of Garmany and Carden Funeral Directors Inc.

Elsa J. Lillibridge
Neosho, Mo., resident Elsa J. Lillibridge, 89, died Thursday, March 31, in Neosho, Mo.

She was born Oct. 11, 1915, in Oakland, Ark., to J.R. and Ollie (Terry) Wilbanks.

She moved with her family to Oklahoma at a young age and lived in Chandler on the family farm until moving to Missouri in 1966. She was a physician's assistant and homemaker in Chandler.

She married Arkell Lillibridge on Jan. 5, 1933, in Chandler.

She was a member of the First Congregational Church in Neosho, Mo., and a former member of the Disabled American Veterans.

She was preceded in death by her husband, infant son and four brothers.

Survivors include daughter and son-in-law, Norma and Charles Venable of Neosho, Mo.; two sisters and brother-in-law, Shirley Bottoms of Fort Worth, Texas, and Melva and Mick Lee of San Diego, Calif.; two sisters-in-law, Opal Wilbanks of Chandler and Ethelene Wilbanks of Tulsa; numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives.

Family will receive friends at Parks Brothers Funeral Home in Chandler 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Monday.

Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Monday at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Chandler.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the First Congregational Church in Neosho, Mo., or to the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Chandler.

Rhonda Kaye James
Shawnee resident Rhonda Kaye (Fouts) James, 48, died Sunday, March 29, at a local hospital.

She was born April 2, 1956, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to Russell and Donna (Withers) Fouts.

She attended Abe Lincoln High School in Council Bluff, Iowa, and received an associate's social degree of horticulture at Midwestern State University at Winfield, Kan.

She was married Nov. 6, 1995, to Jacob Jesse James. She was a homemaker.

She was a member of Job Daughters, Eastern Star and life time home artist and crafts.

James was preceded in death by her grandparents, Gene V. and Deliah Withers and Grace and Norman Fouts; father, Russell Fouts; two grandchildren, baby James Campbell and Adrian Campbell.

Survivors include her husband, Jacob Jesse James; mother, Donna Fouts; brothers and daughters-in-law, Kevin Fouts, Randy and Marlene James, Jason James and Renee and Chris Campbell; grandsons, Justin and Jacob James; and granddaughter, Allyson Paige Campbell.

Memorial service will be 10 a.m. today at Ramada Inn, Interstate 40 and SH18, with the Rev. Larry Sparks officiating. Memorials may be made to the family.

Walker Funeral Service of Shawnee is directing arrangements.

Effie M. Shipley
Former Shawnee resident Effie M. Shipley, 82, of McLoud died Friday, April 1, at a local nursing home.

Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Resthaven Funeral Home Chapel. Other information is pending with Resthaven Funeral Home of Shawnee

Howard Earl Nichols

Howard Earl Nichols
Shawnee resident Howard Earl Nichols, 81, died Wednesday, March 30, in Oklahoma City.

He was born Jan. 30, 1924, in McLoud to Henry Ernest and Cora Belle (Parsons) Nichols. He was raised in Bethel, but spent many years in Clinton before returning to Shawnee in 1999.

He was a graduate of Bethel High School and served in the Army Air Corps from 1942 to 1947. He received the National Defense Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Distinguished Unit Emblem, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Silver Star and Bronze Star, Distinguished Service Medal and numerous campaign ribbons.

He owned Pop Hicks Restaurant on Route 66 and Howard Nichols Waterproofing. He was a commander of the American Legion Post 41 and VFW in Clinton. He transferred to Post 16 in Shawnee, where he was an active member. He also was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church.

He married to Mary Williams in England on Jan. 6, 1945, and she preceded him in death in 1998.

He also was preceded in death by a son, Ernie Nichols; his parents; seven brothers, Joe, Cletus, Cecil, Roy, J.D., Jack and Jimmy Nichols, and two sisters, Ruby Baker and Mary Nichols.

Survivors include his son, Thomas H. Nichols of Kingston; daughter-in-law, Afton Nichols of Shawnee; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Bill and Linda Nichols of Shawnee, Rusty and Dorothy Nichols of Milwaukee, Ore.; brother-in-law, Pat Williams of England; a sister-in-law, Janet Nichols of the home; five grandchildren, Rocky Nichols, Shawnee; Rhonda Walker, Durant; Thomas Howard Nichols, Joseph Nichols, both of Monterrey, Calif.; Sgt. Marykatherine Gorlick, Wurzburg, Germany, two great-grandchildren and many other relatives.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Fairview Cemetery with the Rev. Bob Harmon officiating.

Cooper Funeral Home is directing arrangements.

Alvin Lee Jones
Longtime Chandler resident Alvin Lee "Al" Jones, 76, died Friday, April 1, in Oklahoma City.

Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church, Chandler, with the Rev. Rick Blackwell officiating.

Memorials may be made to Chandler First Baptist Church Mission Group, 912 W. First, Chandler, OK 74834.

Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Chandler is directing arrangements.

Dennis Dean Cotanny
Konawa resident Dennis Dean Cotanny, 53, died Thursday, March 31, at an Ada hospital.

Wake service will be 6:30 p.m. Sunday at Pickard-Swearingen Funeral Home chapel. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Pickard-Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Billy Coon officiating. Burial will follow at Coon Family Cemetery near Sasakwa.

Pickard-Swearingen Funeral Home of Konawa is directing arrangements.

Willie Wajda
Longtime Choctaw resident Willie (Hopcus) Wajda died Thursday, March 31, in Choctaw at the age of 87.

A Rosary service will be recited 9:45 a.m., with the Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Teresa's Catholic Church, Harrah, with the Rev. Alan Loth officiating. Burial will follow at St. Teresa's Catholic Cemetery in Harrah.

Smith-Parks Funeral Service of Harrah is directing arrangements

Lula M. Coddington
Shawnee resident Lula M. Coddington, 79, died Friday, April 1, in Shawnee.

She was born Sept. 25, 1925, in Pink to William and Grace (Boles) Panther. She was a homemaker and a member of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe.

She married Clarence L. "Bud" Coddington in Van Buren, Ark. He preceded her in death in 1989.

