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

submitted by Kay Sugg Best

published Feb. 15, 2006

A.B. "Jack" Nelson Jr.

Tecumseh resident A.B. "Jack" Nelson Jr., 82, died Sunday, Feb. 12, in Shawnee.
He was born Aug. 11, 1923 to Ben and Rena (Burks) Nelson in Shawnee. He was a lifelong resident of Pottawatomie County.

Nelson attended Shawnee schools and graduated from Shawnee High.

On March 3, 1941, he married Rebecca Beck, she preceded him in death on August 10, 1993. On February 15, 1994, he married Jane Barnett.

Nelson owned and operated Nelson's Welding in Shawnee for over 60 years before he retired in 1993. Following his retirement, he owned and operated Nelson's Pecan Village RV park.

He was a charter member and elder of Bethel Acres Assembly and served on the Board of Trustees. He was a past member of the Shawnee Masonic Lodge.

Nelson served in the United States Army during World War II.

He loved his Lord, his life and his family.

Nelson is also preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Margie Wachs.

Survivors include his wife, Jane Wilson, of the home; two daughters and sons-in-law, Judith and Bill Rogers and Alana and Bob Risinger, all of Tecumseh; four grandchildren and their spouses, Bobbi Rogers, Eric and Misty Rogers, and Alan and Stacie Risinger, all of Tecumseh, and Billy and Jennie Rogers of Pineville, La.; nine great-grandchildren; numerous step children and their families; one brother, Tommy Nelson of Midwest City; and three sisters, Helen Henderson and Dorothy Logsdon, both of Midwest City, and Betty Horbach of Houston, Texas.

Service will be 2 p.m. today at Bethel Acres Assembly with the Rev. Lonnie Hurst and Larry Townsend officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home, Tecumseh.

Dora Becker

McLoud resident Dora (Wells) Becker, the oldest of eight children, was born March 9, 1898, in Montgomery County, Kan., to William Perry and Margaret Angeline (Campbell) Wells. At age three she settled with the family near Sparks, in Indian Territory. She died Feb. 12, in McLoud at the age of 107.
She was a graduate of Oklahoma A & M, Stillwater, and taught at Forest County School in Lincoln County. She furthered her education in business in Kansas and returned to Oklahoma to work as a bookkeeper in the Oklahoma City school system.

In January 1923, she married George Becker, "the most handsome and wonderful man there was!", he preceded her in death in 1983.

Dora was baptized as a member of Hillside Baptist Church at the age of 102.

Dora, who never had children of her own, was blessed with many wonderful nephews and nieces, whom helped look after her until her death.

She is preceded in death by her husband, five brothers, and two sisters.

She is survived by a host of family and friends.

Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Eisenhour's Northeast Funeral Home with Pastor Tuney Ropp officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, 13400 N. Kelly, Oklahoma City.

William Marcell Cobb and Dolores Elaine Cobb

Longtime McLoud residents William Marcell Cobb, 82, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather and Dolores "Bobbie" Elaine Cobb, 78, beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 11 and Sunday, Feb. 12, 2006, in Shawnee. They were married on August 13, 1948, in Minden, La., and had been together for 57 years.
Marcell was born on Oct. 19, 1923, in Pleasant Hill, La., to Gertrude Lacy and William Coleman Cobb. Bobbie was born on Aug. 10, 1927, in Shawnee to Okla Independence and Harvey Lowe. Marcell served his country proudly in the Navy during World War II and the Korean War. He was a member of the McLoud Blue Lodge #126, McLoud, and a 32nd degree Mason of the Scottish Rite. He worked for Tinker Air Force Base as a heating and refrigeration specialist until his retirement in 1978. Marcell was also an avid fisherman and hunter. Bobbie was a dedicated homemaker. Her joys included crocheting, collecting owl figurines, growing flowers and playing canasta. Both were longtime members of the Sooner Baptist Church in Midwest City and were currently members of the First Baptist Church of McLoud. They also enjoyed spending their leisure time with family and friends.

Marcell is survived by his two sisters, Rachel Owens of DeBerry, Texas, and Betty Davis of Shreveport, La.; two brothers, Pat Cobb of Frierson, La., and Thomas Ray Cobb of Hammond, La. Bobbie was preceded in death by her sister, Pauline Hannifan of Shawnee and is survived by two sisters, Oletha Gill of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Lila Lee Wilson of Midwest City. Both are survived by son, Danny Cobb of Princeton, La.; daughters, Myra Waggoner and husband, Jack, of Prague, Lila Sue Thompson and husband, Ken, of Moore, Naomi Mobley and husband, Dennis, of Tulsa, Deborah Nida and husband, Ray, of McLoud; son, Tyler Cobb and wife, Irma, of Baton Rouge, La.; 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at the Asa Smith Memorial Chapel, Harrah, with the Rev. Ernest Graham officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery, McLoud. Services are under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service in Harrah. A guest book is available to share your memories on-line. Please visit www.smithparks.com.

Bruce G. "Pops" Pogue

"Pops'" best job was being a greeter, the doorman at his church; he loved his Lord, his family and his congregation, and he created friends out of strangers.
Rural Pottawatomie County resident Bruce G. Pogue, 79, was sung into Eternity by family members Sunday, Feb. 12, at his home, dying from natural causes.

He was born Sept. 16, 1926, in Wewoka to Robert and Katie (Ross) Pogue. Bruce had five brothers and two sisters. He attended Wewoka grade school, then moved to the Ross homestead near Ripley, attending school there for several years, and attended high school in Cushing. Playing Cushing Tiger football was his passion until he saw a pretty blond on a blue bicycle. Bruce fell in love with the bicycle, the blond fell in love with him.

Bruce and Kathleen (Kit) M. Endicott were married in Cushing on June 8, 1947, after he returned from the Pacific Theater, Japan and China with the 4th Division of the U.S. Marine Corps; Kit sold the bicycle for the material to make her wedding dress.

Bruce worked as a groundskeeper at Oklahoma State University for 15 years and lived in Perkins prior to moving to Pottawatomie County last spring.

He leaves behind his precious wife of 58 years, Kit, of the home; daughter, Diana Dickinson and her husband, Vernon, of rural Pottawatomie County; son, Les Pogue and his wife, Mary, of Cushing; son, Vance Pogue of Mesa, Ariz.; daughter, Gina Pogue and her fiance, Tim Springer, of Wichita, Kans. and Oakdale, Neb.; daughter, Coleen Fountain and her husband, Paul, of Wichita, Kans.; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one brother, Pat Pogue and his wife, Mary of Oklahoma City; numerous nieces and nephews, "adopted sons and daughters" through the L.I.V.E. Ministries of the Church of God and his OSU Family.

Service will be 3 p.m. Thursday at the First Church of God, 1025 E. 9th, Shawnee. Burial will follow at the Dale Cemetery, Interstate 40 and Highway 102 South, west of Shawnee. Bruce's service is under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Shawnee.

Memorials can be made to the First Church of God Building Fund.

The family wishes to thank Prairie View Hospice of Chandler for their excellent care and compassion for us.

Edmund Francis Marak

Meeker resident Edmund Francis Marak died Tuesday, Feb. 14, at a local hospital.
Service will be 11 a.m. Friday at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Meeker under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home. Visitations are set for Thursday.

Richard Bourbonnais

Shawnee resident Richard Bourbonnais, 78, died Monday, Feb. 13, at his home.
He was born May 8, 1927 in Econtuchka to Bob and Naomi Bourbonnais.

Bourbonnais started attending school in Dale and graduated in Maud. He also attended East Central State College.

On June 18, 1949, he married Lorene Gibson in Shawnee.

He was a home-builder. He attended Liberty Baptist Church, where he was a deacon, a greeter and worked in the cafeteria as a volunteer.

He is preceded in death by his parents, one brother and two sisters.

Survivors include his wife, Lorene, of the home; two sons and daughters-in-law, David and Linda Bourbonnais and Larry and Debbie Bourbonnais, all of Shawnee; three grandchildren, Jason Bourbonnais, Melissa Bourbonnais and David Bourbonnais II, all of Shawnee; one brother, Roy Bourbonnais of Tecumseh; and one sister, Maggie Snider of Midwest City.

Service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Liberty Baptist Church with Bill Matthews and Phil Thompson officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Jena Pauline Lightner Genzer

Shawnee resident Jena Pauline Lightner Genzer, 73, died Sunday, Feb. 12, at an Oklahoma City hospital.
She was born April 15, 1932 in Altus to Paul and Jimmie (Rikard) Lightner.

Jena graduated from Shawnee High School in 1949, and attended Neff's Business School in Shawnee for 2 years.

On July 28, 1961 she married Robert Genzer in Norman.

In the late 1950's she worked as a hostess for the Skirvin Tower Hotel and Dolores restaurants in Oklahoma City. She also was a newspaper carrier for the Daily Oklahoman and was also a bookkeeper for her husband's business for 26 years.

Jena was a member of Sooner Baptist Church in Midwest City. She was a homemaker, loved to fish and camp, to draw, to read and to paint. She loved family gatherings most of all.

She is preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Antonio Martie; and a granddaughter Candi Cotton.

Survivors include her husband, Bob, of 44 years; five daughters, Nickolette Eubanks and her husband, James of Thackerville, Jenny Pickard and her husband, Jimmy of North-East Shawnee, Michelle Swanner and her husband, Mike of the Pink area, Teresa Yardy and her husband, Pete of Shawnee, and Robbie Genzer of Shawnee; one son, Edgar E. Lovett of rural Tecumseh; one sister, Roseann Dehaven of Fort Worth, Texas; and 15 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, with 2 on the way.

Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with Tim Emmons officiating. Following the funeral a reception will be held at Oak Park Church of God. A private burial at Garden Grove Cemetery will take place at a later date. Services are under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Iona Marguerite Cook Botha

Norman resident Iona Marguerite Cook Botha, 93, died Monday, Feb, 13, in Norman after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease and cancer.
Services will be 10 a.m. today, February 16, at Memorial Presbyterian Church in Norman with Dr. James M. Burns officiating.

Burial will be at the Norman IOOF Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Howard K. Hill, Weston M. Hill, John M. Storm, David M. Storm, David Fetter and James Best. Services are under the direction of Havenbrook Funeral Home of Norman, Okla.

