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

submitted by Kay Sugg Best

published Jan. 03, 2006

Elfriede Cotton

Elfriede "Frieda" Cotton, 80, of Shawnee died Thursday, Dec. 29, at a local hospital.
She was born Oct. 12, 1925, in Germany to Karl and Martha (Hartl) Kache. She married Artie Cotton in 1995 in Germany a nd was a homemaker.

She is survived by her husband, Artie Cotton, of the home; her son, Jimmy Cotton and his wife, Donna, of Shawnee; her granddaughter, Zena Cotton, of Shawnee, and a number of nieces and nephews.

Services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with the Rev. Larry Sparks officiating. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery.

Ella Mae Hill

Ella Mae Hill, 77, McLoud, died Friday at a local hospital.
She was born Dec. 8, 1928, in McLoud, the daughter of Earl and Bertie (Carter) Brown.

She married T.J. Hill Jr. on March 18, 1951, in McLoud. She was a member of McLoud First United Methodist Church and lived in McLoud all her life.

Her parents, husband, daughter, Terri Lynn Hill, and two sisters, Imogene McKee and Anna Poff, preceded her in death.

Surviving are her daughter, Peggy Burns of McLoud, son and daughter-in-law, Dean and Brenda Hill of McLoud; five grandchildren, Mark and Charla Robbins, Amy Jilge, Stacy Jilge, Tyler Hill and Lauren Hill; four great-grandchildren, Erica, Zane, Kyan and Kaden; brother and sister-in-law, Leroy and Betty Brown of McLoud and many nieces and nephews.

Service will be 10 a.m. today at the First United Methodist Church in McLoud, with the Rev. Ruth Tipps officiating. Burial will follow at Dale Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Kenneth Anthony "Tony" Price

Kenneth Anthony "Tony" Price was born on Dec. 27, 1960, in Marksville, La., and departed this life on Dec. 30, 2005, in Oklahoma City at the age of 45.
Tony, the son of Laris and Joyce (Charlot) Price, was a resident of Prague. He married Gwynell Gillham on March 15, 1986, in Marksville, La. Tony was the parts manager at Stewart Wholesale and director of the church choir at Starlight Baptist Church.

His parents, father-in-law, Charles Gillham; and brother-in-law, Robert Lewis Jr., preceded Tony in death.

Survivors include his wife, Gwynell Price of the home; son, Michael Price of the home; stepson, Jerad Gillham and wife, Michelle, of Prague; sons, Ricky Price, Marcus Price and Brandon Price, all of Marksville, La.; mother-in-law, Elizabeth Gillham; sisters, Donna Lee Price Lewis and Anna Carmouche; brothers, Nolan Lavalis and his wife, Ann, Laris Price Jr. and his wife, Betty, Earl Sanders, Freddie Andrews, Eric Andrews and B.B. Andrews; brother-in-law, Don Gillham and his wife, Helen; nieces, Catrine Gillham, Joyce Rene Lewis and Kaprice Lewis and husband, Curtis Dixon; nephew, Robert "Bobby" Lewis III, and his wife, Cora Sampson; great-nieces and nephews, Matrix Lewis, Kelsey Lewis, Zana Lewis, Robert "Little Bobby" Lewis IV, Donna Jones, Dustin Jones, Justin Jones, Nkaru Ozuriugbo and Okacki Ozuriugbo; and three grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Freewill Baptist Church in Prague with the Rev. Randall Miller officiating. Burial will follow at the Wolf Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Prague.

Violet Holder

McLoud resident Violet Holder, 83, passed away Dec. 24.
As a young woman, Violet was known as the basketball star at White Rock.

As a married woman, her and Harold enjoyed fishing, boating and traveling with family.

She lived in the McLoud area for the past 65 years. This classy lady was well-known and respected in the McLoud community as a caring, compassionate, gracious and humble person. She retired from AT&T/Lucent.

She was a founding member of the McLoud Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witness for more than 50 years.

Violet was a woman of few words, but when she spoke, she was worth listening to. She will be missed greatly by her family and friends. She was the stability and foundation of the Holder family. All could count on her to be there for them.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Harold Holder; only son, H. Keith Holder; and precious granddaughter, Kimberly Van Hook.

She is survived by three daughters, Beverly Janko, Karen Jones of Oklahoma City, Sandra Mathis of Meeker and their husbands; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Service was 2 p.m. Dec. 27 at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witness, Moore, under the direction of the John M. Ireland Funeral Home & Chapel.

Ruth Elena Little

Ruth Elena Little, 92, died Sunday at a Seminole nursing home.
A funeral service was held Monday. She was cremated and her ashes will be returned to Taft, Calif. Arrangements were under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.

William George "Bill" Brauer

William George "Bill" Brauer, 75, Prague, died Sunday at his home.
Funeral service will be 2 p.m. today at the Prague United Methodist Church with Dr. Warren Danskin and the Rev. Roy Rogers officiating. Burial will follow in Prague Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service of Prague.

Betty Withers

Betty Withers, 61, Bowlegs, died Friday at a Seminole nursing home.
Services will be 2 p.m. today at the First Baptist Church in Bowlegs with the Rev. Rick Harrison officiating. Burial will follow at Wolf Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.

Liguori Bedford

Liguori Bedford, 92, Shawnee, died Saturday. Private family services are being scheduled. Arrangements are under the direction of Barnes and Johnson Funeral Home of Midwest
City.

published Jan. 04, 2006

Ursula Cristina (Schubert) Farasyn

Shawnee resident Ursula Cristina (Schubert) Farasyn, 78, died Monday, Jan. 2, at her home.
Ursula was born in Breslau, Germany, to Paul and Emma (Hoffman) Kornau.

She married Walter "Kurt" Schubert in January 1949. The following year she left Germany to join Kurt in Ontario, Canada. Ten years later Ursula and her family moved to St. Cloud, Minn.

In 1974 Ursula married Harold Farasyn and later in 1977 moved to Shawnee.

Ursula worked as an accountant for various businesses including, JC Penney, St. Cloud, Minn., and the Potawatomie Indian Tribe.

She loved volunteering for St. Vincent De Paul, traveling, raising plants, golfing, and was an avid hockey fan.

Ursula was preceded in death by her parents, first husband, and infant son.

As a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she is survived by her husband, Harold Farasyn; sons and daughter-in-laws, Jack and Susan Schubert of St. Cloud Minn., and Ralph and Sharon Schubert of Kimball, Minn.; grandchildren, Brian Schubert of St. Louis, Mo., Mark and Tracie (Schubert) Rudolph of Foley, Minn., Matthew Schubert, Duluth, Minn.; great-grandchildren, Jordyn and Tristan Rudolph and Gabrielle Schubert; stepchildren, Kevin Farasyn of Bethel, Kim Stewart of Moore, and Kurt and Tonya Farasyn of Parkland; and step-great-grandchildren, Aaron, Travis, Taleah, Kelli and Cody Farasyn and Chris and Wesley Stewart.

Prayer Vigil will be Thursday evening at 7 p.m. at Walker Funeral Service. Mass of the Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Friday at St. Benedict Catholic Church with Father Alan Loth officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Sandra "Sandy" Lorentz

Bethel Acres resident Sandra "Sandy" Lorentz, 58, died Monday, Jan. 2, in McLoud.
She was born Jan. 14, 1947, in Oklahoma City to Eugene and Pearl Aycox.

