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

submitted by Kay Sugg Best

published Mar. 16, 2006

Paul M. Cheek

Shawnee resident Paul M. Cheek, 85, died Monday, March 13, in Shawnee.
He was born Jan. 15, 1921, in Purcell to Allen Gibson Cheek and Lena Mae Wells Cheek. He grew up in Purcell and graduated from Washington High School in the late 1930s.

On Jan. 25, 1942, he married Geraldine Hudson in Wichita, Kan. Later that year he entered the U.S. Navy. He served his country during World War II in the Soloman Islands as a photographer. After discharge he returned to Oklahoma where he raised his family.

Paul was the head electrician for Shell Oil, Elk City, for 25 years. He then opened a KOA Campground on I-40 near Canute.

After retiring in 1977 they moved to Shawnee where he lived at the time of his death.

Paul developed a good work ethic as a child and continued that throughtout his lifetime.

He enjoyed photography and geneology. He was a member of the University Baptist Church in Shawnee.

Preceding him in death were his parents and two brothers, Curtis and Morris Cheek.

Survivors include his wife, Geri, of Shawnee; son, Mel Cheek of Anchorage, Alaska; daughter and son-in-law, Paulette G. and Gordon Belshe of Tecumseh; four grandsons, Rob Belshe, Jim Belshe, Jeff Cheek and Michael Mayes; two great-granddaughters, Lelsie and Morgan; sister-in-law, Margie Cheek; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Wilson-Little Funeral Home in Purcell. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery under the direction of Wilson-Little Funeral Home.


Lila Mae Click

Former Shawnee resident Lila Mae Click, 93, died Monday, March 13, in Oklahoma City of natural causes.
She was born December 29, 1912, in Shawnee to Robert Mitchell Thomas and Annie A. Enocks-Thomas.

She attended Shawnee High School

She was married September 4, 1937, in Shawnee to Walter Thomas "Ted" Click.

Lila was a "Rosie the Riveter" during the war for Douglas Aircraft (Tinker A.F.B.) and a homemaker. As a young person, she had been a member of Calvary Baptist Church.

She enjoyed quilting and rock hunting. Lila was an Oklahoma Sooner football fan and attended many games even when she had to travel to do so. She also loved spending her winters in Arizona.

She was preceded in death by both parents; her husband, "Ted", on December 6, 1990, in Oklahoma City, and a brother, Wallace Thomas.

Survivors include two sisters, Mary Martin of Oklahoma City, and Betty Cullin of Oklahoma City; numerous nieces and Nephews.

Graveside service will be 10 a.m. today at Fairview Cemetery with the Rev. Bill Matthews and the Rev. Phil Thompson officiating.

A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Friday at Rancho Village Baptist Church in Oklahoma City.

Gaskill Funeral Chapel is directing arrangements.


Jacquita Page

El Reno resident Jacquita "Jackie" Page, 65, died Sunday, March 12, in El Reno.
She was born Nov. 29, 1940, in Prague to Charlie Wilburn and Mable Jacquita (Van Meter) Page.

Born in Prague, she moved to Tecumseh as an infant and spent most of her life in the Tecumseh area. She had recently moved to El Reno to be near her daughter.

She attended Tecumseh Schools.

Page taught piano lessons for several years and worked in food service at Tecumseh Sunset Estates.

Preceding her in death were her father, Charlie Page; son, Randy Morris; sister, Jerrita Page; brother, Charles Ervin; grandparents, Howard and Myrtle Van Meter and Clara and F.H. Page.

Survivors include her mother, Mable Page of Tecumseh; son and daughter-in-law, Rick and Joan Morris of Virginia; daughter and son-in-law, Rhonda and Jack Chronister of El Reno; five grandchildren, Jaran Arrasmith, J. Scott Arrasmith, Angela Morris, Alisha Morris and Shannon Cruz; great-granddaughter, Amelia Cruz; former husband, Bob Morris of Tecumseh.