She also was preceded in death by her parents and four sisters.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law Ann and Everett Miller of Shawnee; two sons, Will Coddington of King City, Calif., and Mike Coddington of Shawnee; a sister, Mary Birdtail of Newalla; a brother, Junior Panther of Shawnee, eight grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and many other relatives.

Service will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with Jimmy Anderson and Ken Daughtery officiating.

Burial will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Binger Cemetery. Cooper Funeral Home is directing arrangements.

Varnell Garner Huff
Seminole resident Varnell Garner Huff, 86, died Friday, April 1, at a Seminole nursing home.

Graveside service will be 1 p.m. Monday at Lehigh Cemetery, Lehigh, with Phil Johnson officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer's Research.

Swearingen Funeral Home of Seminole is directing arrangements

published Apr. 05, 2005

Kenneth Carter
Anadarko resident Kenneth Carter, 63, died Saturday, April 2.

He was born April 2, 1942, in Gracemont to William Cecil and Dorothy (Smith) Carter.

He attended Anadarko schools and was in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Viet Nam War. Following his discharge he drove a truck and was a heavy equipment operator. He worked for the City of Anadarko for 22 years in the Department of Sanitation, the Cemetery Department and served as the Animal Control Officer for the Anadarko Police Department. He was a member of the Kiowa Tiah Piah Society, and a proud member of the Southwest Viet Nam Veterans Association.

Carter loved kids and animals, especially dogs.

He was preceded in death by his father and two brothers, Scott Carter and Rick Carter.

Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Teresa "Judy" Carter of Anadarko; mother, Dorothy Carter Flowers of Shawnee; six brothers, David Carter and wife, Cindy, of Dale, Richard and wife, Kathleen, of Shawnee, T.L. and wife, Alice, of Ada, Dean and wife, Kristy, of Shawnee, Kelly Carter and wife, Chonron, of Norman and Ronald Carter of San Francisco, Calif.; three sisters, Carol Carter of Norman, Kay Conway and husband of Dale and CeeCee Plunkett and husband, Gene, of Dale; daughter, Toni Pruitt and grandson, Nebrada, of Tecumseh; step children, Daniealla Vickers of Chickasha and Jay Tiger of Oklahoma City; mother-in-law, Wanda Guoladdle of Anadarko; special friends, Virgil Swift and Charlie Carter, both of Anadarko; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles, many loving friends and especially the ones kenneth called the "sons he never had", John "Hoot" Garland, Coy McLemore and Charles Pendarvis, all of Anadarko.

He loved all of the Anadarko Police Department and considered them to be family.

Viewing will be 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday and until service time Tuesday.

Service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Steverson Funeral Chapel with Tommy Subia officiating. Burial will be at Memory Lane Cemetery under the direction of Steverson Funeral Home of Anadarko.

Pall Bearers will be David Carter, T.L. Carter, Dean Carter, Hoot Garland, David Edwards and Charles Pendarvis

Phyllis Josephine Johnson
Shawnee resident Phyllis Josephine Johnson, 86, died Saturday, April 2, at a local hospital.

She was born September 16, 1918, in Cleveland of Issac and Bessie Rainbolt.

She attended Sulphur School for the Deaf and graduated in 1936. She worked in assembly and retired from the Teledyne Corp. in California.

She was married in 1942 to Jessie Albert Johnson. He preceded her in death.

She also was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Troy Rainbolt.

Survivors include brother and sister-in-law, Loren and Skip Rainbolt of Austin, Texas; sister and brother-in-law, Bernice and Roy Reed of Buena Vista, Col.; several nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Service will be 4 p.m. Friday at Memorial Service Eastside Church of Christ on Douglas Blvd. in Midwest City with the Rev. James Garland officiating assisted by interpreter Pam Strange. Walker Funeral Service of Shawnee is directing arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Talking Hands Deaf Club, 14235 Teresa Dr., Jones, OK 73049.

Dorothy H. (Reid) Baker
Nowata resident Dorothy H. (Reid) Baker, 84, was lifted into Heaven April 2, 2005.

She was born December 20, 1920, in Nowata to Mr. and Mrs. S.M. Back. Baker met a special Angel named Gene Downing, President of Wellhead Equipment, Inc. He provided an angel flight from MD Anderson to Oklahoma City per her last request.

She worked for the Oklahoma Tourism as the official Ambassador and Hostess for more than 25 years. Her Indian name was "Princess Ah-nahwake" which translates to "Little Rainbow". She met movie stars such as the Lone Ranger, John Wayne, Lucille Ball, Jerry Lewis and Captain Kangaroo as well as many others. She appeared on the Today Show, Tonight Show, Captain Kangaroo, Arthur Godfrey Show and others. The highlight of her career was meeting Cecil B. DeMille, producer/director of "The Ten Commandments."

She was very active in First Baptist Church of Oklahoma City. She served on the Good Shepherd ministry and sang in the Senior Choir.

She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Fred "Tookie" Baker, her parents Mr. & Mrs. S.M. Back and one brother, Milton Back.

Survivors include her daughter, Karen Reid of Oklahoma City; granddaughter, Stacy McCloskey and husband, Michael, of Katy (Houston), Texas; Great Grandson, Christopher; brother and sister-in-law, Patrick & Carmen Back of Katy (Houston), Texas; sisters, Viola Walker of Tulsa and Jesse Vincent of DeLeon, Texas.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 5, at Mercer Adams, 3925 Asbury Ave, Bethany, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at First Baptist Church, 1201 N. Robinson, Oklahoma City.

Memorials may be made to Angel Flights (www.angelflight.org) and First Baptist Church of Oklahoma City.

Val Charles Eppler
Former Pawnee resident Val Charles Eppler, 72, died Sunday, April 3, in Morrison.

Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Pawnee Indian Baptist Church of Pawnee with the Rev. Warren "Jr." Pratt officiating. Burial will be at North Indian Cemetery, Pawnee, under the direction of Poteet Funeral Home of Pawnee.

Glen Loyd DeWeber
Benicia, Calif., resident Glen Loyd DeWeber, 72, died Thursday, March 31, in Benicia.

He was born January 19, 1933, in Paden to Prince William and Berna Leona (Worley) DeWeber.

