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copied with permission from
The Shawnee News-Star
215
N. Bell
Shawnee, OK 74801
submitted by
Kay Sugg Best
published Apr. 16, 2005
Alma Reeves Stallings
Alma Reeves Stallings, 75, of Shawnee died Friday, April 15, at
a local hospital.
She was born Oct. 16, 1929, in Wanette, the daughter of Coleman "Bud" Tuggle and
Pearl (Shaw) Tuggle. She married Jess Reeves on June 28, 1944, in Purcell. She
retired from Shawnee Care Center as a certified medical aide. She later married
Bob Stallings on Jan. 18, 1989.
She is survived by her husband, Bob Stallings of the home; children, Betty Gee
of Tecumseh, Nona and Bill Mills of Shawnee, Jesse and Virginia Reeves of
Shawnee, John and Kaye Reeves of Seminole, Don and Leavetta Reeves of Shawnee,
Shirley Shears of Shawnee, Pat and Rhonda Stallings, Mitch and Chang Cha
Stallings, Todd Stallings, Scott and Peggy Stallings and Shannon Flowers; 24
grandchildren; one brother and sister-in-law, J.W. and Dena Anderson; 25
great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Jess; one
great-grandson, Trinten Gale Stevenson; two sisters, Lorene Austin and Pernie
D'Angelo; two brothers, Bill Tuggle and C.L. Anderson.
Service will be 10 a.m. Monday at Resthaven Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Paul
Gregg officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.
Robert H. "Bob" Kennedy
Robert H. "Bob" Kennedy, 80, died Thursday, April 14, at a local hospital.
Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at the First Christian Church in Shawnee.
Further arrangements are under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.
Lena Irene (Couch) Whitford
Harrah resident Lena Irene (Couch) Whitford, 92, died Thursday, April 14, in
Harrah.
Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Summit Ridge Seventh Day Adventist Church in
Harrah with Elder Ken Cox officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Lane
Cemetery in Harrah. Smith~Parks Funeral Service Center is in charge of
arrangements
Robert Michael "Mike" Kahanek
Robert Michael "Mike" Kahanek, 56, died Thursday, April 14, in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Mike was born July 17, 1948 in Prague to Cye Al and Mary Pat (Teape) Kahanek.
He graduated from Prague High School in 1966. He attended the University of
Central Oklahoma and graduated from the University of Oklahoma.
On Oct. 6, 1987, he married Carol Foster in Hanalei, Hawaii. They made their
home in Scottsdale. He was employed by Pearson Education.
He is survived by his wife, Carol, of Scottsdale; and his parents, Cye and Mary
Pat Kahanek of Prague.
Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in
Prague with Dr. Warren Danskin officiating. Burial will follow at Prague
Cemetery under the direction of
Rick Brakebill
Rick Brakebill
Former Shawnee resident Rick Brakebill, 39, died Wednesday, April 13, in Norman.
Brakebill was born to Nick and Linda Brakebill March 31, 1966, in Shawnee.
After graduating from Shawnee High School in 1984, Brakebill attended Okmulgee
Tech and was employed in building construction. He was an avid golfer and
enjoyed fishing.
He was preceded in death by his father and his grandparents, James and Margie
Brakebill and Raymond and Barbara Smika.
Survivors include his mother; stepfather, Wayman Cook of Shawnee; sister and
brother-in-law Scarlett and Sean Talbot of Oklahoma City; three great-aunts,
Ruth McGuffee of Del City, Jenni Johnson of Grandbury, Texas, and Betty Clem of
Shawnee; two nephews; several cousins; and many friends.
Mass of Christian burialwill be 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Benedict Catholic Church
with Father Maurus Jaeb, O.S.B., officiating. Walker Funeral Service will handle
burial at Calvary Cemetery.
Norvel Dean Brown
Harrah resident Norvel Dean Brown, 59, died Monday, April 11, at Baptist Medical
Center.
Funeral service will be 10 a.m. today at Lighthouse Family Church in Harrah.
Burial will follow at Dale Cemetery under the direction of Bill Eisenhour
Funeral Home of Oklahoma City.
published Apr. 17, 2005
Eugene Warrenburg
Eugene Warrenburg
Funeral services for longtime Seminole County educator Eugene Warrenburg have
been scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Church of Christ in Little with
Rusty Dawson and John Henley officiating. Interment will follow in the Little
Cemetery.
Warrenburg, 88, died Friday, April 15, at Unity Health Center, North Campus, in
Shawnee.
A lifelong resident of the community of Little, north of Seminole, he graduated
from Prairie Valley High School and Seminole Junior College, where he was a
member of one of the college's first basketball teams.
He received a bachelor's degree from East Central State College in Ada and a
master's degree in education from The University of Oklahoma in Norman. He also
received his administrator's certification from OU.
Warrenburg began his career in education in 1939 as a teacher and coach at
Prairie Valley School. In 1941, he was hired as the high school principal at
Pleasant Grove School.
In 1942, he accepted a position at Varnum Schools, but taught only one semester
before being drafted during World War II. He served stateside in the medical
corps at Fort Sill and Olympia, Wash.
His service career continued until February 1946, when he returned to Varnum to
serve as high school principal. During his 38 years of service to the Varnum
Public School System, he taught math and science, coached baseball and men's
basketball. He served as superintendent from 1954 until his retirement in 1980.
Warrenburg was a past president of the Seminole County Teachers Association and
served as vice president of the Seminole County Retired Teachers Association. He
was on the Board of the Seminole Historical Society. Warrenburg also served as
the Seminole County election board inspector for the "Little" precinct for many
years.
In 1995, he was honored by the Varnum Alumni Association for his many years of
service to the school with induction into the Varnum Hall of Fame. He also was
among the first graduates to be inducted into the Seminole State College Alumni
Hall of Fame in 1994.
An avid supporter of Seminole State College athletics, the Warrenburgs attended
home sporting events and often traveled out of state following the teams during
playoff action. Additionally, they frequently hosted players at their home for
special picnics and fishing outings.
Following his retirement from public education, Warrenburg pursued interests in
collecting antiques and continued his strong involvement in church work. He
owned and operated Warrenburg's Antique Glass, and had a personal interest in
collecting and restoring horse-drawn farm equipment and implements.
Warrenburg taught adult Bible classes and served as an elder for the Church of
Christ at Little for 55 years. He also served as treasurer for the church for 15
years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Della Warrenburg, and one
sister, Rita Beall.
Warrenburg is survived by his wife of 66 years, Frances; one sister, Wanda
Swearingen of Seminole; and two daughters and sons-in-law, Dr. Donna Hardin and
husband Jim of Seminole, and Marsha Guymon and husband J. Carl of Broken Arrow.
Other survivors include grandchildren: Terri and James Metzler of Los Lunas,
N.M.; Kerri and Scott Williams of Ada; Jae Jean Young of Broken Arrow; and
Hunter and Joy Guymon of Broken Arrow. In addition, he has five
great-grandchildren: Joe Dell Williams, Ethan Williams, Kaci Williams, Madison
Martin and Brooke Guymon.
The family has identified the Church of Christ at Little and the SSC Educational
Foundation Warrenburg Scholarship Fund as preferred recipients of memorial
donations.
Services will be under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole.
Robert (Bob) Hutchison Kennedy
Robert (Bob) Hutchison Kennedy, 80, a longtime Shawnee
businessman died Thursday evening, April 14, at Unity Health Center, North
Campus.
Bob came to Shawnee in 1949 and purchased the Larchmiller Skating Rink on
Independence and Kickapoo. He later built a new "Roll-a-Way Rink" on MacArthur
Street. Bob loved working with the youth and helped promote many benefits for
heart funds, as well as other promotions such as multiple sclerosis
fund-raising. Bob also owned "Bob's Stereo Shop" and the MacArthur Center Shops.
Bob was raised in Perry and graduated from Perry High School. He had musical
parents. His father was a violinist and his mother was a piano teacher. Bob was
the mascot of the U.S. Army Band. He was a drummer and had three bands
throughout his high school years. He served his country in the U.S. Navy from
1945-46 in the Marshall and Gilbert Islands as an electrical technician.
On May 24, 1946, he married Bettye Jo Wallace of Tonkawa. They were married in
Winfield, Kan. They lived in Perry until coming to Shawnee in 1949. Bob was a
member of First Christian Church in Shawnee, where he served as an elder, youth
director, Sunday school teacher, youth camp counselor, chairman of the church
board and as Sunday school president. He also was a member of the Roller Skating
Operators Association, and the International Guild of Candle Makers Association.
He is survived by his wife, Bettye Jo Kennedy of the home; three children, Bob
Jr. of Shawnee, Gregg and wife Sherri of Oklahoma City, and Debra Van Swearingen
and husband Greg of Norman. He also is survived by eight grandchildren,
Michelle, Laura and Taylor Kennedy, all of Oklahoma City; Ryan Kennedy of El
Segundo, Calif.; Alexis, Kevin, Eric and wife Michelle, and Noel Van Swearingen,
all of Norman; and his "adopted" grandson, Miles Burke of Shawnee. Other
survivors include four great-grandchildren and five sisters, Warrene Harris of
Winetka, Calif., June Jerome of Shawnee, Betty Hope Anderson of Prague, Margie
Talbot of San Antonio, Texas, and Donna Golliver and husband Mike of Enid.
