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

submitted by Kay Sugg Best

published Oct. 16, 2005

Frances A. Casteel

Tecumseh resident Frances A. Casteel, 71, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2005. She was born June 13, 1934, in Tecumseh, the daughter of Burl and Linnie Dunbar.

She attended Tecumseh schools and lived in the Shawnee-Tecumseh area all her life.

On Oct. 15, 1956, she married Elwyn Casteel in Riverside, Calif.

Frances was an employee for Sirloin Stockade of Shawnee for 16 years before owning her own business, The Finishing Touch.

She was a member of Liberty Baptist Church and also was an avid bowler for many years.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, L.A. and Glenn Dunbar.

She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Elwyn Casteel, of the home; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Don and Josephine Casteel of Tecumseh and John Casteel and his fiancie, Karen Melton, Shawnee; two daughters and sons-in-law, Cathy and Rick Hall of McLoud and Crystal and Ronnie Stevenson of Shawnee; three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Ruby and Jack Waldrop of Meeker, Ann Thompson of Tecumseh and Eddie and Mike Penisten of Shawnee; 13 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and numerous other relatives and friends.

Service will be 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 17, at Liberty Baptist Church with Bill Matthews, Phil Thompson and Larry Goins officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Walker Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements. The family would like to send a special thanks to Paula Avery of The Alzheimer's Association and to all the caregivers of Angelic Family Hospice who were there in the family's time of need. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her honor to the Alzheimer's Association, 1 N. Hudson, Suite 800, Oklahoma City, OK 73102; or Angelic Family Hospice, 431 N. Beard, Shawnee, OK 74801.

Carol Lee

Carol Lee, 68, Prague, died Oct. 11, 2005, in Moyers.
She was born June 15, 1937, in Norman, the daughter of Travis E. and Ruby F. (Bettes) Sullivan.

In September 1978, she married George Lee in Las Vegas. He preceded her in death. She was born and reared in Norman, moved to Wanette and then to Asher before settling in Prague.

She was a graduate of Norman High School and attended The University of Oklahoma. She was a farmer, and her friends and family were important to her. She loved farming and riding her tractor.

Preceding her in death were her daughter, Debbie Gregg; her husband, George Lee, and her father, Travis Sullivan.

Surviving are her mother, Ruby Sullivan, Norman; brother, Don Sullivan, Norman; children and spouses, Kathy Turnpaugh of Prague, Donna and Mickey Akerman of Konawa, Ted and LaDelle Geyer of Norman; seven stepchildren and spouses, Gary Jo and Penny Lee, Ron and Sheila Lee, Mark Lee, Tess and Bill Entrekin, Barry Lee, John and Kathy Lee and Diane Lee; 10 grandchildren, Amber Ruiz, Travis and Tommie Gregg, Austin Geyer, Lindse4 and Halyeigh Geyer, Michael and Sara Turnpaugh, Becky Howell and Amanda Akerman; and one great-grandchild, Lindsey Ruiz.

Memorial service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18, at Cooper Funeral Chapel, Tecumseh, with the Rev. Jim Adams, minister of Roff United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will follow at Garden Grove Cemetery. Cooper Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

published Oct. 18, 2005

Dr. Katherine Rader

A native of Norman, Virginia Katherine Rader was born Feb. 25, 1915, the only child of Mary Francis (Fannie) and Jesse Lee Rader, who served the University of Oklahoma as librarian for more than 40 years. After graduation from Norman High School, Katherine pursued degrees in higher education at OU earning a bachelor of arts degree in 1936; master of arts in 1940 and doctorate of philosophy in 1951.
Dr. Rader began her professional career in 1936 at Northwestern State College in Alva, where she, like her father, served as reference librarian. She also was instructor in English for three years and assistant professor of English from 1940 to 1944.

Dr. Rader left Alva to assume a position on the English faculty of Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee in 1944. She served the university until 1967, progressing from instructor to assistant professor in 1945 to associate professor in 1951 and to full professor in 1955. During this period, she was chairwoman of the Freshmen English program from 1947-1949; chairwoman of the English Department in from 1956-57 and 1960-61 and chairwoman of the Languages and Literature division from 1960-1962. She received OBU's prestigious Professor-of-the-Year award for 1961-62, which indicated the respect she had gained from both faculty and students. While imbuing her students with an appreciation for literature, she embodied the meaning of scholar and once expressed her philosophy of education as follows: "I hope, through teaching students to write as well as possible and to appreciate literature, to contribute to their well-rounded education so that they may lead richer lives as individuals and become informed, intelligent citizens. Vocationally, I strive, with my colleagues, to equip them to be efficient teachers of English." This compelling interest in her students, desire to share her wide knowledge, and enthusiasm to provide professional opportunities motivated Dr. Rader to sponsor academic organizations, such as Alpha Lambda Delta, national honor society for freshmen woman, Sigma Tau Delta, international honor society for senior women. The OBU yearbook, the Yanseh, was dedicated to her in 1962 "with love and admiration" from her students.

From 1967 to 1980, Dr. Rader assumed the position of professor of English at Central State University (now the University of Central Oklahoma). There, she also was much loved by her students and colleagues and was known for recommending many books for the library's collection in English studies.

Throughout her career, she was outstanding in her academic and personal professionalism, which were supported by her membership and leadership in organizations, such as the American Association of University Professors, the American Association of University Women, National Council of Teachers of English and the Modern Language Association. Her intellectual prowess was recognized through her membership in honorary societies, such as Phi Beta Kappa, Mortar Board, Alpha Lambda Delta and Sigma Tau Delta. She was always in touch with people and her community and held memberships in Delta Delta Delta, Eta Sigma Phi, the P E O and the Presbyterian Church; further, she cared for her community and was instrumental in the establishment of Centennial Park, supported the University of Oklahoma and was an advocate of the Democratic Party. In addition, she believed strongly in the humane treatment of animals and contributed to many organizations focused on that goal.

