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

submitted by Kay Sugg Best

published Dec. 01, 2005

Freda Droppleman

Charlottesville, Va., resident Freda Droppleman, 64, died Friday, Nov. 25, in Charlottesville.
She was born Oct. 5, 1941, in Oklahoma City to Adrian and Wren (Stalnaker) Howard.

Droppleman was reared in Orlando and Macomb. She had lived in Tecumseh for many years. She had lived in El Reno, Va., since 2002.

She was a graduate of Macomb High School, graduating as co-salutatorian. While in school she was active in 4-H, glee club, plays and an all-county basketball players. She attended The University of Oklahoma for two years and modeled in Chicago.

Droppleman was a beautician.

She loved her children, animals, telling stories and entertaining her family. She was a dedicated Christian and took care of her mother, nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death are her parents and her husband, John Allen Droppleman.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Terry and Wendy Droppleman of Waynesboro, Va.; grandson, Matthew Droppleman of Waynesboro; two sisters and brother-in-law, Adrianetta Hickman of Oregon, and Pat and Dave Pertile of Tecumseh; many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

Service will be 2 p.m. today at Highland Church of Christ, Tecumseh, with Bob Anderson officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home.

Victoria Young

Shawnee resident Victoria Tina Frazier Young, 56, died suddenly Friday, Nov. 25.
She was born June 19, 1949, in Bangor, Maine, to Justina and George Lawson Barrows.

She graduated from Bangor High School and received an Associate's Degree in Business Administration from Hesser College, Portsmouth, N.H.

She was married to Marshall Larry Frazier from 1968 to 1986. Together they had three children.

She was employed by Thunderbird Wild Wild West Casino at the time of her death. She was a successful businesswoman and homemaker who loved to work and be around people.

Preceding her in death are daughter Angela "Little Angel" Christine Frazier and her father.

Survivors include two sons and one daughter-in-law, Jeffery and Jennifer Frazier of Fairfax, Va., John David Frazier of Dallas, Texas; two sisters and one brother, Pamela A. Bittrolff of Brewer, Maine, Georgette Kohler of Centreville, Va., Gregory Barrows of Bangor, Maine; her mother, Justina Barrows; six grandchildren; extended Young family, Virgil Winrow, Katherine Oliver, Carolyn Young, Joyce Chandler, Sylvester Young, Carl Young, Clifford Young and their mother, Ernestine Young.

Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with the Rev. Joseph Wilkes officiating. Walker Funeral Services is directing arrangements.

Jerry Dan Frair

Our beloved husband, father and grandfather made the transition from this world to heaven while at home surrounded by his family and friends Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2005.
Jerry was born Aug. 8, 1939, to Warren Haywood and Myrtle Nina Frair in Pampa, Texas. Both precede him in death.

He entered the U.S. Marine Corps at the age of 16. Jerry served his tour and exited with an honorable discharge.

Jerry drove trucks locally and cross country for a living.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Nancy Frair, of 46 years. The couple have lived in the Pottawatomie County area for more than 40 years.

Jerry also is survived by his seven children and spouses, Jerry and Debbie Frair, Linda Heflin and Keith Megah, Terrie and Garry Castleman, Lisa Buckmaster and Bobby Reed, Donald Frair and Carol Goodman, Dennis Frair and Barbara Turner and Craig and Genny Micka of Valley Village, Calif.; 12 grandchildren, Amanda Windle, James Frair, Brandon Ricketts, April Martin, Tiffany Megah, Keith Megah Jr., Angie Buckmaster, Whitney Hobbs, Alisa Frair, Jerry Wayne Frair, Kelly Frair and Kara Frair; three great-grandchildren and several other loving family and friends.

Service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at Wanette Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Wanette Cemetery under the direction of Wadley Funeral Home, Purcell.

Jose V. Arredondo

Earlsboro resident Jose V. Arredondo, 85, died Sunday, Nov. 27, in Oklahoma City.
Service will be 10 a.m. Friday at St. Benedict's Catholic Church with Father Maurus Jaeb, O.S.B., officiating. Burial will follow at Ft. Sill National Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.

Bobby Ray Tippie

Longtime Konawa and Shawnee resident Bobby Ray Tippie, 66, died Tuesday, Nov. 29, at his home.
He was born July 23, 1939, in Granite to Purl and Effie Tippie.

Tippie graduated in 1956 from Samnorwood High School in Samnorwood, Texas, where he received numerous basketball awards and a scholarship.

He served in the military during the Vietnam War.

Tippie retired from the Oklahoma State Highway Department.

He was an antique collector.

Preceding him in death are his parents; first wife, Loretta; two brothers, "Dub" and Billy Tippie.

Survivors include his wife, Alice, of the home; two sisters, Goldie Taylor of Flower Mound, Texas, and Joyce Smith of Iowa Park, Texas; eight stepchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and grandchildren.

Memorial service will be 4 p.m. today at Chapel of Walker Funeral Service with Chaplain Donny Knight and the Rev. Tim Emmons officiating.

Memorials may be made to The Jesus House in Oklahoma City,

Arrangements are under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Merrel Lemons

Seminole resident Merrrel "Bud" Lemons, 87, died Thursday, Nov. 30, at Seminole Medical Center.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Little Cemetery with Danny Williams officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.

Larry Michael Hailey

Longtime Konawa area resident Larry Michael Hailey, 62, died Monday, Nov. 28, at his residence in Konawa.
Memorial service will be 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Vamoosa Cemetery Pavilion with the Rev. Pam Shirk officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Pickard-Swearingen Funeral Home, Konawa.

Phillip Edward Kuehner

Longtime Seminole resident Phillp Edward Kuehner, 43, died Monday, Nov. 28, at Norman Regional Hospital.
Memorial service will be 3 p.m. today at Swearingen Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Carl Whitfield officiating.

published Dec. 02, 2005

Jerry Dan Frair

Macomb resident Jerry Dan Frair, 67, departed this life Tuesday, Nov. 29, at his home.
He was born Aug. 8, 1939, in Pampa, Texas, to Warren and Myrtle Frair.

Jerry has lived in the Pottawatomie County area for the past 40 years. He was raised and attended school in Wetumka and Oklahoma City.

He was inducted into the U.S. Marine Corps Feb. 1, 1956. During his enlistment, he was a motor vehicle operator. He was honorably discharged with the rank of private first class Jan. 31, 1962.

Jerry was a truck driver for Ball Pipe & Supply.

Survivors include his wife, Nancy, of the home; children and spouses, Craig and Genny Micka of Valley View, Calif., Linda Heflin and Keith Megah, Lisa Buckmaster and Bobby Reed, Jerry and Debbie Frair, all of Byers, Denis Frair and Barbara Turner, Terrie and Gary Castleman, all of Wanette, Donnie Frair and Carol Goodman of Tecumseh; sister, Faye Keller of Oklahoma City; sister and brother-in-law, Ann and Jerry Meier of Oklahoma City; 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Service will be 10:30 a.m. today at Wanette Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Wanette Cemetery under the direction of Wadley Funeral Home of Purcell.

Orene W. Gibbs

Tecumseh resident Orene W. Gibbs, 90, died Monday, Nov. 28, in Shawnee.
She was born Aug. 2, 1915, in Galey, Okla., to Joel L. and Ida Bell (Carr) Wall.

Gibbs lived in California from 1940 until 1993 when she moved to Tecumseh.

She attended Rose Hill High School, south of Ada, and Pierce College in Canoga Park, Calif.

On Nov. 15, 1931, she married Connie Gibbs in Ada. He preceded her in death Nov. 1, 1997.

She worked in quality control for Douglas Aircraft for 35 years.

Gibbs was a member of the AFL/CIO and Pentecostal Church of God in Tecumseh, where she enjoyed attending as long as she was able.

Also preceding her in death are her parents; sisters, Myrtle Coker, Alma Ayres and Winnie Jett; three brothers, Reece, Luther and Norman Wall.

Survivors include her son, Ron Gibbs of Tecumseh; daughter, Elizabeth Leiss of Tehachaa, Calif.; seven grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and numerous friends.

Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Pentecostal Church of God, Tecumseh, with the Rev. Fred H. Owens officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home.

Beth Ann Harjo

Ada resident Beth Ann Harjo, 24, died Wednesday, Nov. 30, at Valley View Regional Hospital in Ada.
Wake service will be 6 p.m. today at Pickard-Swearingen Chapel. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Pickard-Swearingen Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Arthur Carpitcher officiating. Burial will follow at Vamoosa Cemetery under the direction of Pickard~Swearingen Funeral Home, Konawa.

published Dec. 03, 2005

J.E. Fletcher

Lifelong Maud resident J.E. "Joe" Fletcher, 72, died Thursday, Dec. 1, at Unity Health Center-North Campus in Shawnee.
He was born March 11, 1933, in Maud to Robert Jennings "Buck" Fletcher and Bertha (Guinn) Fletcher.

On June 1, 1955, he married Shirley Louise (Horner) Fletcher in Medford.

He owned and operated J.E. Fletcher Trucking Company for many years from Maud.

Fletcher was a sergeant in the U.S. Army.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Maud.

Preceding him in death are his parents; wife, Shirley Fletcher; daughter, Jacqueline Deane Fletcher; son, James "Neil" Fletcher; brother, David Fletcher and an infant brother, Jerald Fletcher.

Survivors include his two sons and daughter-in-law, Barry E. and Jennifer Fletcher of Maud, Corey A. Fletcher of Shawnee; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Joel and Patricia Fletcher of Maud, Verlin and Barbara Fletcher of Maud; two sisters and brothers-in-laws, Sherri and Randy Hillburn of Maud, Bernice and Kenneth Stalnaker of Maud; sister-in-law, Coleene Fletcher of Seminole; granddaughter, Ashley Fletcher of Maud.

Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. today, noon to 7 p.m. Sunday and Monday until service time at Knight-Swearingen Funeral Home in Maud.

Pall bearers will be Cary Fletcher, Larry Fletcher, Rob Fletcher, Steve Fletcher, Tommy King, Jeremiah Fletcher, Mike Stalnaker and Randy Hillburn.

Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at First Baptist Church, Maud, with the Rev. Carl Whitfield officiating. Burial will follow at Cummings Cemetery in Maud with military honors. Arrangements are under the direction of Knight-Swearingen Funeral Home.

Lenora Lee Gumm

Macomb resident Lenora Lee Gumm, 62, died Thursday, Dec. 1, in Seminole.
She was born March 5, 1943, to Leonard Cecil and Dormi Lee (DeWeber) Carver in Tucson, Ariz.

On Sept. 12, 1964, she married Robert Gumm in Shawnee. Leonora worked in production at TDK and was a member of Romulus Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her father.

Survivors include her husband, Robert, of the home; mother, Dormi Lee Carver of Shawnee; daughters and sons-in-law, Tammy and Mark Hawkins of Konowa and Teresa and Greg Beesley of Tecumseh; son and daughter-in-law, Rick and Sharla Whited of Romulus; brother and sister-in-law, James and Edith Carver of Divide, Colo.; ten grandchildren, Richard Whited III, Roberta Hawkins, Chrystal Stanfield, Brittney Prewett, Stele Hawkins, Jamey Hawkins, Amber Hawkins, Christina Stephens, Linda Richards and Zachary Dickenson; three great-grandchildren, Tyler and Sierra Stanfield and Trinity Nadeau.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Oakdale Cemetery in Paden under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Prague.

James O. Brannon

Tulsa resident James O. Brannon, 59, died Wednesday, Nov. 28, in Tulsa.
He was born Dec. 13, 1945, to Isaac and Juanita Brannon.

Brannon graduated from Shawnee High School in 1964. He also attended Langston University.

He moved to Tulsa, where he and his wife raised two sons. He was a technician for Tulsa Bus Line, a security guard for Gilcrest Museum and a reserve deputy on the sheriff's department Monty Patrol.

Brannon is preceded in death by his mother, Juanita Brannon.

Survivors include his wife, Sondra Brannon; two sons, James O. Brannon Jr. and John L. Brannon; daughter, DeeDee and his beautiful grandchildren; father, Isaac O. Brannon; brother, Isaac O. Brannon Sr; numerous other relatives and friends.

Service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Liberty Baptist Church, Shawnee. Burial will follow at Earlsboro Cemetery under the direction of Jack's Memory Chapel Incorporated of Tulsa.

Victoria Young

Shawnee resident Victoria Tina Frazier Young, 56, died suddenly Friday, Nov. 25.
She was born June 19, 1949, in Bangor, Maine, to Justina and George Lawson Barrows.

She graduated from Bangor High School and received an Associate's Degree in Business Administration from Hesser College, Portsmouth, N.H.

She was married to Marshall Larry Frazier from 1968 to 1986. Together they had three children.

She was employed by Thunderbird Wild Wild West Casino at the time of her death. She was a successful businesswoman and homemaker who loved to work and be around people.

Preceding her in death are daughter Angela "Little Angel" Christine Frazier and her father.

Survivors include two sons and one daughter-in-law, Jeffery and Jennifer Frazier of Fairfax, Va., John David Frazier of Dallas, Texas; two sisters and one brother, Pamela A. Bittrolff of Brewer, Maine, Georgette Kohler of Centreville, Va., Gregory Barrows of Bangor, Maine; her mother, Justina Barrows; six grandchildren; extended Young family, Virgil Winrow, Katherine Oliver, Carolyn Young, Joyce Chandler, Sylvester Young, Carl Young, Clifford Young and their mother, Ernestine Young.

Service will be 10 a.m. today at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with the Rev. Joseph Wilkes officiating. Walker Funeral Services is directing arrangements.

Coetta Mae Turner

Seminole resident Coetta Mae Turner, 69, died Wednesday, Nov. 30, in Tulsa.
Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at the First Assembly of God Church with the Rev. Leon McDowell and James Burnsworth officiating. Burial will follow at Little Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole

published Dec. 04, 2005

Louis F. Buckmaster

Louis F. Buckmaster, 75, of Shawnee died Friday, Dec. 2, in Oklahoma City.
He was born Sept. 3, 1930, in Dale. His parents were Raymond and Mary Emma (Ray) Buckmaster.

He was raised in the Dale and Bethel areas.

He was a graduate of Bethel High School.

Following his marriage to Margie M. Waalkens on Sept. 12, 1970, in Nashua, Iowa, he and his wife lived in Minnosota for three years. After that, they moved to Tecumseh and then to Shawnee.

He served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War from May 27, 1952, to May 26, 1954. He then served in the Army Reserves until 1960.

He worked 26 years as a heavy equipment operator for Shawnee Asphalt and also for APAC Construction.

He was a member of Oakland Chapel Baptist Church.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Raymond and Charlie Buckmaster; and sister, Mary Jo DeShields.

Survivors include his wife of the home; daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Jamille Wilkes; three sons and daughters-in-law, Rick and Annette Willaby of Wagoner, Mike and Donna Willaby of Emmons, Minn., and Brian and Chantal Willaby of Blue Earth, Minn.; a sister, Jessie Schwank of Lewiston, Idaho; a brother, JR Buckmaster of Shawnee; nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild; two special nephews, Frankie Joe Knapp and Jacob Buckmaster; five special friends, John and Tammie Collier, Tom Sinkiewiez, Terrie White and Linda Richards; and numerous other relatives and friends.

Services will be 2 p.m. Monday at Oakland Chapel Baptist Church, 915 E. Oakland, with the Rev. Michael L. Stock Sr. officiating.

Burial will be at Dale Cemetery.

Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh is in charge of arrangements.
 

published Dec. 06, 2005

Bethany resident David Joe Wilson, 73, died Saturday, Dec. 3, in Oklahoma City after a short illness.
He was born July 19, 1932, in Sapulpa to David and Ester Wilson. He was raised in Shawnee.

On Nov. 8, 1957, he married Judie Tucker in Shawnee.

Wilson began working at Western Electric and retired from Lucent after 35 years.

Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Judie, of Bethany; two sons and daughters-in-laws, Dr. Andy and Susie Wilson of Oklahoma City, Dr. Gus and Sherri Wilson of Piedmont; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Peyton, Caleb and Tucker; brother and sister-in-law, Doug and Deline Wilson of Edmond.

Service will be 1 p.m. today at Resurrection Memorial Chapel in Oklahoma City under the direction of Mercer-Adams Funeral Service, Bethany.

Christena Hope Spicer

Saint Louis resident Christena "Kookie" Hope (Morrel) Spicer, 77, died Friday, Dec. 2, at her home.
She was born Aug. 14, 1928, in Macomb to Reece Vandover and Lillian G. (Adkins) Morrel.

Spicer spent most of her life in Macomb and Pottawatomie County.

She attended school in Macomb and Maud.

On Feb. 15, 1951, she married Jerone Spicer in Nicoma Park.

She worked as a seamstress at Michael Casuals and a sheet metal tech at Tinker Air Force Base.

Spicer was a member of the Church of Christ. She enjoyed reading, collecting antique dishes and playing withher grandchildren.

Preceding her in death are her parents, Reece and Lillian Morrel; sister, Lillian Phram; three brothers, Tommy, Reece and Bill Morrel.

Survivors include her husband of 54 years, Jerone Spicer Sr. of the home; three sons and daughters-in-law, Jerone Jr. and Cindy Spicer of Macomb, Jeff and Connie Spicer and Toby and Brenda Spicer, all of Saint Louis; three daughters and sons-in-law, Jimmee and Virgil Mangus of Yukon, Jan and Tom Harman of Willis, Tena and Boyd Houser of Tishomingo; 18 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; four sisters, LaVanna Steratt of Tecumseh, Patsy Kelly of Shawnee, Loretta Marley of Seminole and Dolly Peters of Tecumseh; a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with Doyle Loveland officiating. Burial will follow at Oakgrove Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home.

Allen Ray Roberts

Seminole resident Allen Ray Roberts, 78, died Saturday, Dec. 3, at Seminole Medical Center.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Gable Cemetery in Meeker with the Rev. Carl B. Whitfield officiating. Arrangements handled by Swearingen Funeral Home.

Ruth Wilson

Shawnee resident Ruth Wilson, 79, died Saturday, Dec. 3, at her home.
She was born Oct. 23, 1926, in Bristow to John Orvil Heck and Sylvia Jeanette (Housden) Heck. She lived in Shawnee since 1944.

Wilson graduated from Shawnee High School.

On Aug. 2, 1943, she married Arthur Lee "Mike" Wilson in Chandler.

She worked at Tinker Air Force Base in the accounting department and attended Downtown Pentecostal Holiness Church.

Preceding her in death are her parents; husband; daughter, Jan Armitage; four brothers, Paul, Harry, Bobby and Billie J. Heck; sister, Lucille Merryfield.

Survivors include two daughters, Carol Veitenheimer and Mikeleen Matthews, both of Shawnee; four grandsons, Mike Veitenheimer of Clarksville, Tenn., Brian Veitenheimer of King, N.C., Jeff Matthews and Kevin Matthews of Shawnee; two granddaughters, Melanie Huskins of Shawnee, Leesa Armitage of Tecumseh; 10 great-granddaughters; five great-grandsons; sister, JoAnn Jones of Plano, Texas.

Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at the chapel of Walker Funeral Service with the Rev. Donnie Knight officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Thelma L. Hines

Asher resident Thelma L. Hines, 90, died Sunday, Dec. 4, in Seminole.
She was born Feb. 4, 1915, to Lucian Strothers and Adella May (Anderson) Saunders in Akron, Colo.

Born in Akron, she also had lived in Shawnee, Wewoka and had resided in Asher since 1948.

She was a 1933 graduate of Shawnee High School.

On June 21, 1931, she married Beryl Hines in Okemah.

Along with her husband, they owned and operated their Jersey dairy farm. In 1969 they sold the dairy and began raising Red Angus Beef until their retirement.

She was a member of Pearson Baptist Church.

Hines enjoyed quilt making, stuffed animals and cooking. She loved her grandchildren.

Preceding her in death are her husband, her parents, five sisters, three brothers and one great-grandchild, Brandy Hines.

Survivors include her two daughters and son-in-law, Jean O'Bryant of Meeker, Nancy and Darryll Brady of Powderly, Texas; two sons and daughters-in-law, Tom and Doris Hines of Tuskahoma, Loyd and Carolyn Hines of Gore; brother, Bill Saunders of Konawa; 11 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren.

Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Mark Peercy officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home.

Wreatha Fay Perryman Beamer

Wreatha Fay Perryman Beamer, 79, died Sunday, Dec. 4, in Shawnee.
Visitation will start 8 a.m. today and will be closed at service time and remain closed thereafter under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home. Service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. Gary Nickerson officiating.

Leo Charles Biswell

Wanette resident Leo Charles Biswell, 80, died Sunday, Dec. 4, in Wanette.
He was born Sept. 28, 1925, in Chandler to Harlan M. and Pearl Olive (Abbott) Biswell. He was reared in Chandler and attended Candler High School. He attended Oklahoma Baptist University for two years.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II where he fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

On June 2, 1977, he married Mary Hill in Shawnee.

Biswell served as a minister for 57 years. He also worked at Tinker Air Force Base for 30 years as an airplane mechanic.

He was a member of the Pentecostal Holiness Church of Wanette, but had attended the Holiness Church for six years.

He loved singing at church and his favorite pastime was working crossword puzzles.He also enjoyed watching football games on the television and was an avid Oklahoma University fan.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother and an aunt, Dorothy Bledsoe.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Biswell, of the home; three daughters and one son-in-law, David and Tina Biswell Melot of Shawnee, Twanna Biswell of Tecumseh and Rebecca White of Wanette; three sons, Johnny Parker of Duncan, Bobby Parker of Duncan and David Parker of South Dakota; 12 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Service will be 1 p.m. today at Wanette Cemetery Chapel with Ron Gaither and Catherine Payne officiating. Burial will follow in Wanette Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.

Eugene Clifton Cash

Shawnee resident Eugene Clifton Cash, 72, died Saturday, Dec. 3, at a local hospital.
He was born July 26, 1933, in Maud to Clifton and Ina Fain Cash.

He graduated from Shawnee High School and attended Oklahoma Baptist University.

Cash worked 10 years as a pattern maker at Tinker Air Force Base. For 34 years he owned and operated Bout-Nu Auto and RV Sales in Shawnee.

On Jan. 14, 1956, he married Donna Jean Hill in Shawnee.

He served in the U.S. Army from June 8, 1953, to April 26, 1955.

Cash enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and was an avid gardner, fisherman and hunter.

Preceding him in death are his parents; brother, Verdane Cash; son, Harold Eugene Cash.

Survivors include his wife, Donna Jean Cash, of the home; two sons and daughters-in-law, Robert and Stephanie Cash of Shawnee, Jerry and Sherry Cash of Oklahoma City; daughter, Gina Cash of Carrboro, N.C.; grandson and his wife, Justin Eugene and Melissa Cash of Huntersville, N.C.; great-grandson, Connor Cash of Hunterville; numerous other relatives and friends.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. today at Resthaven Memorial Park with the Rev. Larry Sparks officiating. Services are under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

published Dec. 07, 2005

Wreatha Fay Perryman Beamer

Shawnee resident Wreatha Fay Perryman Beamer died Sunday, Dec. 4, in Shawnee.
She was born Sept. 2, 1926, in Skiatook to Royal E. and Nettie Jarman Ramsay. She was one of eight children. Her family moved to Shawnee in the 1940's where she completed high school and lived until her death.

She was employed for over 37 years as a telephone operator for Bell Telephone and leaves behind her Pioneer "Sisters" who regularly meet for lunch at the Golden Corral.

She was an active member of the Eastern Star for many years. She was a faithful member of Hilltop Baptist Church near her longtime home east of Shawnee for over 45 years. She loved Jesus, her many friends and her family.

She was preceded in death by both parents, her ex-husband, William Lee Perryman; sisters, Marylee Ramsay and Hazel Sellers; and a brother, Ralph Ramsay.