He was a 1950 graduate of Tecumseh High School. He served four years in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Wasp as an airman during the Korean War. He worked for C&H Sugar for 33 years and retired in 1988.

DeWeber was a member of the Benicia VFW, the National Rifle Association and was a 55 year member of the Tecumseh Alumni Association.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, motorcycles, watch repair, woodworking, welding, reading and watching cooking shows.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Alla Lee (Berry) DeWeber; his parents; two brothers, Ralph and Floyd DeWeber; an infant brother and four sisters, Faye DeWeber, Geneva Horton, DeWilma Adams and Audrey Marquez.

Survivors include his wife, Bernice DeWeber of Benicia, Calif.; hi children and their spouses, Letha and Randy Little, Carl Loyd and Michelle DeWeber and Larry and Jessica DeWeber, all of California; six grandchildren; three great grandchildren; two sisters, Geraldine Fortson of Tecumseh and Dormi Lee Carver of Macomb; one sister-in-law, Juanita DeWeber of Tecumseh; several nieces and nephews.

Graveside service will be today in Benicia, Calif.

Memorials may made to the American Diabetes Association.

Thomas (Tom) Dewey Walker
Stroud resident Thomas (Tom) Dewey Walker, 96, died Saturday, April 2, in Stroud.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Stroud Cemetery with the Rev. Mike Mitchell officiating. Parks Brothers Funeral Home of Stroud is directing arrangements

Bill Brown
Tecumseh resident Bill Brown, 71, died Sunday, April 3, in Oklahoma City.

Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday with the Rev. Robert Rider officiating. Burial will be at Brown Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.

Elsie Mae Trammell

Tecumseh resident Elsie Mae Trammell, 94, died Sunday, April 3, in Shawnee.

She was born Nov. 9, 1910, in Mountain Park to Philo and Lois Miranda (Dempsey) Long. She was reared in Mountain Park.

She was married Dec. 21, 1929, in Cold Springs to Alvis Trammell. Following her marriage she lived in the Mountain Park area until moving to Romulus.

She moved to Tecumseh in 1968 where she lived the remainder of her life.

Trammell was a homemaker. She raised her brothers and sisters. Her family was the focal point in her life. She won awards for her cooking.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 1983; two sons, A.D. and Bill Trammell; two grandsons, Billy Mac Barnes and Bradford O'Neal Trammell; one great-grandson, Dillon Ray O'Quin; her parents; six brothers and one sister.

Survivors include two daughters, Dorothy Jeppe of Oklahoma City and Peggy Sliger of Shawnee; one son and three daughters-in-law, Luther and Nadine Trammell of Tecumseh, Martena Trammell of Macomb and Janie Trammell-Gay of Tecumseh; two sisters-in-law, Leona Lewis of Shawnee and Annie Dubble of Visilia, Calif.; 18 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Lonnie Hurst of Bethel Acres Assembly and associate pastor of Bethel Acres Assembly Larry Townsend officiating. Burial will be at Romulus Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh

published Apr. 06, 2005

Barbara Hurst Davis

Sallisaw resident Barbara Hurst Davis, 80, died Monday, April 4, in Sallisaw.
She was born Nov. 21, 1924, in Eufaula to Columbus McBride and Stella Elvira (Cape) Polk.

She was raised in Checotah where she attended a one-room school.

She was married June 22, 1940, in Eufaula to Lester Hurst. He preceded her in death on Nov. 22, 1968. She later married Glen Davis on Nov. 9, 1970, in Shawnee. He preceded her in death on June 5, 2001.

Davis worked as a nurse's aid at hospitals, Shawnee nursing homes and for eight years at Central State Griffin Hospital. She was a member of the Pentecostal Church of God, Tecumseh, for 40 years until moving to Sallisaw. There she became a member of the Pentecostal Church of God of Sallisaw.

She also was preceded in death by a daughter, Colette Hurst; her parents and two brothers, Bruce and Sequel Polk.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Jani and Harold McKeehen of Gans; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Guy C. and Allouise Hurst of Tecumseh and Michael Hurst of Shawnee; sister Alma Messenger of Tulsa; brother A.Q. Polk of Owasso; six grandchildren and spouses, Cary and Mike Hargis of Stillwell, Jesse and Lisa James of Gans, Tracey James of Sallisaw, Lachelle and David Ranieri of Columbus, Ga., Tanya and Marchall Williams of Missiouri City, Texas, Guy, Jr., and Jackie Hurst of Tecumseh; six great-grandchildren.

Service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with Janie McKeehen and Ed Cunningham officiating. Burial will be at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.

Vica Weston Moore

Oklahoma resident Vica Weston Moore, 93, passed away peacefully Tuesday, April 1, in her home.

She was born March 13, 1912, in Hot Springs, Ark., to George Thornton Weston and Lou Ellen Cotton.

She was married to Walter F. Moore for more than 60 years. He preceded her in death in 1990.

She served her country in World War II by working for Douglas Aircraft as a "Rosie the Riviter". She also worked for South Community Hospital in Oklahoma City as a nutritionist.

Moore was a member of the Primitive Baptist Church in Tecumseh. She enjoyed the services and and the fellowship every Sunday. Having reached her 93rd birthday, she took pride in being the oldest living Westin in memory. She was a member of a large family of brothers and sisters.

She was preceded in death by her two children, Walter Moore, Jr., who died in 1970, and daughter Nadine, who died in infancy.

Survivors include her two youngest sisters, Ruth Golemon of Bartlesville and Strilla Christian of Lovington, N.M.; dozens of nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; and great-great nieces and nephews. All will forever miss their "Aunt Vicey".

Service will be 10 a.m. Thurday at the South Colonial Chapel. She will be laid to rest next to her husband and son at Oakwood Cemetery in Wewoka at 2 p.m. under the direction of Vondel L. Smith and Son Mortuaries.

Herschel Hugh Haskin
Stroud-Cushing area resident Herschel Hugh Haskin, 69, died Monday, April 4, in Tulsa.

Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Jim Bierd officiating. Burial will follow at Avery Cemetery, Avery, OK. under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Stroud.

Memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist Church Youth Center Kitchen Fund, P.O. Box 600, Stroud, OK 74079.

published Apr. 07, 2005

Cathy J. Scheidt
Former Shawnee resident Cathy J. Scheidt, 53, died Saturday, April 2, at her home in Scarsdale, N.Y. She had battled lung cancer diagnosed in September.