Sandy was married March 17, 1964, in Norman to Bobby L. "Big Bob" Lorentz. He preceded her in death.

She graduated from John Marshall High School in Oklahoma City. She operated Cooper's Pawn Shop. She moved west of Shawnee in 1971.

She also was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Denise Lorentz in 1997; two brothers, Jeffery and Larry Aycox.

Survivors include her son, Donald Lorentz of the home; daugther and son-in-law, Treena Lorentz-Ketch and Cory of Bethel Acres; granddaughter, Sara Ellen Haley of Bethel Acres; sister and brother-in-law, Terry and Paul Bailey of Oklahoma City; adopted daughter, Joy Smith; a grandson, Skyler Smith of Bethel Acres; best friends, Dona and Robert Caskey of McLoud; and many other family and friends.

Service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at New Hope Baptist Church with the Rev. Brent McCutchen officiating. Burial will be at New Hope Cemetery, west of Tecumseh, under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Merle Welk

Shawnee resident Merle Welk, 92, died Monday, Jan. 2, at her home.
She was born Feb. 1, 1913, in Bogata, Texas, to James T. and Ella (Nash) Henderson.

She was married July 20, 1933, to G. G. Welk.

Merle was a member of the Church of Christ. She lived in the Bethel community for over 70 years. She loved gardening and crocheting.

She is preceded in death by her husband (1961); two sons-in-law and four grandchildren.

Survivors include two daughters, Patsy Seckel and Ruth Franklin and Shorty Kinnamon, all of Shawnee; a son, Charles Welk of Shawnee; a daughter-in-law, Lotus Welk of Shawnee; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; a sister, Martha Faye Morris of Shawnee; several nieces and nephews.

Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with Jim Seckel officiating. Burial will be at Blackburn Chapel Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Cecil W. Borrell

Harrah resident Cecil W. Borrell, 85, died Jan. 1, at his home.
Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at the Asa Smith Memorial Chapel, Harrah. Burial will follow at Resthaven Cemetery, Oklahoma City, under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service of Harrah.

Dora "Jeannie" Draper

Shawnee resident Dora "Jeannie" Draper, 51, died Monday, Jan. 2, at a local hospital.
She was born May 28, 1954, in Oklahoma City to Raymond and Doris (Musgrove) Wood.

She graduated from Choctaw High School.

She was married in June, 1981, in New Mexico to Ernest Draper.

Jeannie had worked at Tinker Air Force Base for 20 years.

She was preceded in death by her father Raymond Wood.

Survivors include her husband, Ernest Draper of the home; four children and their spouses, Jason Spriggs of Shawnee, Kevin and Crystal Spriggs of Edmond, Traci and Kyle Thomas of Durant and Trevor and Stephanie Watkins of Konawa; seven grandchildren, Ashten West, Allyson Thomas, Chloe Thomas, Kylar Spriggs, Dillon Spriggs, Brianna and Savanna Watkins; mother, Doris Wood of Choctaw; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Melvin and Sherri Wood of Choctaw, and Clifford and Leadra Wood of Edmond; a sister and brother-in-law, Raylene and Gene Lee of Choctaw; a number of nieces and nephews.

Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with the Rev. Lesley Smith officiating. Burial will be at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.
 

published Jan. 05, 2006

Benjamin Lawrence

Shawnee resident Benjamin Lawrence, 82, died Monday, Jan. 2, at an Oklahoma City hospital.
Lawrence was born October 4, 1923 in Green Forrest, Ark.

He was born Oct. 4, 1923, in Green Forrest, Ark.

On September 26, 1958 he married Betty Jean Winters. He lived in Wagoner and Oklahoma City before settling in Shawnee.

Benjamin served in the U.S. Marines from 1942 to 1945. He retired from Tinker Air Force Base and Bethel Fire Department. He was a carpenter, a member of Dale Baptist Church, and a member of the American Legion.

Lawrence is preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, and two brothers.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Lawrence, of the home; children and their spouses, Tom and Carolyn Winters of Shawnee, Barbara Childers of Shawnee, Judy and Wayne Burrows of Wagoner, Roger and Linda Lawrence of Wagoner, Keith and Kathy Lawrence of Muskogee, Ron and Gina Anderson of Shawnee, Mike and Becky Brown of Shawnee; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with the Rev. Doug Parker officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Hubert C. Parker

Bridge City, Texas, resident Hubert C. Parker, 83, died Tuesday, Jan. 3, at Christus St. Mary Hospital in Port Arthur, Texas.
He was born in Tribbey to Tom and Anna (Bailey) Parker. He was a former resident of Port Arthur.

Parker was an operator for Colonial Pipeline and was an Army medic in Europe during World War II for four years.

Hubert was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Wayne Parker.

He is survived by his wife, Vera Parker of Bridge City, Texas; daughter and son-in-law, Janet and Kenneth Carter of Bridge City, Texas; sister, Jean Shaw of Marshal, Texas; sisters-in-law, Della Parker of Yukon, and Joan Bray Terry and her husband Gene of Shawnee; brother and sister-in-law Jack and Betty Parker of El Reno; grandchildren, Kenneth Craig Carter and his wife Diane, Tracy Brugette and her husband Joe; and four great-grandchildren.

Visitations will be from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m Wednesday at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City, Texas, and from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Friday at Cooper Funeral Home in Tecumseh. Graveside service will be 3:30 p.m. Friday at Tribbey Cemetery in Tribbey under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home, Tecumseh.

Fern Malone

Longtime Macomb area resident Fern "Granny" Malone, 82, died Tuesday, Jan. 3, at Unity Health Center North, Shawnee.
She was born March 4, 1923, in Seminole County to James William McBroom and Lizzia Mae (Johnson) McBroom.

On July 11, 1950, she married Walter Malone in Sulphur.

Granny was a loving homemaker, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to all. She was of the Baptist faith.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Walter, on Oct. 1, 1993; one son, Cecil Malone; daughter-in-law, Patricia Malone; son-in-law, Bill Roberts; one brother and three sisters.

Survivors include two sons and a daughter-in-law, James and Gisela Box of Waterloo, N.Y., and Chris Malone of Alexandria, Va.; three daughters, Melba Malone, Molly Malone and Anita Roberts, all of Macomb; daughter-in-law, Bevette Malone of Kissimmee, Fla.; three brothers, Isaac McBroom of Davis, John McBroom of Sulphur and Frank McBroom of Mounds; two sisters, Ola Brown of Pauls Valley and Leona Richardson of Purcell; four grandchildren, Jason Malone and his wife, Shawnna, of Tecumseh, Melissa Malone and her boyfriend, Onasis Rivas, of Alexandria, Va., Jimmy Box and his wife, Christine, of Aston, Pa. and Mr. and Mrs. Robbie Box of Texas; four great-grandchildren, Matthew, Jason Landon, Teagan and Haydon.

Service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Pickard-Swearingen Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Gary Nickerson officiating. Burial will follow at Collins Cemetery, St. Lous, Okla.

Pickard-Swearingen Funeral Home, Konawa, is directing arrangements.

Effie Mae Dunavan

Former Shawnee resident Effie Mae Dunavan, 75, currently of Tulia, Texas, died Monday, Jan. 2, in Amarillo, Texas.
She was born Aug. 20, 1930, in Arapaho, Okla., to Oscar and Eula Reed.