He is preceded in death by his sister, Carol Plessinger; his parents, Ivan and
Hazel Kennedy; and a grandnephew, Robert Anderson.
A visitation will be held 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at Walker Funeral Service.
Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at First Christian Church, 1625 N. Broadway.
Theodore R. Burkhart
Lifelong Seminole resident Theodore "Ted" R. Burkhart, 88, died Thursday, April
14, at Pioneer Nursing Home in Seminole.
Graveside service will be 1 p.m. Monday at Maple Grove Cemetery, with the Rev.
Doyle Long officiating. Burial will follow under the direction of Swearingen
Funeral Home.
Beatrice Imogene McKee
Service for Beatrice Imogene McKee, 85, of Ada, will be 1 p.m. Monday at First
United Methodist Church in McLoud with the Rev. Ruth Tipps officiating. Burial
will follow at Dale Cemetery.
Mrs. McKee died Friday, April 15, at an Ada nursing home. She was born June 13,
1919, at McLoud, to Earl Roy and Bertie Carter Brown. She attended school at
McLoud and went to Ada in 1998 from Oklahoma City. She was employed by Douglas
Aircraft and later was a homemaker.
She married Tony Nowakowski in 1935 in Seminole. He died in 1957. She married
H.R. McKee in 1967 in Guthrie. He died in 1998.
Survivors include a daughter, Peggy Joan Key and husband Tommy, Ada; son,
Anthony Lavone Nowakowski and wife Jackie, Sacramento, Calif.; two brothers,
LeRoy Brown and wife Betty, McLoud; and Bill Brown, Colorado; one sister, Ella
Mae Hill, McLoud; two granddaughters, Pamela Mosely, Arapaho; and Rhonda Ashley,
Ada; two grandsons, Lannie Ashley and wife Missy, Marshall, Texas; and Lorin
Ashley and wife Shelly, Edmond; four great-granddaughters, Misty Anglin and
husband B.J., Shelly Burk and husband Lloyd Jr., Brandy Ames and husband Darrin,
and Kacy Bass and husband Ronnie; six great-grandsons, Chase Ashley, Darrell
Carlos, Darrick Carlos and Dink Carlos and wife Amber, Justin Ashley and Austin
Ashley; and five great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Anna Poff, in 2004;
granddaughter, Yolawnda Lea Ashley, in 1960; grandson, Anthony Mark Ashley,
1996; great-grandson, Lannie Seth Ashley, 1978; and grandson-in-law, Palmer
Mosely, March 2005.
Bearers are Lannie Ashley, Lorin Ashley, Lloyd Burk Jr., Dean Hill, Michael
Nowakowski and Robert Leo Nowakowski. Honorary bearers are Jim Brown, Bill
Brown, Earl Brown, Dick Brown, David Key, Greg Nowakowski, Darrick Carlos,
Darrell Carlos and Dink Carlos.
Arrangements are under the direction of Criswell Funeral Home of Ada.
Edgar (Ed) N. Smalley
Stroud resident Edgar (Ed) N. Smalley, 80, died Saturday, April 16, in Oklahoma
City.
Visitation will be today. Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at First Baptist
Church in Stroud with the Rev. Burl Mackey officiating. Burial will follow at
Stroud Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service.
Pamela Charkowski
Chandler resident Pamela Charkowski, 51, died Saturday, April 16, in Chandler.
Service is pending with Parks Brothers Funeral Home of Chandler.
Agnes Pauline Hillsberry
Prague resident Agnes Pauline Hillsberry, 92, died Saturday, April 16, in
Prague.
She was born Feb. 8, 1913, in Eufaula to William and JoAnna (Duncan) Montgomery.
She married Venus B. Pierce in 1929. He preceded her in death in 1969.
They owned and operated a grocery store in Prague.
On Jan. 5, 1996, she married Thomas Hillsberry and they made their home in
Prague.
She was a very active member of the Assembly of God Church, having served as the
church secretary for many years.
Hillsberry was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers and a sister.
She is survived by her husband, Thomas Hillsberry, of Prague; brother Haskell
Montgomery of Shawnee; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Assembly of God Church in
Prague with the Rev. Kevin Wehrli and the Rev. Herman Searcy officiating. Burial
will follow at Prague Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral
Service in Prague.
Todd Ray Davis
Chandler resident Todd Ray Davis died Friday, April 15, in Oklahoma City at the
age of 24.
Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel
in Chandler with the Rev. Dylan Burnceknoca and the Rev. Robert Wonn
officiating.
published Apr. 19, 2005
Teresa Elizabeth "Betsy" Dale
Stillwater resident Teresa Elizabeth "Betsy" Dale, 32, died Sunday, April 17, in
Stillwater.
Rosary will be 7 p.m. Monday at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in
Stillwater.
Service will be 10 a.m. today at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church with Father
Kenneth Harder officiating. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens in
Stillwater under the direction of Strode Funeral Home .
Timmy "Timpa" Dickinson
Timothy Edward Dickinson, 55, died Saturday, April 16, at Unity North Hospital
in Shawnee.
He was born Oct. 16, 1949, in Dayton, Ohio, to Elmer Dickinson and Roalie (Scheidt)
Dickinson.
He graduated from Shawnee High School in 1967. He was a self-employed contractor
and entrepreneur. Timmy served in the U.S. Marine Corp. Reserves. He enjoyed
fishing and cooking gourmet dinners for his friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Michael and John
Dickinson; two nephews, Danny Dickinson and John Patrick Dickinson, Jr.
Survivors include his wife, Joann Bryan of the home, brothers and sister, Carl
Dickinson and wife, Andrea, of Baltimore, Md., Ann Dickinson of Shawnee and Mark
Dickinson and wife, Shirley, of Shawnee; sisters-in-law, Laury Dickinson of
Murphy, N.C. and Cathy Dickinson of Mt. Vernon, Mo.; step-daughters, Autumn
Enochs and Amber Bryan; step-grandson, Chance Enochs; nieces and nephews, Cris
and Brian Barry, Jay and April Dickinson, Andrew and Brandy Dickinson, Jason and
Kevin Dickinson all of Shawnee, Stacey and Brian Root, Erik and Heather
Dickinson all of Colorado, Jimmy and Lance Dickinson of Missouri, and Wes
Dickinson of Oklahoma City; numerous great nieces and nephews.
Memorial service will be 6 p.m. today at Gaskill Funeral Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Jimmie Yerby
Jimmie Yerby, 103, died Sunday, April 17, at Unity Health Center
in Shawnee.
He was born Jan. 10, 1902, in Alvord, Texas, to John L. Yerby and Janie (Porter)
Yerby.
He moved to Petrolia, Texas, in 1920 and moved to Oklahoma in 1929.
He was married to Perl Waters and later married Shorty Thompson in 1975.
Yerby was a member of the Oklahoma Centernarian Club and Northwest Missionary
Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one wife, Pearl; one son, Glendel Yerby;
two brothers, B.B. Yerby and Leslie Yerby; one sister, Ethel Mae Zimmerman; and
one step-son, Floyd Thompson.
Survivors include his wife, Shorty Yerby, of the home; two sons, Johnny Lee
Yerby of Oklahoma City and Curtis L. Yerby of Oklahoma City; one step-son,
Howard Thompson of Shawnee; one step-daughter, Juanita Lee of Prague; five
grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Service will be 2 p.m. today at Northwest Missionary Baptist Church with the
Rev. Ed Fox officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the
direction of Gaskill Funeral Home of Shawnee.
Ethel Sexton Turner
Former Shawnee resident Ethel Sexton Turner, 88, died Sunday, April 17, at her
home in Round Rock, Texas.
Ethel was born Aug. 6, 1916, to Jess L. Danyeur and O. Beatrice (Cambell)
Danyeur in Wewoka.
On Dec. 4, 1934, she married Ariel Sexton in Shawnee. She lived most of her life
in Shawnee until she moved to Round Rock, Texas, in 1983. The were happily
united until his passing on August 21, 1985.
Ethel was a member of the Round Rock Church of Christ. She was a very family
oriented lady who loved her grandchildren, brothers and sister.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Walter Danyeur of
Meeker.
She is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Russ Meyer of Round
Rock, Texas; three brothers, Leroy Welch and his wife, Pat, of Shawnee, Clifford
Welch and his wife, Natalia, of Washington, Ind., and Troy Welch and his wife,
Norma of Bowlegs; one sister, Viola Hopkins and her husband, Ivan, of Shawnee;
two grandsons, Chas Meyer and his wife, Adrienne, of Abilene, Texas, and
Nicholas Meyer of Round Rock, Texas; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. today at Resthaven Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation, 6465 S. Yale,
Suite 206, Tulsa, OK 74136-7804.
Service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Fairview Cemetery with the Rev. Clifford
Welch officiating.
Resthaven Funeral Home of Shawnee is directing arrangements.
Billy Joe Fisher
Shawnee resident Billy Joe Fisher, 68, died Monday, April 18, in Tecumseh.