She was born April 6, 1951, to Joe and Vesta Reid Scheidt.

She was a 1969 graduate of Shawnee High School where she was a standout violinist in Paul Boone's orchestra. She earn a bachelor degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1972. Following college, she moved to Washington, D.C., to work for the Federal Trade Commission. Later, she accepted a position with the U.S. Department of Justice, where she worked in the Federal Witness Protection Program. She earned a bachelor degree in accounting from San Jose State University in California in 1989. She worked as a certified public accountant in San Francisco, Washington and New York.

She was married Jan. 2, 1991 in Bangkok, Thailand, to Brian D. Bellardo.

She loved the performing arts, traveling, cooking, gardening and animals, particularly her cats; Ming, Ling and Min.

She was preceded in death by her mother and aunt, Kathryn Scheidt of Tecumseh, for whom she was named.

Survivors include husband, Brian Bellardo of the home; her cat, Min; father and his wife, Joe and Phyllis Scheidt of Shawnee; sister and brother-in-law, Pamela and Lee Eslicker of Tulsa; niece and nephew, Lauren and Daniel Eslicker of Tulsa; aunts and uncles, including, Christine Reid of Dale, Pat Hales of Kensington, Md., and Glenn Dale Carter of Tecumseh; and several cousins, including, Mary Cecile Carter of Dallas, Texas.

An evening of remembrance is scheduled for 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Edwin L. Bennett Funeral Home, 824 Scarsdale Ave., Scarsdale.

Memorials may be made to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, P.O. Box 27106, New York, NY 10087-7106, or at www.mskcc.org.

Barbara June Lehman
Seminole county resident Barbara June Lehman, 67, died Wednesday, April 6, in Oklahoma City.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Lone Dove Cemetery under the direction of Pickard~Swearingen Funeral Home of Konawa.

Ellen C. Collins
Prague resident Ellen C. Collins, 66, died Tuesday, April 5, at her home near Prague.

Private service was held 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 6, at the Prague Cemetery with Denny Clevenger officiating. Parks Brothers Funeral Service of Prague directed arrangements

Nancy Fay Woodard
Seminole resident Nancy Fay Woodard, 79, died Tuesday, April 5, in Shawnee.

Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Swearingen Funeral Chapel with Tom Harrison and David Harrison officiating. Burial will be New Salem Cemetery in Meeker under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home of Seminole

Oscar DeWayne Lamirand
Former Shawnee resident Oscar DeWayne Lamirand, 50, died Monday, April 4, in Greenville, Ky.
Visitation will be 12 p.m. to 2 p.m today.

Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Chapel of Taylor Funeral Home in Dickson, Tenn., with the Rev. Maurice Murphy II and the Rev. Gaeton Tremblay officiating. Burial will be at Rock Church Cemetery under the direction of Taylor Funeral Home of Dickson, Tenn.

published Apr. 08, 2005

Della Mae Linn
Meeker resident Della Mae Linn, 79, died Wednesday, April 6, at her home.
She was born Oct. 7, 1925, in Meeker to Ben and Mary (Martin) Gentry. She had lived in and around Meeker all her life.

She was married December, 1943, in Meeker to Jesse Eldon Linn.

She had worked as a waitress for Bea Brittons Restaurant. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Clifford Gentry, Donald Eugene Gentry and Jimmy Gentry; two sisters, Wilma Lowry and Janie Wilson.

Survivors include husband, Jesse Eldon Linn of the home; three sons, Gene Linn and Mary Potts of Shawnee, Gary and Rita Linn of Shawnee and Dewayne Linn of Meeker; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; two sisters and brother-in-law, Richard and Sue Green of Meeker and Skeet Gouker of California; one brother and sister-in-law, J.B. and Mary Lee Gentry of Eufaula; sister-in-law, Gertrude Gentry of Shawnee; many nieces and nephews.

Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at New Hope Cemetery, Meeker, with the Rev. Leon Williams officiating. Walker Funeral Service, Shawnee, is directing arrangements.

Ruby Anderson
Ruby Anderson, 81, went to be with her Lord on April 7th. She was born July 21st, 1923.

She lived in Ohio for 65 years before moving to Shawnee, in 1988. Residing at Liberty Retirement Center, she served as Sunday school teacher at Liberty Baptist Church as well as DayStar Baptist Church.

Survivors include her son, Mike Brannon of Shawnee; Hossein Kalami (like a grandson) of Norman; her brother, Richard Carpenter and wife, Rebecca, of Ohio; three step-sons, John Mason, Bob Anderson and Jimmy Anderson all of Ohio; step-grandchildren and step-greatgrandchildren also of ohio.

A memorial service will be 7 p.m. Tuesday at Liberty Baptist Church

Alvin Jay Hill
Prague resident Alvin Jay Hill, 66, died Thursday, April 7, at Parkland Manor Skilled Nursing Unit following a brief illness.

He was born Aug. 29, 1938, in Prague to George and Mildred (Snyder) Hill.

He received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army in November 1967, and retired from Tinker Air Force Base in 1977. Following his retirement, he raised watermelons and cantaloupes on his farm at Garden Grove. Farming was more than a hobby to Alvin. He enjoyed being outdoors and will be missed by his family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife of 38 years, Juanita Warden Hill; one sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Howard Meinzer of Renton, Wash.; mother-in-law, Opal Warden of Prague; son, Zackie Mitchell of Prague; daughter, Jan Blankenship of Prague; daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and James Craft of Oklahoma City; son and daughter-in-law, Terry and Jo Ellen Mitchell of Shawnee; five grandchildren and their spouses, Shane and Alicia Sala of Manford, Matt and Tara Mitchell of Rockwall, Texas, J.C. and Jamie Mitchell of Shawnee, Lyn and Daniel Sims of McAlester, and J.C. Craft of Oklahoma City; and ten great-grandchildren.

Service will be 10 a.m. Monday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Prague with Palmer Smith officiating. Burial will follow at the Prague Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Prague.