Surviviors include two sons, Billy Perryman and wife, Chris, of Prague and Casey Perryman of Shawnee; three daughters and their spouses, Lydia and Jay Loman of Dale, LaRue Perryman and Keith Slankard of Lafayette, Colo., and Livia and Nolan Norman of Prague; four sisters, Alveta Ott of Shawnee, Gladys Jordan of Macomb, Loretta and Bill Duffield of Shawnee and Marjorie Preacher of South Carolina; brother-in-law, Guy and wife, Vassar, Sellers of Oxford, Ala.; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Visitation started 8 a.m. Tuesday and will close at service time. The casket will remain closed thereafter.

Service will be 11 a.m. today in the Chapel of Resthaven Funeral Home with Pastor Gary Nickerson officiating. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home of Shawnee.

Evelyn "Rudy" Gilmore

Shawnee resident Evelyn "Rudy" Gilmore, 89, died Monday, Dec. 5, in Shawnee.
She was born Nov. 28, 1916, in Asher to Jubal J. and Myrtle Melissa (Deatherage) Anderson.

Evelyn attended Asher schools.

She was married in 1932 to Seaborn F. Gilmore.

She had lived in Shawnee most of her life. She was a member of Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church and a homemaker.

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

Survivors include two daughters, Gay Reding of Shawnee and Victoria Smith-Reynolds of Houston, Texas; four grandchildren, Keith Reding, Debi and Gary Whelan, Chad Smith and Ryan and Lori Smith; four great-grandchildren, Ashley, Janelle and Coco Anderson and Alexander Smith; one sister, Betty Burke of Norman; brother and sister-in-law, Donnie and Glenda Anderson of Tecumseh; brother-in-law, Marion Penson of Shawnee; a number of nieces and nephews.

Service will be 10 a.m. today at the Chapel of Walker Funeral Service with the Rev. Mike McCauley officiating. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Eugene Clifton Cash

Shawnee resident Eugene Clifton Cash, 72, died Saturday, Dec. 3, at a local hospital.
He was born July 26, 1933, in Maud to Clifton and Ina Fain Cash.

He graduated from Shawnee High School and attended Oklahoma Baptist University.

Cash worked 10 years as a pattern maker at Tinker Air Force Base. For 34 years he owned and operated Bout-Nu Auto and RV Sales in Shawnee.

On Jan. 14, 1956, he married Donna Jean Hill in Shawnee.

He served in the U.S. Army from June 8, 1953, to April 26, 1955.

Cash enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and was an avid gardner, fisherman and hunter.

Preceding him in death are his parents; brother, Verdane Cash; son, Harold Eugene Cash.

Survivors include his wife, Donna Jean Cash, of the home; two sons and daughters-in-law, Robert and Stephanie Cash of Shawnee, Jerry and Sherry Cash of Oklahoma City; daughter, Gina Cash of Carrboro, N.C.; grandson and his wife, Justin Eugene and Melissa Cash of Huntersville, N.C.; great-grandson, Connor Cash of Hunterville; numerous other relatives and friends.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. today at Resthaven Memorial Park with the Rev. Larry Sparks officiating. Services are under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Mary Margaret (Russell) Stevens

McLoud resident Mary Margaret (Russell) Stevens, 90, left this life on Dec. 4, in Shawnee.
She was born on July 3, 1915, in Lindsay to Edward J. and Grace L. (Murphy) Russell.

Margaret graduated from Bradley High School in Bradley, Okla. She married Charlie A. Stevens on Feb. 15, 1936, in Shawnee and moved to McLoud in 1942.

She worked for the Shockey and Shannon Clinic in Harrah and worked as a sheet metal fabricator at Tinker Air Force Base, retiring after nine years.

Margaret was a member of the Eastern Star and the First Baptist Church of McLoud. She enjoyed working in her garden and flower beds.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, three brothers and one sister.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Charles Edward and Marilyn Stevens of Pasadena, Texas; two daughters and sons-in-law, Mary Ann and Delbert Dossey of McLoud and Carol and Dick Latshaw, Lutz, Fla.; one brother, Charles Russell of Washington; eight grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church, McLoud, with the Rev. Larry Sparks and the Rev. Ernest Graham officiating. Burial will follow at Dale Cemetery, Dale, under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service in Harrah.

A guest book is available to share your memories online at www.smithparks.com.

Eula "Hank" (Burgan) Mitchell

Longtime Prague resident Eula "Hank" (Burgan) Mitchell, 77, died Monday, Dec. 5, in Prague.
Service will be 2 p.m Thursday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Prague with Paul Heard officiating. Burial will follow at the Prague Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Prague.

Merlene Duckworth White

Sherwood, Ark., resident Merlene Duckworth White, 85, died Saturday, Dec. 3.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Wanette Cemetery with Pastor Anthony Watts officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home.

published Dec. 08, 2005

John Woodrow Thompson

John Woodrow Thompson, 91, was given to the Lord Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2005.
He was born Jan. 22, 1914, to Geo and Eunice (Giddens) Thompson in Council Creek, Okla. He grew up and attended school in Tribbey and moved to California in 1937.

In 1941, he joined the U.S. Army. Stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, he was assigned to Army Intelligence as a Ground Aircraft Observer. He received several decorations including the Bronze star.

In 1950, John married Edna Marie Schechter. The couple lived in California for more than 50 years.

In 1976, John retired from Weiser Lock Ind. and the couple moved to Tecumseh in 1991.

He was a member of Assembly of God Church in Tecumseh. John loved the Lord most of all.

Preceding him in death are his parents; his wife; his son, Charles Allen Thompson; two brothers, Clyde and Kirmet; sister, Ruby.

Left to miss him deeply is his daughter, Su Allen; granddaughter, Rebecca Marie (Thompson) and Phillip Colvin; grandsons, Shawn and Nancy Thompson of San Diego, Calif., Timothy Thompson of Fort Collins, Colo., Justin and Tiffany Duran of Santa Barbara, Calif., Klaus Landsberg of Fallbrook, Calif.; brother, Doyle and Alice Thompson of La Habra, Calif.; two sisters, Beatrice Judy of Lawrence, Kan., Wilma Cunningham of Shawnee; five great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and friends he loved deeply.

Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Assembly of God Church, Tecumseh, with the Rev. Chad Brodrick officiating. Burial will follow at Tribbey Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.

Laural Raymond

Shawnee resident Laural Raymond, 50, died Monday, Dec. 5, at her home.
She was born Sept. 29, 1955, to Haskell "Jack" and Laura Mae (Gazaway) Rider in Seminole.

Raymond graduated from Varnum High School and received her associate's degree in nursing from Seminole State College.

She was a longtime employee of the Edmond Medical Center Emergency Department.

On July 31, 1993, she married Don Raymond in Eureka Springs, Ark.

Preceding her in death are her parents and son, Clayton Kean.

Survivors include her husband, Don Raymond, of the home; children and spouses, Tracey and James White of Tecumseh, Clinton and Katrina Kean of Seminole, Melissa Crowson of Shawnee, Corey and Mimi Raymond of Oklahoma City, Jennifer and Joey DeRoin of Midwest City; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Jim and Kelly Rider of Seminole, Marvin and Phyllis Stoops of Manford; sister and brother-in-law, Helen and Ray Harris of Seminole; grandchildren, Raceton, Julie, Wyatt, Brittany, Maddison, Raeden, Alex, Erin, Kimberly, Issabella and Victoria; several nieces and nephews including Jamie Myers and Travis Rider.

Service will be 1 p.m. Friday at the chapel of Walker Funeral Service with the Rev. Steve Cline officiating. Burial will follow at Little Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Phyllis Louise Sperlin

Choctaw resident Phyllis Louise (Evans) Sperlin, 83, died Tuesday, Dec. 6, in Oklahoma City.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Memory Lane Cemetery, Harrah, with the Rev. Al Boykin, the Rev. Calvin Walker and the Rev. Curtis Ophus officiating. Services are under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service Center.

