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

submitted by Kay Sugg Best

published Dec. 16, 2006

Georgia Aileen Cooper

Shawnee resident Georgia Aileen Cooper, 94, died Wednesday, Dec. 13, of natural causes in a local hospital.
She was born Sept. 9, 1912, in Wanette, Okla., to George B. Smith and Clara Compton.

Georgia attended Shawnee High School and on March 11, 1963 she married Ralph Cooper.

She worked as a seamstress for Round House and owned The Broadway Club in Shawnee for many years. Her memberships included Citizens of Pottawatomie Nation, associated with several Baptist churches, and a lifelong member of Local VFW Post 1317.

Georgia loved living at her home on Eufaula Lake and enjoyed boating and other lake related activites.

Preceding her in death were her parents, husband and three sisters.

Survivors included daughter, Norma Jones of Shawnee; son, Ronald Thrasher and wife Cheryll of Brokem Arrow; grandchildren, Derek and Melanie Thrasher, Jarold and Kim Jones, Jann and Randy McAlister; great-grandchildren, Nikki, Ben and Janna; great-great-grandchildren, Lexi and Edyn.

Visitation will be 1 p.m. to 8 p.m Sunday. Services will be 2 p.m. Monday at Resthaven Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Norman Kiker. Burial will be at Resthaven Memorial Park.


Faye Ellen Barker

Tecumseh resident Faye Ellen Barker, 84, died Wednesday, Dec. 13, of natural causes in Midwest City.
She was born Nov. 2, 1922, in Stewart, Okla., to Quinton Morgan and Edna Simmons.

Faye attended college in Ada and on Dec. 19, 1961, she married Cecil Barker.

Faye was a bookkeeper for Bolen Mercedes Dealer.

She attended Pink Baptist Church and enjoyed sewing, reading and gardening.

Faye was most caring and a loving person. She will be dearly missed.

She was preceded in death by her husband.

Survivors include her children, Faye Ellen Eustice of Wichita, Kan., Janette and Fred Woods of Austin, Texas, Tom L. Donovan of Phoenix, Ariz., Pat and Galen Arnett of Wichita, Kan., and Gene and April Barker of Tecumseh; sister, Ava Floyd of Oklahoma City; brother, Paul Morgan of Pennsylvania; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Service will be 2 p.m. today at Resthaven Funeral Chapel with Warren Barker officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.


Shianne Reine Henkel

Shianne Reine Henkel, the infant daughter of Levi and Brianna Henkel, Harrah, died Thursday, Dec. 14.
Service will be 2 p.m. today at Asa Smith Memorial Chapel in Harrah with the Rev. Jimmy Holbrook officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Lane Cemetery, Harrah.

Service is under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service.

published Dec. 17, 2006

Norman Leslie Pierce

Oklahoma City resident Norman Leslie Pierce, 48, passed away Monday, Dec. 11, at his home in Oklahoma City.
Norman was born Oct. 1, 1958, in Ada to Leslie Pierce and Violet Pierce Curtis. He had one son, Chris Price.

Norman worked as a mechanical engineer for many years. He graduated from Shawnee High School in 1976.

His parents, Leslie Pierce and Violet Curtis; grandparents, Dee and Virgie Burdine, and Lee and Jewel Pierce preceded him in death.

Survivors include one son, Chris Price, and one grandson; life companion, Pannie Chumley; sister and brother-in-law, Kathy and Larry Dixon of Shawnee; nieces, Brandy Dixon and Shannon Bundrick of Arizona; uncle, Willard Pierce; aunt, Jessie Butler of Ada; and eight cousins.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.


Plezzie F. Woodruff

Former Tecumseh resident Plezzie F. Woodruff died Friday, Dec. 15, in Oklahoma City at the age of 101.
She was born Jan. 27, 1905, in Bellmont, Okla., to Riley K. and Mattie (Rogers) Webb.

When she was 6 months old, the Webb family moved to Wayne Co, Tenn., where they remained until 1917, at which time the family moved to a farm west of Tecumseh.

On Dec. 21, 1923, she married Fred Woodruff in Tecumseh and they lived on the Woodruff family farm until 1961 when they built a new home in the city of Tecumseh.

While living in Tecumseh, she attended the Senior Citizen's Center and played with the kitchen band. She was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church of Tecumseh.

She was preceded in death by her husband on Jan. 15, 1973; a son, Frank Gray Woodruff; her parents; brothers, M.K., Leon, John, Glenn and Claude Webb; sisters, Floice Price, Carrie Worley, Ruie Wilson and Clovis Thompson.

Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Barbara Smith Brown and Mike Brown; grandchildren, Pam and Austin Hill, Jefferey Smith, Kimberly Koonce, Dennis Smith, all of the Oklahoma City area, and DeAnne and Jerry Zwernemann of San Antonio, Texas; great-grandchildren, Kinsey and Kris Poole, Melissa and Billy Dozier, Kip and Sonja Koonce and Bryan and Heather Hill and Michael Smith; great-great-grandchildren, Jackson and Sutton Dozier and Isabella Poole, who will be born in January; Darrell Smith of Oklahoma City, the grandchildren's father; brother and sister-in-law, Edsel and Tena Webb of Bartlesville; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Clark Frailey officiating. Burial will follow at Tecmseh Cemetery.

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


Dorotha Alice Hendrix

Meeker resident Dorotha Alice Hendrix, 83, died Friday, Dec. 15, at Unity Hospital of natural causes.
She was born July 1, 1923, in Bunch, Okla., to O.L. Smith and Grace Baker (Smith). She attended Barnsdall High School, Barnsdall, Okla.

On Dec. 21, 1941, she married Harland Hendrix.

Dorotha was a homemaker, a very talented cook and seamstress. As a military wife she had lived in many different places. She was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church.

Preceding her in death were her parents; son, James H. Hendrix; two brothers, Vernon Smith and A.J. Smith.

Survivors include her husband, Harland Hendrix and daughter, Jeanne Scarborough, of the home; grandchildren, Melissa Trice and Lee Scarborough; sisters, June Henson of Texas and Floreda Shetterly of Florida; brother, the Rev. Vance P. Smith of California.

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

Service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Resthaven Funeral Chapel with Pastor Todd Fisher officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.


Bertha May Mobley

Prague resident Bertha May Mobley departed this life on Saturday, Dec. 16, in Prague at the age of 93.
Bertha was born Jan. 30, 1913, in Keokuk, Okla., to Thomas Harold and Hattie Rose (Davis) Parsons.

She attended the VanZant School where she played basketball.

On Oct. 15, 1940, she married Cecil Robert Mobley. He preceded her in death on April 11, 1985.

Bertha was a member of the First Baptist Church of Prague.