He was born May 28, 1936, in Bearden to John A. and Susanna (Little) Fisher. He
was raised in Tecumseh, living in Hutchinson, Kan., Oklahoma City and Moore
before moving to Shawnee.
He was a Tecumseh High School graduate and attended college at the University of
Central Oklahoma.
While living in Kansas, he worked for a flour mill. Upon moving to Oklahoma
City, he went to work for Rainbow. He also served as assistant basketball coach
at UCO from 1984 to 1986, before returning to Rainbow.
He was very athletic, playing softball and basketball.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Essie Neely, and three
brothers, Jack Fisher, Melford Fisher and Jimmy Fisher.
Fisher is survived by three daughters, Melody Messenger of Colorado Springs,
Colo., Cathy Parsons fo Oklahoma City, Pamela Hamilton of Bethany; four
grandchildren, James Messenger of Colorado Springs, Toby Dukes of Yukon, Jeffrey
Dukes of Colorado Springs, Lindsay Carpenter of Mineral Wells, Texas;
great-grandchild, Maxwell Carpenter of Mineral Wells; two brothers, Kenneth and
Tommy Fisher, both of Shawnee; niece and spouse, Shirley and Murle Phillips of
Stockton, Calif.; numerous nieces and nephews.
Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Friday at Tecumseh Cemetery with the Rev. Bill
Matthews and Phil Thompson officiating. Cooper Funeral Home is directing
arrangements.
Frederick A. Kraeer
McLoud resident Frederick A. Kraeer, 79, died Saturday, April 16.
Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Asa Smith Memorial Chapel in Harrah.
Smith~Parks Funeral Service is directing arrangements
Cathryn L. Waller
Spencer resident Cathryn L. Waller, 73, died Saturday, April 16, at Baptist
Medical Center.
Memorial service will be 7 p.m. Thursday at the Good Shepard Lutheran Church at
700 N. Air Depot in Midwest City under the direction of Bill Eisenhour Funeral
Home of Oklahoma City.
Donna Lea (Doss) Wilson
Yukon resident Donna Lea (Doss) Wilson, 68, went to be with her lord and savior
Friday, April 15.
Service will be 1 p.m. Thursday at in the Church of Christ-South Yukon. Burial
will follow at Chapel Hill Cemetery in Oklahoma City under the direction of
Yanda and Son Funeral Home in Yukon.
Clessie M. Plumlee
Clessie M. Plumlee, 82, left this life to be with her Lord and Savior on April
16, 2005, with her son, his wife and close family at her side.
Clessie was born on Dec. 10, 1922, in Seminole to Boyd and Minnie P. (Brown)
Willis.
The things she did best in life were taking care of her husband, her son and
family. Clessie will be greatly missed by everyone she touched throughout life.
Alzheimer's took her memory, but not her sense of humor.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Hazel Hale.
She leaves lasting memories with her husband, Clifford Plumlee, of the home; one
son, Ken Plumlee and wife, Evelyn; grandchildren, Lisa and Dr. Jay Ernst, Marc
and Mari Plumlee, Duane Cranford, Becky Blindaur, Jennifer Gutierrez, Andy and
Teresa Delgado, and Nicholas Legler; great-grandchildren, Ashley Ernst, Aiden
Plumlee, Angela Gutierrez, Krystal Gutierrez, Victoria Gutierrez, Galvin
Delgado, and Gabriel Delgado.
Service to celebrate Clessie's life will be held 2 p.m. today at Vondel L. Smith
South Colonial Chapel. Burial will follow at Little Cemetery, Seminole.
Vonde Smith/South is directing arrangements.
Jerry Wayne Orr
Lifelong Edmond resident Jerry Wayne Orr, 58, died Sunday, April 17.
Orr was born Sept. 26, 1946, in Edmond to Everette Orr and Elsie (Keels) Orr.
He was reared and educated in Edmond. On Jan. 29, 1966, he married Barbara
Baptiste.
Orr had worked as a construction foreman for Daurizio Acoustics. He enjoyed
canoeing, fishing and doing silversmith work in his spare time.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Billy Orr.
Orr is survived by his wife, Barbara, of the home; son, D'Wayne Orr of Edmond;
daughter, Misty Dawn McConnico of Shawnee; five grandchildren, Samantha Masquat,
Jessica Haddock, Jordan Haddock, Josh Mathis and Rebecca Conteras; and many
other relatives and friends.
Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Matthews Funeral Home Chapel under
the direction of Matthews Funeral Home.
Lorreta Wade
Macomb resident Lorreta Wade, 66, died Monday, April 18, at her home.
Service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Romulus Baptist Church of Macomb with
Darrell Witten officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Lane Cemetery in
Anadarko under the direction of Smith Funeral Home, Anadarko.
Edward Hugh Bordelon
Bowlegs resident Edward Hugh "Ed" Bordelon, 59, died Saturday, April 16, at
Oklahoma Veterans Hospital, Talihina.
Service will be 10:30 a.m. today at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev.
John May officiating. Burial will follow at Wolf Cemetery.
Swearingen Funeral Home of Seminole is directing arrangements
published Apr. 20, 2005
Danny F. Jones
Shawnee resident Danny F. Jones, 48, died Sunday, April 17, in
Eufaula.
He was born May 26, 1956, in Oklahoma City to Jesse and Ima Jones.
He grew up in the Oklahoma City area and graduated from Bethel High School in
1975. He went to work shortly after high school at a variety of jobs until he
began working for Oklahoma Natural Gas in 1977.
He was married in 1977 to Brenda, his first wife and mother of his children. He
later married Diane in 1988.
He enjoyed relaxing at Lake Eufaula with his dog Jake. He also enjoyed working
with his hands on anything that needed to be fixed.
He was preceded in death by his father on Oct. 26, 2004.
Survivors include his wife, Diane Jones, of the home; son and daughter-in-law,
David and Tara Jones of New York, N.Y.; daughter, Andrea Jones of Norman;
stepsons, Justin Bowles of Stillwater and Keith Bowles of Shawnee; mother, Ima
Jones of Tecumseh; sister, Kathy Parker of Yukon; niece, Amanda Smith of
Oklahoma City; numerous other relatives.
Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Chapel of Walker Funeral Service. Burial
will be 2 p.m. at Arlington Memory Gardens in Midwest City under the direction
of Walker Funeral Service
Pleas William Sutton
Former Shawnee resident Pleas William Sutton, 75, died Monday April 18, in
Wichita, Kan.
Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Southwest Baptist Church in Wichita, Kan.
Burial will follow at El Paso Cemetery in Derby, Kan.
A memorial is established with Southwest Baptist Church.
Smith Mortuary of Derby, Kan. is directing arrangements
Paul Day
Shawnee resident Paul Day, 73, died Saturday, April 16, at a local nursing home.
Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at the home of Rosa Lee Day. His ashes
were buried at Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service
Evelyn Darlene Anderson
Seminole resident Evelyn Darlene Anderson, died Saturday, April 16, in Seminole
at the age of 43.
Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at the Paden Cemetery with the Rev.
Brett Allen officiating.
Parks Brothers Funeral Service of Prague is directing arrangements.
Reetha Mae Chase
Longtime Seminole resident Reetha Mae Chase, 88, died Monday, April 18, at an
Oklahoma City hospital.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. today at Maple Grove Cemetery.
Swearingen Funeral Home of Seminole is directing arrangements.
Luther O'Neal Hughes
Shawnee resident Luther O'Neal Hughes, 82, died Tuesday, April 19, at his home.
He was born March 10, 1923, in Hominy to Luke Henry Hughes and Berie Ann
Wheeler-Hughes.
Hughes was reared in southern Oklahoma and graduated from Wilson High School. He
joined the Army Air Corps in 1943 and served until 1945. During World War II, he
was a crewman onboard a bomber that lost an engine and was forced to land in
Switzerland. He was instantly taken prisoner and lived as a POW for 18 months.
On Aug. 27, 1949, he married Marie Theola Harvey in Gainesville, Texas.
Hughes retired from Oklahoma Natural Gas after 36 years. His job took him and
his family from Ardmore to Wetumka and then to Shawnee in 1976.
He was a member of University Baptist Church where he served as deacon. He also
was a member of the American Legion Post No. 16 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars
Post No. 1317 in Shawnee.
Hughes is survived by his wife, Marie Hughes, of the home; son, Johnny Boyd
Johnson and his wife, Penny, of Alpharetta, Ga.; two daughters, Patricia Ann
Johnson and her husband, Fred Williams, of Jenks, Debrah Yvonne Walter and her
husband, Don Walter, of Little Rock, Ark.; two sisters, Marcella Bohannon of Del
City, Lee Ola Heath of Oxnard Calif.; eight grandchildren, many nieces and
nephews.
Formal visitation will be 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Gaskill Funeral Chapel.
Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at University Baptist Church with full military
honors provided by the Disabled American Veterans Chapter No. 85 of Oklahoma
City. The Rev. Bob Searl will officiate.