Marguerite Botha was born December 19, 1912, in Perry, Okla., to William Wesley and Ona Christine Huffington Cook. Her family moved to Norman in her early teens. She graduated from Norman High School in 1931, where she was a member of the National Honor Society, Pep Club, and she was a yearbook editor. She graduated from The University of Oklahoma in 1936 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and worked her way through school as a secretary for the Dean of the OU School of Pharmacy.

As a young adult she worked in Chicago, Salt Lake City, and later in Los Angeles as an interior designer with the May Company. In 1942 she married Christopher J. Botha, deceased in 1957. From 1942 to 1947 she was employed at the Kaiser Shipyards and at Lockheed, contributing to the American effort in World War II. She returned to Oklahoma in 1947 and settled in Shawnee near her sister. Mrs. Botha was employed at Tinker AFB in Midwest City and was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church. She taught the Sunday School classes for 16 years and was a member of the Adult Women's Bible Class.

Mrs. Botha moved to Norman in 1970 to be near her daughter and grandchildren and help with their care while continuing to work at Tinker AFB. She retired from Tinker AFB in 1989 after 40 years of service. She was an active member of Memorial Presbyterian Church for many years. She was a devoted mother and grandmother.

Mrs. Botha was preceded in death by her parents; her step-mother, Elizabeth Cook; her brother, William W. Cook Jr, and his wife, Mellie J. Cook; and her beloved sister, Imogene Storm and her husband, John D. Storm.

She is survived by her daughter, Marilyn Botha Hill, Norman; her granddaughter, Katherine Kirstin Heffner and her husband, Terry, of Boise, Idaho; two grandsons, Howard Kreiger Hilll and his wife, Jennifer, of Amarillo, Texas; and Weston M. Hill of Santa Monica, Calif.; five great-grandchildren, Hannah Caroline Heffner, William Terry Heffner, Richard Weston Hill, Gwendolyn Christine Hill and William Barron Hill; nephews and nieces, Richard P. Storm, William D. Storm and Gary D. Storm, all of Norman, Dr. William W. Cook of Oklahoma City, Linda Cook Deviney of Bastrop, Texas, and Carol Cook Koenig of Burdette, N.,Y.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Disease Research program of the Oklahoma Medical Reseach Foundation, 825 N.E. 13 St., Oklahoma City, OK 73104-9930 and the American Cancer Society, 6525 N. Meridian, Ste. 110, Oklahoma City, OK 73116.

Send condolences online at http://www.havenbrookfuneralhome.com/Obituaries.html

Eleanor (McCullouch) Martin

Maud resident Eleanor (McCulloch) Martin, 85, died Monday, Feb. 13, at Shawnee Unity North Hospital.
She was a resident of Pottawatomie County for 78 years moving here at the age of seven from Denver, Colo. She was born Oct. 3, 1920, in Greeley, Colo., to Luther Vince McCulloch and Pearl (Rice) McCulloch.

On Sept. 17, 1935, she married Lois G. Martin in Hazel, Okla.

Eleanor was a housewife, mother, adult Bible teacher and pastors wife. She was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Maud.

She was preceded in death by her husband, L.G. Martin on Nov. 26, 2005; one son, Daniel Leon Martin; one grandchild, Yvonnie Kathleen Martin; one brother, James Alvin (Jack) McCulloch; one sister, Ada Marie (McCulloch) Pierce.

Survivors include six sons and daughters-in-law, John Paul and Neta Martin of Greenville, Texas, James David Martin of Talihina, L.G. Jr. and Julia Martin of Maud, Lawrence Wesley and Joyce Martin of Sasakwa, Lemuel Timothy and Linda Martin of Maud, and Luther Carlus Martin of Maud; four daughters and sons-in-law, Frieda Lee Martin of Maud, Billie Sue Curtis of Seminole, Rebecca Lou Duncan of Sulphur and Cindy Kay and Ronnie Robertson of Seminole; 18 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchild; one great-great-grandchild.

Visitation will be at the Knight-Swearingen Funeral Home in Maud.

Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at First Assembly of God, Bowlegs, with the Rev. Wesley Martin, the Rev. Tim Martin and John Martin officiating. Burial will follow at Cummings Cemetery in Maud under the direction of Knight-Swearingen Funeal Home.

Mamie Leatha Adair

Former Stroud resident Mamie Leatha Adair, 80, died Monday, Feb. 13, in Clovis, N.M.
A graveside service will be 2 p.m. today at Stroud Cemetery with Loren Geiger officiating. Service is under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Stroud.

Mozell Hall

Former Seminole resident Mozell Hall, 86, died Saturday, Feb. 11, in Gonzales, Texas.
Service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Church of Christ, Seminole, with Chris Stinnett officiating. Burial will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens, Seminole, under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.

Thelma M. Gilbert

Prague resident Thelma M. Gilbert, 88, died Tuesday, Feb. 14, in Meeker.
Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel, Prague with the Rev. Scott Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Prague Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Prague.

published Feb. 16, 2006

Troy Ray Ware

Eufaula area resident Troy Ray Ware, 81, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 14, at his home in Runaway Bay Estates.
Troy was born March 17, 1924, in Seminole to Rubert and Lena (Lane) Ware.

On April 23, 1945, he was united in marriage to Pat Banks.

He was a member of the North Fork Baptist Church, where he enjoyed working with the builders as they repaired and built churches in surrounding areas.

Troy always had a good story to tell and kept friends and family laughing.

When in his 70s he built his retirement home on Lake Eufaula with the help of his wife, Pat.

Troy was a good man, loved and adored by many and will be missed. He could always bring a smile to your face and a laugh to your heart.

Preceding him in death are his parents; five brothers, Clyde, Roger, George, Ira J. and Lloyd; sister, Florence Smith; nephews, Jim and Johnny Ware, Jerry and Ronnie Smith; two nieces, Kerrie and Angela Jackson.

He is survived by his wife, Pat, of the home; two daughters, Patricia Hall of Flippin, Ark., Lenda Breeding of Shawnee; four grandsons, Troy and Roy Hall and Dad Lowell, Matthew and his wife, Elise, of Moore, Timothy of Norman and Dad, Dan Breeding; sister and brother-in-law, Sharan and Gerald Jackson of Konawa; three nephews, Gene Smith of Bella Vista, Ark., Michael Jackson of Miami, Okla., Steve Ware of Oklahoma City; five nieces, Peggy Bowan of Burbank, Okla., Susan Shipley of Ada, Rita Scott of Eufaula, Debbie Chesser of Holdenville, Sandy Plum of Bristow; two loving sisters-in-law, Grace Brunelle of Red River, N.M., and Nadja Cole of California.

Casket bearers will be his grandsons and their fathers. Honorary casket bearers will be Norman Wagoner, Red Collins, Chas Young and Raymond Foutch.

Visitation will be 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and 8 a.m. to noon on Friday at Smith Funeral Home of Checotah.

Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at North Fork Baptist Church with Dr. Bruce Sanders officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery in Mounds under the direction of Smith Funeral Home of Checotah.

Memorial donations may be made to the free clinic at North Fork Baptist Church.

A.B. "Jack" Nelson Jr.

Tecumseh resident A.B. "Jack" Nelson Jr., 82, died Sunday, Feb. 12, in Shawnee.
He was born Aug. 11, 1923 to Ben and Rena (Burks) Nelson in Shawnee. He was a lifelong resident of Pottawatomie County.

Nelson attended Shawnee schools and graduated from Shawnee High.

On March 3, 1941, he married Rebecca Beck, she preceded him in death on August 10, 1993. On February 15, 1994, he married Jane Barnett.

Nelson owned and operated Nelson's Welding in Shawnee for over 60 years before he retired in 1993. Following his retirement, he owned and operated Nelson's Pecan Village RV park.

He was a charter member and elder of Bethel Acres Assembly and served on the Board of Trustees. He was a past member of the Shawnee Masonic Lodge.

Nelson served in the United States Army during World War II.

He loved his Lord, his life and his family.

Nelson is also preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Margie Wachs.

Survivors include his wife, Jane Nelson, of the home; two daughters and sons-in-law, Judith and Bill Rogers and Alana and Bob Risinger, all of Tecumseh; four grandchildren and their spouses, Bobbi Rogers, Eric and Misty Rogers, and Alan and Stacie Risinger, all of Tecumseh, and Billy and Jennie Rogers of Pineville, La.; nine great-grandchildren; numerous step children and their families; one brother, Tommy Nelson of Midwest City; and three sisters, Helen Henderson and Dorothy Logsdon, both of Midwest City, and Betty Horbach of Houston, Texas.

Service will be 2 p.m. today at Bethel Acres Assembly with the Rev. Lonnie Hurst and Larry Townsend officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home, Tecumseh.

Anna M. Stoll

Earlsboro resident Anna M. Stoll, 71, died Tuesday, Feb. 14, at Seminole Medical Center.
A celebration of life for Anna M. Stoll will be noon Saturday at the Glen and Anna Moore residence. Swearingen Funeral Home is directing arrangements.

Rita Carol Sanders

Seminole resident Rita Carol Sanders died Tuesday, Feb. 14, in Seminole. She was 63.
Service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Doyle Long and the Rev. Forest Weast. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.

Pamela J. Mays

Earlsboro resident Pamela J. Mays, 53, died Monday, Feb. 13, at a local nursing home.
She was born June 4, 1952, in Richmond, Calif., to Ralph and Lorece Mays.

Mays graduated from Earlsboro High School and Seminole Junior College.

She worked at Tinker Air Force Base.

Mays was a member of Johnson Church of God.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Doug and Jacque Mays of Earlsboro; grandson, Cole Mays of Stroud; stepgranddaughter, Jamey Haddock of Earlsboro; mother, Lorece Mays of Earlsboro; brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Paula Mays of Earlsboro; sister, Glynda Carter of Shawnee; aunt, Vesta Mays of Shawnee; uncle and aunt, Perry and Teresa Anderson of Fresno, Calif.; several nieces, nephews and cousins, including Johnny and Dorothy Mays of Bochita, Okla.