Her parents; two brothers; two sisters; and one great-granddaughter, Brittany Mobley, also preceded Bertha in death.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Jerald W. and Sue Mobley of Norman; grandsons, Kevin Mobley of Noble and Jeremy Mobley of Oklahoma City; great-grandson, Kevin Mobley Jr. of Durant; brother and sister-in-law, Harold and Doris Parsons of Seminole; sister-in-law, Ruth Parsons of Seminole; brother-in-law, Doyle Russell of Prague; several nieces, nephews and many friends.

Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Prague with Bro. Tim Emmons officiating. Burial will follow at the Prague Cemetery.

A guest book is available to share your memories on-line. Please visit www.ParksBrothers.net.


Leo Franklin Smothers

Warwick, Okla., resident Leo Franklin Smothers died Friday, Dec. 15, at the age of 74.
Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Parks Brother Funeral Chapel, Chandler, Okla.

Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Chandler, is directing arrangements.


Eldon C. Porter

Shawnee resident Eldon C. Porter died Saturday, Dec. 16, at Golden Rule Nursing Home at the age of 87.
Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Fort Gibson National Cemetery under the direction of Gaskill Funeral Chapel, Shawnee.

published Dec. 19, 2006

J. Lynn Bohannon

Sulphur resident J. Lynn Bohannon, 63, died Saturday, Dec. 16, at Mercy Memorial Hospital in Ardmore from complications after a courageous battle with lung cancer.

He was born April 30, 1943, in Shawnee to John and Wilma Bohannon. Lynn graduated from Earlsboro High School in 1961. After graduation, he trained as a funeral director and worked in Shawnee and Stillwater.

On June 2, 1962, he married his high school sweetheart, Georgia Maxson, in Shawnee. The couple gave birth to their first child, Kendall Clay, on Sept. 2, 1963. Shortly thereafter Lynn began a long and distinguished career as a truck driver. Their second child, Janna Lynnette, was born on Aug. 2, 1965, in Shawnee. Later that year the family moved to Kiowa. They lived there until moving to McAlester in 1970. They returned to Shawnee in 1977 where they lived for the next 14 years. His career in trucking enabled Lynn and Georgia to relocate easily, so in 1991 they moved to Loveland, Colo. In 1998 they built their dream home at Lake of the Arbuckles near Sulphur, where they lived at the time of Lynn's death. In 2004, after more than 40 years driving trucks, Lynn retired.

Lynn was a member of Vinita Avenue Church of Christ in Sulphur. He was actively involved in many church activities. He was an avid outdoorsman and spent much of his free time at the lake where he taught at least three generations of family and friends to water-ski.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Ann McMahan.

Survivors include his wife, Georgia; his son, Kendall of Denver Colo.; his daughter and her husband, Janna and David Taylor of Arlington, Texas; two grandchildren, Zachary and Nathan Taylor of Arlington, Texas; one sister, Jane Wade of Houston, Mo.; and one brother, Don Bohannon of Earlsboro; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Service will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Church of Christ in Sulphur, 12th Street and Vinita Avenue, with Bro. Bill Hearn officiating. A graveside service will follow at 3 p.m. at Resthaven Memorial Cemetery in Shawnee.

Krien Funeral Home, Sulphur, is directing arrangements.


Ruby Jean (Tiger) Delodge

Ada resident Ruby Jean (Tiger) Delodge, 53, died Sunday, Dec. 17, in Ada.

She was born Oct. 6, 1953, in Pawnee to Henry and Dorthy (Kaseca) Tiger.

Ruby lived in the Tecumseh area for many years and had lived in Ada for the past eight years.

She was a graduate of Chillicco Indian School.

Ruby worked as a nurse's aid for Ballard and Home Health Care.

She was a member of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe.

Ruby enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her parents; one sister, Nora Waller; one brother, Henry Tiger; and one aunt, Ruth Kaseca.

Survivors include three daughters and one son-in-law, Erin and Jimmy Coody of Ada, Cheyenne Delodge and Ciara Delodge, both of the home; four sons and two daughters-in-law, Wayne Delodge of Tulsa, Ezra and Jasmine Delodge of Marland, Okla., Dwight and Deanna Delodge of Ada and Raymond Delodge of Ponca City; sister, Francis Blanchard of Norman; three brothers, Sherman Tiger of Little Axe, Raymond Tiger of Oklahoma City and Eugene Strickland of Seattle, Wash.; 10 grandchildren, Kayley Reece Tah-Delodge, Ezrah Tah-Delodge, Larissa Delodge, Denise Gonzalez, Ashlynn Delodge, Brendan Delodge, Genesis Delodge, Ava Delodge, Lena Ruby Delodge and Jared Coody.

Wake service will be th is evening at the Absentee Shawnee Community Center.

Graveside service will be 9 a.m. Wednesday at the Kaseca Family Cemetery.

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


Mickey Jean McKee

Fairland, Okla., resident Mickey Jean McKee died Sunday, Dec. 17, at the age of 75.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. today at Prague Cemetery with Bob Barker officiating. The family will gather at 11:30 a.m. at Parks Brothers Funeral Home in Prague.


Dorothy Dean Merriman

Former Seminole resident Dorothy Dean Merriman, 80, died Saturday, Dec. 16, in Oklahoma City.

Viewing will be 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. today.

Service will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Swearingen Funeral Chapel with Brother John Roberts officiating. Burial will follow at Wetumka Cemetery in Wetumka under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.


David Hunt Sr.

Tryon resident David Hunt Sr. died Sunday, Dec. 17, at the age of 73.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Tryon Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Chandler.


Phyliss Ann Hays

Purcell resident Phyliss Ann (Megehee) Hays, 63, died Saturday, Dec. 16, in Purcell.

She was born Dec. 8, 1943, in Shawnee to Clifford M. and Ollie Roemary (Knowles) Megehee.

Phyliss was reared in Tecumseh and had lived in Purcell the past 33 years.

She was a 1963 graduate of Tecumseh High School. She had attended Mid-America Vo-Tech School.

On July 11, 1970, she married Jim Hays in Tecumseh.

Phyliss worked from her home as a cake decorator for many years. She also worked as a housekeeper at The University of Oklahoma for 13 years and had most recently been employed as a home health aid.

Phyliss was a member of First Assembly of God in Tecumseh. She was active in the Relay for Life in Tecumseh, Shawnee and Purcell.

She enjoyed decorating cakes and spending time with her family and friends.

Preceding her in death were her father and one daughter, Chera LeaAnn Hays.

Survivors include husband, James Hays of the home; daughter, Christa Hays and her fiance, Cory Wilson, and his children, James, Blake and Jayden Wilson, all of Las Vegas, Nev.; mother, Ollie Megehee Roper of Tecumseh; sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary and Lee Nirschl of Mountain Home, Ark., and Nancy and Connie Barnett of Shawnee; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; lifelong friend, Gail Reeves of Tecumseh; and special friend, Jennie Simons of Oklahoma City.

The family will receive friends today from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Cooper Funeral Home.

Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at First Assembly of God in Tecumseh with the Rev. Chad Brodrick and the Rev. Lee Nirschl officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery.