Pallbearers will be Greg Cullison, Craig Walker, Michael Cappo, Joe Hall, John
McCulloch, Craig Ward and Larry Walker.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Heartland
Hospice, 3700 N. Kickapoo. Shawnee
published Apr. 21, 2005
Billy Joe Fisher
Shawnee resident Billy Joe Fisher, 68, died Monday, April 18, in Tecumseh.
He was born May 28, 1936, in Bearden to John A. and Susanna (Little) Fisher. He
was raised in Tecumseh, living in Hutchinson, Kan., Oklahoma City and Moore
before moving to Shawnee.
He was a Tecumseh High School graduate and attended college at the University of
Central Oklahoma.
While living in Kansas, he worked for a flour mill. Upon moving to Oklahoma
City, he went to work for Rainbow. He also served as assistant basketball coach
at UCO from 1984 to 1986, before returning to Rainbow.
He was very athletic, playing softball and basketball.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Essie Neely, and three
brothers, Jack Fisher, Melford Fisher and Jimmy Fisher.
Fisher is survived by three daughters, Melody Messenger of Colorado Springs,
Colo., Cathy Parsons fo Oklahoma City, Pamela Hamilton of Bethany; four
grandchildren, James Messenger of Colorado Springs, Toby Dukes of Yukon, Jeffrey
Dukes of Colorado Springs, Lindsay Carpenter of Mineral Wells, Texas;
great-grandchild, Maxwell Carpenter of Mineral Wells; two brothers, Kenneth and
Tommy Fisher, both of Shawnee; niece and spouse, Shirley and Murle Phillips of
Stockton, Calif.; numerous nieces and nephews.
Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Friday at Tecumseh Cemetery with the Rev. Bill
Matthews and Phil Thompson officiating. Cooper Funeral Home is directing
arrangements.
Leo Daniel Likens
Shawnee resident Leo Daniel Likens, 82, died Tuesday, April 19, in McLoud under
Angelic Hospice Care.
He was born Feb. 9, 1923, in Dale to Walter and Myrtle Likens. He was reared in
the Dale area.
He worked at various jobs during his career, including Boeing in Wichita, Kan.,
Oklahoma Seismograph and retired as a Shawnee City employee in 1987.
On Aug. 21, 1952, he married Geraldine Leyerly in McAlester. He was a member of
the Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and two brothers, Vernon and Troy
Likens.
Survivors include three daughters and sons-in-law, Judith and Bill Anderson of
Tool, Texas, Sue and Leroy Batt of Bethel, Nancy and Harold Spangler of Yukon;
two sons and daughters-in-law, Jerry and Francis Leyerly of McLoud, and Danny
and Jill Likens of Erie, Pa.; brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Jeanette Likens
of Shreveport, La.; sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Harry Tyson of Dale;
18 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Dale Cemetery with the Rev. Douglas
Parker officiating.
Walker Funeral Service of Shawnee is directing arrangements
Winford F. Matthews Jr.
Longtime Seminole resident Winford F. Matthews Jr died Tuesday, April 19, at
Norman Veterans Center.
Service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at First Baptist Church with the Rev. Tommy
Clark and Mark Senter officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery
under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.
Kathy Rene Ashcroft
Shawnee resident Kathy Rene Ashcroft, 40, died Tuesday, April 19, at her home.
She was born Aug. 19, 1964, in Hot Springs, Ark., to John W. and Mary Lee
Thomas. She graduated from Bearden High School in Bearden, Ark.
On June 15, 1988, she married Craig Allan Ashcroft at the Atlanta Latter Day
Saints Temple. She was a wife and mother and was a substitute teacher at the
local school.
Kathy has a great love for teaching small children at Primary in church. She was
very supportive of Craig and his being in the Guard.
Survivors include her husband, Craig Allan Ashcroft; son, Mitchell Ashcroft;
daughter, Elizabeth Ashcroft; father, John W. Thomas and sister, Donna A.
Finney.
Visitation will be 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. tonight.
Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
with Bishop Jason Murray. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.
Walker Funeral Service of Shawnee is directing arrangements.
published Apr. 22, 2005
Louis Monroe Pettyjohn
Shawnee resident Louis Monroe Pettyjohn, 93, died Thursday, April 21, at a local
nursing home.
He was born Nov. 7, 1911, in Talco, Texas. He lived most of his life in Shawnee.
Pettyjohn served in the U.S. Army at Fitzsimmons Army Base in Denver, Colo.
After he moved to Shawnee in 1945, he was a bus driver for the city of Shawnee.
He later retired from Tinker Air Force Base after 27 years. After retiring, he
worked for Western Christian University in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. He also
delivered "Meals on Wheels" to the elderly when he was 85 years young. Monroe
was a founding member of the Northridge Church of Christ. He also had been a
teacher of the gospel at many small Church of Christ congregations in Earlsboro,
Maud, Meeker, Little, Saint Louis and Prague. He was active in numerous mission
efforts throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Stella (Curtis) and Charles Pettyjohn;
two brothers, Vertis and Hubert Pettyjohn; three sisters, Ethel Boucher, Virgie
Boyles and Mae Mills; his beautiful wife of almost 65 years, Barbara Pettyjohn
on July 21, 2002.
Survivors include three sons and daughters-in-law, Jim and Cathy Pettyjohn of
Shawnee, Robert and Marty Pettyjohn of Shawnee and Paul and Pam Pettyjohn of
Sand Springs; one daughter and son-in-law, Carolyn and Bill Stephenson of
Bellmont, N.C.; four granddaughters, Misty and Mike Martin of McLoud, Tiffini
and Kirk McLeod of Olathe, Kan., Whitney and Chelsey Pettyjohn of Sand Springs;
three grandsons, Monty and Diana Pettyjohn of Plano, Texas, Stacey Pettyjohn of
Sherwood Ark., and Travis and Andrea Pettyjohn of Fort Smith, Ark.; nine great
grandchildren, Cynthia Pettyjohn of Prague, Austin and Tate Pettyjohn of Plano,
Texas, Afton and Branson Martin of Choctaw, Trent and Trevor Pettyjohn of Fort
Smith, Ark., Miles McLeod of Olathe, Kan., and Zach and Jake Russenberger of
Sherwood, Ark.
Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Northridge Church of Christ. Burial will
follow at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Walker Funeral Service
of Shawnee.
Memorials may be made to The Lord's Way, P.O. Box 371, Edmond, OK 73803.
Edmond Earl Davis
Meeker resident Edmond Earl Davis, 74, died Wednesday, April 20, at his home.
Service will be 2:30 p.m. today at First Baptist Church in Meeker with the Rev.
Joe Jones and Mike Barnum officiating. Services are under the direction of Parks
Brothers Funeral Service.
Dale Huddleston
Dale Huddleston, McLoud, died Wednesday, April 20, in Midwest City at the age of
71.
Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Monday at Grace Hill Cemetery, Perry, with the
Rev. Clint Cain and Dr. Tony Nickel officiating. Services are under the
direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service of Harrah.
Vinita C. Richards
Former Shawnee resident Vinita C. Richards, 87, died Wednesday, April 20, at a
hospital in Texas.
She was born in Pittsburg, Okla., April 14, 1918, to Zen Corn and Francis (Harber)
Corn. On Dec. 28, 1935, she married Thomas Richards Jr. in Okemah. They lived in
Shawnee many years and all over the state of Oklahoma. Their last move was to
Richardson, Texas, in 2003.
Vinita was a beautician for many years as well as a homemaker.
She is preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Johnnie Porter.
She is survived by her husband, Tom Richards Jr., of the home; two children,
Jimmie D. Richards and his wife, Linda, of Richardson, Texas; Linda Francis
Welch and her husband, Fred, of Wetumka; one brother, Eugene Corn of Salinas,
Calif.; one sister, Pauline Barker of Pittsburg, Calif.; 11 grandchildren, 18
great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
Services will be 11 a.m. Monday at Resthaven Funeral Home with the Rev. Rene
Ross officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.
Visitation is today at Resthaven Funeral Home.
Dewey L. Heath
Graveside service for Davenport resident Dewey L. Heath will be 11 a.m. Saturday
at the Davenport Cemetery.
Parks Brothers Funeral Service of Chandler is directing arrangements
Bryan Michael Tiger
Wewoka resident Bryan Michael Tiger, 23, died Wednesday, April 20, at OU Medical
Center.
Service will be 10 a.m. at Hilltop Presbyterian Church with Kelly Tiger and John
Lively officiating. Burial will follow at Achena Cemetery under the direction of
Swearingen Funeral Home.
published Apr. 23, 2005
Charla Sue Snyder
Former Seminole resident Charla Sue Snyder, 63, of Oklahoma City, died
Wednesday, April 14, at an Oklahoma City hospital.
Memorial service will be 2 p.m. today at Swearingen Funeral Chapel
Elaine Masingill
Garnett, Kan., resident Elaine Masingill, 77, died Thursday, April 21, at her
hime in Garnett.
Service will be 4 p.m. Saturday at Farris-Feuerborn Memorial Chapel with Pastor
Anne Loewe officiating. Visitation will follow the service at United Brethren
Church in Garnett.
published Apr. 26, 2005
Dr. William Lamar Horton
Shawnee resident Dr. William (Bill) Horton, former OBU professor and Shawnee
News-Star writer, died peacefully Saturday, April 23, in Shawnee.