Following her retirement, she devoted herself to caring for her mother, Fannie. Both parents preceded her in death, so that Katherine is survived only by lifelong friends, Leroy and Sandra Jones, Nadine Wiest and Ann McLaury; close friend Adelma Humphreys; caregivers Theresa Wilson, Leighvi Soldolski, DeNitra White and Tracey Vasquez and by innumerable, devoted former students. All agree that they were enriched as their lives were touched by hers.

Memorial contributions may be made to the University of Oklahoma Foundation in her name to support educational endeavors.

Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Guardian Norman Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Norman IOOF Cemetery under the direction of Guardian Norman Funeral Home.

Rose Anna McMillin

Shawnee resident Rose Anna McMillin, 69, died Saturday, Oct. 15, at an Oklahoma City Hospital.
She was born March 11, 1936, in Mitchell, S.D., to Dr. Kenneth William Navin and Hermina Kathleen (Lorkovic) Navin.

She attended and graduated from St. Benedict School and attended nursing school at St. John's at Tulsa in 1954 and St. Gregory's. She also was a bookkeeper for Sylvinia & Dunn & Bradstreet. She retired from the Department of Defense Computer Surveillance.

On Dec. 18, 1964, she married F.C. McMillin at Lincoln Air Force Base in Nebraska.

She was a member of St. Benedict Catholic Church, the Altar Society, Parrish Guild, Piece Makers, Birthday Girls, Marriage Encounters, NARFE and other charities.

Survivors include her husband, F.C. McMillin of the home; son and daughter-in-law, Curtis and Rhonda McMillin of Edmond; daughter and son-in-law, Laura and Albert Bode III of Edmond; four grandsons, Joshua McMillin, Dylan Cash, Colton Goyer and Albert Bode IV, all of Edmond; mother, Mrs. K. W. Navin of Shawnee; eight siblings and their spouses, Kenneth and Pat Navin of Denver, Colo., Robert and Cathy Navin of Las Vegas, Nev., Marilyn Becker and her late husband, Richard, of Cottonwood, Idaho, Alice and Ron Sturgeon of Muskogee, Dennis and Sheila of Crowley, Texas, Lawrence and Frances Navin of San Antonio, Texas, Phillip and Peggy Navin of Claremore, Helen and David Price of Guthrie; numerous nieces and nephews.

A rosary will be held 8 p.m. today at Walker Funeral Service. Mass of Christian Burial will be noon Wednesday at St. Benedict Catholic Church with Rev. Maurus Jaeb, O.S.B., officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Don William Henderson

Former Bowlegs resident Don William Henderson, 73, died Wednesday, Oct. 12, in Panama City, Fla.
Service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Swearingen Funeral Chapel with the Rev. John May officiating. Burial will follow at Wolf Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.

James Ponkilla

Meeker resident James "Jim" Ponkilla, 48, died Monday, Oct. 17, at an Oklahoma City hospital.
Services are pending and will be announced by Walker Funeral Service.

published Oct. 19, 2005

Zetta Mae Sires

Zetta Mae Sires, 87, died Sunday, Oct. 16, at Shawnee Care Center.
She was born Feb. 12, 1918, in Sparks to Homer Ellsworth and Mattie Lee (Elliot) Tague.

Sires graduated from Sparks High School in 1934.

On July 24, 1951, she married Elmer Sires. She and Elmer lived in many states but came back to Shawnee in 1983.

She worked in retail sales at S.H. Kress in Shawnee, at Wonder World in Yuba City, Calif., at Montgomery Ward in Portland, Ore., at Brock's Department Store in Bakersfield, Calif., and at Wilson's Discount Store in Lafayette, La. She was a member of Liberty Baptist Church.

Preceding her in death are her parents, her husband, Elmer, and two brothers, Martin and Lynval Tague.

Survivors include three sisters and brothers-in-law, Vesta and Francis Cox of Grainfield, Kan., Doris and Bert Weisser of Mount View, and Evelyn Williams of Midwest City; two stepdaughters, Karen Lee Spurgin of Oklahoma City and Linda Sue Byrd of Warner Robins, Ga.; four grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

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

Thelma Ballard

Shawnee resident Thelma "Mae" Ballard, 93, died Thursday, Oct. 13, in a Fort Lauderdale, Fla., hospital.
She was born Sept. 21, 1912, in Adair to William James and Emma (Babb) Moren.

Ballard had made her home with her brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Lucile, since April 2004.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James L. Ballard, on Jan. 12, 1982; a nephew whom they raised, Stanley Robert Moren and a brother, Eddie Moren.

Survivors include her brother and sister-in-law, William R. and Lucile Moren of Southwest Ranches, Fla; a number of nieces and nephews, Loretta Mae, Nancy, Roger, Mark, KayLynn, Ricky, Ronnie, Randy and Jim, all of California; several cousins in the surrounding area including Geneva Glover.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Fairview Cemetery with the Rev. Kris Steele officiating. Walker Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

James Jim "Jimmy" Ponkilla Jr.

James Jim "Jimmy" Ponkilla Jr., 48, of Meeker died Monday, Oct. 17, at an Oklahoma City hospital.
He was born March 23, 1957, in Shawnee to James Jim Ponkilla Sr. and Lorena M. (Grant) Ponkilla. He worked as a mason and silversmith, arts and was a craftsman.

Jimmy married Loa Dru Tofpi on March 23, 1984, at Aydelotte Baptist Church. He received many awards for arts and crafts and enjoyed being with his grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Tony and Florina Ponkilla and Fred and Amelia Grant; father, James Jim Ponkilla Sr.; a son, James Jim Ponkilla III.

Survivors include his wife, Loa Dru Ponkilla of the home; mother, Lorena M. (Grant) Ponkilla; sisters, Loretta M. Ponkilla and Brenda G. Ponkilla; brother, and sister-in-law, Gordon M and Tonette Ponkilla; brother, Jeff Ponkilla; numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Service will be 10 a.m. today at Sallateeska Baptist Church with the Rev. Mike Wester and the Rev. Wayne Wilson officiating. Burial will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Rice Family Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Doris Ann Spriggs

Former Harrah resident Doris Ann (Cantrell) Spriggs, 69, died Sunday, Oct. 16, in Oklahoma City.
Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at the First Baptist Church, Harrah, with the Rev. Gary Eubanks officiating. Burial will follow at Arlington Memorial Gardens, Midwest City, under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service Center.