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


Dale G. Porter

Bethel Acres resident Dale G. Porter, 63, died Saturday, Dec. 16, in Shawnee.

He was born April 7, 1943, in Prague. He was raised in Prague and spent the rest of his life in the Bethel/Shawnee area.

He attended Prague High School.

In 1961 he served in the U.S. Navy.

On Aug. 25, 1992, he married Jacheta Nichols in Bethel Acres.

Dale worked for Kellogg Tire Company for 22 years, Bolen Oldsmobile in Oklahoma for five years and Sooner State Tire in Moore for four years.

He was a member of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association.

Dale served on the Bethel Acres Fire Department, where he was Assistant Chief for 13 years. He also was Mayor, Vice-Mayor and Commissioner of the Fire Department for 12 years. As a member of Bethel Acres Town Council, he took part in getting the large tank fire engine. He also campaigned for additional fire hydrants in the Bethel Acres area.

Dale was instrumental in the 911 and EMS programs. He advocated more training and worked to lower insurance rates in the ISO rating.

He also served as Assistant Dispatcher for Pink Fire Department.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his first wife, Adella Juanita Porter; sisters, Evelyn Hardison and Ethel Case; brother, Earl Porter; and stepson, Jack Sawyer.

Survivors include his wife, Jacheta "Keta" Porter of the home; daughters and sons-in-law, Anita and Jack Adams of Tecumseh, Donnita Barkley and Robert Cummings of Edmond, Bobbi Kennedy of Seminole and Nicolette Blevins of Shawnee; sisters and brothers-in-law, Edith Avery of Sebastopol, Calif., and Eleanor and Carrol Elkins of Sentinel, Okla.; brothers and sisters-in-law, Edwin and Mary Ann Porter of Mangum and Darrel Porter of Prague; grandchildren, Melissa and Justin Lomeli, John Grant Reid, Savanna Barkley, Joe Barkley, Tyler Barkley and David Barkley; step-grandchildren, Chris Cummings, Ashley Adams, Josh Adams, Stormy Adams and Sabastian Jack Dale Blevins; great-grandchildren, Jordan Lomeli, Megan Lomeli and Lynzi Stone.

Service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with Glen Pence and Carrol Elkins officiating. Burial will follow at Prague Cemetery.

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


William E. Parker

Tecumseh resident William E. "Bill" Parker, 82, died Friday, Dec. 15, in Oklahoma City.

Bill was born August 8, 1924, in Tribbey to Tully J. and Sarah Ann (McNeil) Parker.

He spent most of his life in Tribbey and Tecumseh. He graduated from Tribbey High School in 1942.

On March 22, 1968, he married Margaret Mitchell Straub in Tecumseh.

He served with the U.S. Marines in Okinawa and Hiroshima from 1944 to 1946. Bill worked for Amoco Pipeline before and after his military service; retiring after 42 years of service.

He was a member of Highland Church of Christ. He enjoyed ranching, welding and driving his tractor.

Preceding him in death were his parents; two sisters, Loveta King and Dorothy Dinwiddie; and one brother, Julius Ray Parker.

Surviviors include his wife, Margaret Parker of the home; daughters and son-in-law, Earlene Parker of Oklahoma City and Billie Sue (Parker) and Richard Byers of Edmond; son and daughter-in-law, Neal and Rita Straub of Kingston, Okla.; grandchildren, Paul "Sonny" Beesley Jr. of Norman, Cynthia Finneran of Norman, Moriah Shanahan of Oregon, Scott Byers of Oklahoma City, Erin Byers of Oklahoma City, Matthew Byers of London, England, Michael Straub of San Diego, Calif., and Chris Straub of Kingston; eight great-grandchildren; and sister, Barbara Ann McKemie of Tulsa.

Service will be 1 p.m. Thursday at Highland Church of Christ in Tecumseh with Junior Mize officiating and Bob Anderson assisting. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery.

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


Glen Franklin Kinzey

Lifelong Prague resident Glen Franklin Kinzey, 73, departed this life Thursday, Dec. 14, in Oklahoma City.

He was born April 4, 1933, to Frank Joseph and Marvel Nadine (Hale) Kinzey.

He graduated from Prague High School with the class of 1951.

On July 12, 1969, he married Virginia Diana (Hall) Cash in Bristow.

Glen's career with the 45th Division of the Oklahoma National Guard included service in Korea.

He worked as a clerical technician with the OKARNG.

Glen was of the Methodist faith and was a member of the Holdenville Masonic Lodge.

Preceding him in death were his parents and one brother, Ernest Lee Kinzey.

Survivors include his wife, Diana Kinzey of the home; sons and daughters-in-law, Allen and Kathy Kinzey of Shawnee and Trey and Linda Cash of Prague; daughters and sons-in-law, Glenda Schroyer of San Antonio, Texas, Tamera Galloway and husband, Ronnie Henderson, of Paden, Kathy Marvy of Oklahoma City and Valarie and Chris Gray of Oklahoma City; brother and sister-in-law, John and Carol Kinzey of Prague; sister, Robbie Ashley and her husband of Rogers, Ark.; sister-in-law, Pat Kinzey of Royce City, Texas; 22 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Service was 10 a.m. Monday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Prague. The Rev. Dyton Owens officiated. Burial was at Prague Cemetery.

A guest book is available to share your memories on-line. Please visit www.ParksBrothers.net.


Lee Roy Christenberry

Henyretta resident Lee Roy Christenberry passed away Saturday, Dec. 16, in Shawnee at the age of 85 years 10 months and 13 days.

He was born Feb. 3, 1921, in Kusa, Okla., to Josie Bell and Clarence Fletcher Christenberry.

On May 25, 1941, he married Mary Lucille (Britt) Christenberry in Hilltop, Okla.

He worked for Eagle Pitcher Smelter for approximately 28 years and also was a saw-mill worker. Lee Roy served in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of World War II. He was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lucille Christenberry; both his parents; one son, Bobby Christenberry; one daughter, Joyce Williams; two sisters; five brothers and two grandsons.

His surviving family includes his daughters, Shelia Hawkins and husband, Wesley Blair, of Shawnee and Mary Sullivan and husband, Jimmy, of Henryetta; seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; two sisters, Priscilla Martin of Houston and Jessie Wantiez and husband, Oscar, of Okmulgee; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

Service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Shurden Chapel with the Rev. Jack Vance officiating. Burial will follow at Westlawn Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the U.S. Army as well as the Henryetta VFW Post 589 and Okmulgee Post 1139.

Pallbearers will be Wesley Blair, Ron Hawkins, Jimmy Sullivan Sr., Jimmy Sullivan Jr., James Martin and Leon Pope.

Honorary pallbearers will be grandsons, Jason Downing and Paul Christenberry.

Services are under the direction of Shurden Funeral Home, Henryetta. Condolences may be sent to the family by logging on to www.shurdenfuneralahome.com.

published Dec. 20, 2006

Jane E. Seckel

Shawnee resident Jane E. Seckel died Monday, Dec. 19, in Shawnee at the age of 73.