He was born Aug. 26, 1935, in Rock Hill, N.C., to Ruth and Luther Horton.
In June 1956, he married Peggy Ann Small of Lancaster, S. C.
Horton attended colleges in South Carolina, including Wingate College in
Wingate, N.C., and Furman University in Greenville, S.C., completing his
bachelor's degree in music. He attained a master's of musical arts and doctor of
musical arts from Southern Theological Seminary. He did postdoctural studies at
UCLA, University of Michigan and Paris, France.
Horton was a master teacher in music and arts. He was professor of music at
South Georgia College of the University of Georgia, Douglas, Ga.; Southern
Seminary in Louisville, Ky.; Ouachita University in Arkdelphia, Ark.; and
Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee.
Horton spent a lifetime in church music as a teacher, organist, conductor, and
baritone soloist throughout the South and Southwest. He was guest conductor of
the Canterbury Choral Society, Oklahoma City, in the Mozart requiem. He was
minister of music at University Baptist Church and First Christian Church in
Shawnee. He was organist of Christian Scientist Church and organist and
choirmaster at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Shawnee.
Dr. Horton was actively involved the music and arts and civic organizations at
the local, state and national levels including National Association of Teachers
of Singing, Oklahoma Chapter of Teachers of Singing, where he was the third vice
president, Phi Ma Alpha-men's music fraternity; Music Teachers National
Association; Oklahoma Province Governor of Oklahoma; Music Teachers National
Association, Oklahoma Adjudicator's Association, Shawnee Band Associaton
president; B.B. McKinney Foundation Board; chairman of Oklahoma Arts Council;
actor and musician at Shawnee Little Theatre; Rotary Club, and Masons at
McAlester. Horton was a great entertainer throughout Oklahoma for more than 35
years. He enjoyed making people laugh. He loved people.
Horton received many music and civic awards throughout his life. In 1974 he was
named Oklahoma Musician of the Year. He was most recently named Shawnee
Community Hero for outstanding community service.
He authored music books and had numerous articles in professional journals.
He was honored for his high achievements in Outstanding Educators of America,
Who's Who in America and Who's Who in the Southwest.
Horton purchased The Great Escape Travel, enjoying more than 25 years of world
traveling and European tour guiding. His sense of human and love of life were
reflected in his specialized groups.
He was the arts and movie critic for The Shawnee News-Star for more than 25
years. He later wrote for the Shawnee Sun. He loved promoting people and their
talents.
Horton was preceded in death by his parents and an infant son, Patrick Horton.
He is survived by his wife, Peggy, of the home; four children, Richard Horton of
the home, Ron and Dr. Theresa Horton of Beijing, China, Randy and Cimarron
Horton of Brandon, Fla., and Julie Short and Kenton Selvey of Washington, D.C.;
grandchildren, are Conor Horton, Jack Dyer Horton, Allie Ann Horton and Jimmy
Horton, all of Beijing, and Carter Horton of Brandon; other family special to
him were his sisters-in-law. Jean Wolman of New York City, and Tina Woodward of
Fairhaven, N.J. Horton loved all family members, aunts, uncles, cousins and his
host of friends throughout the United States and Europe.
A celebration of his life will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Emmanuel Episcopal
Church, Highland and Broadway in Shawnee. Visitation and a light lunch with the
family will immediately follow after the service in the parish hall.
Memorials may be made to Emmanuel Episcopal Organ Fund or Horton Voice
Scholarship, Oklahoma Baptist University, 500 W. University, Shawnee, or Horton
Voice Scholarship at Furman University, Greenville, S.C.
Rev. Dr. Maxie Kenner Shumake
Shawnee resident the Rev. Dr. Maxie Kenner Shumake, 69, died Friday, April 22,
in Shawnee.
He was born Nov. 17, 1935, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to Max W. and Fern Marie
Shumake.
Shumake graduated from Arlington Heights High School in Fort Worth, Texas. He
received his bachelor of science degree in business from TCU in Fort Worth. He
was a life insurance agent and CEO for Southwest Capital, a business owned by
the Shumake family. In 1983 he entered Austin Theological Seminary and earned a
masters of divinity in 1985. He earned his doctorate from Dubuque Seminary of
Iowa in 1989. Max served the United Presbyterian Church in Shawnee for 11 years
before his retirement. He served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1961.
On June 12, 1980, he married Seila Ingram.
He was a member of the Rotary Club and the American Photographic Society. He was
an avid photographer. Max competed and won many International Photo Salon
competitions and was recognized as Best in Monochrome Photography. Max also was
an accomplished jazz musician and played with various bands including the Ray
Charles Band,
Shumake is preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Sheila; two daughters, Adriana and Michelle; son,
Max; four grandchildren, Stephanie Shumake, Cameron Shumake, Andrew Shumake and
Brooke.
Service will be 2 p.m. today at the chapel of Walker Funeral Service with the
Dr. Rockford Johnson and Elder Carolyn Stephens officiating. Burial will be 2
p.m. Wednesday at Greenwood Cemetery in Fort Worth, Texas, under the direction
of Walker Funeral Service.
Selwyn George Goss
Bethel Acres resident Selwyn George Goss, 69, died Saturday, April 23, at a
local hospital.
Selwyn was born Feb. 19, 1936, in Oden, Ark., to George Dewey Goss and Nora
(McKay) Goss.
He graduated from Mena High School in Arkansas. He married Glenda Logan April
21, 2000, in Shawnee. Selwyn was a retired scheduling supervisor at Tinker Air
Force Base after 30 year of service. Currently he was doing what he loved,
ranching. He was a member of Liberty Baptist Church and the singles director for
a few years. His hobbies were his family, barbecues and ranching.
Selwyn was preceded in death by his parents and 2 sisters, Glenis Stacy and
Gladys Cagel.
He is survived by his wife, Glenda Goss, of the home; 2 children, Lynna Goss of
Oklahoma City, and Chad Goss and his wife, Toni, of Bethel Acres; six
stepchildren, Austin Hughes, Stewart Hughes, Rhonda Kratz, Dawna Hunter, Brian
Hughes and Shawna Hughes; a twin brother, Seldon Goss and his wife, Bettie Sue,
of Mena, Ark.; and seven other brothers and sisters all of Arkansas; and two
grandsons that he loved dearly.
Service will be 10 a.m. today at Liberty Baptist Church with Brother Bill
Matthews and Brother Phil Thompson officiating. Burial will be 2 p.m. at Lenna
Cemetery in Lenna under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home.
Willie Clinton Ennis
Willie Clinton Ennis, 77, of Norman, formerly of Tucumcari,
N.M., died Saturday, April 23, in Cheyenne, Wyo.
On Jan. 17, 1928, he was born to Arson and Evelyn Ennis in Coalgate. He married
Roxie Williams Townsend on Jan. 24, 1945, in Ada.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and his wife, Roxie.
Survivors include A.W. Ennis (Sherry) of Harjoe, Doris Lawrence (Gary) of Aztec,
N.M., Lemond Ennis of Amarillo, Texas, Mearl Thomas (Joe) of Clovis, N.M.,
Johnny Ennis of Tucumcari, N.M., Cloyed Ennis (Wynoka) of Cheyenne, Wyo.; two
brothers, Billy Joe Ennis of Hilton, N.Y., and Jerry Ennis of Mustang; one
sister, Doris Roberts of Decatur, Texas; 20 grandchildren and 33
great-grandchildren.
Graveside service will be 10 a.m.. Saturday at Pilgrims Rest Cemetery, Newalla.
Mary Edith Robertson
Former Seminole resident Mary Edith Robertson, 86, died Saturday, April 23, in
Oklahoma City.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. today at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in
Seminole with Bill Day officating
Everett W. Goodnight
Everett W. Goodnight, 86, died Monday, April 25, at his home in Shawnee.
He was born June 28, 1918, in Econtuscha Bottom to Arthur Webb Goodnight and
Annie Mae (Smith) Goodnight. He attended Valley View Schools.
On June 26, 1937, he married Lorene Poole in Shawnee.
He retired from the City of Shawnee Street Department and for many years cared
for the Johnson Cemetery.
He was a member of New Life Christian Center.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Jim Goodnight; brothers, Charlie,
Elvis, John and Clayton; and one great-great-grandson.
Survivors include his wife, Lorene Goodnight of the home; daughter, Glenda
Kennedy of Shawnee; three sons and two daughters-in-law, Bill and Barbara
Goodnight of Shawnee, Gene and Linda Goodnight of Seminole and Leon Goodnight of
Wewoka; two sisters and one brother-in-law, Agnes Duncan of Portersville,
Calif., and Pauline and Orville Shepherd of Wewoka; one sister-in-law, Ruth
Goodnight of Portersville, Calif.; 22 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren and
seven great-great grandchildren.
Service will be 2 p.m. today at Johnson Church of God with the Rev. Charles
Higgins and Charles Sutton officiating. Burial will follow at Johnson Cemetery.