Sonny Messer

Stroud resident Sonny Messer, 69, died Monday, Oct. 17, in Stroud.
Service will be 10 a.m. Monday with the Rev. Michael Mitchell officiating. Burial will be at the Parkland Cemetery in Parkland under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service.

published Oct. 20, 2005

Doris Ladene Whittern

Doris Ladene Whittern passed away Tuesday, Oct. 18, after an extended stay at Solara Hospital in Shawnee.
She was born Aug. 24, 1921, in Seminole to J.A. and Floy Bradbury. On Sept. 6, 1940, she married Eldon Whittern. They were married 63 years. Doris was one of the first "Rosie the Riveters" at the shipyards in California during World War II. She also worked many years at Sylvania in Shawnee and Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City.

She was a longtime member of Central Church of Christ in Shawnee.

Doris loved to bowl. She was a loving mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother. She will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her husband and daughter, Beverly Conner.

Survivors include her son, Jim Whittern and wife, Janette of Oklahoma City; daughter, Phyllis Heald of Shawnee; son-in-law, Wayne Conner of Bartlett, Tenn.; sister, Phyllis Scheidt and husband, Joe, of Shawnee; grandchildren and their spouses, Kay Lynn Clifton and William Swartz of Shawnee, Karen and Tommy Howard of Oklahoma City, Brad and Sherry Conner of Hendersonvill, Tenn., Michael and Lori Whittern of Oklahoma City, Leigh Ann and Chris Moak of Hermitage, Tenn., and Tyler Conner of Bartlett, Tenn.; eleven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Tony Haddad, the Solara Hospital and doctors and the staff for the care she received during her stay.

Graveside service will be 1 p.m. Friday at Resthaven Memorial Park in Shawnee. Arrangements are under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home.

James Lee Posey

Shawnee resident James Lee Posey, 57, died Tuesday, Oct. 18, at his residence.
He was born July 24, 1948, in Rose Hill, Kan., to Carl and Emily Johnson Posey.

Posey moved to Shawnee more than 20 years ago and had worked as a mechanic for Rath Salvage. He enjoyed family, friends and his dog, Jack. He will be missed by all of them.

Preceding him in death are his parents, two brothers, Mike and Bill Posey; grandparents, Bill and Cordilla Johnson; uncles, Tom and Clarence Lewis; sister, Carlene Rains; niece, Judy Belle Ancell.

Survivors include daughter and son-in-law, Amber and Steven Armbrister of Oklahoma City; three grandchildren, Austin, Triniti and Aspen, all of Oklahoma City; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Joy and Tom Collins of Shawnee, Nellie and Tom Whittet of Macomb, Julia and Pat Minor of Slaughterville; friends, Gary and Julie Burnett and Teresa Gober; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews as well as cousins.

Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Gaskill Funeral Home Chapel, Shawnee. Burial will follow at Prairie View Cemetery, Tecumseh.

Ronnie D. Hodge

Chandler resident Ronnie D. Hodge, 58, died Wednesday, Oct. 19, in Chandler.
Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at the First Baptist Church, Davenport, with the Rev. Mike Mitchell officiating. Burial will follow at Davenport Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brother Funeral Service of Chandler.

published Oct. 21, 2005

Jack V. Watts

Longtime Konawa resident Jack V. Watts, 84, died Wednesday, Oct. 19, at his residence.
He was born July 22, 1921, at Rock Creek to Marvin Thomas and Kitty (Robbins) Watts.

He was educated at Rock Creek, Shawnee and Earlsboro schools.

Jack served with the Civilian Conservation Corp and U.S. Navy achieving the rank of 2nd Class Aviation Machinist Mate. While in the Navy, Jack met and married Evelyn Loraine Daniels on Dec. 30, 1944. In 1946, upon completion of his military duties, Jack, Evelyn and James moved to Konawa where Jack went to work at the Konawa Peanut Company. In 1954 Jack purchased a well servicing machine and operated it for many years. Later Jack purchased oil wells and operated them for himself. In 1983 Jack retired from pumping oil wells.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Kitty Watts; wife, Evelyn Watts on Nov. 27, 1994; three brothers, Roland, Earl and Victor Watts; four sisters, Irene Patterson, Mildred Patterson, Hazel Bohannon, Christine Cranefield and a daughter-in-law, Carolyn Watts.

Survivors include son, James Watts of Konawa; grandson, Richard Howsmon and his wife, Tammy, of Ingleside, Texas; granddaughter, Jeanne Bicknell and her husband, Terry, of Savannah, Ga.; three great-grandchildren, Alexandra, Errol and Kyndrick Howsmon; a very special friend, Mozelle Duncan and her daughter, LaWanda Tanner and close family friend, Kathy Kelly and her family whom he thought of as his own.

Service will be 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24 at Pickard~Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Charley Henthorn officiating. Burial will follow in Konawa Cemetery under the direction of Pickard~Swearingen Funeral Home in Konawa.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Konawa Nutrition Center, 426 East 1st St., Konawa, Okla. 74849.

Clarence C. Space

Wanette resident Clarence C. Space, 73, died Tuesday, Oct. 18, at his residence.
Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at New Horizons Fellowship Church, Wanette, with the Rev. Bill Howse officiating. Burial will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Wellston Cemetery under the direction of Wilson-Little Funeral Home in Purcell.

Beverley Ann Yonnes

Maud resident Beverley Ann Yonnes, 55, died Wednesday, Oct. 19, at her residence.
No services are scheduled at this time. Further information will be announced by Swearingen Funeral Home.

Floy Nell Hooten

Longtime Seminole resident Floy Nell Hooten, 94, died Wednesday, Oct. 19, at Seminole Estates Nursing Home.
Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Heartland Family Church with the Rev. Jerry Humphries officiating. A private family burial will take place prior to the memorial service at Maple Grove Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.