Jane was born Oct. 11, 1933, in Weslaco, Texas, to Jesse and Callie (Culver) Goss. She was reared

in Weslaco. In her youth she moved to Atoka, Okla. with her family. She lived throughout Oklahoma and had resided in Shawnee for many years.

Jane attended Weslaco and Atoka schools. She later attended LPN school.

On Dec. 16, 1972, she married Kenneth Seckel. Earlier in life she worked as an LPN at Mission Hill Memorial Hospital where she helped deliver babies.

She was a member of Northwest Missionary Baptist Church in Shawnee. She enjoyed butterflies, watching the Animal Planet Channel and fruitcakes. She also enjoyed science fiction and reading westerns and she loved her dogs, Sassy and Toby.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Seckel on Jan. 14, 2000; one son, Michael Childers; one granddaughter, Amy Dawn Holsapple; five sisters; and two brothers.

Survivors include her three daughters and sons-in-law, Vicki 3Dianne2 Woldt of Madison, Tenn., Sandra and Terry Harrison of Oklahoma City, and Phyllis and Steve Rigney of Shawnee; one son and daughter-in-law, John 3Les2 and Velisa Robbins of Yukon; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Roy and Marcie Goss of Okanogan, Wash., and Cleetus and Jeanne Goss of Athens, Texas; 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; numerous step children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with Pastor Ed Fox officiating. Burial will follow in Johnson Cemetery. To share memories, or to sign the guest book on-line, go to www.cooperfuneral.com


James B. J.B. Jett

Shawnee resident James B. J.B. Jett, 71, died Sunday, Dec. 17, in Shawnee.

He was born Feb. 15, 1935, in Maud to Thomas Gilbert and Lorene May ( Hanna) Jett.

James was raised in the Maud area and spent most of his life in Shawnee. He attended Maud and Harjo schools.

On May 25, 1955, be married Cleo Jett. Later he married Carolyn Mae Williams in McLoud on Nov. 3, 2006.

James was a mechanic by trade and drove trucks. He was a very proud of his daughter for also being a truck driver. He loved singing and listening to music. He loved a good joke and was easy going, always happy and strong.

Preceding him in death were his parents; one brother, Thomas Jett; and granddaughter, Savanna Jett.

Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Mae Jett of the home; daughters, Anita L. Snow of Prague, Joyce A. Hopper of Pink, Bonnie C. Jett of Shawnee, Wyoma V. Bedwell and Linda Roberts of the home; aunt, Christine Smithee of Edmond; eight grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends.

Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with William 3Bill2 Derrick, pastor of First Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will be at Pleasant Balley Cemetery. To share memories, or to sign the guest book on-line, go to www.cooperfuneral.com. 


Cecil Ray Cox Jr.

McLoud resident Cecil Ray Cox Jr., 16, passed in his sleep Saturday, Dec. 16.

He was born Oct. 19, 1990.

Ray was a sophomore at McLoud High School where he was involved in many programs including football, basketball and recently, weight lifting. Ray lived in faith, beginning and ending each day in thanks and prayer to the Lord.

Survivors include his mother, Yolonda and Paul Zuck; sister, Laura Zuck, all of the home; step-brothers, Bryan Zuck of McLoud and Paul Dean Zuck of Trenton, N.J.; father, Cecil Ray Cox Sr.; grandparents, Barbra Gains of Del City; Larry Northcutt and wife, Ladonna, of Wichita Falls, Texas, and Willis and Mildred Zuck of Del City; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives and friends.

Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Destiny Christian Center, 3108 SE 29th St., Del City. Burial will follow at Sunnylane Cemetery in Del City.


Roy Elmo Lewis

Macomb resident Roy Elmo Lewis, 86, died Wednesday Dec. 13, in Macomb.

Graveside service will be 1 p.m. Thursday at Restland Cemetery in Olney, Texas, under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh


Juanita Lucille (Neer) Jenkins

Meeker resident Juanita Lucille (Neer) Jenkins, 86, departed this life Monday, Dec. 18, in Oklahoma City.

Juanita was the tenth child of 14 born to Herbert and Ella (Wilson) Neer. She was born Feb. 16, 1920, in Payson, Okla.

She graduated from Chandler High School with the class of 1937. She received her bachelor degree in education from the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond and received her master degree from Tulsa University.

She was married Jan. 23, 1944, to Horton Jenkins.

She was of the Presbyterian faith and an active member of the Presbyterian Church in Meeker until it closed. She then became a member of the First Christian Church in Meeker. She was on the Board of Directors of Friends of the Library, was active in the Senior Citizen's Center and was a volunteer for the Historical Society of Lincoln County.

She was preceded in death by her parents and thirteen brothers and sisters; Linda Brown, Dewey Neer, Watt Neer, Harold Neer, Bob Neer, Clara Little, Johnson Neer, Ruth Gilliam, Bertie Irwin, Ned Neer, Leo Neer, Walter Neer and Jean Bryan.

Survivors include her husband, Horton Jenkins of Meeker; son and daughter-in-law, John Horton and Linda Jenkins of Houston, Texas; daughter and son-in-law, Suzanne and Luther Cowen of Yukon; grandsons, Matthew Horton Jenkins of Houston, Texas, John Luther Cowan of Orlando, Fla., and Thomas Martin Cowan of Cleveland, Ohio; sisters-in-law, Mildred Neer of Sallisaw, Margaret Neer Key of Chandler and Helen Neer of Kennewick, Wash.; many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and 9 am to 12 pm Thursday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Meeker.

Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at First Christian Church in Meeker with the Rev. Jim Whorton officiating. Burial will follow at New Home Cemetery in Meeker.

A guest book is available to share your memories online at www.ParksBrothers.net

published Dec. 21, 2006

Luke E. Anderson

Harrah resident Luke E. Anderson died Tuesday, Dec. 19, in Shawnee at the age of 92.

He was born June 19, 1914, in Malta, Texas, to Samuel T. and Pearl S. (Howard) Anderson.

On Dec. 2, 1940, he married Lucille Haxton.

Luke served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He retired from Tinker Air Force Base where he was an airplane mechanic. Luke also worked as a custodian at Harrah First Baptist Church and Harrah Public Schools.

Luke enjoyed farming, target shooting, whittling, gardening and being with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lucille; one brother and four sisters.

Survivors include three sons and daughters-in-law, Harold and Denise Anderson of Harrah, Wayne and Earlene Anderson of Meeker and Alvin and Karolyn Anderson of Oklahoma City; two daughters and one son-in-law, Betty Swan of Blanchard and Linda and Mike Stevens of Harrah; one brother, Sylvester Anderson of Phoenix, Ariz.; one sister, Tilda Ree Howe of Chandler, Ariz.; 14 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at First Baptist Church, Harrah, with the Rev. Griff Henderson officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Lane Cemetery in Harrah.