Walker Funeral Service of Shawnee is directing arrangements.
published Apr. 27, 2005
Johnny Richard Barnhart
Lifelong Earlsboro resident Johnny Richard Barnhart, 71, died Monday, April 25,
at Mercy Hospital.
He was born Feb. 12, 1934, in Harjo, the son of John F. Barnhart and Stella
(Nadeau) Barnhart.
He attended grade school in Harjo and high school in Earlsboro.
On Nov. 5, 1953, he married Patricia McCormack in Tecumseh.
He retired in 1987 after 25 years of working as a supervisor of construction for
the Oklahoma State Department of Human Services.
Johnny was a true humanitarian. He gave himself to everyone, but his delight was
spending time with his children and grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Stella; his grandparents who
raised him, Vincent and Leila Nadeau; and sister, Carolyn Sue (Barnhart) Thomas.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Barnhart, of the home; three children,
Markeeta Little of Earlsboro, Johnny Barnhart Jr and his wife, Terri, of Old
Hickory, Tenn., and Joe Don Barnhart of Shawnee; nine grandchildren; two
great-grandchildren; three brothers, Vincent Junior Nadeau of Earlsboro, Jessie
Joe Nadeau of Earlsboro, and Gene Raymond Nadeau of Earlsboro; several nieces
and nephews.
Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Resthaven Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Brain
Pain officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.
Rocky Dean Jones
Rocky Dean Jones, 44, died Sunday, April 24, at his home in Shawnee.
He was born July 5, 1960, in Holdenville to Mel and Glenna Jones. He graduated
from Shawnee High School.
He worked in drywall with his father.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, George and Daisy Jones and Jud and
Bertha (Trix) Whitaker.
Survivors include his parents, Mel and Glenna Jones of Shawnee; brother, Kenny
Jones of Shawnee; sister, Kim White of Shawnee; two nieces and two nephews,
Chase and Ryan Jones and Taryn and Taylor White; and numerous aunts, uncles and
cousins.
Service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at the chapel of Walker Funeral Service with
the Rev. Chuck Utsler officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in
Wewoka.
Walker Funeral Service of Shawnee is directing arrangements
Kay E. Senseney
Former Shawnee resident Kay E. Senseney, 72, died Wednesday, April 20, in Las
Vegas, Nev., following a series of illnesses.
She was born in Shawnee on Feb. 18, 1933. She attended Shawnee schools and
graduated with the Shawnee High School Class of '51.
Following graduation, she was affiliated with the Salvation Army in various
positions, then she was employed by Commander Oil Company of Shawnee until 1963.
She moved to Oklahoma City where she worked for many years in the medical field.
In about 2001, she moved to Las Vegas to be nearer part of her family.
She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, DeVonne and Paul Berney;
sister-in-law Janice Senseney; nephews and nieces, Jack Senseney, Lou Berney,
Kim Meinike, Ellen Berney and Kate Klingenberg.
Kay's ashes will be spread, along with those of her beloved brother, Larry
Senseney, at Lake Tahoe, Nev., in June 2005.
Kay will be dearly missed by her family and the many friends she made wherever
she was.
Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army, 200 E. 9, Shawnee, OK 74801.
Anderson Allen Jr.
Stroud resident Anderson Allen Jr., 66, died Tuesday, April 26, in Stroud.
Wake service was 7 p.m. Tuesday. Burial will be 11 p.m. Wednesday at the Allen
Family Cemetery.
Parks Brothers Funeral Services of Stroud is directing arrangements.
Robert W. Powell
Oklahoma City resident Robert W. Powell, 72, died Tuesday, April 26, at his
home.
Robert was born Nov. 26, 1932, in Baltimore, Md., to Robert B. Powell and Evelyn
(Roderick) Powell.
He graduated fron high school in Baltimore and later attended Oklahoma Baptist
University and The University of Oklahoma earning a master's degree in
mathematics, school psychometry and counseling.
He was married to Maxine Mullins who preceded him in death and he later married
Inez Bostic on May 5, 2003.
He served as a medic in the U.S. Army. Mr. Powell retired from Harrah High
School in 1991 where he taught Algebra.
Robert moved from Shawnee to Oklahoma City in 1998. He had been a member of the
Lions Club where he had served as District Governor, and he enjoyed photography
and watching sports.
Survivors include his wife, Inez Powell, of the home; daughter, Liesl Green and
her husband, Lonnie, of Yukon; grandson, Jordan Robert Green of Yukon;
stepfather, Dickinson Ellsworth of Tennessee; aunt, Jennie Lauer of Baltimore;
and extended family.
Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Monday at Resthaven Memorial Park in Shawnee.
Carol Sue Kuestersteffen
Konawa resident Carol Sue Kuestersteffen, 54, died Monday, April 25, at her
residence in Konawa.
Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Vamoosa Baptist Church with the Rev. Carroll
Milner officiating. Burial will follow at Center Cemetery.
Pickard-Swearingen Funeral Home of Konawa is directing arrangements.
published Apr. 28, 2005
Phillip Duane "Phil" Olson
Shawnee resident Phillip Duane "Phil" Olson, 63, went to be with the lord
Saturday, April 25, in Oklahoma City.
A devoted husband, father and grandfather was born Feb. 23, 1942, in Mason City,
Iowa, to Merrill Hanford Olson and Helen Arlene Winter-Olson.
He grew up in California and attended Racho Alamitos High School in Garden
Grove. He later joined the Navy and served his country with great dignity and
love in Vietnam and during the Cuban crisis in 1962. His service to his country
earned him the Vietnam Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the South Vietnam
Service Medal.
He was married June 21, 1963, in Garden Grove, Calif., to Marsha Simmons Lynds-Olson.
Olson worked as a sales representative for Ventura Foods. He received the
national sales ring award from Durkee Foods. He became a great salesman making
friends easily with his easy-going nature and humor.
He was a member of First Christian Church and commitee member of Ducks Unlimited
for 25 years. He loved his country and his family. He was a very proud
grandfather. He loved hunting, fishing and high school sports. He loved watching
the football and baseball state championships (no matter which teams were
playing).
He was preceded in death by his mother, Helen Arlene Winter-Olson.
Survivors include Marsha Olson of the home; two sons and their wives, Phil and
Shannon Olson of Yukon and Ron and Deanna Olson of Moore; father, Merrill
Hanford Olson Sr. of California; mother-in-law, Betty Lynds of Del City; three
brothers and their wives, Merrill Hanford "Butch" and Carmen Olson of Tampa,
Fla., Donald Olson of Reno, Nev., and Robert and Sheila of Sun City, Calif.;
brother-in-law and wife, David and Edie Lynds of Del City; grandson, Caleb
William Olson; two granddaughters, Jacey and Carly Olson.
Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at First Christian Church with the Rev. Milo
Steffen officiating. Burial will be at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under
the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home.
Military honors will be provided by the U.S. Navy.
Paul W. Bennett
Vista, Calif., resident Paul W. Bennett, 75, died Tuesday, April
5, at his home of cancer.
He was born March 7, 1930, in Colony.
He owned and operated Peoples Pets in Shawnee for numerous years. Bennett
retired in 1995 from self-employment. He served in the U.S. Navy.
Bennett was preceded in death by his daughter, Pattie Rose, and son, Tom
Bennett.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Marty Bennett of Vista; sons and
daughters-in-law, Kenny and Shirley Bennett of Oklahoma, Doug and Kathy Tuttle
and Jim and Tina Tuttle all of Vista, Amy Bennett of Washington; daughters and
sons-in-law, Betty and Charlie Webster and Terry and Terry McCracken, all of
Oklahoma, and Tracie Gilbert Herrara and Kelly and Fred Rivas, and Rocket
Bennett, all of Vista; brothers and sister-in-laws, Dave and Wilda Bennett of
Oregan, Elma Bennett of Oklahoma; sisters and brother-in-law, Nita and Todd
Joyner of Oklahoma, Letha Paden of Oregan; 21 grandchildren and 13
great-grandchildren.
No services were planned.
Donations may be made to Hospice by the Sea, 312 S. Cedros Ave., Suite 250,
Solana Beach, CA 92075.
Arrangements are under the direction of Accu-Care Cremation Center in Carlsbad,
Calif.
Albert S. Bugg
Shawnee resident Albert S. "Toby" Bugg, 87, died Wednesday,
April 27, at his residence.
Bugg was born Sept. 14, 1917, in Tribbey to John Henry Bugg and Mary E.
(Shirley) Bugg.
On Oct. 24, 1936, he married Nora Burch.
He served in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in San Diego and Oakland, Calif.
Bugg retired from Amoco in 1978.
He was a member of First Baptist Church in Shawnee and was a Mason.
Bugg was preceded in death by his parents, 5 sisters and 2 brothers.
He is survived by his wife, Nora Bugg, of the home; three children, Mary Lee
Moon and her husband, Virgil, of Oklahoma City, Carolyn Kennedy and her husband,
Mike, of Norman, Sue Brown and her husband, Don, of Oklahoma City; seven
grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; sister, Jean
Lathrop of Oklahoma City; numerous nieces and nephews; special friend, Leta
Skaggs and the staff of Heartland Hospice.