Stephen Wayne Lenox
Shawnee resident Stephen Wayne Lenox, 43, died Thursday, April 7, at his home after a yearlong battle with a rare cancer.

He was born Sept. 21, 1961, in Beaumont, Texas, to Floyd Lenox and Carolyn (Martin) Washburn.

He graduated in 1979 from Bethel High School. He attended Okmulgee Tech in 1979. He graduated with an Associate's degree in Heating and Air-conditioning in 1998 from Vatterott College.

He worked at Wolverine Tube for 14 years. Before his illness he was employed with Powers of Oklahoma as a Controls Technician in Environmental Controls.

He was married July 27, 1985 to Sherry Gregg.

Lenox attended Hart Street Full Gospel Church. He had a passion for God's work and was a minister of the Gospel. He was very involved in church building projects and volunteered a lot of his time working at the church. He was a loving and devoted husband, father and son. He made a great impression on those who knew him and was loved by many.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Walter and Mae Lenox and grandfather, Floyd W. Martin.

Survivors include his wife, Sherry Lenox of the home; daughter Rachel Lenox and son, Joshua Lenox of the home; parents, Carolyn and Eldon Washburn of Shawnee and Floyd and Joan Lenox of Durant; brothers, Kevin Lenox of Littleton, Colo. and Floyd Lenox of Yukon; grandmother, Mildred Martin of Henryetta; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ellis and Linda Gregg; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Phillip and Amber Gregg and Bryan and Susan Gregg; many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Blackburn Chapel Baptist Church with the Rev. Paul Jackson officiating. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

The casket will not be opened.

Louella Lucille Smith Wilson
Seminole resident Louella Lucille "Peach" Smith Wilson, 90, died Wednesday, April 6, in Seminole.

Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Swearingen Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Tommy Clark officiating. Burial will be at Resthaven Memorial Gardens under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.

published Apr. 12, 2005

Evert Rudolph Petchinsky
Tulsa resident Evert Rudolph Petchinsky, 82, died Sunday, April 10, in Tulsa at St. Johns Hospital.

He was born July 26, 1922, the son of Margaret and Earnest Kennard and Gus Petchinsky Jr. He was raised around the Wellston area.

He was a longtime resident of Shawnee and the surrounding areas. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in Germany and Belgium.

He received two purple hearts while serving in W.W.II.

He was married Dec. 15, 1941 in Shawnee to Phyllis Louise Womack. Their loving union lasted 52 years. He retired from Bill Farris' Body Shop in Shawnee.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Louise (Womack) Petchinsky; father Gus Petchinsky Jr.; mother and father, Margaret (Bolz) and Earnest Kennard; two brothers, Herman Petchinsky and Adolph and Doris Petchinsky; granddaughter, Julie Ott; two great-great-granddaughters, Alyssa Petchinsky and Celise Fox.

Survivors include his wife of six years, Pearl, of the home in Eufaula; son, Gary and Sue Petchinsky; daughters, Janet and Franke Ott of Broken Bow, Judy Petchinsky of Chattanooga, Tenn., and Vickie Moutaw of Houston, Texas; step-daughters, Sandy Oleo, Debbie Roberson, Pam Oleo and Angela Williamson; grandchildren, Rick and Barbara Reese, Tommy Reese, Franke Gene and Teresa Ott, Terry and Michelle Ott, Anthony and Earnestine Ott, Gary Petchinsky Jr., Amanda and Bud Thomas and Kevin and T.J. Moutaw; 16 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; a number of step grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.

Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Resthaven Chapel with the Rev. J.C. Farrand officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home.

Goldie Degraw Layman
Goldie (DeGraw) Layman, 85, passed away Saturday, April 9.

Layman was born May 9, 1918, in Michigan to Goldie and Almon Degraw. She lived a number of years in Michigan, Washington and California prior to moving to rural Pottawatomie County in the late 1980s. Layman moved to Shawnee in 1998 after the death of her husband, Francis Layman.

She is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Rosie and Frank Herman of Phoenix, Ariz.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Little Cemetery in rural Seminole County. Walker Funeral Service of Shawnee is directing arrangements

Bertha Beulah Lakins
Paden resident Bertha Beulah Lakins died Monday, April 11, in Paden, at the age of 92.

Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Burnett Mission Church in Paden with Paul Heard and Aaron Brock officiating. Burial will follow at the Paden Cemetery. Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Prague is directing arrangements.

Charles Spencer
Charles Spencer, 75, of Byars died Sunday, April 9.

Funeral Services will be 2 p.m. today at the First Baptist Church of Asher with the Rev. Dwayne Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Vamoosa Cemetery under the direction of Pickard-Swearingen Funeral Home, Konawa.

John Timothy McGann
John Timothy McGann, 49, of McLoud passed away Sunday, April 10, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Tim was born in Kansas City, Mo. He was raised in Oklahoma where he attended Shawnee Schools. After graduating in 1974, he attended Oklahoma State Technology Center, where he attended diesel engines and small engine repair. In 1985, Tim started working for Tinker Air Force Base, where he gave 20 years of government services.

On Dec. 26, 1995, Tim married Victoria Lynn Factor. He had two children and 1 stepchild with Vicky.

He is preceded in death by a daughter, Khailia McGann; stepfather, Gerald McGann; sister, Cathleen McGann.

Survivors include his wife of nine years, Victoria Lynn McGann; three children, Patrick Michael Blake Factor, John Kelly McGann, Matthew Conner McGann; sister, Sherry Naismith; brothers, Mike McGann and Jimmy McGann; mother, Kathryn McGann; father-in-law, Eastman Factor and his wife, Stella Factor; mother-in-law, Winona Factor.

Service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Resthaven Funeral Chapel with Pastor Eastman Factor officiating. Resthaven Funeral Home is directing arrangements.

Maudie Lee Berry
Maud resident Maudie Lee Berry, 99, died Saturday, April 9, at a Sunset Estates Nursing Home in Maud.

Service will be 11 a.m. today at Pickard-Swearingen Funeral Chapel with Richard Winters officiating. Pickard-Swearingen Funeral Home is directing arrangements

Clifford L. "Kip" Roberts
Clifford L. �Kip� Roberts, age 71, died April 7, 2005 with his family by his side. He battled three cancers and COPD, was hospitalized 51 times and during all this he never lost his sense of humor or his faith in God.