Service will be 10 a.m. today at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with the Rev. Charles Higgins and the Rev. Donnie Knight officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Edmund Francis Marak

Meeker resident Edmund Francis Marak, 88, died Tuesday, Feb. 14, at a local hospital.
Edmund was born June 22, 1917, to Joseph T. Marak and Mary K. (Petricek) Marak in Meeker.

He married Rita M. Stockton on Nov. 24, 1958, in Bartlesville.

Edmund attended college at Northern Oklahoma Junior College as well as The University of Oklahoma for a period of time. After college Edmund served as a newspaper editor for the Bartlesville and Pawhuska papers. He also wrote the Night Rider column for the Meeker Herald and the McLoud Newspaper.

He was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church as well as a member of the Knight's of Columbus.

Edmund was known as a man of deep faith, love of family and great appreciation of "The Written Word."

Preceding him in death were his parents and one sister.

Survivors include his wife, Rita M. Marak of the home; daughter, Barbara "Kathey" Clements of Meeker; three brothers, James W. Marak of Meeker, Joseph Marak of Norman, Louis D. Marak of Kansas City, Kan.; brother-in-law, Bob Mathews of Kerala, S.C.; three grandsons; one great-grandson; many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday at Resthaven Funeral Home. A rosary service will follow at 7 p.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Meeker. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. at Sunnyside Cemetery in Meeker. Services are under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home.

published Feb. 17, 2006

Charley "Buddy" Hogue

Tecumseh resident Charley "Buddy" Hogue, 84, died Wednesday, Feb. 15, in Oklahoma City.
He was born October 18, 1921, in Pottawatomie County to Ora Gibson and Lou Vina (Roberts) Hogue.

Hogue was raised on the farm in Pottawatomie County and attended school in Black.

He served with the United States Army during World War II, landing at Normandy Beach. He fought across Europe and served in the occupied troops in Italy until 1949.

On March 24, 1948, he married Jacqueline Seywert in Europe.

Hogue was a dairyman for 37 years.

He was a member of the Sharon Baptist Church and the American Legion, Hill-Huett Post No. 260 of Tecumseh.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Herman Hogue; and four sisters, Bea Dabney, Laura Mayes, Angie Getzelman and Lillian Tison.

Survivors include his wife, Jacqueline Hogue of the home; son and daughter-in-law, Charley and Diane Hogue of Tecumseh; two grandsons and their wives, Charles and Jaclyn Hogue, and Michael and Ellen Hogue, all of Tecumseh; four great-grandchildren, Jason, Ryley, Kyndal and Jazmyn; one sister, Anna Edgeman of Tecumseh; and several nieces and nephews.

Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Clint Dawkins of Sharon Baptist Church officiating. Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh is in charge of arrangements.

Judy Ezell-Rider

Shawnee resident Judy Ezell-Rider, 52, died Wednesday, Feb. 15, in Shawnee.
Service will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with Bill Matthews and Phil Thompson officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. Futher information is pending with Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.

Richard Donald Criss

Richard Donald Criss was born Aug. 28, 1929, in Shawnee, and died Friday, Feb. 10, in Spring, Texas.
He was an avid pilot. Aviation was his passion.

He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Virginia of Spring,Texas; three sisters, Katy Lee and her husband, Bobby of Shreveport, La., Linda Glenn and husband, Bill of Oklahoma City, and Shirley Jean Swarb and her husband, Eston of Shawnee; two daughters, Patty Moore and Donna Leedom, both of Shawnee; 11 grandchildren, Melissa Case and her husband, Tim, Jennifer Cockran, David Brown, Laura Edgin, Tracy Brown, Michael Moore, Chris, Danny, Melanie, Stephen and Courtney Leedom; and 13 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association or any charity. Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Cooper Funeral Home, 210 W. Walnut, Tecumseh.

Chloe E. Wright

Newalla resident Chloe E. Wright, 90, died Wednesday, Feb. 15, in Norman.
Service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with Pastor Sunny Stuart of Little Axe Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow at Mars Hill Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home, Tecumseh.

Vera LaVonne Warden

Vera LaVonne Warden was born on Nov. 9, 1924, in Prague and departed this life on Wednesday, Feb 15, in Wellston at the age of 81.
LaVonne, the daughter of Henry and Margie (Stiffler) Barton, was a longtime resident of Wellston. She graduated from Prague High School.

On Jan. 4, 1946, she married John Robert Warden in Holdenville. He preceded her in death on Dec. 24, 2001.

LaVonne was a homemaker and a member of the Order of Eastern Star.

Her parents, three brothers and two sisters also preceded LaVonne in death.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Henry F. and Margeann Warden of Bernice, La.; daughters and sons-in-law, Tammy and Jim Clapp of Wellston, and Joan and Jim Conrad of Ohatchee, Ala.; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Prague with the Rev. Laine Buckley officiating. Burial will follow at the Prague Cemetery.

The family will receive friends today from 5p.m. to 7 p.m. at Parks Brothers Funeral Home in Prague

Lester Clifford Criss

Lester Clifford "Buck" Criss, 83, passed away at his home with his loved ones near him on Thursday, Feb. 16.
He was born Jan. 20, 1923, in Shawnee to James Lawrence Criss and Annie Jane (Covey) Criss.

Buck, as we lovingly knew him, married the love of his life, Betty Maxine Kingsley, on Feb. 28, 1942, in Shawnee. They would have celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary this month.

Buck was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Alford, Rudolph and Robert Criss; sister, Ruby McMahan.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Maxine Criss, of the home; daughter, Evelyn Bledsoe; granddaughter, Anna Hensley; two great-grandchildren, Heather Langston and her friend, Tim Abernathy, and Michael Langston; one great-great-grandson, Jayden Timothy Langston; two sisters, Louise Harness of Leachville, Ark., Mildred Cast of Del City; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Many people come and go into our lives. One special person who came into Buck and Betty's lives was Ernie Christenberry. He never waviered in his loving care provided to Buck and Betty during their declining years.

In lieu of flowers, cash donations may be sent to Prairie View Hospice of Chandler

It was Buck's wish to be cremated. Service will be held at a later date.

Pauline B. Williams

Pauline B. (Perkey) Williams went to be with her Lord and Savior Tuesday, Feb. 14, in Shawnee at a local hospital surrounded by her family and friends.
Born June 4, 1926, in Anadarko to Eugene Garner and Allie (Laws) Garner.

She attended school at Verden.

In 1969 she moved to Chinlee, Ariz., where she married James Williams on Dec. 24, 1970.

James and Pauline moved to New Laguna, N.M., in 1974. They were members of the Laguna Acoma Baptist Mission where they were active members in song and Sunday School teachers and youth leaders. They were known as "Mom and Pop Williams."

In 2004 Mrs. Williams returned to Shawnee where she was a member of Bible Temple Church. She loved going to church, eating out, spending time with friends and family.

Mrs. Williams was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers, two sisters, one grandchild and two great-grandchildren.

Survivors include daughters and son-in-laws, Glen and Sharon Sloan of Shawnee, Mike and Neoma Johnson of Bowlegs; two sons and daughters-in-law, Norman and Barbara Weaver of Chillacothie, Mo., Frank and Charrolet Barnes of Tipton, Texas; sister-in-law, Vivian Garner of Shawnee; son and daughter-in-law adopted by faith, Frank and Hanna Siow of New Laguna, N.M.; 7 grandsons; two granddaughters; 22 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and friends. She was loved and will be greatly missed.

Pall bearers will be Chris Johnson, Bryan Johnson, Terry Sloan, Kevin Sloan, Chad Knight and Marc Pettigrew.

Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Bible Temple Church, 1114 E. Chandler, with the Rev. Wayne Sloan officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Gaskill Funeral Chapel.

Otto Edward "Ed" Williams

Lifelong Shawnee resident Otto Edward "Ed" Williams, 88, died Tuesday, Feb. 14, in Norman.
Ed was born Aug. 16, 1917, in Shawnee to Otto and Ethel Williams. He attended Horace Mann Elementary School, Shawnee Junior High and graduated from Shawnee High School in 1935. He then attended Oklahoma Baptist University.

On April 4, 1946, he married Wilda Elaine Taylor at Immanuel Baptist Church.

In 1936 he started working at the Shawnee Post Office where he worked as a clerk until he joined the U.S. Army on Nov. 29, 1942. Ed served in an infantry unit in the European Theatre. After World War II, he was discharged on Nov. 9, 1945, and he came back to Shawnee and returned to work at the Post Office where he remained until his retirement in 1978.

Ed was a lifelong member of Immanuel Baptist Church, a member of the American Legion and the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) where he served as editor of the state newsletter. He started keeping baseball statistics for the Shawnee Hawks (Class D of the Sooner State League) with the help of Roy Angel in 1952. He continued as statistician until the League folded in 1956. Ed was a member of the local Civil Air Patrol and later became a broadcaster for KGFF covering local sports events for Shawnee High School, OBU and St. Gregory's. He was the official league statistician for the American Association League, International League and Texas League, which are Minor League Clubs, from 1971 through 1983. After retiring from his baseball, he continued part-time sports writing for The Shawnee News-Star until the age of 84.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Mary Ella Odom, in 1944 and his second wife, Wilda, in 2002; and a brother, Robert Williams, in 1983.

Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Elaina and Ralph Hunt of Norman; two grandsons, Bryan Hunt of Norman and Jeffry Hunt and his wife, Karen, of Norman; two great-grandsons, Jefferson and Jackson Hunt of Norman.

Service will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Immanuel Baptist Church with the Rev. Sam Hendry and the Rev. Dr. Larry Adams officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

published Feb. 18, 2006

Amos Factor Jr.

Amos Factor Jr.
Services for Amos Factor Jr. will be 2 p.m. Monday at Wewoka Indian Baptist Church with the Rev. George Harjochee officiating, assisted by the Rev. Wayne Harjo. Burial will follow at Factor Family Cemetery.

Wake service will be 7 p.m. Sunday at Wewoka Indian Baptist Church.

Services are under the direction of Stout-Phillips Funeral Home of Wewoka.

Jane S. King

Jane S. King
Tulsa resident Jane S. King, 80, died Thursday, Feb. 16.

Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Chandler. Services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Chandler.