In 1953 she married Jack Dunavan in Tecumseh and they resided in Shawnee. In 2001 she relocated to Tulia, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband in 1991.

Survivors include son and daughter-in-law, Arnold and Donna Dunavan of Tulia, Texas; grandson and his wife, Clinton and Carmen Dunavan of Denver, Colo.; granddaughter and her husband, Crystal and Daryll Dothard of Los Angeles, Calif.; sister, Wanda Jean Kendrick of Euless, Texas; two nieces, Jill Kendrick and Gina Penson; three great-grandchildren, Clea Dunavan, Braxton and Kyle Dothard.

Service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Walker Funeral Service Chapel. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Dorothy Leigh Calmes

Dorothy Leigh Calmes passed away on her 90th birthday Friday, Dec. 30, in Oxford, Miss.
Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Friday at the First Baptist Church, Shawnee, under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home, Oklahoma City.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Dorothy Calmes Guatamala Mission Project, First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1928, Shawnee, OK 74802.

published Jan. 06, 2006

Carlton Dale Sparkman

Stillwater resident Carlton Dale Sparkman, 65, died Sunday, Jan. 1, in Tulsa.
He w as born May 10, 1940, in Gans, Okla., to Carlton Cleveland and Mildred Emma (Merrill) Sparkman.

He was married March 15, 2000, in Las Vegas to Sande (Evans) Gallimore.

Dale attended and graduated from Gans High School. He continued at Northeastern State University where he received his bachelor's degree in secondary education with a literature emphasis. His 40-year career in public education began shortly after. Dale had a great desire for learning and teaching and continued his education. He received a master's degree in education administration and a certification in guidance and counseling. He spent the last 35 years of his career in Shawnee, where he was active in the Shawnee Teachers' Association as chief negotiator. This work led to a wide range of educational improvements for teachers and students. Dale also served on the board of directors for the Oklahoma Education Association. He retired from teaching in 2003. The retired life was too slow for Dale so he began a new career helping others to learn with the Center for Science Literacy at Oklahoma State University. In this second career, he helped create and conduct training for science teachers throughout the world from Oklahoma to Washington, D.C., to Thailand. In Dale's spare time he enjoyed gardening at home in Stillwater and fishing at Lake Eufaula.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife, Sande Sparkman; one son and three daughters, Bo Gallimore of Manhattan, Kan., Lori Chase of Laughlin, Nev., Melanie Sparkman and Caroline Sparkman, both of Scottsdale, Ariz.; two grandchildren; two sisters, Linda Runyan of California and Jo Mauldin of Ardmore.

Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Strode Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Tom Westbrook and Pastor Charles Sparkman officiating. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Stillwater, under the direction of Strode Funeral Home.

Pall Bearers will be Jean Evans, John Chase, Ronnie Edwards, Harold Merrill and Bo Gallimore.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, c/o Karen Ward, 106 E. Marie, Stillwater, OK 74075 or to the Leukemia Society of America, Oklahoma Chapter, 3613 NW 56th, Oklahoma City, OK 73112. The family of Mr. Sparkman requests that donations of blood be made to the local blood bank.

Marjorie Jean Jones

Lifelong Shawnee resident Marjorie Jean Jones, 73, died Tuesday, Jan. 3, at an Oklahoma City hospital.
On November 26, 1932, she was born to Charlie and Madge (Mongold) Smith in Shawnee.

She married Keith Jones on May 1, 1948, in Shawnee.

Marjorie was a graduate of Shawnee High School and Oklahoma Baptist University. She earned her master's degree from The University of Oklahoma.

She was a certified drug and alcohol counselor and worked as a social worker in various positions. She retired as a primary therapist/social worker from Central Oklahoma Juvenile Treatment Center in 1995.

Marjorie was a founding member of the Shawnee Writer's Association and the Shawnee Community Service Council, was active in Toastmistress Club, DARE and other community, social work and drug and alcohol organizations. She was also a member of the International Platform Association, Trial Riders Club, The Twelve Step Program, and First Christian Church.

Her parents preceded her in death.

Marjorie is survived by her husband, Keith Jones, of the home; two sons, John Keith Jones and Chuck Jones, both of Shawnee; daughter, Cathy Marie Mayes of Shawnee; brother, Kenneth Don Smith of Pagosa Springs, Colo.; six grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.

Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at First Christian Church with the Rev. Milo L. Steffen II officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Mausoleum under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Frances (Adams) Blakemore

Shawnee resident Frances Blakemore, 76, died Wednesday, Jan. 4, at a local hospital.
She was born Nov. 17, 1929, in Stillwater to Arthur and Muriel Adams.

Frances took great pride that her family homesteaded in the Land Run of 1889 and that her two great uncles were the first two graduates of Oklahoma State University.

On Aug. 19, 1949, she married GC Blakemore. They lived in Kingston, Moore and Durant before settling in Shawnee in 1966.

Frances attended Oklahoma State University for two years and received her bachelor's and master's degree in elementary education from Southeastern State University in Durant. Her 29-year teaching career began in a one-room schoolhouse where she taught grades one through eight. She taught 22 years in the Shawnee Public School system.

Frances enjoyed traveling, sewing, painting and quilting. She was a member of NEA and the Retired Teacher's Association. She was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church for 39 years where she taught Sunday School, worked in Vacation Bible School and was active in the Ladies Quilting Circle and T.N.T. Fellowship. She enjoyed serving the Lord and the fellowship that she had at Amazing Immanuel.

Frances was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her greatest joy was the time that she spent with family.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Survivors include her husband, GC Blakemore of the home; her children and their spouses, Stacy and Leona Blakemore, Stanley and Diane Blakemore and Cherilyn and Roy Williams; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Joann and Ernie Sehon and Nina and Miller Gerardy; one brother and sister-in-law, Walter and Diane Adams; numerous nieces and nephews.

Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Immanuel Baptist Church with Dr. Todd Fisher and the Rev. Sam Hendry officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Immanuel Baptist Church Building Fund.

William Donald Black

North Myrtle Beach, Fla., resident William Donald "Buddy" Black, 67, died Wednesday, Jan. 4, at his home.
He was born April 18, 1938, in Whiteville, N.C., to William Crowell and Maude Butler Black.

Black began his career with Black's Tire Service in Whiteville, N.C., in the late 1950s under the guidance of his father, W. Crowell Black. He purchased Black's Tire in 1971 and successfully expanded its operations until selling it in 1996. In partnership with his father, he developed International Tire Marketers Inc. He purchased the company in 1976 representing companies such as Kelly Springfield, Goodyear, Cooper, Dunlop and Ohtsu Tire in the United States, Central America, South America, India, Poland and Ecuador. He also was one of the founding members of Tire Brands Inc., which developed the private brands Sonic and Saxon Tires. His peers at Tire Brands Inc. knew him as "Gentleman Buddy Black."

In 1985, he purchased Whiteville Oil Co. Inc. from his family and achieved a dominant position in the marketplace early. With more than 75 years of associations with now BP Amoco, the third generation Black developed, more than 15 locations and a L.P. gas division that he sold to Campbell Oil and Gas and later sold Whiteville Oil's convenience stores, Sam's Pit Stop, to his son, W. Samuel Black.

He enjoyed vacations with his grandchildren, boating and traveling in his camper with his wife.