Dora Virginia McKinney

Bedford, Texas, resident Dora Virginia McKinney, 89, died Tuesday, Dec. 6, at Bishop Davies Nursing Home in Bedford.
Service will be 11 a.m Friday at First Christian Church with the Rev. Glen Pence officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Seminole, under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.

Geneva Lee Murphey

McLoud resident Geneva Lee Murphey, 88, died Tuesday, Dec. 6, in Shawnee.
She was born Saturday, Oct. 27, 1917, in Tyler, Texas, to Azroe Davis and Lillia Tate Davis.

She was married Sept. 11, 1936, in Iona, Okla., to Andrew Murphey. He preceded her in death on Jan. 24, 1988.

Geneva came to the Roff area as a child. She attended school at Prairie View and lived in the area until moving to McLoud in 1956. She was a housewife and attended Prairie View Baptist Church.

Survivors include her daughter, Virginia Ridge of McLoud; son, Donald Ray Murphey of Choctaw; brother, L.A. Davis of Oklahoma City; sister, Mable Matthews of Mustang; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren.

Service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Clagg Funeral Chapel with Ron Jarman officiating. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery in Sulpher under the direction of Clagg Funeral Home. Pallbearers are Larry Davis, Donald Andrew Murphey, Jim Davis, Thomas Glen Ridge, James Hood and Joe Don Lucas.

Fred Williams

Shawnee resident Fred Williams, 65, died Tuesday, Nov. 29, in Shawnee.
He was born Feb. 12, 1940, to Erwin Frederick and Bernice Mildred (Vileta) Williams in Cicero, Ill.

Willliams was a graduate of Oak Lawn Community High School.

On Dec. 18, 1964, he married June Bramlette in California. She preceded him in death Nov. 1, 2002.

He worked as a machinist and lithographer for Container Supply in Garden Grove, Calif.

Williams had a happy childhood, liked working on cars, liked to bowl and go fishing with his grandson. He raced cars.

Also preceding him in death are his parents and his grandson, Kevin Taylor.

Survivors include two daughters, Lorri Williams of Shawnee, Paula Taylor of Temecula, Calif.; sister and brother-in-law, Sharon and Bob Shroeder of Omaha, Neb.; four brothers, Larry Williams of Worth, Ill., Leonard Williams of Joliet, Ill.; Bruce Williams of Steens, Mass., Brian Williams of Chino, Calif.; step-brother, Joel Marinko of Illinois; stepsister, Sandra Shehan of Oregan; three grandchildren, Ryan Williams, Daniel Taylor and Matthew Taylor; numerous other family and friends.

Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Larry Sparks officiating. Cooper Funeral is directing arrangements.

Allen Lee Ladra

Lifelong Prague resident Allen Lee Ladra, 83, died Tuesday, Dec. 6, in Prague.
Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Garden Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Prague, with the Rev. Mike Raines and the Rev. Chalie Clem officiating. Burial will follow at Garden Grove Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service of Prague.

Herman E. Duncan

Wellston resident Herman E. "Ted" Duncan, 86, died Tuesday, Dec. 6, at his home.
Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Oak Park Cemetery, Chandler, with the Rev. Bob Duncan officiating. Services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service of Chandler.

LaVoy Louise (Tate) Bottoms

Lavoy Louise (Tate) Bottoms of Seminole died Tuesday, Dec. 6, at the age of 69.
Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Highway Baptist Church in Seminole.

published Dec. 09, 2005

Leeman Story Jr.

Meeker resident Leeman Story Jr., 73, departed this life Wednesday, Dec. 7, in Oklahoma City.
He was born July 17, 1932, to Leeman Sr. and Ora Lillie (Marrs) Story in Lovell, Okla.

Story graduated from Carney High School in 1950.

On Nov. 9, 1951, he married Ora Frankia Shaw in Shawnee.

Story was the Division Chief of Communications at Tinker Air Force Base. Following his retirement in 1988, he went into law enforcement and was the current Lincoln County undersheriff.

He was a member of the First Christian Church in Meeker.

Preceding him in death are his parents and two sisters.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Frankia, of the home; son, Rodney Story of Meeker; daughter, Pamela D. King of Meeker; sister, Shirley Breeden of Del City; four grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.

Visitation will be 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. today and 8 a.m. until service time on Saturday at Parks Brothers Funeral Home in Chandler.

Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Glenn Walters and the Rev. Ron Keeling officiating. Burial will follow at New Hope Cemetery, Meeker, under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service.

Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.

Verna Lee Barlow

Shawnee resident Verna Lee Barlow, 89, died Wednesday, Dec. 7, at a local hospital.
She was born Aug. 14, 1916, to Joseph Wesley Cheek and Martha Lee (Adcock) Cheek in Jackson, Miss. She moved to Shawnee at a young age.

Barlow graduated from Shawnee High School in 1934.

On April 14, 1939, she married Wilbur Ralph "Tookey" Barlow in Shawnee.

She was a homemaker and a member of Wesley United Methodist Church.

Preceding her in death are her parents; husband; son, Jimmie; sister, Marcie Nabors.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Wayne Courtney of Shawnee; three grandchildren and spouses, Jami and Boyd Roby of Oklahoma City, Mike and Tonya Barlow of Castle Rock, Colo., and Jennifer Smith of Davis; four great-grandchildren, Gardner Roby, Chris Smith, Summer Smith and Michael Smith; sister and brother-in-law, Virginia and Sam Sauer of La Miranda, Calif.; daughter-in-law, Marialice Payne of Davis; niece and husband, Marcia and Kevin Nabors of Omaha, Neb.; great-niece and nephew, Austin and Angelique Nabors.

Graveside service will be 3 p.m. today at Fairview Cemetery with the Rev. Jeff Burress officiating. Services are under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Helen Wilma (Gray) Brothers

Shawnee resident Helen Wilma (Gray) Brothers, 101, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, Dec. 7.
She was born June 24, 1904, to William and Cora Gray in Carter County, Oklahoma Territory.

In 1924 she married Walter "Tally" Brothers. Their love and union lasted 59 years, most of those years residing in the Oklahoma City area.

She was a store manager for the Sperry Hutchinson (S&H) Merchandise Company for many years until her retirement in 1969.

She loved to crochet, read and challenge you to a game of Bones. She was a great cook and No. 1 pie maker to her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Tally; three brothers; two sisters; one daughter, Imogene Collins and her husband, Phil Collins; and son-in-law, Gerald Nurdin.

Survivors include two daughters, Mildred M. Nurdin of Enid and Betty Jo Jones and her husband, Ralph, of Shawnee; 12 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren and 35 great-great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to all those at Sunset Estates Nursing Center in Tecumseh who gave Helen so much loving care the past four years.

Graveside service will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in the Garden of Last Supper.

Advantage Funeral and Cremation Services of Oklahoma City, is directing arrangements.

Ann Eversole

Maud resident Ann Eversole, 61, died Wednesday, Dec. 7, at Seminole Medical Center.
Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Issac Ziegler officiating. Burial will follow at Little Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home of Seminole.

published Dec. 10, 2005

Neal E. Gray

Shawnee resident Neal E. Gray, beloved husband, father and grandfather, died Thursday, Dec. 8, at his home. He was 82 years old.
Gray was born April 11, 1923, to Charles and Ida (Cooper) Gray near Shawnee.

On June 28, 1943, he married Winnifred McClain. They have been married for 62 years.

He owned and operated his own auto repair shop, Neal Gray Garage, in Shawnee from 1952 to 1992.

Gray's proud distinguished service to his country began with World War II. He served in the 13th TABN, 24th Division, Southwest Pacific, Korea 116 Combat Engineers 19th BN and at Fort Sill. He was one of the last trainees in the Pack Artillery at Fort Sill where horses and mules were used.

He was a member and deacon of Temple Baptist Church, Veterans of Foreign Wars, The American Legion.

Gray loved God, his family and his country.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Franklin Gray.