Service will be 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Resthaven Funeral Chapel in Shawnee with
Dr. Paul Calmes officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. The
family will receive friends 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Resthaven.Roy .
Jo Dee Bussey
Tecumseh resident Jo Dee Bussey, 68, went to be with the Lord on
Wednesday, April 27,
A devoted wife, mother & grandmother was born Dec. 21, 1936 in Seminole to Arval
& Doris Morris.
She was married April 30, 1954, to Joe Bussey in Shawnee. They were married for
50 years. She went on to graduate from Shawnee High School in 1955.
In 1968 she became the first married woman to graduate from St. Anthony School
of Nursing. Once attaining this milestone, she went on to work and help run the
family business of nursing homes. She later started the first Hospice in
Shawnee.
She touched many in her life with her devotion to her profession and to her
lord.
She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Tecumseh. She enjoyed quilting,
cooking, toile painting and gardening.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Arval and Doris Morris.
Survivors include her husband of 50 years, Joe Bussey; three children and their
spouses, Dee Mace of Shawnee, Mike and Sandie Bussey of Shawnee and Tracey &
Jeff Fraser of New York; four grandchildren, Eric Lloyd, Micah Bussey, and Clint
& Calli Johnson; brothers, Ronnie & Rose Morris of Alex and Larry Morris of
Shawnee; brother-in-law, Don & Brenda Bussey of Guin, Ala.; numerous nieces,
nephews and cousins.
Viewing will be from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. today at Cooper Funeral Home. The
casket will not open following the service.
Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church in Tecumseh with
Dr. Tim Walker officiating. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park,
Shawnee, under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.
published Apr. 29, 2005
Donald Edward Harrison
Stroud resident Donald (Don) Edward Harrison, 77, died Thursday, April 28.
Service will be 10 a.m. Monday at the Deer Creek Baptist Church in Stroud with
the Rev. Mark Sims officiating. Burial will be in the Morse Cemetery in Okemah.
Parks Brothers Funeral Service of Stroud is directing arrangements.
Alvin Lynn Dorsey
Shawnee resident Alvin Lynn Dorsey, 48, passed away Tuesday, April 26, at St.
Anthony's Hospital.
Wake service will be 7 p.m. today at First Indian Baptist Church, Shawnee.
Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at First Baptist Indian Church. Burial
will follow at Hawkins Cemetery under the direction of Native American Funeral
Home
Minnie E. "Peggy" Thompson
Former Tecumseh resident Minnie E. "Peggy" Thompson, 98, went
home to be with the lord on Thursday, April 28, in Tecumseh.
She was born Aug. 29, 1906, in Tecumseh to Charles M. and Blanche (Epperson)
Stone.
She was baptized in 1919 at the First Baptist Church in Tecumseh.
She was married January, 1924, to Carl A. Thompson.
They moved to Wichita Falls in 1948 where she joined First Baptist Church and
was a member until her death. She taught the young single ladies class and was a
member of Rhoda Sunday School Class and the Glory Choir. She was much loved by
all who knew her and will be greatly missed.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl A. Thompson; daughter, Peggy
Joyce Dipprey; brother, Archie Stone; granddaughter, Carla Thompson and three
great-grandchildren.
Survivors include sons, W.C. Thompson of Tecumseh and Raymond Thompson and wife,
Deborah, of Lubbock, Texas; seven grandchildren, Jim Thompson and wife, Jo Ann,
of Kenesaw, Ga., Dan Dipprey and wife, Tina, of Graham, Texas, Terry Dipprey of
Wichita Falls, Annette Dipprey Penney and husband, Steve, of Wichita Falls,
David Thompson and wife, Debra, of Paris, Texas, Kevin Thompson of Lubbock,
Texas, and Michael Thompson and wife, Deonna, of Big Lake, Texas; nine
great-grandchildren.
The family will be at the funeral home for visitation from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
today.
Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday in the First Baptist Church Sanctuary, Wichita
Falls, with Howard Chapman, Minister of Senior Adults, officiating. Burial will
be in Crestview Memorial Park under the direction of Lunn's Colonial Funeral
Home, 2812 Midwestern Parkway, Wichita Falls, Texas.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Wichita Falls or First Baptist Church of
Wichita Falls.
Brian Allen Crawford
Shawnee resident Brian Allen Crawford, 18, departed this life on
Wednesday, April 27, in Meeker.
He was born March 23, 1987, in Albuquerque, N.M., to Kenneth Rae and Anna Marie
(Novotny) Crawford.
Brian was very active in baseball, football and basketball. He was dedicated to
the music program where he played baritone, was on the drum line and played
guitar in the jazz band. His individual music awards, include membership in OBU
Honor Band, state qualifier in percussion ensemble, state solo qualifier and
state brass ensemble qualifier twice.
He was a very independent person, a motivator, mentor and big brother to all.
Brian was a member of the National Honor Society, FCA and Youth Alive.
He was preceded in death by one aunt, Robin Crawford, who died as an infant.
Brian is survived by his parents, Kenneth and Anna Crawford of Shawnee; two
brothers, Brad and Bryce Crawford, of the home; grandparents, Frank and Doris
Novotny of Meeker, Cheryl Crawford of Prague, and George and Cindy Crawford of
Luther; great-grandmothers, Wilma White of Prague and Faye Buchannon of Choctaw;
aunts and uncles, Kay and Jon Pruitt of Shawnee, Michael and Leslie Novotny of
Del City, and Tina and Wayne Pullen of Prague; special friend, Cayla Coker of
Prague; numerous other relatives and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Benedict Catholic
Church in Shawnee with the Rev. Maurus Jaeb, O.S.B, and the Rev. Joachim
Spexarth, O.S.B. officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Shawnee.
Services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service of Prague.
Roy Alfred Ailey
Roy A. Ailey
Shawnee resident Roy A. Ailey, 65, died peacefully after a courageous battle
with cancer at his home Thursday, April 28.
He was born Aug. 9, 1939, in Tecumseh to Isaac and Cora (Hembree) Ailey. He grew
up in the Musson area, attended Musson schools and graduated from Shawnee High
School in 1958.
He married his high school sweetheart, Marquita Reese, Dec. 2, 1996.
He was a charter member of Hilltop Baptist Church. He was a member of the
Shawnee Round-Up Club, North Rock Creek Trap Club, and original member of the
Santa Fe Gunfighters. Roy was an avid fisherman and hunter. He won awards for
quick-draw pistol shooting and trap shooting.
He worked for Stephen Oil & Gas and Brewer & Son Oil & Gas driving tanker
trucks, Shawnee Mill and Dinsmore Tractors. He farmed east of town, shoeing
horses and breaking horses.
Roy was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, brother, Earl, and first
wife Penny.
He is survived by his wife, Marquira, of the home; three daughters and
sons-in-law, Floy Kay and Frank Alexander of Seminole, Lou Ann and Charles
Crownover of Oklahoma City, Roye Lynn and Roy Nealy of Shawnee; two sons and one
daughter-in-law, Steven Reese of Shawnee, and Lynn and Kristen Reese of Broken
Arrow; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Edward and Carol Ailey, Harold and
Juanita Ailey, Eldon and Pat Ailey; two adopted brothers and their wives, Doyle
and Sonja Reese, Everett and Freda Pickard; sisters-in-law, Scharleen Cargill
and husband, Jon, Shirley Abbott; mother-in-law, Nellie Conklin; 13
grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and numerous other relatives.
Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at the chapel of Walker Funeral Service with the
Rev. Mike Wester and the Rev. Glen Pence officiating. Burial will follow at
Johnson Cemetery.
Visitation and lunch with the family will be noon Monday at Sallateeska Baptist
Church, 45703 Garrett's Lake Road.
Memorial may be made to Heartland Hospice of Shawnee, 3700 N. Kickapoo Suite
104, Shawnee OK
Cohen Jeremiah Davidson
Cohen Jeremiah Davidson, 1 day old son of the Rev. Andrew and Robyn Davidson,
died Sunday, April 24, in Lusaka, Zambia.
Survivors include his parents, brothers Noah and Tyce Davidson; grandparents,
Roger and Kay Pitts of Shawnee and Russell and Bonnie Davidson of Pauls Valley;
great-grandparents, Al and Robbie Wright; great-great-grandfather, W.R. Qualls;
two aunts, Tonya Kinkade, Lisa Wingo; one uncle, Kory Wingo; cousins, Macyn
Kinkade, Keaton Wingo and Scotlyn Wingo.
Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Downtown Pentecostal Holiness Church withthe
Rev. Joel Downing officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the
direction of Walker Funeral Service.
Dennis Ray Horne
McLoud resident Dennis Ray Horne, 44, died Tuesday, April 26, at his home.
Service will be 2p.m. to 4 p.m. today at Coles Garden located at 1415 NE 63rd in
Oklahoma City.
Gaskill Funeral Chapel of Shawnee is directing arrangements.
N.A. "Papa" Stevens
N.A. Stevens, Hutchinson, Kan., died Wednesday, April 27, in a Hutchinson
Hospital. He was 76 years old.
Service will be 10 a.m. Monday with military honors at Riverside Baptist in
Hutchinson with Pastors Richard Haley and Bob Raigoza officiating. Burial will
follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Hutchinson under the direction of Elliott
Mortuary.