A guest book is available to share your memories on-line. Please visit www.smithparks.com

published Dec. 22, 2006

Freddie Gene Gregory 

Freddie Gene Gregory Lifelong Prague resident Freddie Gene Gregory, 68, departed this life Wednesday, Dec. 20, in Oklahoma City.

He was born May 10, 1938, in Prague to Thomas Edgar and Rella Mae (Harper) Gregory.

Freddie graduated from Prague High School with the class of 1957. He served his country in the U.S. Army.

On June 4, 1961, he married Linda Faye Linville in Prague.

Freddie retired from Southwestern Bell after 37 years of service in cable repair.

He was a member of First Baptist Church of Prague. Freddie was a loving family man who was dedicated to his wife, children and grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brothers, Thomas Edgar Jr. and Johnnie; sister, Peggy Ford; grandson, Zachary Garrett Ellis; father and mother-in-law, Arthur and Dorothy Linville.

Survivors include wife, Linda of the home; son and daughter-in-law, Mitchell and Vicki Gregory of Edmond; daughter, Lori Cooper; brother and sister-in-law, Don and Patsy Gregory; sister, Caralee Maggard, all of Prague; grandchildren, Nathan Lee Ellis, Seth Austin Cooper and Dustin Levi Cooper; numerous nieces, nephews and many, many friends. Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church in Prage with Bro. Tim Emmons officiating. Burial will follow at Prague Cemetery.

A guest book is available to share your memories on-line. Please visit www.ParksBrothes.net.


Beulah Elizabeth Knesek

Sparks resident Beulah Elizabeth Knesek, 85, left this life Thursday, Dec. 21, at Parkland Manor Nursing Center in Prague. Beulah, beloved wife, mother, sister and friend, was born July 26, 1921, to Powell Clayton and Mary Mildred (Porcupile) Watson. She was the eldest of eight children.

Beulah attended the University of Central Oklahoma, known at that time as Central Normal. There she met Robert Knesek Jr. They married on Oct. 24, 1941.

Beulah graduated with a degree in education. She taught for 42 years at schools in Happy Hill, White Rock and Bethel. She also taught at Arlanza Elementary School in the Alvord District in California and at Kibler Elementary School in Van Buren, Ark. She retired from Kibler Elementary School in 1984.

She and her husband then moved back to their home state of Oklahoma to be close to family and friends. They settled on Robert9s family farm in Sparks to enjoy retirement and their golden years. Beulah was known for her integrity, kind gentle ways and her generosity. She prided herself in the devotion she had for her family and friends.

Beulah9s journey in the past two years was not an easy one but she never complained.

Preceding her in death were her parents; infant daughter, Elizabeth Knesek; three brothers, Powell Elmer Watson, Wayne F. Watson and Walter Leroy Watson; and grandson, Jon Robert Knesek.

Survivors include her husband of 65 years, Robert Knesek Jr. of the home; sons and daughter-in-law, Larry Robert Knesek of Van Buren and Garry Wayne and Bonnie Knesek of Sparks; grandchildren, Terry Lynn and Dale Rasmussen of Lavaca, Ark., Allexcia and Justin Rankin of Fort Smith, Ark., Elizabeth and Michael Knight of Little Rock, Ark., and Larry Robert Knesek of Van Buren; great-grandsons, Kolby Rasmussen, Robert Bryan and Austin and Alexander Rankin; sisters and brother-in-law, Mary Lou Howell of Ponca City and Sandra Joy and Mike Southard of Albuquerque, N.M.; brothers and sisters-in-law, Clayton Jr. and Mary Watson of Shawnee and Donald Ray and Pat Watson of Choctaw; sister-in-law, Patricia Sue Watson of Edmond; granddaughter-in-law, Nikki Knesek of Prague; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

The Knesek family wishes to thank the Parkland Manor staff and Angelic Hospice of Shawnee for their care, concern and love they have shown Beulah over the past two years. Beulah9s brothers and sisters wish to commend and thank Robert for his tireless love, devotion, care, effort and nursing care visits.

A celebration of Beulah9s life will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Prague with Pastor Kay Smith officiating. Burial will follow at New Hope Cemetery in Meeker. A guest book is available on-line to share your memories. Please visit www.ParksBrothers.net.


Dr. Wesley Winchester Beck Jr.

Shawnee resident Dr. Wesley Winchester Beck Jr. died Tuesday, Dec. 19, in an Oklahoma City hospital at the age of 72.
He was born Feb. 28, 1934, in El Reno, Okla., to Wesley W. Beck Sr. and Ina Mary Beck.

Wes graduated from Blackwell High School. He received his bachelor degree from The University of Oklahoma, masters degree from Columbia University, New York, and doctorate degree from Oklahoma State University.

He was married to Carolyn Harris-Beck.

Wes served in the U.S. Navy. He was a retired educator and currently City Commissioner for City of Shawnee Ward 4. He served Shawnee Public Schools as superintendent from 1976 to 1980 and was public relations director for SPAR (saving pets at risk).

He was a member of University Baptist Church, SPAR (saving pets at risk) and of a retired teachers association.

Wes enjoyed the theater and movies. He appreciated music and literature. His love and concern for animals was well known. Upon retiring from teaching at Northeastern State University, he relocated to Shawnee to be near his family.

He was a member of the Democratic party and enjoyed a good political discussion.

His love for animals inspired him to help organize SPAR. He very much appreciated the energy and dedication of the members who will continue that work. Education was a primary importance to Wes and he was proud of the fact that several of his grandchildren were pursuing college degrees.

Preceding him in death were his parents and a grandson, Zack Hair. Survivors include his wife, Carolyn, of the home; son, Wesley III and his wife, Terre, of Stillwater; three daughters and sons-in-law, Delinda and Burky Curtis of Shawnee, Karen and Tom Ware of Blackwell, and Annette and Brian Woods of Indianapolis, Ind.; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brother, Jim Beck of Arizona; three stepdaughters, Carrie Stokes of Tulsa, Cindy McCormick and husband, David, of Seminole and Connie Dockrey and husband, Jack, of Shawnee; stepsons, Charles Thompson and wife, Cathy, and Cole Thompson and wife, Maria; eight step-grandchildren; and four step-great-grandchildren. The family will be available to greet visitors from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday at Walker Funeral Service.

Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at University Baptist Church with Dr. Bob Searl officiating. Service will follow a private burial at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Memorials may be made to SPAR, P.O. Box 702, Shawnee, Okla. 74801


Jimmy Joseph Novotny

Longtime Seminole resident Jimmy Joseph Novotny, 65, died Wednesday, Dec. 20, at his home. He was born April 22, 1941 to Charlie Joseph and Jewel Marie (Janota) Novotny.