Thomas E. Walker

Thomas E. Walker
Longtime Wewoka resident Thomas E. Walker, 58, died Thursday, Feb. 16, in Shawnee.

Service will be 10 a.m. Monday at First Baptist Church with the Rev. Michael Vallandingham and Joe Vallandingham officiating. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. at Oak Park Cemetery, Chandler. Services are under the direction of Stout-Phillips Funeral Home of Wewoka.

Dorothy Cervantes

Dorothy Cervantes
Shawnee resident Dorothy Cervantes, 44, died Thursday, Feb. 16, at her home.

She was born May 9, 1961, in Holton Kan.

Cervantes is preceded in death by her father, Leonard Walker and her grandparents, Willard Walker, Sr., Henryetta Walker, Lucille Wahwasuck, and Trilby Wahwasuck.

Survivors include her husband, Jaime Cervantes of the home; five children, Robert Weston and Ashley Harrison, both of Atoka, Andrea Wahwasuck, Jaime Cervantes and Enedina Cervantes, all of Shawnee; 10 grandchildren; 5 sister; 4 brothers; and her mother, Velma Harjo of Mayetta, Kan.

A Native American service will be this evening at the Bentley Walker home, northwest of Shawnee. Burial will be 10 a.m. Sunday at the Walker Family Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Cecelia Blanchard

Cecelia Blanchard
Shawnee resident Cecelia Blanchard, 96, died Tuesday, Feb. 14, in Shawnee.

She was born April 17, 1909, in Shawnee to Steven and Axie (Lunt) Pensenau.

Born in Shawnee, she was raised in McLoud. Following her marriage she moved to California, where she raised her family. Upon retirement in 1973, she returned to Shawnee.

She attended Shawnee Mission, Carlyle and Haskell Indian Schools.

In 1927, she married Lee R. Blanchard. He preceded her in death Feb. 14, 1974.

While in California she ran a community Indian Center and had appeared in small roles in several films. She was past chairwoman of the Kickapoo Tribe. She also worked at Disneyland for many years. She was an honorary lifetime member of Disneyland.

She was a member of the Kickapoo Tribe , where she served on the elders council. She had traveled to Washington D.C., several times representing various tribes.

Also preceding her in death were her parents; her three sons, Eugene, Lewis and Dale Blanchard; and a granddaughter, Roberta Blanchard.

Survivors include her grandchildren, Denise Albrecht and Luann Blanchard both of Grass Valley, Calif., Mark Blanchard of Shawnee, Kelley Blanchard of Eufaula, Amy Blanchard of Newalla; great-grandchildren, Paulette Blanchard-Miller of Shawnee, Shad Smith of San Jose, Calif., Lewis Wasley of Grass Valley, Christayl Hall of Shawnee, Stephen Uchida and Michael Uchida both of Grass Valley, Clayton and Cory Blanchard; great-great-grandchildren, Chantel Krauss, Alexa Jobe, Preston Hubka; niece, Renee Maupin of Idaho; nephew, Gene Pensenau of Norman.

Service will be 10 a.m. Monday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Jimmy Anderson officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home.

Judy Ezell-Rider

Judy Ezell-Rider
Shawnee resident Judy Ezell-Rider, 52, died Wednesday, Feb. 15, in Shawnee.

She was born Aug. 11, 1953, in Huntington Beach, Calif., to Robert Allen and Euna Mae Edmondson.

Born and raised in California, she moved to Arkansas after graduating high school, where she lived until moving to Shawnee.

On Nov. 7, 2001, she married Ed Rider.

She was a longtime employee of Country Boy Market and Sunny Beaches Store.

She enjoyed shopping and flower gardening.

Preceding her in death were her parents and a daughter, Cynthia Rose Prause.

Survivors include her husband, Ed, of the home; two sons, Dennis Prause and Jeff Prause, both of Huntington Beach, Calif.; daughter, Pam Goettsch of Shawnee; stepdaughter and spouse, Sunita and Mike Embrey of Oklahoma City; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Darrel and Karen Edmondson of Van Buren, Ark., Jim and Pat Edmondson of Asher; sister and brother-in-law, Maggie and Ken Shadrick of Tontitown, Ark.; seven grandchildren; several friends and family.

Service will be 1 p.m. today at Cooper Funeral Chapel with Bill Matthews and Phil Thompson officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.

Henry Junior Brauer

Henry Junior Brauer
Lifelong Lincoln County resident Henry Junior Brauer departed this life on Friday, Feb. 17, in Shawee. He was 80.

He was born Feb. 17, 1926, in Prague to Henry Herman and Sallie (Jones) Brauer.

Junior attended Paden High School.

On Nov. 5, 1949, he married Wilma Hollon.

He was a farmer and rancher all of his life. He also was a dozer operator and worked in the oilfield.

Junior was of the Lutheran faith.

His parents and one son, Phillip Henry, preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Wilma Brauer, of the home; sons and daughters-in-law, Kenneth Brauer and Ronnie and Sue Brauer, all of Prague, Donnie Brauer of Shawnee; daughter and son-in-law, Janice and Allen Tascier of Prague; brother, Emil Brauer of Kendrick; sisters and brother-in-law, Marie Carter of Prague and Lena and Sherman Pruett of Prague; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild.

Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Prague with Pastor Carl Tascier officiating. Burial will follow at the Prague Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Prague.

Eliene L. Patton

Eliene L. Patton
Eliene L. Patton, who believed and lived her belief that there was no higher and better calling than to be mother to her "two boys", Larry and Gary, passed peacefully from this life, to life eternal on Thursday, Feb. 16. Eliene was born Dec. 20, 1914, in Shawnee, the eldest surviving daughter of pioneering Shawnee grocers, Paul, "Mr. Mac" and Minnie E. McCaskey.

She and her younger sister, Ruth Mary, were reared in the family business, McCaskey Grocery, which was continuously operated at 621 W. Highland, in the heart of the Shawnee railroad district, from 1910 until shortly before her Mother's death in 1968.

Eliene attended Oklahoma A&M College and Oklahoma Baptist University, forsaking a degree for marriage vows. As one of "The Greatest Generation", Eliene believed in service to God and country, and worked with other courageous women, who were affectionately known as "Rosie the Riveter", at the Douglas Aviation plant during World War II. She became a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, which she served in many capacities during her more than 60 year capacity. Eliene was a 50's mom. She happily volunteered in organizations that supported every activity her boys pursued. She was a lifetime member of the First Baptist Church, Shawnee, which she faithfully served and supported throughout her long life, helping in the church nursery was her very favorite.

In the 60's, Eliene was employed by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, beginning as a housemother at Girls Town, Tecumseh, and rising to the supervisor of Old Age Assistance, before her retirement in 1984. Retirement wasn't slow for Eliene, she continued her service to the American Legion Auxiliary and her church, as well as her beloved Order of the Eastern Star, which she served in numerous capacities for over 50 years. After retirement she added the AARP and the Pottawatomie County Election Board to the roster of activities which she loved and supported. But, first and foremost, she was mother to her two sons, saving her other activities for her spare time.

In her long life, she served and did many kindnesses, great and small, to many, which was her lesson and legacy to us.

Eliene's legacy continues through her two boys, Larry, who with his wife Cloyd, resides in Oklahoma City, and Gary, who resides with his wife, Mindy, in Centennial, Colo. Gary's daughter, Kaleigh, the apple of her grandmother's eye, has followed in grandma's footsteps, and is a freshman at Oklahoma State University.

Eliene's life will be celebrated 10 a.m. Monday at Gaskill-Owens Funeral Chapel, 119 N. Union, Shawnee. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who wish to honor Eliene, do so by making memorial gifts to the Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children, 3800 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73112-6506. There will be no viewing or visitation at the funeral home.

Ronald Lee Sanders

Ronald Lee Sanders
Longtime Seminole resident Ronald Lee Sanders, 57, died Thursday, Feb. 16.

He was born in Oklahoma City on March 28, 1948, to Nova Joyce (Waddle) and Walter Wayne Sanders.

On Dec. 27, 1972 he married Jeanette "Jan" Oliva, in Midwest City.

He graduated from Midwest City High School in 1966 and Southwestern Oklahoma University School of Pharmacy in Weatherford in 1977. He served in the United States Navy and worked as a pharmacist at Seminole, Shawnee and Holdenville Wal-Mart's for over 23 years.

Sanders was an avid photographer and loved to travel.

He is survived by his wife, Jan of the home; his son, Jaeson Sanders, whom is enlisted in the United States Army, stationed at Fort Sill; his mother and father-in-law, Milo and Gloria Oliva of Shawnee; five brothers, Melvin Calhoun of Okla., Russell Morgan of Calif., Blair Morgan of Mo., Craig Morgan of Okla. and Bryan Morgan of Okla.; sister-in-law and her husband, John and Diana McCarthy of Midwest City; brother-in-law and his wife, Bruce and Judy Oliva of Albuquerque, N.M.; and a host of nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at St. Marks Episcopal Church, Seminole with the Rev. Lynn Borrego officiating. Honorary bearers will be John McCarthy, John Seavey, Dan Smart, Donald Pyeatt and Doug Henry. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, St. Mark's Memorial Fund or any other charity of your choice.

Chloe E. Wright

Chloe E. Wright
Newalla resident Chloe E. Wright, 90, died Wednesday, Feb. 15, in Norman.

She was born March 18, 1915, in Pottawatomie County to George Elmer and Tyrena Sarah (Hardin) Ball. She was born in Macomb but lived most of her life in the Newalla area.

On Dec. 29, 1934, she married Willis Wright in Shawnee, he preceded her in death on Sept. 27, 1974.

Chloe was a homemaker and she loved gardening, flowers, fishing and camping.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; three sons, Charles Wright, and two infants sons; one sister, Faye Shirey; and four brothers, Fent, Audie, Fred and Laverne Ball.