Survivors include his wife of 29 years, Anita "Mandy" Black of the home; son, William Samuel "Sammy" Black of Lake Waccamaw, N.C.; daughter and son-in-law, Charlotte B. and John Patterson of Shawnee; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Greta B. and Tom Mitchell of New Bern, N.C., Betty B. and Brad Sizemore of Raleigh, N.C.; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Rodney and Vivian Mandracchia of Matthews, N.C.; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Susan and Charles "Redd" Osbourne of Weddington, N.C.; six grandchildren, Devon and Travis Williams of Houston, Texas, Paige Patterson of Norman, Patrick Williamson and Learin Patterson of Shawnee, Chandler Black of Paden, N.C.; nieces and nephews, Mindy and George Webster of Atlanta, Ga., Allison Mitchell of New Bern, N.C., Leigh and John Sizemore of Raleigh, Kelley and Dave Wilber of Rock Hill, S.C., and Megan Mandracchia of Boone, N.C.

Pall bearers will be W. Samuel "Sammy" Black, Ricky Benton, Rodney Mandracchia, Charles "Redd" Osbourne, T. Alec Black and Lloyd "Pebo" Collier.

The family will receive friends 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. today at Lee Funeral Home. Service will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Lee Funeral Home Chapel. Entombment will follow at Southeastern Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Danny Chamblee officiating.

Memorials may be made to Boys and Girls Home of North Carolina, P.O. Box 127, Lake Waccamaw, N.C. 28450-0127 or the charity of one's choice.

Lee Funeral Home & Crematory of Little River/North Myrtle Beach handling arrangements.

Susan Denise Muns

Wellston resident Susan Denise Muns, 50, died Wednesday, January 4, at her home.
Services will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Parks Brothers Funeral Home Chapel, Chandler with Pastors J.D. Vails and Steve Snyder officiating. Burial will follow in the Wellston Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Chandler.
 

published Jan. 07, 2006

James M. Brown

Tecumseh resident James M. "Jim" Brown, 46, died Wednesday, Jan. 4, at his home.
He was born May 28, 1959, in Downey, Calif., to James Merle and Ruth Darlene (Martindale) Brown. Born and raised near Los Angeles, his family moved to Tecumseh in 1998.

Brown graduated from Bell High School.

On June 19, 1982, he married Theresa Bouchard in California.

He worked for several police departments in LA County, mostly in Compton and was security administrator for Sony Industry in Carson, Calif. He also worked for the Tecumseh Police Department from 1998 until 2003. He currently was lead investigator for the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office.

While in Tecumseh he helped form and was active in the honor guard for the Tecumseh Police Department. He was a certified law enforcement trainer and was forming a reserve academy for the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office, which is set to start in February.

He was a member of the First Assembly of God in Tecumseh and the Oklahoma Sheriff's Association. He also was a radio announcer for the Tecumseh High School football games on KIRC for several years.

Brown enjoyed coaching little league, fishing, golfing and spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife, Theresa, of the home; son, Jimmy Brown of the home; daughter, Shannon Brown of the home; brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Shirley Brown of California; aunts, Juanita Crownover of California, Marie Wallace of Dow; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Service will be 10 a.m. Monday at First Assembly of God, 104 S. 4th, with the Rev. Chad Brodrick, First Assembly of God, and the Rev. Robert Rider officiating. Burial will follow at Brown Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made in Jim Brown's name to Mary Abbott Children's House, P.O. Box 6316, Norman, OK 73070 or the First Assembly of God Building Fund, P.O. Box 216, Tecumseh, OK 74873.

Alan V. Sneed

Shawnee resident Alan V. Sneed, 66, died Wednesday, Jan. 4, at a local hospital.
He was born to Victor and Maudie (Taylor) Sneed, July, 23, 1939, near Cleveland.

Sneed attended school in Cleveland, Skiatook, and Yale and graduated from Central State University. He was a school teacher for 30 years.

Sneed lived most of his life in Cleveland and moved to Shawnee in 2000.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Sneed is survived by his children, Shelley Sneed of Oklahoma City, Katherine Turcotte of Tulsa, Derek Sneed of Texas, Celeste Sneed of Atlanta, Ga., and Heath Sneed of Norman; seven grandchildren; sister, Shirlee Sneed Matlock of Shawnee; brother, Don Sneed of Ripley; companion, June Henderson of Shawnee; half-brother, Gale Sneed of Slagle; half-sister, Faye Smith of Slagle; and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Cleveland Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

W.H. Williams Jr.

Former Paden resident W.H. "Jack" Williams Jr. died Wednesday, Jan. 4, in Grand Junction, Colo., at the age of 77.
Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Monday at Oak Dale Cemetery, Paden, with Wayne Ray officiating. Services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Prague.

Alyce Haslett

Former Okmulgee resident Alyce Haslett, 61, died Tuesday, Jan. 3, in Tulsa.
Visitation will be 9 a.m. to noon today at the Kelley Chapel in Okmulgee.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. today at Okmulgee Cemetery with the Rev. John Glover officiating under the direction Shurden-Kelley Funeral Home, Okmulgee.

Pearl Louise Loudermilk

Seminole resident Pearl Louise Loudermilk, 72, died Thursday, Jan. 5, at Integris Baptist Medical Center.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Little Cemetery with the Rev. Fred Morris officiating. Swearingen Funeral Home of Seminole is in charge of arrangements.

published Jan. 08, 2006

Milton Marion Judy

Lifelong Shawnee and Tecumseh area resident Milton Marion Judy died Friday, Jan. 6, in Tecumseh. He was 76.
Graveside service will be 3 p.m. Monday at Resthaven Memorial Park in Shawnee with Milton Winkelman officiating. Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh is directing arrangements.

Judy was born Feb. 11, 1929, in Tribbey to Herbert and Nettie (Wilson) Judy. He was a graduate of Tecumseh High School.

On Sept. 12, 1960, he married Joyce Marie Porter.

He served on the Shawnee Police Department for several years, retiring as Chief of Police. Following retirement, he served as jailer for Pottawatomie County until retiring from that post in 2002.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Judy; daughter, Brenda Morelan; son, Ralph Porter; grandson, Tristan Jones; parents, Herbert and Nettie Judy; sisters, Roberta and Mildred, and brothers, Leonard, Glenn, Newell and Royce.

Surviving are his daughter, Loretta Wilson of Stratford; grandsons, Milton Winkelman of Tuttle, Christopher Morelan of Shawnee; granddaughter, Trista Jones of Ada; great-granddaughter, Makayla Bolen of Ada; sisters, Delores Bylin and Vietta Bell, both of Sacramento, Calif.; Jackie Judy of Tecumseh; brothers, Sanford and Daryll Judy, both of Shawnee, and Harland Judy of Tecumseh.

Mary Delores Whitecotton

Shawnee resident Mary Delores Whitecotton passed away at the age of 74 in a local nursing home Thursday, Jan. 5.
She was born on May 24, 1931, in Shawnee to Leonard and Florence (Miles) Welch. She graduated from Shawnee High School.

On July 7, 1949, she married Tommy E. Whitecotton. He worked for the Shawnee Fire Department for 37 years retiring in 1987 as Fire Chief. He preceded her in death in March 2000.

She was a homemaker and lived in Shawnee all of her life.