Preceding him in death were his mother and father; one brother, John Novotny; and sister, Betty Ann Novotny. Survivors include his former wife, Linda Novotny-Barnes of Seminole; son, Jimmy Joe Novotny Jr.; two daughters, Brenda Dulaney and Kellie Jo Novotny, all of Oklahoma City; two brothers, Donnie Novotny of Seminole and Frank Novotny of Shawnee; five sisters, Dorothy Kroos of Prague, Louise Wilkerson of Meeker, Nancy Cagle of Shawnee, Jeannie Quary of Meeker and Jane McGill of Prague; three grandchildren, Trey D9Elia, Zackery Wood and Jacob Novotny.

Graveside service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Cemetery in Prague with Father Joe Knight officiating.

Messages of condolences may be sent to www.swearingenfuneralhome.com.

published Dec. 23, 2006

Henry George Kolar

Del City resident Henry George Kolar died Thursday, Dec. 21, in Oklahoma City at the age of 78.
Service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Del City Church of Christ. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. in Czech National Cemetery, Prague.

Services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Prague.


Lawrence Eugene Mullen

Seminole resident Lawrence Eugene Mullen died Thursday, Dec. 21, at the age of 66.

Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Swearingen Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Carl Whitfield officiating.


Norman L. Alcorn

Harrah resident Norman L. Alcorn, 83, died Tuesday, Dec. 19, in Midwest City.

A private service will be held under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service, Harrah.

published Dec. 24, 2006

Jackson Kunkel Ramseyer - view image of obituary

Mary Ann Anderson - view image of obituary

published Dec. 26, 2006

Oda E. Morgan

Shawnee resident Oda E. Morgan passed away Sunday, Dec. 24, at the age of 98.
She was born Sept. 24, 1908, in Casa, Ark., to James W. and Winnie Kiker.

In 1925 she married Jesse H. Morgan.

Oda was a charter member of Sharon Baptist Church.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Jesse; mother and father, James W. and Winnie Kiker; and brother, Virgil Kiker.

She is survived by her son, Howard, his wife, Joy, and their son, Kent; son, Jack, his wife, Betty, and their daughter, Michelle Bailey, and her husband, Les; three great-grandchildren; special friend, Wynell Austin and family; and a host of other friends.

Service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Chapel of Walker Funeral Service. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Walker Funeral Service, Shawnee, is in charge of arrangements.

published Dec. 27, 2006

Opal Modest Lohman

Longtime Prague resident Opal Modest Lohman departed this life on Tuesday, Dec. 26, in Prague at the age of 97.
Opal was born on Dec. 23, 1909, in McLoud to James Alexander and Annie Jane (Umbarger) Plumley.

She was married to Fred Lohman, who preceded her in death in 1960.

Opal was a homemaker. She will be missed by her family and many friends.

Her parents; four sisters; four brothers and one great-granddaughter, Stephanie Chavez, preceded her in death.

Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Anna Jane and Carl Fields of Prague; granddaughters, Eddie and Janet Mayfield of Prague, Pam and Jimmy Dale Redford of Prague and Carla and Kirby McEntire of Paden; great-grandchildren, Holly Hightower and husband, Todd, of Prague, Lance Mayfield of Prague and Paige McEntire of Paden; great-great-grandchildren, Gracie Ann Hightower and Cameron Hightower, both of Prague.

Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at First Baptist Church in Prague with Bro. Tim Emmons officiating. Burial will follow at the Prague Cemetery.

A guest book is available to share your memories on-line. Please visit www.ParksBrothers.net.


Sadie Shaw

Longtime Shawnee resident Sadie Shaw died Sunday, Dec. 24, at her home in Earlsboro at the age of 96.
Graveside service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Wanette Cemetery, Wanette, Okla., with the Rev. Carl Whitfield officiating.

Swearingen Funeral Home of Seminole is directing arrangements.

published Dec. 28, 2006

Robert West Jr.

Seminole resident Robert "Smiley" West Jr., 44, died Tuesday, Dec. 26, at OU Medical Center.
He was born Aug. 5, 1962, in Pawnee to Robert and Mary Lou (Morgan) West.

Robert was a member of Seminole Baptist Church.

He enjoyed cooking out, playing horseshoes, ice cream, music and, most of all, spending time with his family.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Robert and Mary Lou; grandparents, Willie and Hester West, Alex and Joan Burgess and Emma Foster; one sister, Lucilla McGirt.

Survivors include his children, Robert West III and Ricky West; siblings, Ron West, Carolyn West, Marilee Jones, Willette Walker, Kenneth Lindsey, Joyce Gelino, May West, Ryan West and Theresa Stephens; one grandchild, Laila West; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Visitation will be 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today at Resthaven Funeral Home Chapel with wake service beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Seminole Baptist Church in Konawa.


Bessie Romines

Shawnee resident Bessie Romines, 92, died Tuesday, Dec. 26, in Okemah.
She was born Dec. 16, 1914, in McCurtain County, Okla., to James and Rosie (Boyd) Williams.

Bessie was preceded in death by her parents, two daughters, one son, three brothers and three sisters.

Survivors include two daughters, Marie Williams of Chickasha and Cathy Solomon of Holdenville; three sons, Wilburn Higgins of Burkburnett, Texas, Billy Higgins of Shawnee and Bennie Higgins; 18 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; one sister, Letha Smith; and two brothers, Jerome Williams and Ollie Melvin Williams.

Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Walker Funeral Service Chapel, Shawnee, with the Rev. Wayne Sloan officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.


Marion LeRoy Baptiste

Shawnee resident Marion LeRoy "Striker" Baptiste, 53 years young, walked on Saturday, Dec. 23, to join his father, Marion Baptiste, and his first wife, Jody Baptiste.
LeRoy was born Feb. 2, 1953, in Shawnee.

He was employed at Mobil Chemical in Shawnee for 23 years before retiring due to his health.

He was a tribal member of Citizen Potawatomi Nation.

LeRoy had a very full life thanks to family and very dear, lifelong friends.

Left behind to celebrate his life are his loving wife, Kathy Baptiste; his daughters and son-in-law, Kim and Don Melot and Tracey Baptiste; sons and daughter-in-law, Justin and Tabitha Baptiste and Wesley Baptiste; grandchildren, Storm O'Brien, Joey Melot, Austin Weitelman, Gabrielle Baptiste and Braden Baptiste; mother, Neoma Baptiste; twelve siblings and their spouses, Barbara Orr, Monju and Doug Downing, Rob and Cheryl Baptiste, Chuck Baptiste, Mike and Rhonda Baptiste, Rick Baptiste, Nita Baptiste-Shreve, Darcee and Dwight Yancey, Greg and Donita Baptiste, Mary Baptiste, Tim Baptiste and Suzette Baptiste; numerous nieces and nephews; mother-in-law and husband, Helen and William Locke; father-in-law and wife, Marvin and Lupe McCoy; brother and sisters-in-law, Dema and Todd Hasmeyer, Janelle and Rowdy McCoy, Mark and Debbie McCoy, Mitchell McCoy, Curtis Parker and his girlfriend, Heather.

A memorial service will be 1 p.m. Thursday at Resthaven Funeral Home.