Service will be 10 a.m. today at Cooper Funeral Chapel with Dr. Tim Walker and the Rev. W.F. Crow officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home.


Frances T. Middlebrook

Longtime Seminole resident Frances (Turner) Middlebrook, 87, died Monday, March 13.
The family will receive friends 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel. Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Swearingen Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow Monday at I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Columbus, Texas, under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to The Seminole Heritage House Nutrition Center, 210 W. College, Seminole, OK 74868 and the Jasmine Moran Children's Museum, P.O. Box 1828, Seminole, OK 74818.

published Mar. 17, 2006

Milan Todd Ricker

Former Shawnee resident Milan Todd Ricker, 39, died Sunday, March 12, at the Integris Memorial Hospital in Oklahoma City.
Service was held 2 p.m. Thursday at the Snake Creek Indian Baptist Church with the Rev. George L. Mooney and the Rev. T.J. Fixico officiating. Burial followed at the Snake Creek Indian Cemetery under the direction of Schumacher Funeral Home of Okemah.


Donald Jay "Don" Hopkins

Long time Chandler resident Donald Jay "Don" Hopkins, 75, departed this life on March 16, in Oklahoma City.

He was born June 14, 1930, in Oklahoma City, to F.R. and Veva (Helms) Hopkins.

He was a graduate of Hominy High School in Hominy, Oklahoma.

He was married December 26, 1954, to Cora Marie Chase in Hominy.

Don had a distinguished military career as a fighter pilot with the United States Air Force, where he received the Meritorious Service Medal. He retired after 24 years as a Lt. Colonel. He was a graduate of the National War College, he also holds a BA from Northeastern State University and a MBA from the University of Southern California.

Don and Marie moved to Chandler after his military retirement in 1977 and purchased Fendy's Restaurant. He served as mayor of Chandler from 1979 to 1983 and was the president of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce in 1986.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.

Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Lisa Hopkins of Edmond; three daughters and sons-in-law, Carey and Alan Freeman of Chandler, Allison and James Melson of Chandler, and Beth and Scott Clark of Atlanta; one brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Lucy Hopkins of Albuquerque; one sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn and Doug Chapman of Albuquerque; nine grandchildren, Steven, Zach and Eric Freeman, Jessica and Rebecca Hopkins, Michael Lawson, Cody, Dalton and Carson Clark; numerous nieces and nephews; more relatives and many friends.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday at the First United Methodist Church in Chandler under the

direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Chandler.

Expression of sympathy may be made to the American Heart Association or the Hospice of Oklahoma County Inc. 4334 N.W. Expressway, Suite 106, OKC, OK 73116-1515

A guest book is available to share your memories online.

Please visit www.ParksBrothers.net


Ray Hulen Quackenbush

Lifelong Shawnee resident Ray Hulen Quackenbush, 87, died Tuesday, March 14, at his home in Shawnee.

Ray was born Dec. 26, 1918, in Mustang to Ray Haviland Quackenbush and Mary Francis Hulen-Quackenbush. He was a graduate of Shawnee High School. He attended Oklahoma Baptist University for one year and then completed his pharmacy degree at The University of Oklahoma.

He married his childhood sweetheart, Jeanne Gaskill.

During World War II, Ray spent four years in the U.S. Army Air Corp as a flight instructor teaching young pilots to defend their country in the Martin B-29 Marauder.

A longtime Shawnee businessman, he owned/operated Temple Pharmacy, Lion Drug, "O" Square Appliances in Wichita, Kan., and Gaskill Funeral Chapel. Ray was a Presbyterian. He served as past president of Shawnee Urban Renewal Board. He also was a member of the Oklahoma State Parks Board.

Ray was a pilot and enjoyed flying his plane. He loved to fish and hunt and took great pleasure in raising cattle on his ranch north of Shawnee.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Jim Quackenbush; sister, Mary Earle Capps.