James Arlie Walls

Konawa resident James Arlie Walls, 90, passed away Oct. 17, at a Shawnee Hospital.
He was born Oct. 31, 1914, in Corner, Okla, to William Tyree Walls and Ida Mae (Palmer) Walls.

On June 17, 1936, he married Lois Radford Walls in Seminole.

Survivors include his wife, Lois, of the home; two sons and daughters-in-law, Jim and Tracy Walls of Yukon, Larry and Ruth Walls of Konawa; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, H.C. and Verniece Radford of Nash, Texas; a special niece and her spouse, Betty and Vernon Pottorff; six grandsons; six great-grandsons; numerous friends and other relatives.

Private services were held at an earlier date with the Rev. Ed Bray officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Swearingen~Pickard Funeral Home of Konawa.

Virginia Ann Peterson

Shawnee resident Virginia A. "Dee" Peterson, 82, passed away Wednesday, Oct 19, at her home.
She was born on June 1, 1923, in Gary, Ind., to Lester and Catherine (Lewis) Stevens.

After receiving her education, Dee worked as a homemaker taking care of her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert "Cobb" Peterson in 2001; her parents, and two brothers.

Left to cherish her memory are her three children, Holly Bierd of the home, Cathy Lopez of Shawnee and George Stevens of Norwalk, Calif., eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, along with numerous other relatives and friends who are sure to miss her.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers contributions be made to Heartland Hospice, 3700 N Kickapoo, Ste. 104, Shawnee, Ok 74804

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at the U.S. National Cemetery in Ft. Gibson.

Service will be provided by Shipman Funeral Home and Crematory of Wagoner.

published Oct. 23, 2005

Beuna Marie Hillerman

Shawnee resident Beuna Marie Hillerman, 84, died Wednesday, Oct. 19, at a local nursing home.
She was born Dec. 12, 1920, in Maple, Okla., to William Jefferson and Martha Jane (Watkins) Dustman. In 1936 she married Leo Hillerman in California.

Mrs. Hillerman graduated from Gordon Cooper School of Nursing in 1972 and worked as an LPN at Shawnee Regional Hospital before retiring. She and Leo also operated a ranch.

She was a member of St. Benedict Catholic Church and the Oklahoma Limousine Association, American Limousine Association and the Heart of Oklahoma Limousine Association.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; son, Eugene Patrick Hillerman; two brothers, James A. Dustman and Jessie Harmon Dustman.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Gerald and Carolyn Hillerman of Tecumseh; one daughter and son-in-law, Virginia and William Amend of Edmond; 13 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one sister and brother-in-law, Roberta and Wayne Hutchinson of Oklahoma City; one brother and sister-in-law, Carmon and Virginia Dustman of Shawnee, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions can be made to Angelic Hospice of Shawnee, 421 N. Beard, Shawnee OK 74804.

Memorial service will be noon Monday at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Shawnee.

Gaskill Funeral Home is directing arrangements.

Orpha Faye Pevyhouse

Chandler resident Orpha Faye Pevyhouse was born on Aug. 19, 1942, in Hoffman, Okla., and departed this life Thursday, Oct. 20, in Oklahoma City at the age of 63 years.
Orpha was the daughter of L.D. and Beulah (Phillips) Pauley. She married Norman S. Pevyhouse on April 22, 1971, in Gainesville, Texas. Orpha was a floral designer for many years in Oklahoma and California and attended Bethel Congregational Church in Edmond.

Her parents, one brother and two sisters preceded her in death.

Survivors include her husband, Norman Pevyhouse of Chandler; one son, Don Tremayne of Moore; one daughter, Dana Louise Brown of Laughlin, Nev.; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Billie and Bill Thompson of Edmond, Carlee and Jim Cook of Wellston and Linda O'Neal of Wellston; one grandson, James Eric Brown of Moore; one great-grandson, Hunter Hayes Brown of Moore, many relatives and many friends.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday at Parks Brothers Funeral Home Chapel in Chandler with the Rev. Gilbert Hughes officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Park Cemetery.

Emma A. Branson

Tecumseh resident Emma A. (Rader) Branson, 91, died Saturday, Oct. 22, in Tecumseh.
Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at New Hope Baptist Church with the Rev. John Mixon officiating. Burial will be at Brown Cemetery. Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to new Hope Baptist Church building fund.

Frank M. Smith

The Rev. Frank M. Smith, a Church of God evangelist for the End Time, passed away at the age of 85 on Thursday, Oct. 20, at his home in Shawnee.
He was born Sept. 27, 1920, in Van Buren, Ark., to James and Nettie Smith. On Sept. 26, 1943, he married Pauline Hanning in Van Buren, Ark.

He served 11 years in the U.S. Navy and was a World War II veteran. He participated in Operations Crossroads, atomic bomb tests, Joint Task Force One. He enjoyed fishing with his son and organic gardening that he shared with all he loved. He lived in Shawnee since 1977.

He is survived by Pauline of the home; a son, Frank Smith of Shawnee; one ganddaughter and grandson-in-law, Michelle and Mark Ferrell of Shawnee; six brothers and sisters, Elnor Fout, Georgia and J.W. Polk, Helen and Richard Hodo, Barbara and Harold Mckown, Darrel and Mickie Smith, all from Van Buren, Ark., and James and Gene Smith of Fort Smith, Ark.

Funeral will be at Walker Funeral Home at 10 a.m. Monday with the Rev. Leroy Kerbo officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery with millitary honors.

published Oct. 25, 2005

Kenneth Long

Shawnee resident Kenneth A. Long, 84, went to be with the Lord Thursday, Oct. 13, at St. Anthony Hospital.
He was born Sept. 14, 1921, in Konawa to Harry and Dolly Carrigar Long.

As a young man he married Effie Smilley and moved to California. She preceded him in death.

He worked several years as a mechanic for Oakland, Calif., Bus lines. Moving back to Oklahoma he worked with timber and logs in Antlers. After retirement he moved to Okemah. He has lived in Shawnee the past 7 years.

He was of Pentecostal Holiness Faith.