Survivors include her son, Ron Wright of Newalla; two granddaughters, Nancy Christian of Wichita, Kan. and Lori Skaggs of Moore; four great-grandchildren, Carli, Chloe and Cole Christian of Wichita, and Easton Skaggs of Moore; one brother, Joe Ball of Tecumseh; sister-in-law, Evelyn Ball of Norman; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with Pastor Sunny Stuart of Little Axe Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will follow at Mars Hill Cememtery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home, Tecumseh.

published Feb. 19, 2006

Betrix Gillespie-Evans

Former Shawnee resident Betrix "Trix" Gillespie-Evans, 96, died Friday, Feb. 17, at her daughter's home in Oklahoma City.
Service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Emmanuel Episcopal Church with the Rev. Clark Shackelford officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Otto Edward "Ed" Williams

Otto Edward "Ed" Williams, 88, Shawnee, died Tuesday, Feb. 14, in Norman.
Because of inclimate weather on Saturday, services have been changed to 2 p.m. Tuesday at Immanuel Baptist Church in Shawnee with the Rev. Sam Hendry and the Rev. Dr. Larry Adams officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park in Shawnee under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Mildred Vickrey

Mildred Vickrey, 79, Stroud, died Friday, Feb. 17, in Shawnee.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Stroud Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Stroud.

Jane S. King

Jane S. King, 80, died Thursday, Feb. 16, in Tulsa.
She was born Aug. 19, 1925, in Oklahoma City, the daughter of James Arthur and Mildred (Cogswell) Stratton. She was a resident of Tulsa.

She married Clifford E. "Jess" King on Feb. 18, 1955, in El Reno. He preceded her on death on April 2, 1998.

She was a retired mobile home park owner and homemaker. She was of the Presbyterian faith. Her parents and one brother also preceded her in death.

Survivors are sons, Bradley J. King of Broken Arrow, Larry King of Tulsa; sister-in-law, Vela Bolz of Chandler; two grandsons, three granddaughters and two great-great grandchildren.

Service will be 2:30 p.m. Monday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Chandler with the Rev. Doyle Seeley officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Park Cemetery in Chandler.

Orville D. Isaacs

Orville D. Isaacs, 81, Konawa, died Saturday, Feb. 18, at an Ada nursing center.
Service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Pentecostal Holiness Church in Konawa with the Rev. Robert "Bob" Teel officiating. Burial will follow at Vamoosa Cemetery under the direction of Pickard-Swearingen Funeral Home, Konawa.

Julie Stephanie (Heavener) Read

Julie Stephanie (Heavener) Read, 44, Chandler, died Thursday, Feb. 16, in Chandler.
Mass of Christian burial will be 11 a.m. Monday at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Chandler with the Rev. Jim Mickus officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Chandler under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Chandler.
 

published Feb. 21, 2006

Eutah Carl Blackburn

Lifelong Sasakwa resident Eutah Carl Blackburn, 65, died Saturday, Feb. 18, at Valley View Regional Hospital in Ada.
Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel located at 100 West Strothers Ave, Seminole. Burial will follow at Vamoosa Cemetery, South of Seminole on Hwy 99, under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home Service.

Leila Belle Villarreal

Longtime Davenport resident Leila Belle Villarreal, 74, died Sunday, Feb. 12, in Shawnee.
Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at the Assembly of God Church in Davenport with the Rev. James Jackson and the Rev. Leon Williams officiating.

Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Chandler is directing arrangements.

Edmund Francis Marak

Meeker resident Edmund Francis Marak, 88, died Tuesday, Feb. 14, at a local hospital.
Edmund was born June 22, 1917 to Joseph T. and Mary K. Petricek-Marak in Meeker.

On Nov. 24, 1958 he married Rita M. Stockton in Bartlesville.

He attended Northern Oklahoma Junior College and the University of Oklahoma.

Edmund served as editor for Bartlesville Examiner Enterprise and Pawhuska Journal Capital. He wrote the "Night Writer" column for the Meeker Herald and McLoud Hometown News.

He was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church and the Knight's of Columbus.

Edmund was known as a man of deep faith, love of family and great appreciation of "The Written Word".

He is preceded in death by both parents and a sister.

Survivors include his wife, Rita M. Marak of the home; daughter, Barbara "Kathy" Clements of Meeker; three brothers, James W. Marak of Meeker, Joseph Marak of Norman, Louis D. Marak of Kansas City, Kan.; one brother-in-law, Bob Mathews of Kiawah Island, S.C.; three grandsons; one great-grandson; and many nieces and nephews.

On Thursday, Feb. 16, visitation was held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Resthaven Funeral Home and his rosary service was at 7 p.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Meeker and on Friday, Feb. 17 a Mass of Christian burial was held 11 a.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church, burial follewed at Sunnyside Cemetery in Meeker. Services were directed under Resthaven Funeral Home.

Pat Motley

Tecumseh resident Pat Motley, 67, died Friday, Feb. 17, in Oklahoma City.
She was born July 25, 1938 in Duncan to Roy and Juhree (Rowe) DeLaney.

Although she was born in Duncan, she grew up in Del City and lived in California for six years, then moved to Tecumseh in 1965.

Motley graduated from Del City High School and Draughn's School of Business.

On Jan. 26, 1957, she married Jack Motley in Midwest City.

She worked as a legal secretary for Abernathy and Baker, Steve Lewis, Tom Thompson and Kevin Walker until her retirement in 2003.

Motley was a member of Highland Church of Christ, past president of the Oklahoma Association of Legal Secretaries, past secretary of Tecumseh Round-Up Club and Highland Church and Christ Singers.

In the year of 1980-1981, she was honored Legal Secretary of the Year in Oklahoma.

She is preceded in death by her parents.

Survivors include her husband, Jack, of the home; two daughters and sons-in-law, Cindy and Charles Crawford and Lisa and Randy Osborn, all of Tecumseh; son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Debbie Motley of Shawnee; grandchildren, Chad and Tamra Stewart, Lindsay Goodall, Jason and Tabby Prewett, Connor Osborn, Trampas and Jenny Crawford, all of Tecumseh, Brooklyn Motley and Casey Crawford, both of Shawnee; great-grandchildren, Kylie Stewart, Tanner Byerly, Damion Hardcastle, Rayden Prewett, Wade Goodall, Baylee Crawford, Austin Crawford, Morgan Crawford and Kassady Crawford; sister and brother-in-law, Jan and Guy Weeks of Okolona, Miss.; aunts, Frieda Tarbox and Pauline Campbell; nephews and nieces, Guy Lee and Jennie Weeks of Memphis, Tenn., and Kim and Mark Musgrove of Nashville, Tenn.

Service will be 2 p.m. today at Highland Church of Christ with Bob Anderson and Robbie Kinsey officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh. The casket will remain open until 1:45 p.m. today and will not re-open following the service.

Betrix "Trix" Gillespie-Evans

Former Shawnee resident Betrix "Trix" Gillespie-Evans, 96, died Friday, Feb. 18, in Oklahoma City.
She was born April 18, 1909 in Chaffee, Mo. to S.J. and Alberta Frazier.

Betrix attended Enid High School, Stephens College and Memphis State University, she earned a degree in English.

In 1935 she married Kenneth Gillespie, he preceded her in death in 1979. She later married Frank Evans in 1982, he too, preceded her in death in 1992, she then moved to a retirement center in Oklahoma City.

She taught English in Willow Springs, Mo. before her marriage to Kenneth. They moved to Shawnee in 1946, where she became active in the community. She was president of Shawnee High School PTA and a member of the Hawthorne Club and a book discussion club. She was a member of the Shawnee Library Board for 31 years and it was her idea to provide the community with an outside receptacle for returning books. She returned to teaching in 1958 and taught 9th grade English at Shawnee Junior High.

Betrix was a member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church since 1946, where she taught the Adult Bible class and initiated the first parish directory. She was the first woman to be elected to the church Vestry parish council.

In addition to her husbands, she is also preceded in death by her parents.

Survivors include her son, Dr. Dan Gillespie and his wife, Carol of Castaic, Calif.; daughter, Jean Whitmarsh and her husband, Keith of Oklahoma City; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Frances Frazier of Phoenix, Ariz.; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Service will be 10 a.m. today at Emmanuel Episcopal Church with the Rev. Clark Shackelford officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Shawnee under the direction of Walker Funeral Service. Memorials may be made to : Rectors Discretionary Fund of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 1905, Shawnee, Ok 74802. The family would like to thank Frontier Hospice for their help and loving care.

Victor Cope I

Victor Cope I, 78, of Inola, Okla., passed away Saturday, February 18, 2006.
He was born Dec. 17, 1927, in Shawnee to Clarence and Isabel (Davis) Cope.

Victor was a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. He proudly served our country in the U.S. Army.

He was a heavy equipment operator, mechanic and welder. Victor was very dedicated in his work and had many interests including all types of sports. He was also a very playful and dedicated father, grandfather and brother.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Betty Cope; two children, Victor Cope II and wife, Liz, of Tecumseh and Michael Cope and Debbie of Tulsa; two sisters, Rosemary Scheidt of Tecumseh, Louise Wilson and husband, Richard, of Shawnee; grandchildren, Chelsea, Madison and Vincent; great-grandchild, Trenton; nieces and nephews, John and Kristi Kessinger, Donnie and Tammy Beisell, Retha and Len Burnett, Joann and Allen Highberger and Jackie Beisell.

Memorial service will be 2 p.m. today at Midtown Funeral Chapel in Tulsa on Admiral and Trenton.

published Feb. 22, 2006

Don E. Cunningham

McLoud resident Don E. Cunningham, 88, died Monday, February 20.
A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday at the Kingdom Hall in McLoud, OK.

Kara Danae Ebers

Kara Danae Ebers, infant daughter of Robert and Marcia (Kline) Ebers of Chandler, died Tuesday, Feb. 21, in Oklahoma City at the age of 23 days.
Private family services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service of Chandler.

James Thomas Phillips

Davenport resident James Thomas Phillips, 74, died Sunday, Feb. 18, in Oklahoma City.
Service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the First Baptist Church in Davenport with the Rev. Mike Mitchell officiating. Burial will follow at the Davenport Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Stroud.

Virginia Blanche DeBoard-Manning

Chandler resident Virginia Blanche DeBoard-Manning, 88, died Monday night at Stroud Hospital.
A memorial service will be 1 p.m. Saturday at The First Presbyterian Church in Chandler with pastor Mark Litman officiating.