Survivors include his wife, Jeanne Gaskill Quackenbush, of the home; son, Dr. Ray Edward Quackenbush of Chicago, Ill.; daughter, Mary Jane and husband, Dr. George T. Sawabini, of Dearborn, Mich.; six grandchildren, Dr. George T. Sawabini and wife, Karen, Nicholas Sawabini, Peter Sawabini, Elizabeth Quackenbush, Priscilla Quackenbush, and Allison and husband, Andrew Bearden; four great-grandchildren, Isabella Sawabini, Andrew Fait, Ailean Bearden, and Jack Bearden.

Graveside service will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Fairview Cemetery with the Rev. Leroy Kerbo officiating. Visitation will be 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. today at Gaskill Funeral Chapel.

Jim "J.D." Claytor

Newalla resident Jim "J.D." Claytor, 55, died Tuesday, March 14, in Newalla.
He was born Nov. 19, 1950 to Dan and Dale Claytor in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Claytor was a graduate of Norman High School and was known for his outstanding athletic ability. He excelled in football and recieved State Championship in track.

He served in the U.S. Air Force and worked for Southwest Electric in Oklahoma City.

Claytor loved being outdoors and being surrounded by friends, family, neighbors and co-workers, providing entertainment and laughter wherever he went. He will be dearly missed as he was loved by us all very much.

He is preceded in death by his father, Dan Claytor of Asher.

Survivors include his mother, Dale Claytor of Longview, Wa.; son, Ryan Corey of Norman; sister and brother-in-law, Traci and Rex Osborne of Longview, Wa.; brothers and sisters-in-law, Mike and Lisa Claytor of Fort Smith, Ark., Lee and Nan Claytor of Newalla, and David and Jamie Claytor of Asher; three grandsons; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles and a multitude of devoted friends, including his lifelong buddy Dewayne Williams of Newalla.

A graveside service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Johnson Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

published Mar. 18, 2006

Bertie "Estelle" Branscum

Seminole resident Bertie "Estelle" Branscum, 81, formerly of Shawnee, died Friday, March 17, at her residence in Seminole.

Service will be 11 a.m. Monday at Swearingen Funeral Chapel, Konawa, with the Rev. Larry Chesser Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Vamoosa Cemetery.


Dorothy Ann (Zumbrunnen) Fancher

Wellston resident Dorothy Ann (Zumbrunnen) Fancher, 59, died Thursday, March 16, in Midwest City.
Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at the First Assembly of God Church in Wellston with Pastor Dewayne Settle officiating. Burial will follow at Rossville Cemetery in Meeker under the direction of Smith-Parks Funeral Service, Harrah.


Edra Mable Hopkins  

Graveside service for longtime Shawnee resident Edra Mable Hopkins is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday at Resthaven Cemetery under the direction of Gaskill-Owens Funeral Home. A memorial service will be 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Shawnee.

The Rev. J.C. Farrand, associate pastor of First Baptist Church, will officiate.

Hopkins, 87, died Thursday, March 16, 2006, at The Golden Rule Home in Shawnee.

She was born May 23, 1918, in Buck, Pittsburg County, to Francies Henry Franklin and Iva Blanche (McKinney) Franklin.

Hopkins moved to Wewoka in 1926 when she was 8 years old and grew up in the community.

She was a 1935 graduate of Wewoka High School.

On Nov. 20, 1937, she married Hubert Wayne Hopkins in Wewoka. The devoted couple was together almost 58 years when he preceded her in death on Sept. 12, 1996.

She also was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Fleeda Marie Jones and Paulyne Criswell and her only brother, James M. Franklin.

She worked as a secretary for many years and retired from TG&Y Company in 1980.

For years, she was active in the Shawnee Little Theatre, both back stage and as a performer.

She was active in the First Baptist Church, where she was a member of the Hallelujah Chorus choir and handbell ringers, in addition to being a Sunday school teacher. She also taught the Music Makers Children's Choir for many years.