He is survived by his wife, Ruby, of the home; daughter and son-in-law, Lori and Terry Brown of Dublin, Calif.; grandson and spouse, Mathew and Janell; great-granddaughter, Madison; grandson, Benjamin; two granddaughters, Sabrina and Samantha of the home; son, Freddie Long of California; four stepsons, Frank and Dee Neal of Eufaula, Rondol and Delores Neal of Muskogee; Bill and Pat Neal of Eufaula; Wayne and Cecelia Neal of Afton, Wyo.; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; He leaves one sister, Jannie Johnston of Auburn, Calif; one brother and sister-in-law, Dempsey and Verdean Long of Concord, Calif.; cousins of Shawnee and Konawa. So many wonderful friends and neighbors.

Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, at Trinity Baptist Church, 1313 N. McKinley, in Shawnee.

Emma A. Branson

Tecumseh resident Emma A.(Rader) Branson, 91, died Saturday, Oct. 22, in Tecumseh.
She was born Dec. 2, 1913, in Tecumseh to Jewett George and Exena Ible (Draggoo) Rader.

On Aug. 23, 1931, she married Ferron Van Branson in Shawnee. He preceded her in death June 17, 1967.

Branson was a lifelong resident of Pottawatomie County. She attended school in Tecumseh.

She was a homemaker and member of New Hope Baptist Church, where she served as Sunday School secretary for many years.

Also preceding her in death were her parents, four brothers and one sister.

Survivors include son and daughter-in-law, Gene and Judith Branson of Tecumseh; grandchildren and spouses, Robert and Terri Branson of Shawnee, Reesa and Rocky Heilaman of Tecumsh; eight great-grandchildren, Ericka Warnock, Aaron Heilaman, Ashley Heilaman, Christopher Cunningham, Jacob Branson, Stephanie Branson, Sarah Heilaman and Tyler Branson; three great-great-grandchildren.

Service will be 2 p.m. today at New Hope Baptist Church with the Rev. John Mixon officiating. Burial will follow at Brown Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the New Hope Baptist Church Building Fund, 37496 New Hope Rd, Tecumseh 74873.

Lorene M. Logan

Lorene M. Logan, longtime area school teacher, passed from this life peacefully in her sleep at home, Sunday morning at the age of 94.
Mrs. Logan was born in Shawnee on Feb. 27, 1911, to Wilford F. and Clara E. (Bernard) Bohannon. She moved with her family to rural Checotah at the age of 7.

She attended Connors College and graduated from Northeastern University in Tahlequah. She taught school for 42 years in the local community, including Longfellow Elementary in Checotah, and then after her marriage to Ezell Logan in 1948, continued her teaching in the Long-fellow School, Muskogee. She was very passionate about teaching and instilling confidence in her students. After her retirement, she returned to the family home in Checotah where throughout her years of retirement, she treasured her many visits and letters she received from her former students.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ezell; her parents, Wilford and Clara Bohannon; and her brother, W.E. "Bill" Bohannon.

Survivors include cousins, Marcelle Nugent of Dallas, Texas, Orene Bridges of Pauls Valley, Helen Chaffin of Seminole, Dennis Duval and Cherrill Gaddy of Shawnee; nephew, Darrell Logan and his wife, Becky, of Tulsa; and her sister-in-law, Betty Bohannon of Checotah,

Services to celebrate her life and legacy will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Federated Presbyterian-Christian Church at 515 W. Gentry in Checotah, officiated by Pastor Golda McClelland. Burial will follow in the Greenlawn Cemetery, Checotah.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hampton Mortuary, 211 W. Okmulgee, Checotah, 74426, 918-473-6821.

Frank Calvin Rowe Jr.

Norman resident Frank Calvin "Baby Doll" Rowe Jr., 58, died Saturday, Oct. 22, in Norman.
He was born Nov. 4, 1946, to Frank Calvin Rowe Sr. and Lodie Tiger.

Rowe was a horse trainer and ranch hand.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Calarney Rowe and Stephen Barnett; two sisters, Juanita (Rowe) Wasson and Hattie Sue Barnett.

Survivors include two children from his first marriage, Calvin and Tracy; three from his second marriage, Corey, Sammy and Steven; six siblings, Jack Rowe, Mary Bailey, Ramona Davis, Jake Barnett Jr., Patty Barnett and Raymond Barnett.

Service will be 2 p.m. today at Bah-Kho-Je Chena Building. Burial will follow at Iowa Cemetery, Perkins, under the direction of Strode Funeral Home.

Jack Kiesel

Longtime Seminole resident Jack Kiesel, 82, died Saturday, Oct. 22, at Tulsa Regional Hospital.
Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Swearingen-Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Gary Wilburn officiating. Burial will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens, Seminole, under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.

Sylvia Clifton

Seminole resident Sylvia "Ruth" Clifton, 85, died Saturday, Oct. 22, in Oklahoma City.
Service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jimmy Moreland officiating. Burial will follow at Little Cemetery with Pastor Hubert Plumlee officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.

Velma M. Millsap

Shawnee resident Velma M. Millsap, 94, died Sunday, Oct. 23, at Shawnee Care Center.
Service will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Pickard~Swearingen Funeral Chapel with Mitch Williams officiating. Burial will follow at Konawa Cemetery under the direction of Pickard~Swearingen Funeral Home.

published Oct. 26, 2005

Elizabeth Grace Gentry

Elizabeth Grace Gentry died Thursday, Oct. 13, in Oklahoma City shortly after the birth of she and her twin sister.
Graveside service will be 11 a.m. today at Rosville Cemetery with the Rev. Carl Whitfield officiating. Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.

Mary Ann Burton

Shawnee resident Mary Ann Burton, 88, died Tuesday, Oct. 25, at a local nursing home.
She was born Dec. 6, 1916, in Wanette to T.E. and Lona (Hutcheson) Conley.

She attended Lone Oak and Wanette schools, graduating from Wanette High School.

On Nov. 14, 1936, she married J.S. "Jim" Burton in Wanette.