Donald R. Adams

Donald R. Adams, 78, passed away Friday, Dec. 22, in Texarkana, Texas, after a short illness.
He was born Aug. 20, 1928, in Macomb, Okla. He lived most of his early years in Shawnee, Tecumseh and California.

Donald retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone in 1978. Afterwards, he was a consultant for Pine Telephone Company in Broken Bow.

Don was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and golfing with many friends. He was a fishing guide on Broken Bow Lake for several years.

He is survived by his wife, Anne Grayson Adams of Broken Bow; brother, James V. Adams of Shawnee; son, Ted W. Adams of Broken Bow; daughter, Janet S. Adams of Houma, La.; four grandchildren, Jesse Adams and Jay Adams of Santa Monica, Calif., Eric Zelasko and Adam Zelasko of Houma, La.

Visitation will be 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. today at Gaskill Funeral Chapel

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Tecumseh Cemetery.


Bessie Romines

Shawnee resident Bessie Romines, 92, died Tuesday, Dec. 26, in Okemah.
She was born Dec. 16, 1914, in McCurtain County, Okla., to James and Rosie (Boyd) Williams.

Bessie was preceded in death by her parents, two daughters, one son, three brothers and three sisters.

Survivors include two daughters, Marie Williams of Chickasha and Cathy Solomon of Holdenville; three sons, Wilburn Higgins of Burkburnett, Texas, Billy Higgins of Shawnee and Bennie Higgins; 18 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; one sister, Letha Smith; and two brothers, Jerome Williams and Ollie Melvin Williams.

Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Walker Funeral Service Chapel, Shawnee, with the Rev. Wayne Sloan officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.


Donna Vinita Burnett

Lakin, Kan., resident Donna Vinita Burnett, 85, died Tuesday, Dec. 26, in Lakin.
She was born June 23, 1921, in Hartville, Mo., to Glenn L. and Eva L. (Glover) Brown.

Preceding her in death were her husbands, Jim Holt and Bill Burnett; one son, Ronald LeRoy Holt; four brothers and one sister.

Survivors include two daughters, Jeanette Fox of Shawnee and Connie Cummings of Lakin; son, Jimmie Dean Holt; nine grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Harold Brown of Denton, Texas, and Bobby Brown of Yukon.

Service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Bethel Acres Assembly. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service, Shawnee.


Patricia Ann Fleming

Former Wetumka resident Patricia Ann (Stults) Fleming, currently of Perryton, Texas, died Sunday, Dec. 24 in Amarillo, Texas.
Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel with Chris Stinnett officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Seminole.

The family requests that memorials be made to the American Heart Association, American Lung Association, or a favorite charity in lieu of flowers.


Dylan Joseph McAllister

Dylan Joseph McAllister, infant son of Ryan McAllister and Brittany Meyer, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 27.
Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home, Shawnee.


Clara Miller Majors

Former Konawa area resident Clara Miller Majors died Wednesday, Dec. 27, at her residence in Tulsa at the age of 86.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Konawa City Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home of Konawa.

published Dec. 29, 2006

Serreta Ann (Napoleon) O'Guinn

Shawnee resident Serreta Ann (Napoleon) O'Guinn, 31, went to join her loved ones Wednesday, Dec. 27, at her home in Shawnee.
She was born Jan. 29, 1975, in Shawnee to Bobby Lee and Kaye (Young) Napoleon.

She attended elementary school at South Rock Creek and high school in Tecumseh her freshman year and then in Shawnee, where she played basketball, for the remaining three years. She attended Seminole Junior College and graduated from St. Gregory's with a bachelor degree in psychology.

Serreta was employed at Youth and Family Resources in Shawnee. She joined St. John Baptist Church at an early age.

She was married in 1997 to Bryce O'Guinn. Two sons were born to this union.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents and her husband.

She leaves to cherish her memory two sons, Diontre' and Anthony O'Guinn of the home; her parents, Bobby and Kaye Napoleon of Shawnee; brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Maxine Napoleon of Brooksville; parents-in-law, Melvin and Rose O'Guinn of Shawnee; sister-in-law, Natika O'Guinn of Shawnee; brother-in-law, James Toles of Wewoka; nephews, Joshua, Nicholas and Braden Napoleon of Brooksville and Ta'Sean Hishaw of Shawnee; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; special friends, Juree Darnell, Tommi Hughes and April Jonker; a host of other relatives and friends.

Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at St. John Baptist Church in Brooksville with Pastor Lee Oliver officiating and the Rev. John Oliver and the Rev. Prophet Bailey assisting. Burial will follow in Brooksville Cemetery.

To share memories or to sign the guest book online at www.cooperfuneral.com


Cecil Edwin "Ed" Appleby

Cecil Edwin "Ed" Appleby, 88, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 26.
He was born March 2, 1918, in Norman to Cecil and Mabel Appleby.

Ed was an only child who graduated from Norman High School in 1936. He was a three-sport letterman in football, basketball, and track. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a business degree in 1940.

Ed was married September 28, 1940, to Delma Arlene Grotts of Norman.

During the war he worked in the aircraft industry in Grand Prairie, Texas. Ed, Delma, and their two daughters returned to their hometown of Norman 1949. In 1952 they moved to Shawnee where they resided until his retirement from Aero Commander in Oklahoma City in 1970. Upon his retirement, they returned to the Norman area where they built their retirement home on the family farm south of Noble, where he resided until his death. Ed and Delma enjoyed raising registered angus cattle, traveling in their motorhome, and were avid followers of OU football.

Ed was enjoyed and dearly loved by his two daughters, his four grandchildren and five great grandchildren who knew him as "Papa". He enjoyed taking his grandchildren on motorhome trips and having them be "special" helpers while feeding cows. In his later years, his great-grandchildren brought much joy to his life.

Ed was a member of the Methodist Church and the Masonic Lodge.

In 2003 Delma, his wife of 62 years, preceded him in death.

He is survived by his two daughters, Edwina Wynn of Ponca City and Jan Barr of Norman; three granddaughters and their spouses, Stephanie and Jay Stallsmith of Tulsa, Kristen and Tim Hallcroft of Oklahoma City and Stacy and Shannon Bruce of Norman; one grandson and his spouse Kyle and Gina Wynn; five great-grandchildren Reed and Ryan Stallsmith, Madison and Landon Bruce, and Mia Wynn; nephew Gordon Grotts and wife Nancy of Noble; sister-in-law Gayle Grotts of Norman; special friends Carolyn, Sandy, Brandy, and Cindy; and many other beloved family members.

Service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Havenbrook Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Bob Gregory officiating. Burial will follow at the Norman I.O.O.F. Cemetery under the direction of Havenbrook Funeral Home of Norman.

His kind heart and gentle spirit will be greatly missed by all who knew him. The family would like to give special thanks to the staff of Loving Care Home Health Care.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Norman Public School Foundation, 131 S. Flood, Norman, OK 73069.