Music was always an important part of her life. When she was just a young woman, she regularly attended and participated in the singing conventions in the Seminole, Pottawatomie and Hughes counties area. In addition, she gave vocal training lessons to several young women.

When her husband was oversees in World War II, Hopkins joined others at the Missionary Baptist Church in Wewoka in weekly radio broadcasts, where she and her sister sang duets almost every Sunday.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Terry and Margaret Hopkins, and one daughter and son-in-law, Dr. Deborah and James Blue, all of Shawnee.

For the last several years of her life, her main interest was her grandchildren. Her grandchildren include Clayton David Collum, Houston, Texas; Jamie Renee Veenestra and her husband, Steve, of Choctaw; Bethany Brooke Blue, Gregory Wayne Hopkins, Dr. Jon Eric Hopkins and wife, Loree; David Matthew Hopkins and wife, Shelli; Amy Nichole Sherman and her husband, Chris, and Andrea Catharine Collum, all of Shawnee.

In addition, she is survived by her great-grandchildren, Heather Elizabeth Hopkins, Brandi Nicole Hopkins, Clinton Thomas Hopkins, Bryan (Phoenix) Yovany Hopkins, Maile Nichole Hopkins, Jackson Barrow Hopkins, Tatum Grace Hopkins, Emma Nichole Morris, Harper Juliet Morris, Abigail Kate Morris, Margaret Diane Sherman, Hayden James Blue-Hicks and Harrison Deene Blue-Hicks, all of Shawnee; and one sister, J. Franklin Hardgrove, Wewoka.

Visitation will be 8 to 8:30 a.m. Monday.

The family requests memorials be made to The Children's Music Ministry of First Baptist Church, Shawnee.


Orville Lloyd Hall Sr.

Shawnee resident Orville Lloyd Hall Sr., 83, passed away Thursday, March 16, at St. Anthony Hospital surrounded by his family.

He was born Aug. 30, 1922, in Ames, Iowa, to Vira Fay (McMorran) and James Orville Hall. He was reared in Berkeley, Calif. He attended Berkeley High School and attended college through the Air Force.

Orville entered the U.S. Army Air Force on Dec. 16, 1941. He finished the glider pilot program Feb. 8, 1943, and soon joined the 76th Troop Carrier Squadron, 435th TCG, and spent most of World War II with the same outfit.

As a glider pilot, he flew a Horsa Glider in the invasion of Normandy on D-Day. He later participated in the airborne landings, flying a CG4A Glider in southern France and Holland.

Orville also spent a tour in Korea with the 35th Fighter Squadron.

While in the Air Force he married Ruth Vera Wilgus July 9, 1954.

Orville's last flying days were with the Civil Air Patrol. Diabetes grounded him, preventing him from being able to pass his medical requirements to pilot an airplane.

After the war, he remained in the Air Force for 21 years in a variety of positions in the electronics field, concluding with command of the 8th Communications Construction Squadron and retiring in the grade of major. Three days after retirement, he joined the civil service still in electronics, spending 22 years mostly in telephone engineering. At Tinker Air Force Base he was a contract consultant with SOL Telecommunications Service.

On his 80th birthday, Orville boarded a Cessna 172 to buzz around Shawnee with flight instructor Bob O'Connor. They took a low pass over Hall's house and around Shawnee. O'Connor gave him the controls for part of the flight. After the flight, Orville commented that the day had been "more fun than a barrel of monkeys."

Besides being a war hero, he was the hero of a large family. His love was unconditional. He was the greatest husband to Ruth for 51 years and to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a wonderful man.

Orville was very proud of his Scottish heritage, being a part of the McMorran Clan.

He had a funny sense of humor, always telling jokes and stories about the war. He will be dearly missed and never forgotten. As he would say, "Old pilots never die, they just buzz off."

Preceding him in death were his parents, James Orville and Vira Fay Hall, and his brothers, Kenneth and Russell Hall.