Harold Eugene Gilbert

Harold Eugene "Moony" Gilbert, 68, passed away Monday, Feb. 13, 2006.
Moony was born May 2, 1937, in Stonewall to Milford and Ruby Gilbert.

He attended Tecumseh and Shawnee Schools. He served his country in the U.S. Navy. He worked in construction as a brick masonry operator.

Preceding him in death were his parents; sister, Sally Perez; daughter, Tracy Crawford.

Survivors include his son, Jerry; daughter, Donna Shuffield; brothers, Bud and Gary Gilbert; sister, Kathy Farley; three grandchildren, Kit Johnson, Mitchell Crawford, and Preston Crawford; six nephews and one niece.

Service will be 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, at the Salvation Army Chapel, 200 W. Ninth Street, Shawnee, OK.

Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army.

Georgene A. Hale

Shawnee resident Georgene A. Hale, 89, died Sunday, February 19, at her home due to natural causes.
She was born February 4, 1917, in Joplin, Mo. to Ditzler Garvin Floyd and Katherine Champ-Floyd.

She graduated Comanche High school and was an undergraduate at Oklahoma Baptist University in education with a masters in social work at the University of Oklahoma.

Georgene was married November 24, 1942, in Frederick, Okla. to Clarence Hale.

She was a school teacher and a retired Social Worker with B.I.A.. She was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Shawnee. She loved traveling, gardening and reading.

Proceeded in death by: Both parents and a Brother: Robert Floyd

Survivors includ her husband, Clarence Hale of the home; brother, Raymond "Buddy" Floyd and wife, Marge, of Durango, Colo.; sister, Virginia Floyd-Davis of Shawnee; numerous nieces and nephews

Visitation will be 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday

Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Resthaven Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Larry Sparks officiating. Burial will be at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home.

Wayne Lee Claybrook

McLoud resident Wayne Lee Claybrook, 76, passed away Monday, Feb. 20, in Oklahoma City.
He was born Nov. 25, 1929, in Wewoka to Claude Lee Claybrook and Eulah Mae (Honeycutt) Claybrook.

He attended Tulsa public school and later worked for Pipefitters Local 205 in Tulsa.

Wayne was married May 7, 1955, in Wewoka to Carolyn Jean Rooks. He was of the baptist faith and was a member of the V.F. W. serving as commander at the Mannford post.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Bobby Lee Claybrook; and half-brother, Leroy Marcum.

Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Claybrook of the home; sons and daughters-in-law, Gary Wayne and Deresa Claybrook of Moore, Claude and Bobbie Claybrook of Owasso, and Jeff and Vicki Claybrook of Sand Springs; daughter and son-in-law, Shelley and Roger Ross of Oklahoma City; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; brothers, Jerry Claybrook of Sand Springs, David Claybrook of Mannford, and John Claybrook of Overland Park, Kan.; half-brother, Bill Marcum of Oklahoma City; sister, Delores Lee of Sand Springs, Carolyn Boone of Mannford, and Mary Ann Klintworth of Mannford.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Oakwood Cemetery, Wewoka, with Dr. Robert L. Ross officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Stout-Phillips Funeral Home of Wewoka.
 

published Feb. 23, 2006

Virginia Blanche DeBoard-Manning

In Loving Memory of Virginia Blanche DeBoard-Manning, 88, who died Monday night at Stroud Hospital.
She was born January 6, 1918, to Roley and Lula (Key) DeBoard in Chandler and grew up there with her two sisters, Allie May Smith and Corky Bennett.

She was an OSU graduate where her womens' basketball team won state in 1938.

She married Egbert E. Manning on August 31, 1939. They moved to California in 1940 where they raised their three daughters, Sherry Lee Hufford, Terry Luetta Shaul and Phyllis Ann Harris. In 1976 they retired in Chandler.

She was a wonderful Christian example all her life.

Virginia loved to read, go camping and travel. She and her two sisters lived together, after all were widowed, and enjoyed many trips together known as Sisters3. She was a member of The First Presbyterian Church, Chandler. She was dearly loved by all who knew her and will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, one sister, Allie May, and two daughters, Sherry and Phyllis.

Survivors include one sister, Corky Bennett of Chandler; one daughter and son-in-law, Terry and Ron Shaul of Chandler; grandchildren, Lindy Sweeny of Okla., Jim & Kelly Ellis of Utah, Bobby & Julie Bean of Nev., David Bean of Okla., Bryan & Karen Brazina of Okla., Jeff & Carolyn Hirscher of Ark., Ginny Beaver or Okla., Krystal Harris of Okla., Mindy Harris Okla., Katrina Harris Okla., and David Main of S.C.; 15 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A memorial service will be 1 p.m. Saturday at The First Presbyterian Church in Chandler with pastor Mark Litman officiating.

Elwood Henry Lane

Stillwater resident Elwood Henry Lane, 78, died Tuesday, Feb. 21, in Stillwater.
He was born Aug. 15, 1927, in Aydelotte to Charley Henry Lane and Margaret Estel (Hauch) Lane.

He was married Mar. 11, 1950, in Shawnee to Betty Jo Evans.

Mr. Lane grew up in Meeker and attended Meeker Schools. He began working for Ampco Pittsburgh Company in the 1950's and retired from there in 1985. He then began working for Stillwater Public Schools Transportation. He retired from there in 2003. He attended Perkins First Baptist Church and was a member of Southside Baptist.

He enjoyed camping, gardening and mowing with his lawnmower. He especially loved his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Lane of Stillwater; two sons and daughters-in-law, Gary and Debbie Lane of Stillwater and Kevin and Wendi Lane of Mulhall; one daughter, Judy Talley of Stillwater; seven grandchildren, Chase Austin Lane and Taylor Jo Lane, both of Mulhall, Tyler Evans Lane of Stillwater, Charley Hueston Lane of Oklahoma City, Shaun Brittney Lane of Yukon, Bradley Kyle Talley of Fort Riley, Kan., and Jennifer Lindsay Talley of Germany; four brothers and sisters-in-law, Boyd and Barbara Lane of Shawnee, Richard and Carol Lane of Tyler, Texas, Carlos and Fern of Norman, and Vaile and Linda Lane of Moore.

Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Strode Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Max Rudd officiating. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Stillwater, under the direction of Strode Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Judith Karman Hospice, P.O. Box 818, Stillwater, OK 74076

Sarah Helen Barr

Dale resident Sarah Helen Barr, 78, died Tuesday, Feb. 21, at a local nursing home.
She was born Dec. 8, 1927, in Winnsboro, S.C., to William and Mayme (Brewington) Wages.

Sarah was married in 1944 to Kenneth Barr in Columbia, S.C..

She is a member of the Church of Christ in Dale.

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

Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Carolyn Barr and Phillip Pointer of Shawnee and Marilyn and Darren Jones of Shawnee; eight grandchildren, Kevin Brown Jr., Brandon Sky Barr, Heather Jones, Kristen Barr Walker, Kenneth Walker, Courtney Bender, Grayson Barr-Pointer and Chase Barr-Pointer; two great-grandchildren, Landon Brown and Paige Brown; five sisters and three brothers.

A memorial service will be held by the family at a later date. Walker Funeral Service is directing arrangements.

Terrance George Petros

Former Shawnee resident Terry G. Petros, 61, went to be with the Lord at his home Sunday, Feb. 19, in Oklahoma City.
He was born Dec. 30, 1944, in Detroit, Mich. He grew up in California and was a resident of Oklahoma since 1976.

Survivors include his parents, Pete and Teresa Petros of Aztec, N.M.; his wife, Dawn (Kris) Petros of Oklahoma City; sister and brother-in-lw, Karen and Doug Dowers of Bayfield, Colo.; brother, Don Petros of Poway, Calif.; three sons and two daughters-in-law, Ken and Becky Petros of Meeker, Ray Petros of Mena, Ark., and David and Melissa Petros of Yukon; grandchildren, Jennifer Petros of Hot Springs, Ark., Rhyan Petros of Shawnee, and Andrew, Jason and Ethan Petros of Yukon.

Otis A. Offill

Oklahoma City resident Otis A. Offill, 93, died Sunday, Feb. 19, at an Oklahoma City hospital.
He was born July 11, 1912, in Tecumseh. He retired from Santa Fe Railroad after 35 years.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Johnnie Belle, of 70 years.

Survivors include three children and their spouses, Phillip W. and JoAnn Offill of Santa Fe, N.M., Donald O. and Orma Offill of Lenexa, Kan., and Janet G. and Darrell Davis of Pasadena, Texas; one sister, Stella Slater of Oklahoma City; eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Edith A. Hart

Former Konawa resident Edith A. Hart, 98, currently of Seminole, died Monday, Feb. 20, at Seminole Estates Nursing Home.
Service will be 1 p.m. Friday at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel with Larry O. Chesser Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Konawa Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Konawa.

Robert Don Cox

Longtime Seminole resident Robert Don Cox, 74, died Tuesday, Feb. 21, in Seminole.
Service will be 2 p.m. today at Swearingen Funeral Chapel with Jimmy Mooreland and J.C. Simpson officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.

published Feb. 24, 2006

Allan Johnson

Mannford resident Allan Johnson, 26, died Monday, Feb. 20, in Mannford.
Allan was born August 21, 1979, in Shawnee to Billy M. and Gwen (Nabors) Johnson. He was a longtime Seminole resident and had lived in Mannford the past two years.

He was a 1997 graduate of Seminole High School and attended college at East Central University in Ada.

He worked as a welder for Fabwell in Tulsa for the past year and a half. Allan enjoyed hunting and fishing and rollerblading.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Bill F. Nabors and his grandmother, Madine Johnson.

Survivors include his parents, Bill and Gwen Johnson of Seminole; sister, Shelly Johnson of Seminole; grandmother, Jewell Nabors of Shawnee; grandfather, Ronald Johnson of Seminole; numerous other family members and friends.

Service will be 1 p.m. today at Cooper Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Leroy Kerbo officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.

Oniece Verdie Clouse

Shawnee resident Oniece Verdie Clouse, 81, died Wednesday, Feb. 22, of natural causes at Shawnee Care Center.
She was born March 21, 1924 in Maud to Harvy Stacy and Bullah Radford (Guinn) Stacy.

She attended high school in Maud.

On August 1, 1940, she married James Edgar Clouse.