Kip was born in Harrah, OK to Art and Calla (Hunter) Roberts on January 6, 1934. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Joseph and Walt and a grandson Jeramy Roberts. He is survived by his wife Jacqueline, their children Luana Roberts, Beth Roberts, Brian Roberts, Susan Ingram, Ladonna Siar, Michelle Strozier, Scott Strozier, Ken Coley, and John Land; grandchildren Cole Roberts, Josh Rawls, Nichole Rawls, Jessi Ortiz, Levi Ortiz, Justin Coley, Mark Combs, Lynsey Coley, Ryan Hill, Amber Burton and Brad Barnell; great grandchildren Judan Burton, Kobe Williams, Jarron �Bubba� Combs, Laci & Kolton Barnell; a nephew Jonathan Wyant; brother-in-law Steve Young.

Kip loved golfing, bluegrass reunions in Dublin, Georgia and spending time with his family. His family referred to him as a walking encyclopedia as he could always provide an answer to any question. His wife says he changed her life forever - first by entering her life and then by leaving . He was a member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Shawnee.

Kip joined the army at age 15 and served in the Korean War until his brother Walt turned him in because Kip was underage (and outranked Walt). He re-enlisted again legally and returned to Korea. Following his tours in Korea, he attended the Army Airborne School in 1953 and served in various airborne units throughout his career, including a tour on the Golden Knights Parachute Team and as a Green Beret serving five tours in Vietnam. He developed/invented the STABO rig to evacuate troops from �hot� landing zones, during one of several tours as an instructor in the Recondo School in Vietnam. He was a Master Parachutist with over 2500 free fall jumps and 2000 plus static line jumps. His awards include the Master Parachutist badge, 2 Silver Stars, 4 Bronze Stars, Scuba Badge, and Free Fall Parachutist badge.

Following his first retirement from the Army, he and his brother Walt founded a Sky Diving Club in Shawnee and were the owners of The Sportspage Bar. After retiring from the U.S. Army a second time, he was employed by the Federal Government working with the Joint Readiness Training Center, Ft. Bragg, N.C. He returned to Shawnee in 1994. He and his wife were the previous owners of Kip & Nanny�s Native American Smokeshop.

Requiem services will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, April 14, 2005 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 501 N. Broadway, Shawnee, OK with Rev. Clark Shackleford and Rev. Art Scrutchins officiating. A reception follows at the family home located at 2129 N. Beard, Shawnee, OK. Memorials may be made to the Altar Guild of Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Walker Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Darrell Gene Lynch
Chandler resident Darrell Gene Lynch, 72, died Sunday, April 10, at his home.

Memorial service will be 2 p.m. today at the First Baptist Church in Davenport with the Rev. Michael Mitchell officiating. Parks Brothers Funeral Service of Chandler is in charge of arrangements

Ocie Day
Longtime Chandler resident Ocie Day, 85, died Thursday, April 7, at his home.

Graveside service will be 3 p.m. Friday at Oak Park Cemetery in Chandler with Ron Edwards officiating. Services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service

Naomi C. Ribble
Former Shawnee resident Naomi C. Ribble, 68, died Saturday, April 9, in Denison, Texas.

Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Resthaven Memorial Park in Shawnee with the Rev. Carol Manery officiating.

Bratcher Funeral Home of Denison, Texas, is directing arrangements.

Donnie Ray Owens
Our father, Donnie Ray Owens, went to be with the lord Saturday, April 9. He was 67.

Owens was born Sept. 25, 1937, in Bowlegs to Orell and Helen (Taylor) Owens. He grew up in Bowlegs, Maud and Seminole. He lived most of his adult life in Shawnee and Tecumseh.

On Feb. 28, 1969, he married Barbara Cook.

He owned and operated Owens Bail Bonds in Shawnee for many years. He also owned Por Boys Service Station and Yellow Cab in Shawnee and Seminole.

Owens enjoyed playing dominoes and listening to country and western music.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Barbara Wilmeth; and his grandparents (Taylor) who raised him.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara, of the home; four sons and spouses, Rickey and Julie Owens of Texas; Steven and Nellie Cook of Tulsa; Darrell and Sherry Cook of Shawnee; Russell and Susan Cook of Edmond; four daughters and spouses, Cristie and Bobby Bristow of Tecumseh; Cindy and Bobby Kinnamon of Newcastle; Terrie and Danny Boyce of Shawnee; Shelly Murrow of Oklahoma City; brother, Jerry Owens of Irving, Texas; sister, Lenell Barnett of Oklahoma City; 22 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Graveside service will be 10 a.m. today at Cummings Cemetery with chaplain Donnie Knight, Heartland Home and Hospice, officiating. Cooper Funeral Home is directing arrangements.

published Apr. 13, 2005

James Alexander Bull
Shawnee resident James Alexander Bull, 29, past away April 10, 2005, in Tulsa at St. John's hospital.
He was born June 20, 1975, in Shawnee. James was the son of David and Judy Bull and Rockie and Janet Smith and Gail Bull. Mother in-law Sherry Burgess and boyfriend Kevin Hembree of Shawnee. Father in-law Ricky Burgess, Sr. and fiance, Jessica.

He was a 1995 graduate of Shawnee High School.

He was a longtime resident of Shawnee. He was a veteran in the U.S. Army and served two tours as a Calvery Scout in Bosnia and one year as an active specialist in Germany. He received NATO Medal, National Defense Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Commendation Medal. He served from 1995 to 1998 before being honorably discharged. He was currently employed at Rent-A-Center for three years, and was formerly with Pratts Foods, Guard Mark, Ponds Security in Germany at Gieson Air Force Base.

He was married to Sonya Mae Burgess on June 17, 2000 at Wallace Avenue Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Herman Bull; grandfather, Paul Williams; uncle, James Alexander Bull; aunt, Janie Tarr; cousin, Marie Taylor; grandparents, David and Sadie Duncan; grandfather, Allen E. Cook; and uncle, James Dewitt.