Survivors include his sister, Thelma Koltz; wife, Ruth Hall; three children and spouses, Barbara Converse, Lloyd and April Hall, James and Loretta Hall; 10 grandchildren , Jennifer, Elizabeth, Christayl, Brandon, Trevor and his wife, Alaina, John and his wife, Amanda, Paul and his wife, Nina, William and his wife, Beth, Andrew and Michael; seven great-grandchildren, Preston, Britney, Paul, Matthew, Trinity, Alex, James and one on the way.

Service will be 9 a.m. Tuesday at Walker Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Larry Sparks officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery with full military honors.

Services are under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.


Edna Barler

Edna Barler, 95, of Maud died Thursday, March 16, 2006, in Maud.

She was born Dec. 3, 1910, in Beaver County to G. Orcie and Mary (Stapp) Barler. She lived most of her life in the Okay community, west of Tecumseh. She also lived in Maud for the past 20 years.

She was a homemaker. She played the organ beautifully and enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening.

She was preceded in death by her son, Louie Holmes; her parents; a sister, Zella Fowler, and brother, Calvin Barler.

Surviving are her niece, Oneta Adams of Tecumseh, and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Services will be 10 a.m. Monday at Cooper Funeral Chapel in Tecumseh with the Rev. Robert Rider and the Rev. Chad Brodrick officiating. Burial will follow at Mars Hills Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home.


Bernice L. Stout

Longtime Norman resident Bernice L. Stout, 92, passed away Friday, March 10, at Norman Regional Hospital.
She was born Sept. 25, 1913. She was an Oklahoma native.

Upon their retirement, she and her husband, Jack H. Stout, Sr., owned and operated the Old Oak Tree Antiques in Norman for more than 20 years.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Jack H. Stout Sr.; her parents, Hattie Mae and O.B. Seaborn, and a brother, Hardy Seaborn.

Survivors include her sister, Renee Morris of Houston, Texas; daughter, Sally Parrish and her husband, Phil, of Norman; son, Jack H. Stout Jr. and partner Jon Cardish of Denver, Colo.; granddaughters, Penny Parrish Lee and her husband, Robert, of Norman, Teri Pool and partner Debra Keys of Norman, Jennifer Elliott and her husband, Lee, of Norman; grandson, Jason Stout and his wife, Shannon, of Austin, Texas; 10 great-grandchildren, Ashley Lee, Phillip Lee, Trevor Pool, Tiffany Pool, Tyler Pool, Amanda Elliott, Lauren Elliott, Jackson Elliott, all of Norman; Sophia and Rowan Stout of Austin, Texas; niece, Linda Whitby and her husband, Mel; two great-nephews, Ross and Devon of Houston, Texas; niece, Gaye Shepherd and her husband, Tom, and two great-nephews, Scott and Adam, of Shawnee.

After cremation a private family service will be held in Norman. Remembrances may be sent in her name to the American Diabetes Association of Oklahoma

published Mar. 21, 2006

Marvin Chess Morris

Longtime Seminole resident Marvin Chess "Cub" Morris, 83, died Sunday, March 19, at Norman Veteran's Center.
He was born Dec. 21, 1922, in Muldrow to William C. Morris and Leaffie (Ross) Morris.

On August 21, 1947, he married Violett Morris in Bentonville, Ark.

He was a longtime manager of the Mistletoe Express Freight Company office in Seminole. He retired in 1989.

He served as a Lance Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corp during World War II.

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

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Violet Morris in 1999; brother, Luther Morris, and grandson, Shawn Myers.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Terry and Nancy Morris of Shawnee; daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Leonard Myers of Oklahoma City; five grandchildren and spouses, Tony and Kerri Myers, Damon Myers, April and Mike VanAntwerp, Brandi and Brian Abbot and Kendal Myers; five great-great grandchildren, Amanda and Tanner Myers, Emily Abbott, Lydia and Olivia VanAntwerp.