Clouse was a homemaker. She enjoyed making porcelain dolls, all types of crafts and paintings. She was an "all around artist". She also taught her craft of doll making at the local Shawnee Senior Center.

She is preceded in death by her parents; two brothers and one sister.

Survivors include her husband, James Edgar Clouse, of the home; daughter and son-in-law, Sandy and Ronald Sadler of Garden Grove, Calif.; son, Jim Clouse of Shawnee; four grandchildren, Michael Crider, Brian Crider, Christina Clouse and Analicia Ticer; three great-grandchildren; and many other family members and friends.

Visitation will be today from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Resthaven Funeral Home. Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Resthaven Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Mike McCauley officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home.

Norma Lee Barrett

Muskogee resident Norma Lee Barrett died Wednesday, Feb. 22, at her home in Muskogee at the age of 78.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at the Davenport Cemetery with the Rev. Mike Mitchell officiating.

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

James "Jim" Mark Smith

Cromwell resident James Mark Smith died Wednesday, Feb. 22, at his home in Cromwell at the age of 52.
Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Butner Gymnasium in Cromwell with the Rev. Carl Whitfield officiating. Burial will follow at Little Cemetery under the direction of Stout-Phillips Funeral Home, Wewoka.

Frank "Maurice" Martin

Seminole resident Frank "Maurice" Martin, 85, died Thursday, Feb. 23, at Seminole Estate Nursing Center.
Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Maple Grove Cemetery with the Rev. Gary Wilburn officiating.

Swearingen Funeral Home is directing arrangements.

published Feb. 25, 2006

Dolsie Beulah Ashcraft

Chandler resident Dolsie Beulah Ashcraft, 88, died Thursday, Feb. 23, in Meeker.
A graveside service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Rossville Cemetery in Rossville, with Jim Morningstar officiating. Service is under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Chandler.

Ellen Lillard

Wanette resident Ellen Lillard, 84, died Thursday, Feb. 23, in Lexington.
Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Wanette Cemetery Chapel under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Ima Jean (Yates) Gann

Newalla resident Ima Jean (Yates) Gann, 74, died Wednesday, Feb. 22, in Oklahoma City.
A graveside service will be 2 p.m. today at Dale Cemetery under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service in Harrah.

published Feb. 26, 2006

Lee Roy Norton

Davenport resident Lee Roy Norton, 85, died Saturday, Feb. 25, in Stroud.
Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Monday at New Zion Cemetery near Chandler with the Rev. Rich Blackwell officiating. Burial will follow at New Zion Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Chandler.

Ellen Lillard

Wanette resident Ellen Lillard, 84, died Thursday, Feb. 23, in Lexington.
Lillard was born to Murry and Zula (Barnes) Higgins July 14, 1921, in Wanette.

She attended Trousdale School.

Lillard married R.G. Lillard and was a homemaker.

She was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary in San Fernando, Calif, and lived in Wanette since moving back from California in 1987.

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

Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Martha Ann and Dan Flores of Oklahoma City; five sisters, Sylvia Pogue of Wanette, Mildred Eversole of Macomb, Bernice Swenson of Elgin, Texas, Ola Mae Clair of Wanette and Peggy Wustenberg of Wanette; nieces and nephews, Stephen and Kaye Moore of Lexington, John Wustenberg of Duncan, Johnny Eversole of Maud, Betty Schmidth of Austin, Texas, Mike Higgins of Noble and Susie Higgins of Norman.

Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Wanette Cemetery Chapel, with Doug Arnold and Doyle Loveland officiating.

Burial will follow at Wanette Cemetery.

Walker Funeral Service of Shawnee is directing arrangements.

Scott Ira Ross

Granbury, Texas, resident Scott Ira Ross, 71, died Friday, Feb. 24, in Granbury.
Ross was born to Harvey C. and Rosa Catherine (Scheidt) Ross Dec. 13, 1934, in McLoud.

He married Marjorie Wise Sept. 30, 1955. Ross served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

He and Marjorie moved to Granbury in 1982. He worked for the nuclear power plant in Glen Rose, Texas, for 10 years. He retired in 1994.

Ross enjoyed gardening, fishing and hunting. He was liked by many and loved beyond measure by his family.

Survivors include his wife, Marjorie, of the home; a son and daughter-in-law, Charles E. and Karla Ross of Song Tan, Korea; a daughter and son-in-law, Sherrie D. and Michael Stakes of Granbury; two brothers, Gene Ross of Milano, Texas, and Jack Ross of McLoud; and five grandchildren and their spouses, Samuel D. Ross of Austin, Clifton S. and Jennifer Ross of Granbury, Tamara L. and John Hess of Boise, Idaho, Andrew S. and Deborah Ross of Alexandria, Va., and Matthew G. Stakes of Granbury.

Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Dale Cemetery.

Walker Funeral Service of Shawnee is directing arrangements. Visitation will be held 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Walker Funeral Service.

Bill R. Smith

Shawnee native Bill R. "Bouncer" Smith, 77, of Austin, Texas, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 21.

His wife Barbara Bayles Smith of 53 years preceded him in death.

He and Barbara enjoyed doing small construction projects around the home, stained glass work, gardening and landscaping. They planned their activities around high school and military reunions.

He is survived by his children, Paul Smith and his wife, Kristi, of Austin, Texas, Deese Smith of Clarksville, Texas, Kelly Stacy of Davis, and Todd Smith of Austin.

The family will receive visitors 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday in the chapel of Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home in Austin. Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Mr. Smith to Hudson Bend Fire Department, c/o Jeannie Jarvis, 5600 Lakeview Drive, Austin, 78734.

Arrangements under the direction of Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home, 6300 W. William Cannon Drive, Austin 78749, (512) 892-1172.

William Alsip

Tecumseh resident William "Bill" Alsip, 82, passed from this life Wednesday, Feb. 22, at his home.

He was born Nov. 5, 1923, in Romulus to Carl "Slim" and Nora Alsip.

He attended school in Pearson and Saint Louis and graduated from Spaulding High School in 1943.

He attended The University of Oklahoma and Cal Poly College in California before joining the U.S. Navy.

Following his discharge from the Navy, he joined the U.S. Army and became part of the 49th Infantry Division. After leaving the service, he did construction work in California.

He returned to Oklahoma in the early 1960s and met his future wife, Erma Henderson, and worked for several years at Tinker Air Force Base.

Upon retiring from Tinker, he did construction work.

He was a member of the American Legion Hill-Huett Post 260 in Tecumseh.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Alice Edwards of Ponca City.

Survivors include his wife, Erma; a stepdaughter and her husband, Rhetta and Terry Matlock of Tecumseh; a stepson and his wife, Tony and Shirley Henderson of Tecumseh; stepgrandchildren, Kaye and Steve DeSomer of Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio; Jimmy Don and Faith Westervelt of Oklahoma City; Tara Matlock, Dillan Bennett, Jeff Henderson and Derek Henderson, all of Tecumseh; great-stepgrandchildren, Dustin Lee Thompson, Kara Thompson, Chance Westervelt and Peyton Westervelt; a brother, Clifford Alsip of Okmulgee; three nieces, Karen George of Oklahoma City, Kindra Parker of New Castle and Debbie Hron of Ponca City; two nephews, Charley Alsip of Tulsa and Ronnie Alsip of Kentucky; and a brother-in-law, James Tefertiller of Tecumseh.

Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Cooper Funeral Chapel in Tecumseh with Dr. Tim Walker officiating. Burial will follow in Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home, Tecumseh.

Ethel Mae Moore

Shawnee resident Ethel Mae Moore, 94, died Thursday, Feb. 23, at her home.

She was born Aug. 18, 1911, in Shawnee to Bert Norman and Maggie G. (Boland) Green.

She married Earl Lee Moore Nov. 25, 1931, in Tecumseh.

Moore was a homemaker and mother and a member of Liberty Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one son, Bobby Lee Moore; one son-in-law, Preston Nixon; one sister, Mamie Moore; and four brothers, Cecil Green, Asa Green, Claudie Green and Herman Green.

Survivors include one daughter, Charlene Nixon of Shawnee; two granddaughters, Donna Russell and her husband, Tim, of Shawnee and Carolyn Coley of Lubbock, Texas; and five great-grandchildren, Shannon Frank, Nicholas Russell, Chazlee Coley, Breanna Coley and Cort Coley.

The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice, Max and Ann Bain, Harold Moore and the many others whose love and kindness blessed the family.

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

Glen Ivan Prevett

Glen I. Prevett was born Nov. 18, 1926, in Paden and departed this life Friday, Feb. 25, in Oklahoma City at the age of 79.

Glen, the son of Burl and Viola Mae (Jaggars) Prevett, was a resident of Oklahoma City.

He graduated from Paden High School and enlisted in the Merchant Marines and served in the South Pacific during World War II.

After returning home, he became a division manager for Armour & Co. and was later involved in the meat packing business with Wilson & Co.

He served as president of American Farm Lines in Iowa and as vice president of Mistletoe Express in Oklahoma City.

After retirement, he worked part-time at O'Reilly Auto Parts.

There were many lasting friendships made at all these companies.

His hobbies and activities were fishing and visiting daily with friends and family.

His parents, one brother, Ed Prevett, one of his twin daughters, Marlene Martin, his first wife, Virginia Martin Prevett and his second wife, Wilma (Robinson) Prevett, preceded him in death.

Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Scharlene and Rick Ernest of Oklahoma City; a brother and sister-in-law, Roy and Donna Prevett of Prague; a sister and brother-in-law, Wilma and J.L. Stone of Prague; a sister-in-law, Minnie Mae Prevett of Dothan, Ala.; special friend, Lorraine (Loney) Brimm of Oklahoma City; three grandchildren, Mark White, Sara McCaslin and Amy Aita, all of Oklahoma City; and one great-grandchild, Trinity McCaslin of Oklahoma City.

Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Parks Brother Funeral Home Chapel in Prague. Burial will follow at Prague Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Services in Prague.

published Feb. 28, 2006

Juanita Graham

Juanita (Bowling) Graham entered her eternal life on Sunday, Feb. 26, in Meeker in her daughter's home with her family at her side.
She was born Aug. 4, 1922, in Wright City to Vera Harris Snow and Ira Bowling.