Survivors include his wife, Winnifred, of the home; son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Linda Gray of Shawnee; daughter and son-in-law, Linda and George Combs of Seminole; eight grandchildren and spouses, Terri Gray of Norman, Kelli Gray McCullar and Benjamin McCullar of Shawnee, Shelli Gray Guinn and Clayton Guinn of Shawnee, Suzanne Gray Pritchard and Gregg Pritchard of Stroud, Phillip and Kristy Combs of Prague, Michelle Combs Glenn and Sam Glenn of Shawnee, Chris and Cari Combs of Shawnee, Sherri Ragsdale and friend, Natasha Schweitzer, of Norman; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, June Schmidlkofer of Earlsboro; three sisters, Leta Gray of Shawnee, Evelyn Atkinson of Midwest City, Mary Lopez and friend, Carl Robbin of Shawnee; brother-in-law, John H. McClain of Shawnee; numerous nieces and nephews.

Service will be 1 p.m. today at Temple Baptist Church with the Rev. Mike Craig officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Memorials may be made to the Gideons.

Betti Jean Barnett

Betti Jean "BJ" Barnett was born January 19, 1926, in Shawnee to S.L. and Flara M. West.
The eldest of three girls, BJ had a gift for music. She played the piccolo in the Martin Band and later mastered the piano. Her love of music shaped her life. She taught piano out of her home when her children were young; while earning her Masters in Music Education at Central State University, then went on to teach music in the Choctaw and Moore School Systems. She always had a song in her heart and a tune playing from her fingertips.

BJ sailed the Caribbean, skied Colorado, R.V.'d in Alaska, jetted to Europe, attended the theatre, was a "Happy Hoofer", played piano for her Sunday School class, enjoyed a good glass of wine and dancing, She never missed an opportunity to shop and took great pleasure in the love of her family and licks from her grand-dog, Cleo.

Her very bright light was slowly extinguished by the ravages of Alzheimer's. She is survived by a son, Gary Barnett and wife, Hue, of Midwest City; a daughter, Gaye Mills and husband, Wayne, of Oklahoma City; a grandson, Jeffrey Barnett of Spencer; two sisters, Virginia Brown of Albany, Ore., and Lara Luella Robinson of Phoenix, Ariz.

The family wishes to extend a very special thank you to Mercy Hospice and the caregivers at The Mansion at Waterford. Family suggests donations to Mercy Hospice.

Services were held 10 a.m. Friday, December 9, in the Watchorn Chapel at St. Luke's United Methodist Church.

Geneva Lee Murphey

McLoud resident Geneva Lee Murphey, 88, died Tuesday, Dec. 6, in Shawnee.
She was born Saturday, Oct. 27, 1917, in Tyler, Texas, to Azroe Davis and Lillia Tate Davis.

She was married Sept. 11, 1936, in Iona, Okla., to Andrew Murphey. He preceded her in death on Jan. 24, 1988.

Geneva came to the Roff area as a child. She attended school at Prairie View and lived in the area until moving to McLoud in 1956. She was a housewife and attended Prairie View Baptist Church.

Survivors include her daughter, Virginia Ridge of McLoud; son, Donald Ray Murphey of Choctaw; brother, L.A. Davis of Oklahoma City; sister, Mable Matthews of Mustang; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren.

Service was held 10 a.m. Friday at Clagg Funeral Chapel with Ron Jarman officiating. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery in Sulpher under the direction of Clagg Funeral Home.

Pallbearers are Larry Davis, Donald Andrew Murphey, Jim Davis, Thomas Glen Batt, James Hood and Joe Lucas.

Mary E. Allen

Castle resident Mary E. Allen, 92, died Wednesday, Dec. 7, with her family and hospice family by her side.
Service will be 2 p.m. today at Parks Brothers Funeral Home Chapel in Okemah. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery, Okemah, under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Home.
 

published Dec. 11, 2005

Gene Dale Dukes

Gene Dale Dukes was born in Prague Aug. 20, 1943, and departed this life at his home in Prague Saturday, Dec. 10, 2005. He was 62.
Gene was the son of Arthur Dewey Dukes and Alta Belle (Little) Dukes. He married Cheryl Nelson in Prague on July 10, 1962. He retired from Tinker Air Force Base as section chief of telecommunications. He served many years as the Civil Defense director for the city of Prague and was a retired volunteer firefighter for the Prague Fire Department. He was a member of the Prague First Baptist Church and the Prague Masonic Lodge.

Survivors include his wife, Cheryl Dukes, of the home; three daughters, Belinda Skaggs and her husband, Kenny, of Prague; Sheri Huff and her friend, Rocky Freeze of Prague; Lisa Baker and her husband, Bill, of Prague; two grandsons whom they raised, Ryan and Justin Huff, of the home; sister-in-law, Dolores Dukes of Prague; mother-in-law, Elsie (Brauer) Nelson, Oklahoma City; brother-in-law, Larry Nelson, Oklahoma City, and several special nieces and nephews.

Funeral will be 10 a.m. Monday at the Prague Cemetery with the Rev. Tim Emmons officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service of Prague.

Jessie Lee Plank

Jessie Lee Plank died Thursday, Dec. 8, at his home in Hinton. He was 75.
Funeral will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Pentecostal Holiness Church in Hinton. Graveside service will be 1 p.m. at Resthaven Cemetery in Shawnee.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hinton-Turner Funeral Home of Hinton.

Karen Louise Smith

Karen Louise Smith, 67, died Saturday, Dec. 10, at her Shawnee home.
Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Resthaven Funeral Chapel with burial following at Vamoosa Cemetery. Viewing and visitation will begin 9 a.m. Monday at Resthaven Funeral Home.

Janee (Buckmaster) Hill

Janee (Buckmaster) Hill went to be with her Lord Friday, Dec. 9, 2005. She was born Nov. 14, 1950, in Shawnee to Eddie and Virgie Buckmaster.

On Jan. 12, 1984, she married Clifton Hill in Shawnee. She was a member of Downtown Pentecostal Holiness Church.

Janee was a school teacher for many years. She graduated from Tecumseh High School in 1969, graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University and received certificates and degrees from East Central University, Oklahoma State University and a master's degree in education from the University of Central Oklahoma.

Preceding in her death was her dad, Eddie Buckmaster, and her brother, Noman Buckmaster.

Surviving are her husband, Clifton Hill, of the home; stepdaughter Kathie Hill; three stepgrandchildren, Kayla, Kara and Danny, all of Shawnee; her mother, Virgie Buckmaster of Tecumseh; sisters and brothers-in-law, Arthenia and Bob McCullar of Tecumseh, Lavonne and Gene O'Dell of Tecumseh, Ileta Stiles of Tecumseh and boyfriend Terry Vinyard of Eufaula, and Jona and Abel Lackey of Shawnee; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Downtown Pentecostal Holiness Church in Shawnee with the Rev. Mike Russell and the Rev. Jeff Burress officiating. Burial will follow in Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home.

Zackary Bryce Johnson

Zackary Bryce Johnson died Thursday, Dec. 8, at his home in Shawnee. He was 3 months old.

He was born Aug. 30, 2005, in Shawnee, the son of Joseph and Sara (Wise) Johnson.

He is survived by his parents; two brothers, Isiah Wise and James Johnson, both of Shawnee; grandparents, Marsha Bear, Curtis Johnson and Joe Wise, all of Shawnee; great-grandparents, Lewis Wise of Seminole and Rachael Bear of Shawnee; uncles, Junior Yahola of Minnesota; John Bear, Josh Johnson and Jeremiah Johnson, all of Shawnee; aunts, Amber Yahola and Jennifer Johnson, both of Shawnee; many cousins and other family members and godmother Crickett Knowlen of Shawnee.

Wake service will be Sunday evening. Funeral will be 10 a.m. Monday at First Indian Baptist Church with Phil Thompson and Houston Tiger officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Walker Funeral Servi

Katherine S. Schoenrock

Katherine S. Schoenrock of Shawnee died Friday, Dec. 9. She was 81.

She was born March 29, 1924, in Perryton, Texas, to Ivan LeRoy and Mattie Gertrude (Trayler) Eagleston. She was a 1942 graduate of Amarillo High School. She lived in Spearman, Texas, and Amarillo and moved to the Macomb and Tecumseh area in 1977.