Caket bearers are Tony Myers, Damon Myers, Kendal Myers, Mike VanAntwerp, Brian Abbott and Robert Hawkins.

Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel with Kenneth Mendenhall officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery under the direction of Searingen Funeral Home, Seminole.


Ralph Leonard Jones

Stroud resident Ralph Leonard Jones, 82, died Saturday, March 18.
Service will be 10 a.m. today at Parks Brother Funeral Chapel with the Rev. John Sowers officiating. Burial will be in the Stroud Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Services in Stroud.


Donald Ray Wolf

Former Seminole County resident Donald Ray Wolf, 54, died Thursday, March 16, at Arkansas Heart Hospital, Little Rock, Ark.
Graveside service will be 11 a.m. today at Wolf Family Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home of Konawa.
 

published Mar. 22, 2006

William S. McCullar

Shawnee resident William S. McCullar, 78, died Sunday, March 19, at his home.
He was born March 31, 1927, in Stratford to Robert and Stella Mae (Glass) McCullar.

William served in the U.S. Army.

He was a cement contractor and built storm cellars.

William was preceded in death by his parents, sister and his wife, Ava McCullar.

Survivors include nine children, Rosetta Wyreck, Gracy Jarvis, Dorothy Keel, Jerry Morrison, Ann Knox, Sylvia George, Cleveland Morrison, Tommy McCullar and Stella McCullar, all of Oklahoma; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; two brothers and one sister.

Service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with the Rev. Mick Snider and Phil Larson officiating. Burial will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Lightening Ridge Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.


Earlene North

Lifelong Seminole resident Earlene North, 81, died Monday, March 20, at Oklahoma City.
She was born Aug. 5, 1924, in Seminole County. She graduated from Varnum High School, was an avid basketball fan, honorary FFA member from Strother School, and a very strong community supporter for the Little/Strother's area.

Earlene worked for Southwestern Bell as a telephone operator for nearly 20 years. She was active in the Democratic National Committee and on the election board.

Earlene was a homemaker. She was a loving mother and loved her church and her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Ethel (McDaniel) Hart, and her husband, Ray North, on June 30, 1998.

Survivors include three sons and daughters-in-law, Jimmy and Dee North of Luling, La., Joe and Kay North of Ft. Smith, Ark., Ray and Vicky North Jr. of Little, Okla.; daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Don Anderson of Little; two brothers and sister-in-law, Jimmy Hart of Blanchard and Gene and Patty Hart of Enid; sister, Willa Snider of Oklahoma City; eight grandchildren, Shannon and Cary Morgan, April North and Eric Gray, Randy and Jessica North, Travis and Janna Montgomery, January and Blake Hightower, Ray Hugh and Lori North III, and Melisa North; two great-grandchildren, Taryn and Turner Morgan.

Casket bearers, Ted North, Robert North, Greg Robl, Travis Montgomery, Randy North and Ray North III, Jim Criswell and Cary Morgan.

Service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Church of Christ at Little with Rusty Dawson officiating. Burial will follow at Little Cemetery in Seminole County under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.


Helen Louise Jardine

Former Shawnee resident Helen Louise (Calico) Jardine, 78, died Sunday, March 19, at a Midwest City nursing home.
She was born March 3, 1928, in Wichita, Kan., to Guy and Freda (Vaughn) Calico.

Helen married William Jardine. He preceded her in death in 1983 after 25 years of marriage.

She was longtime resident of Toledo, Ohio, with her husband before moving to Shawnee.

Helen was a member of St. Benedict Catholic Church.

She was a classic movie buff and collected many.

Helen leaves behind many longtime friends and family in Toledo, Ohio, and Clifty, Ark.

Mass of Christian Burial will be noon today at St. Benedict Catholic Church with the Rev. Maurus Jaeb, O.S.B., officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.