Survivors include his wife of five years, Sonya of the home in Shawnee; daughters, Cheyenne, 7, Cherokee, 3, and Dakota, 3 months; sister and brother-in-law,Christina and Joe Kennedy; brother and sister-in-law, Byron and Raquel Bull; brothers, Mykle Bull and Jon Bull of Shawnee; brothers-in-law, Michael and Ricky Burgess of Shawnee; nieces, Natosha and husband, Tony Robbins of Earlsboro,and Kendra Kennedy; and nephew Dylon Kennedy of Shawnee; grandparents, Susie M. Williams of Shawnee, Lewis and Cleo Jones of Disney and Sue Garner of Shawnee; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

A memorial fund has been set up for the James Bull Family at Bank First.

Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Liberty Baptist Church, Shawnee, with the Rev. Duwayne Colvin officiating. Burial will follow at Little Cemetery under the direction of Gaskill Funeral Home of Shawnee.

Ethelyn Barry Galt
Ethelyn Barry Galt passed away Monday, April 11, at the age of 95.

Galt was born Sept. 28, 1909, in Navasota, Texas, to Hood Boone and Pauline Steele Barry.

She married Monroe S. Galt in October of 1931. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, who enjoyed travel and shopping.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Monroe S. Galt.

Galt is survived by a son, Barry J. Galt and his wife, Kathy, of Houston, Texas; daughter, Martha G. Jones and her husband, Ray, of Destin, Fla.; grandchildren and spouses, Terri and Stan Tacker, Ruth and Steve Horn, all of Tulsa; Carol G. and Robert Smith of Houston; Hank and Mary of London, England; Holly and Mark Willliams of Allen, Texas; Gayle and Tom Kennedy of Houston; Laura Riddle of Austin, Texas; Beth and Roger Broach of Tulsa; 17 great-grandchildren.

Ethelyn's family feels blessed that she passed away on her final voyage peacefully. All who knew her will understand that Ethelyn would have much preferred to have drawn her last breath attempting to charm a customs officer into ignoring her cases heavily laden with purchases from travels abroad. She would love to have had claim to the title, she indeed, "Shopped til she dropped."

Service will be 1 p.m. Thursday at First Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City. Burial will follow at Fairlawn Cemetery under the direction of Moore Funeral Homes Inc.

Memorials may be given in her memory to the St. Simeon's Foundation

Randon Rocco Chaney Rizzo

Randon Rocco Chaney Rizzo
Randon Rocco Chaney Rizzo was born Sept. 16, 1973, to Carolyn S. Rizzo and Ron Hurst and passed from this life April 8, 2005, in Oklahoma City.

He worked as a barber/stylist at Dallas and Co. in Nichols Hills and was a member of Life Church in Edmond.

He attended Tecumseh Christian Academy and was a 1991 graduate of Tecumseh High School.

He went to The University of Oklahoma and received his degree in physical therapy. Upon graduation, he worked at Shawnee Medical Center, as well as a burn center in Michigan.

Other accomplishments include degrees in counseling, phlebotomy, travel agent, as well as his barber's license from the Institute of Hair Design in Shawnee, where he received many competition awards.

Preceding him in death were one brother, Rhanson Joe Hurst; one sister, Rachel Carolyn Hurst; grandparents, Joe Rizzo, L.R. Hurst, and C.K. and Syble Stapp.

Randon is survived by his mother, Carolyn S. Rizzo of Shawnee; father and spouse, Ron and Kathryn Hurst of Eufaula; grandmother, Flora Hurst of Tecumseh; brother and sister-in-law, the Rev. Travis and Deana Hurst of Shawnee; sisters and brothers-in-law, Ronell and Robin Talley of Shawnee and Raquel and James Matheson of Tecumseh; close friend Scott Chaney; nephews, Blake, Kyle, Josey and Baylor; nieces, Braiden, Savannah, Meena and Macy; and numerous relatives and friends.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 13, at Faith Christian Outreach in Shawnee, officiated by the Rev. Travis Hurst.

Amanda Finley
Blanchard resident Amanda Finley, 84, died Saturday, April 9, at her home.

Viewing will be 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. today at Ferguson Funeral Home in Chickasha. Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Friday at the First United Methodist Church in Seminole with the Rev. Dave Karges and Gary Wilburn officiating. Burial will follow at Little Cemetery in Seminole County.

Swearingen Funeral Home is directing arrangements.

published Apr. 14, 2005

John Timothy McGann
John Timothy McGann, 49, of McLoud passed away Sunday, April 10, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Tim was born in Kansas City, Mo. He was raised in Oklahoma where he attended Shawnee Schools. After graduating in 1974, he attended Oklahoma State Technology Center, where he attended diesel engines and small engine repair. In 1985, Tim started working for Tinker Air Force Base, where he gave 20 years of government services.

On Dec. 26, 1995, Tim married Victoria Lynn Factor. He had two children and 1 stepchild with Vicky.

He is preceded in death by a daughter, Khailia McGann; stepfather, Gerald McGann; sister, Cathleen McGann.

Survivors include his wife of nine years, Victoria Lynn McGann; three children, Patrick Michael Blake Factor, John Kelly McGann, Matthew Conner McGann; sister, Sherry Naismith; brothers, Mike McGann and Jimmy McGann; mother, Kathryn McGann; father-in-law, Eastman Factor and his wife, Stella Factor; mother-in-law, Winona Factor.

Service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Resthaven Funeral Chapel with Pastor Eastman Factor officiating. Resthaven Funeral Home is directing arrangements.

Zander Matthew Willie Arrie Herron
Zander Matthew Willie Arrie Herron passed away at birth on Monday, April 11, at a local hospital. Our little angel was called home after 21 weeks gestation.

Herron is preceded in death by great-grandparents, Willie "Bill" and Pearl Herron, Gladys Herron, Mebla Jane Kilgore and her husband, Perry, and Arrie Lee Effinger.

He is survived by his parents, Jamie Ann Kifer and Clinton Matthew Herron; grandparents, Carrie April and James Kifer, Wade and Casey Kifer, Billy Dean and Barbra Herron; great-grandparents, T.L. and Kathy Blocker, Myra and Edmond Kifer and Sharlie and Harold Sanders.

Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Johnson Church of God with Brother Charles Higgins officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home.

Dana Sue Kelley
Seminole resident Dana Sue Kelley, 78, died Tuesday, April 12, at Seminole Estates Nursing Home.

Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Swearingen Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Carl Whitfield officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery.

Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole, is directing arrangem

Jan Kelly
Shawnee resident Jan Kelly, 39, died Monday, April 11, in Norman.

He was born Aug. 20, 1965, in Arlington, Texas, to James Andrews and Sara Ann (Long) Kelly.

Born in Texas, he had lived in Tecumseh since 1969. He was a 1983 graduate of Tecumseh High School . He was a registered nurse.

Kelly is survived by a daughter, Rachel Nicole Kelly of Norman; mother, Sara Kelly of Shawnee; father, James Kelly of Chandler; three brothers and spouses, Jay and Kari Kelly of Oklahoma City; Jak and Stacy Kelly of Tulsa; Jason and Kema Kelly of McLoud; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Graveside service will be 11 a.m. today at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Chandler with Bob Gardenhire, St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City, officiating. Cooper Funeral Home is directing arrangements.

Bobby Gene Ward
Seminole resident Bobby Gene Ward, 68, died Tuesday, April 12, at his residence.

Service will be 10:30 a.m. today at Church of Christ with Chris Stinnett officiating. A graveside service will be held 1 p.m. Friday at Dennison Cemetery in Idabel. Swearingen Funeral Home is directing arrangements

published Apr. 15, 2005

Shirley Ann Logan
Former Meeker resident Shirley Ann Logan, 63, passed away Thursday, April 14, in Bethany.

She was born Nov. 11, 1941, in Poteau to Leorah and Lloyd Logan.

She graduated from Yukon High School in 1959. She attended Central State University.

She retired from the Oklahoma State Health Department in 2004. She worked at both the Central Offices in OSDH in Oklahoma City and the Lincoln County Health Department at Chandler. She retired from Family Health Services in the Office of Child Abuse Prevention Training Services. Shirley worked at various jobs before going to work at OSDH including editor and publisher of the Meeker News from 1979 to 1989. She worked as Meeker City Clerk from 1980 to 1983. She loved to learn something new every day.

After retirement she loved to play bridge, enjoying friends and going to events of her grandsons, Logan and Austin Chesser.

She was preceded in death by her father, Lloyd Logan.

Survivors include her mother, Leorah Logan; two children, Ronda Chesser, William Howard Chesser, D.O. and his wife, Jennifer; grandsons, Logan and Austin; brother Bill Logan and family of Yukon; and special cousin, Sarah Marklein of Dardenelle, Alaska.

Shirley was blessed with many special friends and family during her lifetime.

Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Smith and Turner Mortuary Colonial Chapel, 201 E. Main, Yukon.

Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society Lung Cancer Research.

Darlene (Harden) Thompson
Shawnee resident Darlene (Harden) Thompson, 57, died Tuesday, April 12, in a traffic accident in Albuquerque, N.M.

Thompson was born Aug. 21, 1947, in Checotah to Gene and Mable C. (Yarbrough) Harden.

She graduated from Checotah High School in 1965. She received her bachelor of arts from OSU, a masters degree from OCU, and her doctorate degree from OU in Norman.

She worked in sales for the Learning 24/7 Inc at the time of her death.

She is survived by her husband, Jack Thompson, of the home; son, Eric Justin Thompson M.D., of Norman; her parents, Gene and Mable Harden; sister, Norma Stiles and her husband, Vestil; niece, April Roberts and her husband, Sammy, and a great-nephew, John Braden Roberts, all of Checotah.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Destiny Center Assembly of God Church in Checotah with the Rev. Larry Hatfield officiating. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery under the direction of Smith Funeral Home of Checotah Inc.

Jan Kelly
Shawnee resident Jan Kelly, 39, died Monday, April 11, in Norman.

He was born Aug. 20, 1965, in Arlington, Texas, to James Andrews and Sara Ann (Long) Kelly.

Born in Texas, he had lived in Tecumseh since 1969. He was a 1983 graduate of Tecumseh High School . He was a registered nurse.

Kelly is survived by a daughter, Rachel Nicole Kelly of Norman; mother, Sara Kelly of Shawnee; father, James Kelly of Chandler; three brothers and spouses, Jay and Kari Kelly of Oklahoma City; Jak and Stacy Kelly of Tulsa; Jason and Kema Kelly of McLoud; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Graveside service will be 11 a.m. today at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Chandler with Bob Gardenhire, St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City, officiating. Cooper Funeral Home is directing arrangements.

Mattie McLaughlin
Shawnee resident Mattie McLaughlin, 94, died Wednesday, April 13, at Unity Hospital - North Campus.

She was born Nov. 7, 1910, in Ozark, Ark., the daughter of Wallace Jenkins and Lillie Mae (Yeager) Jenkins. On April 9, 1933, she was married to Champe McLaughlin in Ozark, Ark. Mrs. McLaughlin spent most of her life working as a housewife. She had been a resident of Shawnee for over 70 years and was a member of Trinity Baptist Church.

McLaughlin was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; son, Homer

She is survived by two sons, Glen McLaughlin and his wife, Ellen, of Saratoga, Calif.; George McLaughlin and his wife, Sally, of Shawnee; seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Resthaven Funeral Home with the Rev. John Burns officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. Resthaven Funeral Home is directing arrangements.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Shawnee Educational Foundation, P.O. Box 3521, Shawnee, OK 74802-3521

Virdie Dale Watson
Rossville resident Virdie Dale Watson, 93, died Wednesday, April 13.

Graveside service is 1 p.m. Monday at the Rossville Cemetery south of Wellston. Parks Brothers Funeral Service of Chandler is directing arrangements

Elmer Fred Ferguson
Seminole resident Elmer Fred Ferguson, 95, died Wednesday, April 13, at Maple Lawn Manor in Hydro.

Service will be 4 p.m. today at Swearingen Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Roy Robertson officiating. Burial will follow at Wolf Cemetery in Seminole County under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home

Zelta Marie Hightower
Longtime Davenport resident Zelta Marie Hightower, 83, died Wednesday, April 13, in Oklahoma City.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. today at First Baptist Church, Davenport, with the Rev. Mike Mitchell officiating. Burial will follow at Davenport Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Chandler