Send condolences online to www.havenbrookfuneralhome.com/Obituaries


Cecil Rae McGirt Harjo

Shawnee resident Cecil Rae McGirt Harjo, 57, died Wednesday, December 27 in Shawnee.
He was born July 26, 1949, in Seminole.

Cecil was reared in Shawnee. He then moved to Denver, Colorado. Following his military service, he lived in San Jose, Calif., for about 20 years. He then returned to Shawnee where he has lived for the past 17 years.

He attended Shawnee schools and was a graduate of Maud High School. While in Denver he attended Drafting School. He served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam where he was awarded the following medals: Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign, Combat Infantry Badge, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, National Defense, Army Commendation and Good Conduct.

Cecil worked as a master carpenter. He was a World Fancy War Dancing Champion. He danced for the Beatles, Ella Fitzgerald and John Agar. He also danced in the Seattle World's Fair. At the age of 16, he traveled to New York where he danced at the World's Fair and escorted President and Mrs. Eisenhower.

He was preceded in death by his adopted father, Jimmy J. Harjo and his parents, Cecil and Lucille (Wolf) McGirt.

Survivors include his adopted mother, Juanita Brown Harjo of Shawnee; one daughter, Tami Lea Harjo of Woodland, Cali.; five brothers, George Lindsey McGirt of Oklahoma City, Robert Lee McGirt of Checotah, Dean McGirt of Shawnee, Dale McGirt of McLoud and Jimmy Hughes of Los Angeles, Calif.; two sisters, Sharyn McGirt Chino of Lawrence, Kan., and Linda Kay McGirt of Los Angeles, Calif.; aunt, Wanda Barber; ten nieces and nephews; numerous other relatives and friends.

Wake service will be 6:00 p.m. Friday at Cooper Funeral Chapel.

Service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with Kellos Walker, pastor of Riverside Indian Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will follow in the Spybuck Family Cemetery.

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


Jerrie Ruth Smith

Longtime Maud resident Jerrie Ruth Smith, 82, passed from this life Tuesday, Dec. 26, at her home in Maud.
She was born Aug. 24, 1924, in Shawnee to Randolph and Lillie (Isenhower) Pounds.

On Jan. 10, 1942, she married Dewey John Smith in Okemah. They moved to Maud from Norman 63 years ago when Dewey began working as manager at the Saint Louis and Maud Copeland's IGA Grocery stores.

Jerrie was a homemaker and attended Victory Baptist Church.

Jerrie is preceded in death by her parents; a brother Cor'ee Pounds; half-brother, Ged Sigman; and sister, Dema Sloan.

Jerrie leaves to cherish her memory, her husband of almost 65 years, Dewey John Smith of the home. She is also survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Topsey and Albert Flesher of Maud; two grandchildren, Kerry Bruce and her husband, Bill, and John Flesher and his wife, Jamie, all of Maud; eight great-grandchildren, Ginger Flesher, John Dee Flesher, Haylee Jo Flesher, Brandi and husband, Leigh Bradley, Mac Mullican, Blake Bruce, Raven Bruce and Hunter Bruce; two great-great-grandchildren, Kye Bradley and Ashton Mullican; and one brother-in-law, Leroy Smith of Minneapolis, Minn.; and a host of other family and friends.

Cremation memorial service is schedule for 2 p.m. Saturday at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel in Seminole with the Rev. Tim Harjo officiating.

Messages of condolence can be sent to the family on-line at www.swearingenfuneralhome.com.


Myrtle Crittendon

Former Shawnee resident Myrtle Crittendon, 91, died Thursday, Dec. 28, at an Oklahoma City hospital.
Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Walker Funeral Chapel. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery. Further information will be announced by Walker Funeral Service.


Carmen V. Werrell

Longtime Seminole resident Carmen V. Werrell, 92, died Wednesday, Dec. 27, in Tulsa.
Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Swearingen Funeral Chapel with Amanda Lockwood officiating. Burial will be Tuesday at IOOF Cemetery in Norman. Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.

published Dec. 30, 2006

Myrtle Crittenden

Former Shawnee resident Myrtle Crittenden, 91, died Thursday, Dec. 28, at an Oklahoma City hospital.
She was born June 2, 1915, to William and Cora Hall.

Myrtle grew up in the Shawnee area, attending local schools. She later graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University.

She taught school while attending college and later married Elmer Crittenden.

Myrtle was primarily a homemaker after marriage.

She attended First Baptist Church of Shawnee.

She and her husband, Elmer, prior to his death, met with friends at Carl's Jr. each morning for breakfast and visitation.

Also preceding her in death were her parents, two sisters and three brothers.

Survivors include son and daughter-in-law, Wendell and Patsy Crittenden of Moore; daughter and son-in-law, Rita and David Hendricks of Oklahoma City; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Service will be 10 a.m. today at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with the Rev. J.C. Farrand and assisted the Rev. Leon Wilson. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service, Shawnee.


Brooklen Shalene Johnson

Brooklen Shalene Johnson, 1 day old infant daughter of Lea Shalene Johnson, died Tuesday, Dec. 26.
Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Oak Park Cemetery, Chandler.

published Dec. 31, 2006

Louise Boatman

Longtime Shawnee resident Louise Boatman, 80, died Friday, Dec. 29, at a local hospital hospital.

Louise was born Feb. 17, 1926, in Durant to Claude and ArDella Jackson. She grew up in the Wewoka area and attended Butner schools.

Louise married Addison Boatman. She was a homemaker, moving to Shawnee when she was 29 years old. She was a member of Hopewell Baptist Church.

Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, two sons and a grandson.

Survivors include her son, James Boatman of Shawnee; daughter and son-in-law, Claudine and Larry Whittet of Shawnee; eight grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends.

Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with the Rev. Bryan Cook officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.


Janet Lynn Gray

Oklahoma City resident Janet Lynn Gray, 53, died Wednesday, Dec. 27, at her home.
Service will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at Swearingen Funeral Chapel in Seminole with Hance Dilbeck. Burial will be at Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Shawnee under the direction of Swearingen funeral Home of Seminole.


Jerry Lynn Johnson

Konawa area resident Jerry Lynn Johnson, 63, died Thursday, Dec. 28, at his residence.
Visitation will be 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday.

Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel in Konawa with Chaplain Donnie Knight officiating. Burial will follow at Little Cemetery North of Seminole.


Kenneth Dale Darr

Seminole resident Kenneth Dale Darr, 53, died Tuesday, December 28, in Seminole.
Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Highway Baptist Church of Seminole with the Rev. Mike Raines and the Rev. Carl Whitfield officiating. Burial will be at Rest Haven Memorial Garden, Seminole under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home of Seminole.


Randy Lynn Lunsford

Seminole resident Randy Lynn Lunsford, 57, died Saturday, Dec. 30, in Seminole.
Service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Swearingen Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Carl Whitfield officiating. Burial will be at Lightning Ridge Cemetery, Roff, Okla., under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.