Whitecotton is survived by her two sons and daughters-in-law, Bill and Kathy Whitecotton of Shawnee, Joe and Shelley Whitecotton of Earlsboro; three grandchildren, Jennifer Whitecotton of Allen, Texas; Mark Whitecotton of Shawnee, Jason Whitecotton of Earlsboro; sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Bud Cranford of Shawnee; two sisters-in-law, Vera Whitecotton of Carillon, Tenn.; Janet Whitecotton of Shawnee; a niece, Sherrie McDaniels of Shawnee, and numerous other relatives.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Fairview Cemetery with the Rev. Larry Sparks officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Memorials may be made to Heartland Hospice, 3700 N. Kickapoo, Shawnee OK 74804.

Donald Wayne Murphy Sr.

Donald Wayne Murphy Sr. of Shawnee died Thursday, Jan. 5, at a local hospital. He was 68.
He was born May 12, 1937, in Oklahoma City, the son of Elmer and Hazel Murphy. He married Karen Pederson in Tahoe, Calif., on Oct. 31, 1982.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge 32nd Division.

His daughter, Deborah Lynn Meyers, preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife, Karen, of the home; sons, Donald Murphy Jr. of Shawnee, Josh Murphy of Shawnee; mother, Hazel Murphy of Shawnee; four grandchildren, Kay Meyers of Oklahoma City, Crystal Meyers of Norman, Spc. 4 Timothy Meyers of Fort Myers, Va., and Christina Meyers of Shawnee, and four great-grandchildren.

Services will be 4 p.m. Tuesday at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with the Rev. Larry Gaus officiating. Burial will be in the Sierra Madre Mountains.

Leona Marcell Quandel

Stroud resident Leona Marcell Quandel, 83, died Friday, Jan. 6.
A prayer vigil will be 7 p.m. today at St. Louis Catholic Church in Stroud.

Funeral will be 10 a.m. Monday at First Christian Church in Stroud with the Rev. James Mickus officiating. Burial will follow in the Stroud Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Stroud.

Vada Ann Ellis

Davenport resident Vada Ann Ellis, 88, died Saturday, Jan. 7, in Chandler.
Funeral will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Davenport Church of the Nazarene with the Rev. Alan McBroom officiating. Burial will follow at New Zion Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Services in Chandler.

Lorene Moore

Seminole resident Lorene Moore, 87, died Saturday, Jan. 7, at Sunset Estates in Tecumseh.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Tuesday at Swearingen Funeral Chapel in Seminole with Chris Stinnett officiating. Burial will be at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in Seminole.

published Jan. 10, 2006

David Lloyd Denslow

David Lloyd Denslow died Sunday, Jan. 8, in Tecumseh. He was 58.
He was born March 22, 1947, to Jerry and Jean (Marshall) Denslow in Aiea, Hawaii.

David moved from Hawaii at the age of 7 following his fathers death. He lived in California and moved to Oklahoma in 1958.

He graduated from Shawnee High School in 1965, attended St. Gregory's University, Oklahoma State University, and graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University with a bachelor of science degree in 1970.

On March 23, 1968 he married Carol Lynn Harper in Shawnee. They had three children, Thomas Jared, Caroline Jean and David Alan.

He loved his family and enjoyed camping, carpentry and yard work. He had the ability to fix anything and if he didn't have a part, he made one.

David was manager of a Pizza Hut and co-owner/manager of Dave's Donuts and Grubsteak Restaurant. He later worked in sales, installation, and service of submersible pumps for application in the oil field and in environmental clean-up. Most recently he was employed with Pump Systems Management in Norman.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Jerry Denslow and Jean Denslow Behlen; brother, Bill Behlen; stepfather, A.F. Behlen; and nephew, Jesse Steinburg.

David is survived by his wife of 37 years, Lynn Denslow of the home; children and their spouses, Jared Denslow of New York, N.Y., Alan and Ladonna Denslow of Dallas, Texas, Caroline and Gary Grubbs of Dallas; grandson, David Logan Denslow of Dallas; brother, Bob Behlen of Edmond; sisters, Donna Schoenkopf of San Pedro, Calif. and Annemarie St. John of Dallas; mother-in-law, Carol Harper of the home; brothers and sisters-in-law, Brenda Behlen of Euless, Texas, Ken Harper of Tulsa, and Janie and Brad Humphrey of Norman; 10 nephews and three nieces.

Service will be 11 a.m. today at Resthaven Chapel with Bob Scrutchins officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home, Shawnee.

Dorothy Dee Hill-Abbott-Woodall

Shawnee resident Dorothy Dee Hill-Abbott-Woodall, 87, died Saturday, Jan. 7, at her home.
She was born May 1, 1918, to Pat and Myrtle Hill in Vamossa.

In 1934 she married James Charles Abbott Sr. in Konawa. She gave birth to Katheryn Geraldine and James Charles Abbott Jr.

After Abbott's death Dorothy married Ray Woodall and gave birth to Glenn Ray and Betty Jean.

Dorothy was a homemaker, in-home caregiver, motovactional teacher at a home for mentally retarded adults and retired from Wal-Mart at the age of 71.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Pat and Myrtle Hill; her husbands, James Abbott and Ray Woodall; granchild, Annetta Abbott Zvonek; two sisters and six brothers.

Survivors include her sons, Glenn Ray of the home, James Abbott Jr. of Florence, Colo.; daughters and sons-in-law, Kathryn and Murel Walker of Konawa, Betty and Bob Kessinger of Eufaula; one granddaughter; six grandsons; six step-granddaughters; 18 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and extended family.

Service will be 3 p.m. Wednesday at Gaskill Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Gaskill Funeral Home.

The family would like to thank those who helped care and love their mother during the last days of her life, here on this earth.

Louiselle N. McElroy

Former Shawnee resident Louiselle N. McElroy, 85, died Saturday, Jan. 7, in Plano, Texas.
She was born Dec. 18, 1920, to Ben F. and Darrell F. (Campbell) Norman in Hickory.

On Oct. 16, 1938, she married Lewis L. McElroy.

Louiselle was the business manager for City Hospital, she moved to Mission Hill Hospital once City Hospital closed. She was the director of medical records for Indian Health Services for 17 years, retiring in 1979.

She was a member of American Association of Hospital Accounts, American Medical Record Association, Board of Directors for Tri-County Federal Credit Union and board secretary for 14 years.

Louiselle joined Immanuel Baptist Church in December 1926. She was active in Sunday school, choir and Women's Missionary Union. She then joined Cornerstone Baptist Church in Wylie, Texas, in 2002.

She is preceded in death by her parents and three sisters, Camilla Duncan, Dortha Jean Loyd, and Delila Randel.

Survivors include her husband, Lewis, of the home; daughter, Jeanne Cheatham of Plano, Texas; son and daughter-in-law, Clay and Linda McElroy of Shawnee; three grandchildren and their spouses, Vicki and Craig Sword of Wylie, Texas, Amie and Rob Adelman of Wylie, Texas, and Lincoln and Jenny McElroy of Oklahoma City; seven great-grandchildren, Austin, Megan, Anna and Connor Sword, and Elizabeth, Sarah and Mary Lou Adelman; brother and his wife, A.B. and Mary Norman of Longview, Texas; sister, Onida Norman of Davis, Calif.; brother and his wife, Dr. Ben and Cathy Norman of Davis, Calif.

Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Fairview Cemetery with the Rev. Sam Hedry officiating under the direction of Ted Dickey Funeral Home of Plano, Texas.

Memorials may be made to Cornerstone Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 1802, Wylie, TX 75098.

Betty Lou Collins Spillers

Tecumseh resident Betty Lou Collins Spillers died Thursday, Jan. 5, in Shawnee at the age of 65.
Services were 2 p.m. Monday at Cooper Funeral Chapel in Tecumseh with the Rev. Joe Grooms officiating. Burial followed at Tecumseh Cemetery.

She was born Feb. 12, 1940, in Pottawatomie County, the daughter of William Desmond and Edna Marie (Van Horn) Collins. She attended schools in Pottawatomie and Lincoln counties.

She married Charles Ray Spillers on June 1, 1957. She received her dietitian license while working in McLoud and she was dietitian at Colonial Estates home for 17 years.

Mrs. Spillers was a member of Waihiwa Baptist Church in Hawaii and the American Legion. She enjoyed gardening, reading and spending time with her grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her parents, W.D. and Edna Collins; a sister, Norma Lee Collins; brother, Glen Collins; granddaughter, Katie Spillers; great-granddaughter, Clara Wright, and niece, Lorie Ann Collins.

Surviving are her daughters and sons-in-law, Rita and Paul Grooms of Asher, Gretchen and Richard Robledo of Saint Louis; sons and daughter-in-law, D'Wayne and Windy Spillers of Tecumseh, Dennis Spillers of Asher, Chris Spillers of Tecumseh; brothers and sisters and their spouses, Gene and Edna Collins of Shawnee, Louise and Roy Cloud of Texas, Phyllis and Jim Keeley of Eufaula, Tommy Lee and Tommie Joy Collins of Shawnee, Freddie and Terry Collins of Paden; sister-in-law, Freda Collins of Shawnee; 17 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and many other relatives.

Verna Dawkins

Longtime Prague resident Verna Dawkins, 87, died Saturday, Jan. 7, in Midwest City.
She was born Sept. 7, 1918, in Prague to William George and Arvie May (Hobbs) Thompson.

Dawkins graduated from Prague High School in 1937.

On Feb. 10, 1948, she married Edgar Earl Dawkins in Gainesville, Texas. He preceded her in death Oct. 17, 1999.

She was a homemaker and a member of Pleasant Home Baptist Church.

Also preceding her in death were her parents.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Robert Allen and Teresa Dawkins of Coweta; daughters and sons-in-law, Regina and Johnny Tucker of Oklahoma City, Kay and Bill Hickman of Edmond, Brenda and Chuck Staubus of Oklahoma City, Rhonda and John Farris of Meadville, Miss.; sisters and brothers-in-law, Azelee Schima of Prague, Geneva McCoy of Shawnee, Wilma Eitel of Oklahoma City; brothers-in-law and wives, Howard and Betty Dawkins of Prague, Gerald and Donna Dawkins of Midwest City; sister-in-law and her husband, Norma and Milo Foreman of Prague; 10 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

Service will be 2 p.m. today at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel , Prague, with the Rev. Clint Dawkins officiating. Burial will follow at Prague Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service.

Dorothy Ann Hill view copy of obit

Evelyn Adell Moss

Prague resident Evelyn Adell Moss, 91, died Saturday, Jan. 7, in Prague.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. today at the Prague Cemetery with the Rev. Starland Davis officiating.

Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Prague is directing arrangements.

Vera Faye Prater

Seminole resident Vera Faye (Luckinbill) Prater, 84, died Monday, Jan. 9, at Solara Hospital in Shawnee.
Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Historic Strothers Chapel in Maple Grove Cemetery, Seminole, with the Rev. Doyle Long officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Chapel.

published Jan. 12, 2006

Orah LaVerna "Vernie" Fowler

Vernie Fowler of Meeker was born April 24, 1924, in Chandler and departed this life Monday, January 9, in Shawnee.
Vernie, the daughter of Ezra W. and Nellie B. (Carr) Wilson, was a resident of Meeker.

She married Theador "Ted" Fowler on Dec. 16, 1944, in Chandler. He preceded her in death March 2, 1994.

For many years, Ted and Vernie owned and operated Meeker Livestock Barn.

Vernie worked at Douglas Aircraft, helped at the dairy farm, worked as a cook at several cafes and later worked at Wrangler before retiring.

She was a member of the First Christian Church in Meeker, Busy Bee Club and the Roundup Club.

Vernie enjoyed sewing and certainly had a passion for cooking.

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

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Eddie and Karen Fowler of Meeker; daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Floyd Chapman of Meeker; grandchilden and spouses, Marc and Kim Chapman, Toby and Melissa Chapman, Melanie and Matthew Young and Heather Fowler; great-grandchildren, Madison, Mallory and Kaden Chapman, Caleb Chapman and Rylee Young; sister, Betty Bettis of Maysville; sisters-in-law, Louella Brown of Prague, Inez Wilson of Davenport and Maxine Wilson of Derby, Kan.

Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at First Christian Church, Meeker, with the Rev. Leon Williams officiating assisted by the Rev. Jim Whorton. Burial will follow at New Hope Cemetery, Meeker, under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service of Meeker.

Brenda Joyce Cantwell Sparks Wolf

Lifelong Shawnee resident Brenda Joyce Cantwell Sparks Wolf, 64, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 10.
She was born December 3, 1941 in Bakersfield, Calif., to Walter and Cordelia (Kinnamon) Cantwell.

She attended Asher grade school and Tribbey High School.

Brenda collected dolls, loved to dance and attend church.

She was saved and baptized at the Glad Tidings Assembly of God in Seminole.

Brenda is preceded in death by her infant son, parents, and previous husband, R.J. Whiteside.

Survivors include former husband, Jimmy Wolf of Shawnee; children, Roger and Diane Sparks of Pond Creek, Donetta Sparks and her fiance James McGann of Shawnee, Angela and Cameron Moles of Vienna, Mo., and Robert Sparks of Shawnee; brother, Gary and his wife, JoAnn Cantwell of Seminole; three sisters, June Taylor, Freida Satterfield, both of Shawnee, and Carma Chappell of London, Texas; thirteen grandchilren and six great-grandchildren.

Graveside service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday at Sunny Lane Cemetery in Del City under the direction of Bill Eisenhour Funeral Home.

Memorial donations may be made to the VFW Christmas Fund in Shawnee.

Margie B Harbert

Shawnee resident Margie B Harbert, 89, died Monday, Jan. 9, at a local hospital.
She was born November 10, 1916, to James and Minnie Brady in Cedarmills, Texas.

Harbert was a homemaker and an expert seamstress.

She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers, sisters, and a grandson, Jimmy Hudspeth.

Survivors include her daughter, Jan Hudspeth of Shawnee, grandson and his wife, Bob and Kathy Hudspeth of Shawnee; great-grandchildren, Patrick, Chris and Adam Risinger of Louisville, Ky.; and several nieces and nephews including, Joyce and Charles Wells, Shay Wells, Dustin Wells all of Anardarko and Norma Jean Boulware of Oklahoma City.

Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with Bill Matthews, Phil Thompson and Steve Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Rosie Eufaula Bell

Shawnee resident Rosie Eufaula Bell, 92, died Monday, Jan. 9, 2006, in Unity Hospital-North Campus.
Service will be 10:30 a.m. today at First Free Will Baptist Church with the Rev. David McDougal officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home of Seminole.