She worked in a grocery store in California for several years before moving to Shawnee in 1950 where she worked at Sylvania and then Central State until her retirement. Mary Ann was a member of the Lexington Eastern Star.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a daughter, Carolyn Sue Martin; an infant son, Jackie Lavell Burton; two infant grandchildren; three brothers, Ralph Conley, T.E. Conley Jr. and E.P. Conley and two sisters, Nema William and Evelyn Beaon.

Survivors include two brothers and sisters-in-law, Delbert and Dorothy Conley of Shawnee and Ike Eugene and Shirley Conley of Plano, Texas; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Barbara and Otis Vanderpool of Wichita, Kan., Bonnie and Bill Walker of Guyman and Elwynna and Herbert Melot of Shawnee; two sisters-in-law, Lavern Conley of Purcell and Edra Conley of Norman; and several nieces and nephews,

Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Wanette Cemetery Chapel with the Rev. Leon Lutts officiating. Burial will follow at Wanette Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

published Oct. 28, 2005

Andrew Thomas Grabil Jr.

Edmond resident Andrew "Andy" Thomas Grabil Jr., 25, died Saturday, Oct. 22, in Hereford, Texas.
He was born Nov. 1, 1979, in San Luis Obispo, Calif., to Andrew T. Grabil Sr. and Colleen (Pharr) and Randy Moore.

Grabil moved to Chandler with his family in 1993 and graduated from Chandler High School in 1998. He worked as a directional engineer in the oil industry and was attending Life Church in Edmond.

Preceding him in death are his grandfather, grand- mother and one niece, Julia Furr.

Survivors include his parents, Colleen and Randy Moore of Chandler, Andrew T. Grabil Sr of Nipoma, Calif.; daughter, Kinnady N. Grabil of Anadarko; four sisters and brothers-in-law, Jaime and Dustin Bailey of Edmond, Mandy and Daryl Friesen of Bakersfield, Calif., Randi Moore and Katie Moore, both of Chandler; brothers and sister-in-law, Justin and Tara Moore and Devin Moore, all of Bakersfield, Calif.; grandparents, Toni and Howard Prescott of Pahrump, Nev., Lillian and Jim Blakley of Ni- pomo, Calif., Wilbert Grabil of Santa Maria, Calif.; two nieces, Joslyn Furr and Olivia Bailey, both of Edmond; nephew, Daxton Bailey of Edmond.

Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Chandler with the Rev. Rick Blackwell officiat- ing. Burial will follow at Oak Park Cemetery under the di- rection of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Chandler.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Bank of Chandler. An account has been set up for Andy's daughter, Kinnady.

Terry ONeal Lott

Midwest City resident Terry ONeal Lott, 46, died Sunday, Oct. 23.
He was born March 3, 1959, in Choctaw to LuAnn Turner and Howard Pippin.

He is preceded in death by his father.

Survivors include two sons and one daughter, Justin Lott, Shaun Atchico and Jessica Lott; wife, Anita Lott; mother, LouAnn Turner; brother, Bobby Lott and sisters, Bernadette Turner and Amber Turner.

Service will be 9:30 a.m. today at the Choctaw Church of Christ. Burial will follow at Fort Sill National Cemetery in Elgin under the direction of Hibbs Funeral Home.

Naomi Stevenson

Stroud resident Naomi Ste- venson, 94, died Wednesday, Oct. 26, in Stroud.
Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Stroud with Pastor Dwayne Jackson officiating. Burial will follow in Stroud Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service.

Roy Francis Chandler Sr.

Shawnee resident Roy Fran- cis Chandler Sr., 82, died Wednesday, Oct. 26, in a Meeker Nursing Home.
Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Walker Funeral Service Chapel in Shawnee. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Jermey Dee Gill

Welty resident Jermey Dee Gill, 22, died Tuesday, Oct. 25, in Texas.
Service will be held Saturday 2 p.m. at Welty Church of God under the direction of Schumacher Funeral Home.

Lois Opal Anderson

Chandler resident Lois Opal Anderson, 88, formerly of Davenport, died Wednesday, Oct. 26, in Chandler.
Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel with Bro. Robert Wonn officiating. Burial will follow in Davenport Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Chandler.

Vivian Margaret Kistler Spurgin

Stroud resident Vivian Margaret Spurgin, 93, died Thursday, Oct. 27, in Stroud.
Funeral service will be held Monday 10 a.m. at Stroud Christian Church in Stroud. Burial will be in the Stroud Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Services in Stroud.

Max Clinton Melton

Harrah resident Max Clinton Melton, 36, died Tuesday, Oct. 25, in Harrah.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Memory Lane Cemetery, Harrah, under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service in Harrah.

Michael Cameron Conaway

Michael Cameron Conaway, 58, died Monday, Oct. 24, as a result of a single-vehicle accident near Checotah.
Mike was born Sept. 27, 1947, in Shawnee to Reaumone and June (Cameron) Conaway. He attended Shawnee public schools and graduated high school in May 1965. He began East Central State College in Ada one month after high school graduation. While an undergraduate, he was vice president of Pi Kappa Alpha social fraternity, active in the first campus pre-law group and in campus politics.

It was at this time that Mike met and married Lynnette Dale. Their daughter, Lauri Lyn, was born in November 1967. Mike earned a bachelor of arts degree with a double major in government and history in August 1968, just three years after beginning his studies.

Mike began law school at The University of Oklahoma in 1969. He was called into active duty in the U.S. Army in the spring of 1970, serving almost two years, including 12 months in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division. While in Vietnam, Mike served in many capacities, including Brigade reconnaissance platoon, aerial observer, secured communications operator for Brigade Tactical Operations Center and intelligence analyst with a secret security clearance. Decorations include Combat Infantryman's Badge, Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Medal and Army Commendation Medal. Mike was honorably discharged in December 1971. He returned to OU and earned his juris doctorate in May 1974. During his last three semesters of law school, he worked as a legal intern with the first OU class allowed to participate in the internship program. He tried his first civil-jury case during his last semester of law school.

Mike worked as an attorney for the Oklahoma Tax Commission, as a legislative liaison for the Oklahoma Employment Securities Commission, and in the state Attorney General's Office as an assistant attorney general. He represented the state of Oklahoma in state courts throughout Oklahoma, all three Federal District Courts, the Oklahoma Supreme Court, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court. Most recently, Mike had a private law practice in Shawnee.