Memorials may be sent to Riverside Baptist Church or American Diabetes
Association.
published Apr. 30, 2005
Belvia Lucretia (Clinkenbeard) Winter
Meeker resident Belvia Lucretia (Clinkenbeard) Winter, 101, died Thursday, April
28, at her home.
She was born June 13, 1903, to Martin and Sylvia (Lackey) Clinkenbeard in
Belmont.
She married Roy Winter on Aug. 18, 1920, in Chandler.
She attended Spring Branch Church for many years and later became a member of
the Meeker Assembly of God. She was a homemaker and enjoyed playing the piano,
accordian and violin. Belvia participated in Meeker's centennial celebration in
June of 2003.
She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers; one sister; her
husband, Roy; daughter, Jerlene; and an infant son.
Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, Arvel and Reba Winter of Meeker,
Glen and Letha Winter of Meeker, Wayne and Ruth Ann Winter of Meeker; daughters
and sons-in-law, Mildred Fowler of Meeker, Dorothy and David Randall of Meeker,
Norma and Glenn Pettitt of Meeker, Delores and James Elrod of Enid; brother,
Speck Clinkenbeard of Meeker; sister, Lenora Waddle of Norman; 29 grandchildren;
85 great-grandchildren and 27 great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Assembly of God Church in Meeker with
the Rev. Charles Pearcy officiating. Burial will follow at New Hope Cemetery in
Meeker under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Prague.
Robert W. Powell
Oklahoma City resident Robert W. Powell, 72, died Tuesday, April 26, at his
home.
Robert was born Nov. 26, 1932, in Baltimore, Md., to Robert B. Powell and Evelyn
(Roderick) Powell.
He graduated fron high school in Baltimore and later attended Oklahoma Baptist
University and The University of Oklahoma earning a master's degree in
mathematics, school psychometry and counseling.
He was married to Maxine Mullins who preceded him in death and he later married
Inez Bostic on May 5, 2003.
He served as a medic in the U.S. Army. Mr. Powell retired from Harrah High
School in 1991 where he taught Algebra.
Robert moved from Shawnee to Oklahoma City in 1998. He had been a member of the
Lions Club where he had served as District Governor, and he enjoyed photography
and watching sports.
Survivors include his wife, Inez Powell, of the home; daughter, Liesl Green and
her husband, Lonnie, of Yukon; grandson, Jordan Robert Green of Yukon;
stepfather, Dickinson Ellsworth of Tennessee; aunt, Jennie Lauer of Baltimore;
and extended family.
Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Monday at Resthaven Memorial Park in Shawnee
Theodore Seneschal
Theodore Seneschal, O.S.B., Monk, Presbyter, Storyteller, and
Cuddler, won his fight against cancer by dying at St. Gregory's Abbey on April
28, 2005, amid his monastic brothers and family. He was 62 years old.
Born Terry Wilfred Seneschal in San Diego, California, to Wilford George and
Emma Elizabeth (Mattis) Seneschal Hash, on July 23, 1942, he grew up in San
Diego and in the Los Angeles area. He chose the name James at his Confirmation.
He attended St. Benedict Grade School in Montebello, California, St. Gregory's
High School and College in Shawnee, Oklahoma, and was clothed as a novice at St.
Gregory's Abbey on June 23, 1962, taking his monastic name Theodore. He
professed his temporary vows of Obedience, Stability, and Conversion to a
Monastic Way of Life on Midsummer's Day, June 24, 1963, the Feast of the Birth
of John the Baptizer.
Father Theodore finished his Bachelor's degree in Philosophy at St. John's
University, Collegeville, Minnesota, and after one year of theological studies
at St. Gregory's he professed his final vows. He finished his studies in
theology at St. Gregory's, St. Meinrad Seminary, and St. Louis University; he
was ordained subdeacon and deacon, and after finishing his Master's Degree in
Education at the University of Indiana at Bloomington, he was ordained to the
priesthood on June 20, 1970.
Fr. Theodore then began a 34 year career at St. Gregory's College and University
as Instructor in English, Religious Studies, Theology, Scripture, Marriage and
the Family, Logic Latin, and Ethics. He held the administrative positions of
Residence Hall adviser and Director, Head of Campus Ministry, Dean of Students,
and Resident Chaplain. While he was Dean he inaugurated the "Late Night
Breakfasts" for students studying for their final examinations at the end of
each semester. Faculty and staff prepared food and helped the students with
their last-minute work. Father Theodore helped with the "Orchestra and Chorus"
of various University productions, including Jesus Christ Superstar, Oklahoma,
and Fiddler on the Roof. He also has roles to play in Romeo and Juliet, Barnum,
110 in the Shade, and The Lady's Not For Burning.
He completed studies for a Master's Degree in Theology from the University of
Notre Dame, and did postgraduate studies at Boston College, Loyola Orange and
Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles, and Santa Clara University.
Fr. Theodore was active in parish ministry in Oklahoma, going out on many
weekends to substitute for the pastors and for raising scholarship funds for St.
Gregory's University. He took great delight in being able to preside at Mass in
Spanish, and even to give homilies, read mostly from texts prepared by others. A
detached retina in the summer of 2003 blinded him sufficiently to keep him from
any further parish assignments.
He was associate pastor at St. Benedict Church in Montebello, and pastor at St.
Vincent de Paul parish in McLoud, Oklahoma. At various times he held the posts
of Guestmaster, Master of Ceremonies, Cantor, Subprior, and Master of Junior
Monks at St. Gregory's Abbey.
On weekends that he did not have a parish assignment he took groups of students
on campouts at Sacred Heart near Konawa, Oklahoma, and on canoe float trips
along the Illinois River. Fr. Theodore also enjoyed swimming and riding his
bicycle off campus whenever he could get away for a few hours. During his last
years he rode from place to place on St. Gregory's campus because, as he said,
"It hurts too much too walk."
He developed flower and vegetable gardens near the monastery and in the
courtyard of Degrasse Residence Hall. There he laid walkways of recycled bricks,
most of which he gathered and cleaned himself. This was an ongoing work in
progress, dedicated to al the people connected with St. Gregory's who had died
since he began the project. His own name will be added to the list. While he was
Resident Chaplain he adopted a Siamese-Tabby Cat whom he named "Gregory;" "Easy
to remember," he said. Gregory was popular with several generations of students.
His study of theology led him to a profound love and appreciation of the
liturgy. In November, 2003, he ceased presiding at the Abbey's Conventual Mass,
except for a few Sundays during lent, 2004. "I wanted to do it well," he said,
"and I can't see and get around well enough to do it." Father Theodore did,
however, continue to preside at Eucharist with the students in St. Benedict's
Chapel in Residence Hall until the end of the Fall Semester, 2004.
The last few years of his life found him on the periphery of the Worldwide
Marriage Encounter. He was preparing to be a priest-presenter for Encounter
Weekends, but had to discontinue this when he was diagnosed with cancer of the
prostate, which had already spread to his bones.
His latest "low impact ministry," as he called it, was being a "Cuddler" of
premature, high-risk infants at the University of Oklahoma Children's Hospital
in Oklahoma City. This experience was much more than "just holding babies;"
these little human beings were truly tiny, weighing upward of two pounds and
hooked up to feeding tubes and monitors. Friday afternoons became a high point
of his week when he could spend a few hours with them. His long-time family
friend and caregiver, and oblate of St. Gregory's Abbey, Jan Pasienski, drove
him back and forth to Children's Hospital, and to other medical appointments.
Fr. Theodore was a regular participant in the radio program Cavalier Chat, with
discussions on the sacraments, vocation, and the place of theological studies in
the university. In November, 2004, he was on National Public Radio with
Puzzlemaster Will Shortz and the moderator of Weekend Edition, Leann Hansen. "It
was quite an honor," he said; "only about fifty people a year get called to do
this."
Fr. Theodore was preceded in death by numerous monks of St. Gregory's Abbey, by
his parents, his half-sister Winifred Balekian, his nephew Paul and
sister-in-law Mari Phillip Seneschal. He is survived by the monks of St.
Gregory's Abbey, his brother Phillip Seneschal, his sister-in-law Jacqueline
Magness Seneschal, and seven nephews and nieces.
The services for Fr. Theodore are: Reception of the Body at St. Gregory's Abbey,
Shawnee, Oklahoma, at 11:45 a.m. Monday, May 2; Vigils of the Office of the Dead
at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 2, in St. Gregory's Abbey Church; Mass of
Resurrection at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 3, in St. Gregory's Abbey Church,
with Rt. Rev. Martin Lugo, O.S.B., Abbot, presiding, with burial in the Abbey
Cemetery to follow.
Memorials may be made to a scholarship fund in his name at St. Gregory's
University, 1900 W. MacArthur Street, Shawnee, OK 74804.
Sue Ellen Lewis
Davenport resident Sue Ellen Leweis, 57, died Thursday, April 28, in Stroud.
Service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church in Davenport with the
Rev. Justin Richison and the Rev. Mike Mitchell officiating. Services are under
the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service of Stroud
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