Sam Joe Bender

Maud resident Sam Joe Bender, 77, died Monday, Jan. 9, at Carl Albert Indian Hospital in Ada.
Service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Swearingen Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Dorsey Nero and the Rev. Steve Cline officiating. Burial will follow at Bender Family Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.

Shane Eugene Williams

Shane Eugene Williams died Monday, Jan. 2, at the age of 28.
Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at the Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Chandler with the Rev. Mike Mitchell officiating.

Following the service the family will have a gathering at the home of Tonya Vaughan in Agra.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest donations be made to his daughter's college fund, 5705 N. Warren Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73112.

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

Bertha Mae Pool

Warwick resident Bertha Mae Pool departed this life Tuesday, Jan. 10, in Chandler. She was 91.
She was born Sept. 9, 1914, to George T. and Fannie (Harris) Rowe.

On June 16, 1936, Bertha married Francis Pool in Chandler. She was a homemaker.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Shirley and Ray McWhorter of Chandler; sister, Georgia Jones of Warwick; grandchildren, Mike McWhorter of Sparks, and Cathy and Keith Stingley of Wellston; great-grandchildren, Erin Stingley, Lauren Stingley, Megan Stingley, all of Wellston, Brett McWhorter of Chandler, and Tyler McWhorter of Sparks.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. today at Star Valley Cemetery, Chandler, with the Rev. Lane Buckley officiating under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Chandler.

Eva Aline Burks

Shawnee resident Eva Aline Burks, 94, died Tuesday, Jan. 10, at her home.
She was born Dec. 13, 1911, to Thomas and Emma Torrince-Williams near Hugo.

On Oct. 7, 1928, she married Edgar Lee Burks, whom later passed April 16, 1974.

Eva was a member of the Shoals Baptist Church and was known to be an excellent cook and seamstress. She was a dedicated homemaker and also worked at the family farm near Grant.

She was a resident of Shawnee for the past twenty years.

Eva is also preceded in death by her parents and a sister.

Survivors include her son and his wife, Floyd and Betty Burks of Shawnee; brother, Douglas Williams of Hugo; two sisters, Lois Nelson of Tyler, Texas, and Louise Kirkland of Casa Grande, Ariz.; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Grant Cemetery under the direction of Gaskill Funeral Chapel.

Nellie M. Westbrook

Longtime Seminole area resident Nellie M. Westbrook, 88, died Monday, Jan. 9, at Seminole Medical Center.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. today at Little Cemetery with Dan Ransom officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.

Mary Amelia Wood

Shawnee resident Mary Amelia Wood, 61, died Monday, Jan. 9, at Unity Health Center-North campus in Shawnee.
Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Swearingen Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Joe Factor officiating. Swearingen Funeral Home of Seminole is in charge of arrangements.

published Jan. 13, 2006

Allin Lee Fallin

Shawnee resident Allin Lee Fallin, 78, died Thursday, Jan. 12, in Shawnee.
He was born April 22, 1927, in Newalla to Clarence and Opal E. (Garrett) Fallin.

During World War II he served with the U.S. Navy. He retired from Tinker Air Force Base and went on to raise and train horses.

He was a member of the Church of God.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brothers, Steve Fallin and Clebern Fallin; sisters, Naomi Baldwin, Oneida Woodberry and Ozell Canady; great-grandson, Tyler Smith.

Survivors include his three daughters and sons-in-law, Karen and Ron Smith of Tecumseh, Judy and Dannie Morse of Tecumseh, Reba and Darrell McNabb of Bethel Acres; seven grandchildren and their spouses, Jerry and Jeannette Smith, Twila and Ricky Newman, Scott and Ann Smith, Tiffany and Kenny Green, Daniel and Cassy Morse, Monaca and Kirk Climer and Matthew McNabb; 12 great-grandchildren, Kristen, Korban, Cody, Emily, Garrett, Kendal, Adrianna, Logan, William, Lane, Madelyn and Scotlyn; and sister, Ila Basham of Newalla.

Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with his grandson, Matthew McNabb, officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home.

Arthur Marvin Hillis

Shawnee resident Arthur "Art" Marvin Hillis, 81, died Wednesday, Jan. 11, at a local hospital.
Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Calvary Baptist Church. Further information is pending with Walker Funeral Service.

Troy Edmond "Jack" Price

Stroud resident Troy Edmond "Jack" Price, 85, died Thursday, Jan. 12, in Oklahoma City.
Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Stroud with the Rev. Randal Miller officiating. Burial will follow at the Stroud Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Stroud.

Sarah Magdalene Todd

Marlow resident Sarah Magdalene Todd, 97, died Sunday, Jan. 8, in Marlow Manor.
Services were held Tuesday at Callaway-Smith-Cobb Chapel in Marlow. Callaway-Smith-Cobb Funeral Home, Marlow, directed arrangements.

published Jan. 14, 2006

Lori Michelle Case

Meeker resident Lori Michelle Case, 34, died Friday, Jan. 13, in Shawnee.
She was born Oct. 12, 1971, in Shawnee to Loyd W. "Buddy" and Linda Darlene (Ward) Case.

Case graduated from Meeker High School with the class of 1989. She received an associate's degree from Seminole State College and attended Oklahoma Baptist University and The University of Oklahoma.

She is preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Troy Ward, and paternal grandfather, Corvet Case.

Survivors include her mother and father, Buddy and Linda Case of Meeker; sister and brother-in-law, Lisa and Bryan Cook of Shawnee; maternal grandmother, Alba Ward of Meeker; paternal grandmother, Jane Case of Paden.

Visitation will be at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel until noon Monday. Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at First Christian Church in Meeker with the Rev. Jim Whorton officiating. Burial will follow at New Hope Cemetery, Meeker, under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service of Meeker.

Joyce Marie Winkelman

Chandler resident Joyce Marie Winkelman, 62, went to be with the Lord Thursday, Jan. 12, at her home.
She was born May 21, 1943, in Gridley, Calif.

Survivors include her three daughters, Nancy Wilkie of Maud, Ann Hatcher of Chandler, Teresa Gibbs of Yuba City, Calif.; nine grandchildren, Joseph Boatman, Jerry McCarty, Matthew McCarty, Cody McCarty, Nicholas Hatcher, Travis Wilkie, Lindsy Wilkie, Ashley Gibbs, Meckayla Gibbs; great-granddaughter, Kaytlin Boatman; sister, Betty Stout; four brothers, Carl Terry, Don Terry, Tom Terry and John Terry.

Further information is pending with the family. For questions contact Nancy Wilkie  or Ann Hatcher.

Gene Ray Reeves

Gene Ray Reeves, 70, died Wednesday, Jan. 11, in Coalgate.
He was born Aug. 11, 1935, in Wanette to John Reeves and None (Farrow) Reeves.

Gene attended school in Wanette.

He worked as a machinist for Wayne Manufacturing in Shawnee before retiring.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Orene (Abel) Reeves; two brothers, John and Jess Reeves.

Survivors include his four children and spouses, Norma and Wesley Batchelor of Tupelo, Carol and Joe Pool of Shawnee, Danny and Patsy Reeves of Shawnee and Billy Reeves; 15 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; half sister, Pearl King of Tecumseh.

Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Resthaven Funeral Chapel with burial following at Resthaven Memorial Park. Arrangements are under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home.

Annie Grace Boydston

Prague resident Annie Grace "Ann" Boydston, 86, died Friday, Jan. 13, in Oklahoma City.
Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at First Baptist Church, Prague, with Brother Tim Emmons officiating. Burial will follow at Prague Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Prague.

Benny Lee Smith

Longtime Seminole resident Benny Lee Smith, 60, died Friday, Jan. 13, at Unity Hospital- North Campus.
Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Swearingen Funeral Home with the Rev. Carl Whitfield officiating. Burial will follow at Little Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.

Carolyn Sue Cook

Longtime Seminole resident Carolyn Sue Cook, 54, died Thursday, Jan. 12, at her home.
Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel with Ann Mahler officiating. Burial will follow at Little Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.
 

published Jan. 15, 2006

Jay E. Nichols

Jay E. Nichols, 35, of Shawnee died Jan. 12 in Grove.
He was born July 14, 1970, in Flagstaff, Ariz., to Jack M. and Charlotte Janet Nichols.

He was reared in Bethel Acres.

He attended Bethel schools and was a 1988 graduate of Bethel High School.

He married Jennifer Miner at Rock Creek Baptist Church May 21, 1994.

He owned and operated Modern Home Exteriors.

He was a member of Rock Creek Baptist Church and was the little league baseball coach for the Bethel Hot Wheels.

He was a devout hunter and fisherman.

His life was his children.

He is preceded in death by his father, Jack M. Nichols and a nephew, Jack Sawyer.

Survivors include his wife, Jennifer Nichols, of the home; his children, Whitney and Dyllan Nichols of the home; his mother, Janet Nichols of Bethel Acres; a brother and sister-in-law, Phil and Crissi Nichols of Hallsville, Texas; two sisters, Keta and husband Dale Porter of Bethel Acres and Beth Nichols and fiance, Jody White, of Bethel; special nieces and nephews, Bobbi Diane Kennedy, Nicolette Blevins, Shawn Sandlin, Corey Sandlin and Joshua Sandlin; and numerous other relatives and friends.

Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with Chris Talley of Bethel United Methodist Church and the Rev. Richard Zimmer of Rock Creek Baptist Church officiating.

Burial will be at Bethel Cemetery.

Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh is in charge of arrangements.

Alaine Fleming

Alaine (Blondie) Fleming, 87, of Shawnee died Friday, Jan. 13, at a local hospital after suffering a heart attack.
She was born June 12, 1918, in Leach to Oscar David and Edna Mae (Gibson) Miller.

She attended Shawnee High School and married William R. Fleming April 8, 1939, in Ponca City. They were married almost 61 years when he preceded her in death.

She was a homemaker and was a member of Rock Creek Baptist Church and Thursday Night Bible Study Group.

She dedicated her life to her family. A loving wife and life-long companion to W.R. Fleming, she also gave unconditional love, support and encouragement to her children and grandchildren. She was a truly virtuous woman who changed for the better the lives of those she encountered in her 87 years. Her strong Christian faith and caring heart inspired constant, loving and powerful prayer. Alaine's sparkling wit and bright humor brought joy to those around her. She was known for her feisty spirit and ready laughter. She embodied the true meaning of the word neighbor. A talented gardener, seamstress and cook, she was a strong and hard-working woman. Alaine's life serves as an inspiration to her family and friends. She will be deeply missed. She has left to this world a legacy of beauty and love.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister, Alice Burk and brother, David Miller.

Survivors include two daughters and sons-in law, Nedra Weddle and husband, Harold, of Ada and LaDonna Sue Marshall and husband, Jack, of Oklahoma City; four grandchildren, Tanya Marical and husband, Darrin, of Tecumseh, Steve Weddle and wife, Kristi, of Edmond, Melissa Savoy and husband, Ben, of Dallas and Zack Marshall of Chicago, Ill.; two great-grandchildren, Chase Marical and Skylar Daniel Weddle; a sister, Nadine Abel of Ponca City; and a number of nieces and nephews and loving friends and family.

Service will be 10 a.m. Monday at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with the Rev. R. Reed Lynn and the Rev. Richard Zimmer officiating.

Burial will be at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery in Shawnee.

Walker Funeral Service is directing arrangements.

Rusty Lynn Jones

Shawnee resident Rusty Lynn Jones, 21, passed away Monday, Jan. 9, in Heidelberg, Germany, where he was stationed in the military.
On March 7, 1984, he was born to Hershal and Leona Hardcastle Jones in Bad Toelz, Germany.

Rusty was a 2002 graduate of Shawnee High School.

He served in Afghanistan and Iraq in the Airborne Infantry.

Rusty is preceded in death by maternal grandmother, Burniece Petray; paternal grandmother, Shirley Harrison; and paternal grandfather, Alan Jones.

He is survived by his parents, Hershal and Leona Jones of Norman; siblings, Eric and Heather Jones of Norman; great-grandmother, Burniece Tull of Shawnee; several aunts and uncles, Carol and Glen Everly of Shawnee, Gayle and Richard Goforth of Seminole, Jerry Hardcastle of Ada, Rodney and Crystal Black of Stratford and Brenda Black of Tulsa; great-aunt and uncle, Patricia and Warren Hacker of Mustang; cousins, Barbara, Nicholas and Lillith Goforth of Seminole, Tracy Camp of Texas, Tyler and Cheyenne Hileman of Shawnee, Shawna Baldwin and Amber Richardson of Kentucky, Austin and Brandon Black of Stratford and Branden Camp of Texas.

Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Swearingen Funeral Chapel with pastor Chuck Bascue officiating. Burial will follow at Little Cemetery in Seminole County.

Darcy Leigh Arnhart

Darcy Leigh Arnhart, 44, of Moore died Friday, Jan. 13, at Moore Medical Center.
Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Canadian Full Gospel Church in Canadian with the Rev. G.C. Gray officiating.

Burial will follow at Bower Cemetery in Eufaula.

Charlene Winfield, 52, of Rigby, Idaho, died Jan. 12 in Tecumseh.

Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Cooper Funeral Chapel.

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

Arthur Marvin Hillis

Arthur "Art" Marvin Hillis, 81, of Shawnee died Wednesday, Jan. 11, at a local hospital.
Hillis was born April 7, 1924, in Shawnee to Arthur and Allie Hillis.

He graduated from Shawnee High School and was married to Slyvene Johnston for 14 years.

He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II.

He was a shoe salesman and manager of Ernest Brother Shoe and retired from Brown's Department Store.

He was a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Charles Edward Hillis; a granddaughter and her husband, Carrie and Gary Frizzell; and a brother, James Hillis.

Survivors include his wife, Slyvene, of the home; his son, Charlie Hillis of Clovis, N.M.; a daughter, Deborah Ann Gaines of Bartlesville; three stepchildren, Rodger Johnston of Clute, Texas, Therese Stone of Norman and Carla Ford of North Rock Creek; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild; two brothers, Curtice Hillis Sr. of Sand Springs and John Hillis of Grove; and three sisters, Barbara Parsons of Waco, Texas, Louise Fisicaro of Midwest City and Helen Sarsgard of Dayton, Ohio.

Services will be 2 p.m. Monday at Calvary Baptist Church with the Rev. Larry Sparks officiating. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery.

Walker Funeral Service is directing arrangements