Mike had a good sense of humor and loved to have fun, maintaining contact with many childhood friends throughout the years. He is survived by his daughter, Lauri Conaway, and her mother, Lynnette, both of Norman; sisters, Sharon Neff and husband, Bill, Judy Cooper and husband, Henry, of Norman; several nieces, nephews and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Shawnee American Legion, Post 16, 522 Saratoga, Shawnee, OK 74804

Memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31, 2005, at First Baptist Church in Shawnee with the Rev. Mike Bumgarner officating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home, Shawnee.

R. D. Watson

Shawnee resident R.D. Watson, 86, died Wednesday, Oct. 26, at Unity Health Center.
He was born, Oct. 13, 1919, in Conway, Ark., to Pleas Watson and Lalie (Rankin) Watson. In his youth he worked at his family's general store.

On June 9, 1940, he married Alma Mauldin in Harlingen, Texas.

Mr. Watson served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He then worked at Creswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth, Texas. Later tranferring to Tinker Air Force Base. While there he served Temporary Duty in Bangkok, Thailand doing maintenance work on airplanes. Mr. Watson also served five voluntary trips in the combat area of Vietnam. He retired in 1981 after 33 years of civil service.

He enjoyed traveling, fishing, and making belts and belt buckles. He was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Sonny and Grover Watson; two sisters, Mavis Sanders and Floy Robison.

Survivors include his wife, Alma Watson of the home; three children, Olivia Neal and husband, Glen, of Cushing, Linda Haley and husband, Don, of Nashville, Tenn., Elaine Kieffer and husband, Joe, of Wanette; six grandchildren; one brother, Billy Watson of Colorado; two sisters, Ova Emerson and Zelma Jackson, both of Eufaula; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, at Resthaven Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Sam Hendry officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home.

Roy Francis Chandler Sr.

Shawnee resident Roy Francis Chandler Sr., 82, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 26, at a Meeker nursing home.
He was born May 10, 1923, in Oklahoma City to James Douglas and Mina (Boiling) Chandler.

He lived in the Oklahoma City and Spencer area, attending schools in Oklahoma City and graduating from Northeast High School in 1941. He went to work for Oklahoma Publishing Co. then attended a sheet metal school in San Antonio, Texas, and worked a short time at Tinker Air Force Base.

Roy joined the Air Force and served overseas during World War II. After returning home he went into the auto supply business as a NAPA jobber in Midwest City. He was with NAPA until his retirement in 1984.

Roy loved music and had a band both in England and Germany and a western band in Shawnee called the "Oldie Goldie Boys" for thirty some years.

He was first married to Gladys Tyler for 43 years. They had one son, Roy Jr. Gladys passed away in 1995. He married Hazel (Simpson) Jones on May 7, 1997.

He was a member of Liberty Baptist Church and a 32nd degree Mason.

Survivors include his wife, Hazel Chandler; son, Roy Chandler Jr.; step-son, Leroy Jones; step-daughter, Colleen Akin and her husband, Fred Akin; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and several first cousins.

Service will be 2 p.m. today at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with Larry Goins officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Pauline Miriam Higley

Shawnee resident Pauline Miriam Higley, 95, died Wednesday, Oct. 26, at a local hospital.
She was born April 23, 1910, in Elgin to James and Elfa Hinds.

After residing in Chickasaw and Perry, the Hinds family settled in Shawnee in 1925 where they opened the family business, Hinds and Sons Dry Cleaning.

She graduated from Shawnee High School in 1928. Her picture appeared in the high school yearbook with the caption "Never too busy to smile."

On June 11, 1932, she married the love of her life, Wilbur Clem Higley. Together, they built a family and left a legacy of love and integrity during their 62 year marriage.

She held several jobs including a stint as "candy girl" at Mammoth Department Store on Main Street in Shawnee. She and Wilbur owned and operated Hawk Auto Supply store in Shawnee for several decades. In 1974, she began a 10 year job working for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). During this time, she personally delivered or coordinated the delivery of more than 100,000 hot meals to people in need. She also was past president of the local chapter of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).

Higley was a lifelong Republican, casting her first presidential election in 1932. In 1946 she served as vice chair and secretary of the Pottawatomie County Republicans. Beginning in 1950, she served five years as the state committeewoman for the Republican Party.

She was an active member of Wesley United Methodist Church, which she joined in 1927. Over her 78 year membership, she was a member of many committees, circles and taught the Crusaders Sunday School class for many years.

On April 23, 2005, she celebrated her 95th birthday with family and friends. Her love of Christ permeated her life, and with her sweet disposition, she left an indelible impact on all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Elfa Hinds; her husband, Wilbur Clem Higley Sr; her son, Wilbur Clem "Bill" Higley Jr.; two brothers, James Hinds and Gene Hinds.

Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Ann and Gary Dowdy of Shawnee, Ellen and Jorge Esquilin of Kansas City, Mo.; nine grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Wesley United Methodist Church with the Rev. Jeff Burress and the Rev. Kris Steele officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Memorials may be made to the Wesley United Methodist Church Van fund.

published Oct. 29, 2005

Theron Leith Hessman

Paden resident Theron Leith Hessman, 44, died Friday, Oct. 28.
Memorial service will be held at a further date. Arrangements provided by Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Prague.

Maymie Elizabeth Smith

Glenpool resident Maymie Elizabeth Smith, 95, died Friday, Oct. 28.
Graveside service will be held 3 p.m. Saturday at Prague Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Prague.

Sereda Richardson

Seminole resident Sereda "Ruth" Richardson, 54, died Thursday, Oct. 27, at Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma City.
Service will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at Swearingen Funeral Chapel, Seminole, with Rick Madron and Randy Ethridge officiating. Burial will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Garden, Seminole, under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.

published Oct. 30, 2005

Delbert Walter Brown

Shawnee resident Delbert Walter Brown, 64, died of cancer at his home on Thursday, Oct. 27.