Katherine N. Nicely

Shawnee resident Katherine N. Nicely, 75, died Tuesday, March 21, in Shawnee of natural causes.
She was born Aug. 18, 1930, in Shawnee to Neoma Kinkade.

Katherine attended Shawnee High School.

In 1948 she married David Nicely Jr. in Gainsville, Texas.

She retired from Unity Hospital after 20 years as a E.R. Ward Clerk.

Katherine devoted all her time and talent to her family.

She is preceded in death by both parents; son, Jack Nicely; and her husband David Nicely, Jr. on Sept. 2, 1996.

Survivors include her son and his wife, Jimmie and Sharon Nicely of Shawnee; brother and his wife, Paul and Jackie Helfer of Shawnee; granddaughter, Jamie Nicely of Oklahoma City; and grandson, Jake Nicely of Shawnee.

Visitation will start 10:30 Thursday. Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Gaskill Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Phil Thompson officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Gaskill Funeral Chapel


Shirley Jean Ramey

Bowlegs resident Shirley Jean (Brown) Ramey, 70, died Monday, March 20, at Seminole Medical Center.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Little Cemetery, 8 miles north of Seminole on Hwy 377, with the Rev. Jessie Powers officiating.

Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole.

published Mar. 23, 2006

Margaret LaDawn Gurley

Seminole resident Margaret LaDawn (Langston) Gurley, 71, died Wednesday, March 22, at Integris Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City.
Graveside service will be 3 p.m. Friday at Little Cemetery with Mickey Shaw officiating. Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.


Sue Ann Davis

Oklahoma City resident Sue Ann Davis, 34, died Monday, March 20, at St. Anthony Hospital.
Viewing will be 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday at Swearingen Funeral Chapel. Wake service will be 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. Friday at Rock Springs Baptist Church, Sasakwa. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Rock Springs Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Rock Springs Baptist Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Service.


Bill Parks

Longtime Seminole resident Bill Parks passed away March 21 in Seminole at the age of 93.
He was born on June 15, 1912, in Booneville, Ark.,to Granville Winfield and Mutelle (Shamblee) Parks.

Bill owned and operated Bill Parks Tank Co and Parkinsol Oil Company for many years. He was a member of the Church of Christ in Seminole. He married Thelma (McElroy) on March 13, 1936. They were married 56 years and she preceded him in death on March 31, 1992. He later married Bonnie Lee (Fortner) Grisso Parks on June, 28, 1994 in Seminole, Oklahoma.

He is survived by his wife Bonnie Lee Grisso Parks of the home, daughter and son-in-law; Vivian and Tommy Mills of Seminole, Oklahoma, daughter-in-law; Judy Parks of Seminole, Oklahoma, four grandchildren and their spouses; Piper John and husband Cameron, Misty Floyd and husband Jeff, Derek Parks and wife Amber, Tyler Parks and wife Natasha. He is also survived by twelve great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Thelma (3-31-1992), and two sons, Carroll Gene Parks and Tommy Parks.

Funeral Services are scheduled for 10:00am, Friday, March 24, 2006 at the Seminole Church of Christ with Chris Stinnett, Cameron John and Doe McRay officiating. Interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery.

Casket Bearers will be; Bill McDonald, Jack Mattingly, Wayne Maxwell, Gary Snow, Paul Waltman, and Frank Williams, Honorary Bearers will be Thurman Edwards Sr., Idus England, Cecil Sullivan, Virgil Harris and Bo Clymer.

Viewing was Wednesday noon to 8 p.m. and today fromfrom 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Seminole Church of Christ. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Seminole under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.

published Mar. 24, 2006

Joyce V. Smith

Joyce Violet Smith was born Jan. 5, 1933, in Paden and departed this life Wednesday, March 22, in Shawnee.
Joyce, the daughter of Adolph "Lefty" Hruska and Elsie Lou (Mitchell) Hruska, was a resident of Prague. She married Tommie Smith on Oct. 10, 1949, in Mena, Ark. She and her husband owned and operated Smith's Texaco Service Station in Prague for many years.