On Aug. 21, 1955, she a married Karl J. Schoenrock in Clovis, N.M. He preceded her in death on Jan. 21, 1987.

She worked as telephone operator and modeled in the Amarillo area. She enjoyed flower gardening and cooking.

She also was preceded in death by her parents; her son, LeRoy Eagleston; sisters, Fern L. Smith and Avon Eagleston, and brothers, Ivan L. Eagleston Jr. and Oliver Eagleston.

Surviving are two sons, Larry Williams of Shawnee and Gary Eagleston of Alabama; five daughters, Etta Srader of Earlsboro; Mattie McSperitt of Tecumseh; Jackie Marley of Madera, Calif.; Loretta Lyles of Red River, N.M., and Beth Conner of Missouri; brother, Marvin L. Eagleston of Tulsa; sister, Hazel Gill of Fort Worth, Texas, 12 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

Funeral will be 2 p.m. Monday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with Mark W. Roberts officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery.

Frances O. Murray

Frances O. Murray, longtime Chandler resident, was born June 26, 1911, in Sparks and departed this life Friday, Dec, 9, 2005, in Chandler at the age of 94 years.

Frances was the daughter of Frank and Ora (Allenbaugh) Richardson. She married John Dee Murray in Chandler on Nov. 29, 1935. Frances graduated from Central State College in Edmond in 1930. She went on to teach for 37 years in Sparks and Chandler schools and was named Teacher of the Year in 1967. Frances was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Chandler, Sparks Eastern Star and Retired Teachers Association.

Her parents and her husband preceded Frances in death.

Survivors include her son, Richard Dee Murray of Eufaula; daughter and son-in-law, Judith A. and Harold Crouch of Chandler; grandchildren, Don Murray, Jeff Murray, Jon Crouch, Sherri Deisher and their spouses; 11 great-grandchildren, along with many other relatives and friends.

Funeral will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Chandler with the Rev. Joe Mullencupp and the Rev. Keith Hensley officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Park Cemetery in Chandler.

published Dec. 14, 2005

Velma L. (Smith) Pruett

Former Shawnee resident Velma L. (Smith) Pruett, 90, died Monday, Dec. 12, in Indianapolis, Ind., where she lived since 1950.
She was born to Horace E. and Winifred Smith May, 22, 1915 in Custer County.

Mrs. Pruett was an Administrator-Principal from 1970-1986 and 1992-2004 for Indianapolis Public Schools No.2, 15 and 45. Mrs. Pruetts educational background includes a Bachelors Degree from Oklahoma Baptist University, a Masters in Religious Education from Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville, Ky., 2- Masters degrees in Elementary Education from Butler University in Indianapolis, Ind., Post Graduate at University of Chicago, Ill., and Post Graduate at St. Andrews University in Scotland.

She was involved in many professional organizations including: Masters of Public Relations Society of America, Executive Service Core, Indiana Retired Teachers Association, Phi Delta Kappa Professional Education Sorority and Delta Kappa Gamma. Mrs. Pruett was former Chairperson of Membership for the Indiana Education Association, former president & treasurer for the Indianapolis Association of Elementary-Middle School Principals, former chairperson of Professional Development for the Public Relations Society of America, former president of the Parent Teacher Association Public School No.66 and former president of the Parent Teacher Association for Shortridge, Ind.

During her career, Mrs. Pruett received the NCAA-2002 Citizenship through Sports Award, Stay in Bounds; she was given the Sagamore of the Wabash by Gov. Robert Orr; the Key to the City of Indianapolis, Ind., for Outstanding Community Service awarded by William Hudnut; the Certificate of Merit, Public Schools on Indiana by H. Dean Evans; and the Certificate of Distinguished Service, Indianapolis Public Schools by James Adams.

Mrs. Pruett authored "How Some Urban Schools Succeed" (1st Chapter) Phi Delta Kappa, and an article about Mrs. Pruett can be found titled "IS" Indianapolis Public Schools DEC 2000 INSPIRING LOYALTY Indianapolis Star, EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

Mrs. Pruett was preceded in death by her husband, Ozie D. Pruett, former Pastor at First Baptist Church, Indianapolis, Ind.; son, Gordon E. Pruett; parents, Horace E., and Winifred Smith; and one brother, Lynn Smith.

Mrs. Pruett is survived by her children and their spouses; Bryce Pruett and his wife Ann of Phoenix, Ariz., Kyle Pruett and his wife Marsha of New Haven, Conn.; 7 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; brother, Devert Smith of Indianapolis, Ind.; and sisters, Reathal Bewley and her husband Jack of Abilene, Texas, and Naomi Chisum and her husband Harold of Collinsville.

Memorial service will be 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17, at First Baptist Church of Indianapolis, Ind., 86th Street & College Avenue, with Dr. Lewis officiating. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Indianapolis, Ind., Velma Pruett Memorial Fund, 8600 North College Ave., Indianapolis, Ind., 46240.

Arrangements are being handled by Flanner & Buchanan Funeral Center- Broad Ripple

Kenneth R. Enright

Shawnee resident Kenneth R. Enright, 80, died Sunday, Dec. 11, at Norman Regional Hospital.
He was born Sept. 16, 1925, in Perry to Walter and Lena (Frank) Enright.

He served his country in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Vicksburg during World War II.

On Nov. 27, 1947, he married Maudie Ellen Brackett in Oklahoma City.

He worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company as a linesman then later as a switchman before retiring in 1986. Enright served as president of Southwestern Bell Credit Union and also the C.W.A.

Preceding him in death are his parents; his wife, Ellen; one sister and two brothers.

Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Delores E. and Eugene Smith of Shawnee; two sons and daughters-in-law, Dennis and Kathy Enright of Shawnee, Dale and Boots Enright of Shawnee; five grandchildren, Nelda Smith, April Reynolds, Amber Keyes, Jennifer Rimer, Jason Enright; five great-grandchildren, Madison, Laynie, Baylie, Alex and Breydon; brother, Larry Enright of Bethany; several nieces and nephews.

Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Resthaven Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Bill Matthews officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home.

Beatrice Maxine Cuppawhe

Shawnee resident Beatrice Maxine (Atchico) Cuppawhe, 73, went to be with the Lord Monday, Dec. 12, in Shawnee.
She was born May 1, 1932, to Edward John and Jenny (Wiles) Atchico in Harrah.

Preceding her in death are her parents; her husband, Lavern Onzahwah; three brothers, Lee Atchico, Rufus Atchico, Danny Atchico; two sisters, Irene Atchico Frye and LaDonna Marie Atchico All Runner.

Survivors include one son, Leroy Onzahwah; six daughters, Laverne Gibson, Jennifer Makaseah, Lela Straight, Teddie Onzahwah, all of Shawnee, Debbie Onzahwah and Laura Boyd of Grand Rapids, Minn.; brother, John Edward Atchico of Poplar, Mont.; 19 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

Tribal rites were held 4 p.m. Tuesday at the Walker Home in McLoud.

John Clark Anthony

John Clark Anthony was born Dec. 15, 1914, in Phoenix, Ariz., to Clark Rogers Anthony and Mary Ellen (Finnegan) Anthony. He passed from this life on Sunday, Dec. 11, at his home in Tecumseh. He was 90 years, 11 months and 26 days at his passing. John was only 4 days from his 91st birthday.
He married Willimae Patton on Nov. 23, 1938, in Hawthorne, Calif. To this union were born three children all who are living near Tecumseh.

John was a retired pipefitter out of Local 250 and worked for oil companies. John grew up in the Los Angeles, Calif., area and lived in Compton, Calif., for many years before moving to Oklahoma about 1971.

John helped deliver Meals on Wheels to local senior citizens for several years until his health no longer permitted him to do so.

He liked to play his harmonica at the Tecumseh Senior Citizen Center and was Frontier Days King two or three years ago.

John was witty and loved to entertain others or bring a smile to their face.