She was a graduate of Velma-Alma High School, attended college in Alva and attended nurse's training. She was one of the many "Rosie the Riveters" who assembled military C-47's for Douglas Aircraft Company at Tinker Field during World War II. She also worked for Dr. Milton Sebring and then Dr. Robert Shaver in Oklahoma City for about 20 years.

Juanita and Paul Graham were married May 14, 1960. They owned Roofer's Supply in Oklahoma City for 30 years. Juanita and Paul loved to travel and there was always a special place in their hearts for the cats who shared their home with them.

She attended Meeker First Baptist Church and was very active in the "Willing Workers" Sunday School Class.

She is survived by her husband, Paul, of Meeker; daughter and son-in-law, Jean Conner and Robert Drysdale of Meeker; grandchildren and spouses, Tanesa and Peter Schmitz of Oklahoma City, Craig Ore of Oklahoma City, Tracy and Bobby Sellars of Yukon, Nicole and Chris Walden of Oklahoma City; great-grandchildren, Kurt Schmitz, Jessica (Schmitz) Worry and John-Michael Schmitz, all of Oklahoma City, Nicholas Lundstrom of Mustang, Samantha Lundstrom of Yukon, Trey Sellars of Yukon, Sharayah Williams of Oklahoma City, Kyndal and Carsen Hearne of Oklahoma City and Juanita's only great-great-grandchild, Catherine Worry of Oklahoma City.

Juanita is also survived by her siblings and spouses, Betty and Jack Fryrear of Stillwater, Barbara Patton of Cushing, Patsy Friess-Balien and Harry Balien of Phoenix, Ariz., William Robert and Myra Bowling of Texarkana, Texas.

She also is survived by her husband Paul's children and families, Diane and Moody Hughes of Tuttle, Ronnie McLeroy of Tuttle, David and Ellen Graham of Oklahoma City; grandchildren, their spouses, and great-grandchildren are Ross Hughes, his children Rachel and Jennalee Hughes of Norman; Lisa Woods of Oklahoma City, her children Dawn and Ryan Halley of Moore; Randy and Ann Hughes of Frisco, Texas; Lara Douglas, her sons Benny Dale Douglas and Caden Hughes of Tuttle; Byron and Kristi Hughes, their children Austin and Aubree Hughes of Tuttle; Aaron and Misty McLeroy of Tuttle; Samantha and Daltan Burdick; Jarod and Heather McLeroy, their children Callie, Brynn and Cullen McLeroy of Carrizo Springs, Texas.

Juanita's parents; one sister, Barbara (Bowling) Provence; her husbands daughter, Paula McLeroy, preceded her in death.

Her family sends special thanks to the nurses at Norman Regional Hospital and Unity Heath Center-North Campus, Shawnee, and to the staff of Prairie View Hospice, Chandler, who welcomed Juanita with their love and care.

A memorial service for Juanita will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Meeker, with graveside services at 2:30 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery in Tuttle under the direction of Gaskill-Owens Funeral Chapel, Shawnee.

Mary Ellen Sneed

Shawnee resident Mary Ellen Sneed, 80, died Saturday, Feb. 25, at Shawnee Care Center of natural causes.
She was born May 10, 1925, in Shawnee to Lacie S. Talbot and Gladys Sarah (Gibbons) Talbot.

She attended McLoud High School.

On Oct. 28, 1945, she married Fred A. Sneed in Shawnee.

She was a homemaker and a member of University Baptist Church, National and Local POW club, AARP National and Local Chapter and Narfe.

Her parents and husband preceded her in death.

Survivors include daughter, Sandy and John Smith of Shawnee; two grandchildren and spouses, Brian and Wendy Smith and Emily and Marty Williams; one great-grandchild; sister, Nancy Pyeatt of San Jose, Calif.; brother, Oscar Taylor of Sunnyvale, Calif.

Visitation will be 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at Resthaven Funeral Home. Graveside service will be 2 p.m. today at Resthaven Memorial Park "Garden of Peace" with Pastor Will Bentley officiating. Services are under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home.

Cathy Spalding

Macomb resident Cathy Spalding, 53, died Sunday, Feb. 26, in Macomb.
Service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Sharon Baptist Church with Clint Dawkins officiating. Burial will follow at Romulus Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.

Theodore Ray

Former area resident Theodore Ray passed away Tuesday, Feb. 21, at his home in West Covina, Calif.
Theodore was born May 1, 1937 on Quapaw Valley Farm, to L.W. (Ted) and Ruby Ray.

He attended White Rock Grade School and McLoud High School, he graduated in 1955.

Theodore was a member of Covina Masonic Temple, Elks El Monte (now disbanded) and After Stroke Covina.

He was best known for his friendliness, humor and smile.

In their later years he and Polly loved to travel in their motorhome along America's highways or to more exotic places.

Theodore worked for Con Rock of Irwindale, Calif., until health issues forced him into early retirement.

He leaves behind his sweetheart, Polly (Armstrong) Ray, a marriage that lasted over 45 years, through sickness and in health; three children, Susan Ray, Bonnie and her husband, Ron Moya, and Marty and his wife, Diane Ray; five granchildren, Ricky (Nicole), Alicia (Gabe), Jonathon, Kelley and Katelyn; four great-grandchildren, Colton, Joanie, Emma and Allie; siblings and their spouses, Marilyn and Gene Boone, Donna and Billy Harrell, Chris and Susan Ray, Jeanne and George Edwards; numerous nieces and nephews.

His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.

Ilene Odell

Henryetta resident Ilene Odell, 80, died Sunday, Feb. 26, in Tulsa.
Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. at Shurden Chapel with the Rev. Jack Vance officiating. Graveside service will be 2 p.m. at Wanette Cemetery Chapel under the direction of Shurden Funeral Home.

Bobbie Jean Murdock

Former Shawnee resident Bobbie Jean Murdock, 52, died Friday, Feb. 24, at an Oklahoma City hospital.
She was born May 6, 1953, in Shawnee to Othia Murdock and Helen M. Parnacher.

Murdock attended Shawnee High School and graduated from Riverside Indian School in 1971. After high school she attended Haskell College and the University of Oklahoma.

She was an accounting technician for General Service Administration in OKC for 11 years.

Murdock was raised by her grandparents, Harry Walker, Sr. and Laura Kishketon Walker of Shawnee.

She is preceded in death by Harry B. Walker, Sr., Nathaniel Harjo, Jessica Harjo and Othia Murdock.

Survivors include her daughters, Jessi Filmore and Jeanna Smith of the home; son, Jason Murdock of Norman; mother, Helen Parnacher of Newcastle; grandmother, Laura Walker of Shawnee; sisters, Francene Wolfe of Shawnee, Gail Depue of Oklahoma City, Vicky Harley of Oklahoma City, Gloria Foster of Minneapolis, Minn.; brother, Steven Parnacher of Newscastle; granddaughters, Jalina Lewis and Samantha Harjo, of the home and Chasity Murdock of Oklahoma City.

Service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with Jim Klumpp officiating. Burial will follow at Wakolee Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Lois Marie (Mosley) Martindale

Shawnee resident Lois Marie (Mosley) Martindale, 83, departed this life on Feb. 26, in Shawnee.
She was born Aug. 20, 1922, in Slick, Oklahoma, to Leo Calvin and Ola Bell (Barrett) Mosley.

Lois was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church in Davenport.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Deke Cunningham, Stanley Bishop and Gene Martindale; sons, Philip, and Steve Bishop; and grandson, Lance Bishop.

Survivors include five daughters and sons-in-law, Diann Cunningham of Davenport, Leisa Bishop Roberts of Sneads Ferry, N.C., Jennifer Bishop and Rod Rodgers of Flower Mound, Texas, Rebecca Martindale and Floyd Hildreth of Shawnee, Lori Martindale and Robert "Mack" McNees of Shawnee; two sons, Dale Cunningham of Claremore and Gene Martindale Jr. of Shawnee; one daughter-in-law, Beverly Bishop of Oklahoma City; one sister, Darlene Bane; one brother, Larry Mosley; twenty four grandchildren; thirty great-grandchildren; more relatives and many friends

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at the First Baptist Church in Davenport with the Rev. Mike Mitchell officiating. Burial will follow at the Davenport Cemetery under the direction of the Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Chandler.

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

Johnita L. Starns

Seminole resident Johnita L. Starns died Friday, Feb. 10, after a brief illness at Moffett Cancer Center in Tampa, Fla.
She was born July 14, 1934 in Maud to Johnnie and Daisy Barnes.

Starns graduated from Maud High School in 1952 and then in 1956, graduated from Parkland School of Nursing in Dallas, Texas, as a Registered Nurse.

In 1957 she married Jimmy L. Starns.

She was a nurse in Seminole and Wetumka hospitals and was head nurse in Wetumka for several years. She later worked at and retired from the General Motors plant in Oklahoma City.

She is preceded in death by her father and her stepfather Alvah Gray of Maud.

Survivors include her husband Jim; son John and grandsons, Bodhi and Rance, all of Maud; daughter Jimilu Starns of Shawnee; mother, Daisy Gray of Maud; brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Deborah Barnes of Birmingham, Ala.; nieces, Allison Burden of Tampa, Fla., Susannah Barnes of Mukwonago, Wis., and Rebecca Barnes of Tallahassee, Fla.

Memorial may be made to the cancer charity or any Humane Society of your choice.

Joyce D. Tison Day

McLoud resident Joyce D. Tison Day, 75, died Sunday, Feb. 26, in McLoud.
She was born Feb. 13, 1931, in Dale to J.T. and Mattie (Carr) Tison.

She attended McLoud Schools.

On Oct. 15, 1971, she married Jack Day.

She was a member of Emmaus Indian Church in McLoud.

She lived in Texas for 30 years and came back to McLoud in 1989.

Her parents, husband, four brothers and two sisters preceded her in death.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Kenny and Rita Sparks of McLoud; daughter and son-in-law, Tommy and Lila Henderson of McLoud; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two sisters, Lois Sparks of McLoud and Lucille Nelson of Shawnee.

Graveside service will be 10 a.m. today at Dale Cemetery with the Rev. Bill Derrick officiating. Walker Funeral Service is handling arrangements.