He was an Absentee Shawnee tribal member and was born Aug. 28, 1941, in Concho, the son of Henry Brown and Mattie (Alford) Brown.

He was an active member of The People's Church, a non-denominational gospel church in Maud. He was an avid deer hunter and award-winning knife maker. During the past few years, he also enjoyed playing bass guitar and played regularly with friends and at church.

Brown lived most of his life in the Shawnee area, attending school at Westborough, Acme and Dale. As a young man he was trained and worked as a heavy equipment operator on BIA road building projects in Pottawatomie and Cleveland counties. He also worked several years as a truck driver. He always remembered fondly the adventures he had during several months in the late 1960s while working as a plumber's helper for the late Fred P. Morton.

In 1969, Brown was a passenger in a car that collided with a truck. In that wreck he was left a paraplegic and lost his wife of six years, Rosie (Foster) Brown, and her sister and brother-in-law, Mary Lou and Robert L. West.

On May 31, 1970, he married Kathryn Smith, a native of Blackwell, and they made their home in Shawnee ever since.

In 1972, Brown took up archery, in which he became proficient by attending and hosting archery matches of the Oklahoma Indian Archery Club. From March 1984 through December 1988, he owned and operated Brown's Archery and Muzzle Loading Shop in Shawnee, and won awards shooting in O.S.A.A. and N.F.A.A. archery tournaments and in the archery competition at the Sooner State Games. He was a charter member of The Deer Creek Free Trappers, the local primitive firearms club. He also was a longtime member of the NRA.

From the spring of 1990 through June 1998 he made, exhibited and sold handmade knives, first at gun and knife shows, then at powwows and custom knife shows and later at juried Native American art shows in Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Texas, Tennessee, Colorado and Arizona. From childhood he was fascinated with knives. Self-taught by trial and error, he developed his knife-making abilities over many years. He ground his blades free-hand on a belt sander from old files, leaf springs and old saw blades, tempering them by judging the colors of the metal. He designed brass guards and carved stag or slab handles for his distinctively beautiful and functional knives of all sizes. He was greatly honored when one of his large knives won the gold medal for a first-place finish in the cultural items category at the 1993 Red Earth Art Competition in Oklahoma City. Brown's knives continued to win numerous awards in juried art shows over the years. He did not refer to his one-of-a-kind knives as artwork, but he was always deeply flattered when the other artists at the shows did.

Brown always took time to provide guidance to anyone who truly wanted to learn archery, knife making, or deer hunting skills. He mentored many neighborhood children and youth and loaned a listening ear and encouragement to many troubled individuals who sought him out. He was an inspiration to many people.

He was preceded in death by his mother in 1964 and his father in 1969. Among those he leaves behind are his loving wife of 35 years, Kathryn Brown; his brother, Charley Brown, who has been his special companion and helper during his battle with cancer; brother and sister-in-law, Johnny and Linda Brown of McLoud; nephew, Kristopher Todd Brown of Oklahoma City; aunt, Karleta Alford of Shawnee; aunt, Mildred Little Creek Switch of Shawnee; many cousins; numerous relatives-in-laws, as well as a host of friends.

The service will be 10 a.m. Monday at Resthaven Funeral Chapel with burial at Brown Family Cemetery. The services are under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home.

Lester Lee Brassfield

Wellston resident Lester Lee Brassfield, 70, died Thursday, Oct. 27, at Midwest City Regional Hospital.
Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Monday at Rossville Cemetery with Paul Speer and David Brassfield officiating. Gaskill Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Gary W. Osborne

Gary Wayne Osborne, 55, of Chandler died Friday, Oct. 28, in Chandler.
Services will be 10 a.m. Monday a the Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Chandler with pastor Keith Cole officiating.

Services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Chandler.

Robert E. Benton

Robert E. Benton, 67, of Edmond died Tuesday in Houston, Texas.

He was born June 30, 1938, in Shawnee to Robert P. and Jeanne Benton.

He graduated from St. Gregory's High School in Shawnee and attended Oklahoma A&M and Central State University.

He was a Farmer's Insurance agent since 1972.

He married Mary Lou Anderson on Aug. 27, 1983.

He served in the U.S. Navy Reserve and the U.S. Air Force, both in Japan and Iceland.

He was a Boy Scout, Eagle Scout, a member of United Farmers Agents Association, American Legion Post No. 0111, Sons of Confederate Veterans, National Rifle Association, Edmond Genealogy Society and Crescent Society.

He never met a stranger and always had a smile and a joke for everyone.

He loved his family, was a an exceptional husband, loving father, grandfather, brother and son.

His parents preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Benton, of the home; son, Brett Benton and wife, Staci, of Singapore; three daughters, Dena Gast and husband, Richard, of Yucca Valley, Calif., Brigette Benton and Dyan Johnson of Edmond; grandsons, Robert Gast and Barrett Benton; a granddaughter Bailey Benton; three sisters, Darlene Dale of Miami, Fla., Rhita Buskirk and husband, Roger, of St. Mary's, W. Va., and Diana Hoff and husband, Frank, of Westport; two brothers, Oliver Benton and wife, Sammye Sue, of Shawnee and Bill Benton and wife, Marilyn, of Ormond Beach, Fla.; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

A rosary will be recited 7 p.m. today at Walker Funeral Service Chapel.

Mass of Christian Burial will be noon Monday at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Shawnee with the Rev. Maurus Jaeb, O.S.B., officiating.

Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Walker Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.

Leora Childers

Leora Childers, 91, of Tecumseh died Saturday in Tecumseh.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leavern Childers and a great-granddaughter, Andrea Sigman.

Survivors include two sons, Leon and wife, Sue, Childers of Tecumseh and Doyle and wife, Carolyn, Childers of Bethel; two daughters, Jerri Geralene Sullivan of Norman and Nelda and husband, Floyd, Lester of Bethel; one sister, Verna and husband, George Crisp, of Artesia Wells, Texas; special friend, Minnie Taylor of Shawnee; 12 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Cooper Funeral Chapel in Tecumseh.

Other information is pending and will be announced by Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.