Those left to mourn his passing are children, Sandra Munguia of Shawnee, Gene and Vi Anthony of Tecumseh, and Sharylyn Anthony of the home; grandchildren, Darla Oldham of Owasso, James Oldham of Shawnee, Steve and Patricia Anthony and Todd and Cheryl Wilson, all of Tecumseh, Jabin and Danielle Abbott of Midwest City, Ellen and Alicia Leonard of Malott, Wash., Teresa Leonard Frank of Shawnee; great-grandchildren, Sara and Kaitlyn Oldham, Megan, Michael and McKenna Anthony and Salicia Leonard; special friend, Martha Sanders of Tecumseh.

John was preceded in death by his only brother, George Anthony; wife, Willamae Patton Anthony; three grandchildren, Cody Oldham, Shelby Anthony and Breanna Leonard.

At John's request, there will not be a public service but a private family service at the cemetery.

Donations to his memory can be made to the Tecumseh Senior Citizen Center.

R.T. Flowers

Longtime Meeker resident R.T. Flowers, 77, died Monday, Dec. 12, in Shawnee.
He was born Feb. 18, 1928, in Meeker to Frank and Daucy (Teeples) Flowers.

On May 22, 1947, he married Carol Hall in Shawnee.

R.T. was a pipeline worker and a dairy farmer until his retirement. He was a member of Mammoth Baptist Church.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Christine Kidd; son, Lynn; granddaughter, Annie.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Carol, of the home; son and daughter-in-law, Dale and Paula Flowers of Meeker; daughter and son-in-law, Terri and Howard Morris of Midwest City; daughter-in-law, Joyce Flowers of Meeker; grandchildren, spouses and great-grandchildren, Preston and Christy, Chris and Robin Flowers, Reagan and Kevin, Keegan and Connor Carrera, Amy and Brad, Summer Wells, Jeremy and Addie, Trevor and Robbie Flowers and Ali Morris; two sisters and brother-in-law, Nelva and Slim Wyatt of Meeker, Phenon Griffin of Meeker; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Eddie and Charlotte Hall of Meeker; brother-in-law, Ray Laughlin of Shawnee; other relatives and many friends.

Visitation will be 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to noon Thursday at Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Meeker.

Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Mammoth Baptist Church, Meeker, with Brother Joe Williams and Brother Donnie Knight officiating. Burial will follow at New Hope Cemetery, Meeker, under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service.

Memorials may be made to Heartland Hospice, 3700 N. Kickapoo, Shawnee, OK 74804 or Mammoth Baptist Church, Meeker.

Kenneth Leroy O'dell

Bowlegs resident Kenneth Le roy O'dell, 62, died Sunday, Dec. 11, at his home.
Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Swearingen Funeral Chapel, Seminole, with the Rev. Roy Robertson officiating. Burial will follow at Little Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.

published Dec. 15, 2005

Gadawn Kelley Morris

Gadawn Kelley Morris went to be with the Lord on Saturday, Dec. 10, after a courageous struggle with a brain tumor. She was born on Oct. 10, 1930, to Sam and Dessie Jett Kelley in Shawnee.
Gadawn was the youngest of seven children and was special to all of her brothers and sisters. She married Jack Phillips on Feb. 13, 1948, and was soon blessed with two children.

Gadawn was a loving mother who was involved in her children's school and sports activities. Her life revolved around her family and her devotion to her only grandchild was unwavering.

Gadawn worked for many years in banking before completing her career at American Farm Lines.

On May 28, 1976, Gadawn married the second love of her life, Cecil Morris. He was her faithful and loving companion until his death in 2001.

Gadawn was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, four sisters, and her husband, Cecil.

She is survived by her son, Mike Phillips; daughter, Becky Jackson and her husband, Jim; grandson. Todd Jackson; brother, John Kelley; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family would like to say thank you to Christie Pletchetero for her compassionate and loving care of Gadawn during her final days.

A celebration of her life will be 11 a.m. today at Resthaven Funeral Home Chapel with burial following in Resthaven Memory Gardens under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home, Oklahoma City.

Glen M. Collins

Glen M. Collins, 72, died Tuesday, Dec. 13, as the result of an automobile accident.
He was born Nov. 28, 1933, in Prague to W.D. Collins and Edna Marie (Vanhorn) Collins. He graduated from Prague High School and later attended Oklahoma Baptist University.

Glen served in the U.S. Army in Germany just after World War II.

On Dec. 27, 1954, he was married to Freda Young in Prague.

Mr. Collins served 38 years as lake ranger for the Shawnee Police Department. He was a member of the Oklahoma Sheriff's Peace Association and the National Rifle Association.

Glen enjoyed hunting, raising deer and spending time with his grandsons.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Lorrie Ann Collins.

Survivors include his wife, Freda Collins; daughter, Dixie Collins; two grandsons, Mathew and Tyler Collins, all of Shawnee; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Gene and Edna Collins of Shawnee, Tommy and Tommie Collins of Shawnee, and Freddy and Terri Collins of Paden; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Louise and Roy Cloud of Texas, Phyllis and Jim Keeley of Eufaula and Betty Spillers of Tecumseh and several nieces and nephews.

Service, originally set for Resthaven Funeral Chapel, will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at Oak Park Church of God, Eleventh and Pesotum, with the Rev. Herman Searcy officiating. Burial will follow at Kellerby Cemetery north of Prague.

Resthaven Funeral Home is directing arrangements.

Harold Monroe Fullbright

Former Shawnee resident Harold Monroe Fullbright of El Reno, 83, died Sunday, Dec. 11, at St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City.
He was born Oct. 25, 1922, in Tecumseh. Harold grew up in Shawnee but later moved to El Reno, where he has resided since.

Harold retired from American Body & Trailer, where he was employed as a welder. He attended the Baptist church and was a member of the VFW Post No.382. He was proud to serve his country in the U.S. Army during World War II in the infantry.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence M. and Pearl (Blackwell) Fullbright; brother, James Fullbright; sisters, Evalea Zigler and Thelma Fullbright; and his wife, Wanda Fullbright.

Survivors include his son, Kenneth Fullbright and wife, Loise, of Shawnee; daughter, Patricia Shipley and husband, Bill, of Moore; sister, Hazel Reeves of California; five grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

Service will be 2 p.m. Friday in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Alton Thornhill, pastor of First United Pentecostal Church, officiating. Burial with military honors will be in the El Reno Cemetery. Wilson Funeral Home, El Reno, is directing arrangements.

Larry L. Young

Chandler resident Larry L. Young, 59, died Sunday, Dec. 11, in Raphine, Va.
Service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Parks Funeral Chapel, Chandler, with the Rev. Keith Henley officiating. Burial will follow at Black Cemetery in Stroud under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Chandler.

Emily Young Davis

Shawnee resident Emily Young Davis, 58, died Friday, Dec. 9.
Service will be 11 a.m. Friday at Union Baptist Church under the direction of Howard-Harris Funeral Service, Oklahoma City.

Keith Edward Taylor

Former Seminole resident Keith Edward Taylor, 48, died Wednesday, Dec. 14, at his home in Oklahoma City.
He was born Oct. 9, 1957, in Seminole to Wayne Edward Taylor and June (Cantwell) Taylor. He attended Seminole High School.

Keith had worked as a nurse's aide at local hospitals and nursing homes. He enjoyed arts and crafts and taught himself to play the piano.

He was preceded in death by one brother, Jerrett Wayne Taylor, and his father, Wayne Taylor.

Survivors include his mother, June Taylor of Shawnee; nephew, Robert Wayne Taylor of Shawnee; aunts, uncles and cousins.

Service will be 10 a.m. today at Resthaven Funeral Home in Shawnee.

Ruby Lee Lovelady

Former Seminole resident Ruby Lee Lovelady, 99, died Monday, Dec. 12, at her home in Tulsa.
Service will be 1 p.m. today at First United Methodist Church, Seminole, with the Rev. Phil Erwin and the Rev. Gary Wilburn officiating. Arrangements under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.

Evan Blake Scott

Infant child of Brandy Martin and Kris Douglas, Evan Blake Scott, 11 months, 2 days, died Tuesday, Dec. 13, in Oklahoma City.
Service will be 10 a.m. Friday at the First Baptist Church, Seminole, with Pastor Mike Murphy and the Rev. Tommy Clark officiating. Burial will follow at Little Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.