She is survived by her husband, Tommie Smith of the home; son and daughter-in-law, Gary Dean and Susan Smith of Prague; sisters, Maxine Van Brunt of Prague and Myrna Sue Hayes of Shawnee; grandchildren, Kelly and Jimm Butler, and Beau and Amber Smith, all of Prague; great-grandchildren, Ty and Heath Butler of Prague.

A graveside service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at the Prague Cemetery, Prague, with the Rev. Ken Jones officiating. Service is under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Prague.

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

published Mar. 25, 2006

Richard LaDon Black

Asher resident Richard "Rick" LaDon Black, 35, died Tuesday, March 21, in Maud.
He was born April 28, 1970, in Purcell to Donald Ray and Marilyn Kay (McBroom) Black.

Black was an oilfield worker and was a member of First Baptist Church in Asher.

His grandmother, Leona Williams and his uncle, Terry McBroom preceded him in death.

Survivors include his parents, Don and Marilyn Black of Asher; two sons, Timothy Wayne Black of Asher and Austin Black of Davis; one daughter, Cassandra Renea Black of Asher; one brother, Tracy Joe Black of Asher; one sister, Amber Lee Black of Asher; grandparents, Isaacs McBroom of Davis and James and June Black of Afton; nieces and nephews, Colby and Shelby Black of Rosedale and Dayton Black of Asher; special friend, Shelly Brown of Asher; and a host of other family and friends.

Pallbearers will be Ronny O'Dell, Wes Wilson, Dewayne Dixson, James Cole, David Starks, Evan Murray, Errol Murray and Benny Hudson. Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at First Baptist Church, Asher, with the Rev. Dewayne Johnson and Doc Perry officiating. Burial will follow at Vista Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Konawa.


James William Schweizerhof

Shawnee resident James William Schweizerhof, 69, died Thursday, March 23, at a local nursing home.
He was born March 13, 1937, in Shawnee to W.A. and Nina E. Schweizerhof.

He graduated from Shawnee High School and received his bachelors of science degree from The University of Oklahoma. He served in the Air National Guard.

James was an electrical engineer and retired from Fluor-Daniel as a project manager. He loved golf, his grandchildren and his dog "Lucky."

His parents, one brother and one sister preceded him in death.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Derek and Susan Schweizerhof of Houston, Texas; daughter and son-in-law, Erin and Clay Ammerman of Houston; stepson, Brad Bledsoe and his wife, Laura, of Arlington, Texas; four sisters and brothes-in-law, Kirby and David Griner of Shawnee, Dorothy and Charles Phillips of Shawnee, Karen and Ron Cox of Bethany and Mary and Pat Hathcock of Shawnee; brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Reba Schweizerhof of Moore; four grandchildren, Emily and Ian Schweizerhof of Houston and Kaitlyn and Ben Bledsoe of Arlington; many nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Memorial service will be 3 p.m. today at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery Chapel with the Rev. Steve Williams officiating.


Edna Marie Carroll

Edna Marie Carroll was born April 26, 1920, in Luther to Donna (Donnell) and Carl Graham, and passed away Thursday, March 23, at the age of 85.
She graduated from Luther High School and worked for Griffin State Hospital. She lived in Dibble for 38 years and enjoyed working, gardening and cooking.

Edna was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Nancy Kinsey; her brother, J.C. Graham; and sister, Edith Martin.

Survivors include her husband of 67 years, Arthur Carroll of Oklahoma City; two sons and their wives, Donald and Karen Carroll of Oklahoma City, David and Linda Carroll of Shawnee; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; three brothers and their wives, Otto and Martha Graham of Oklahoma City, Earl and Georgia Graham of Warwick, and Dean and Doris Graham of Berthold, Colo.; sister, Norma Carroll and husband Lee of Minco; numerous other relatives and friends.

Services will be 2 p.m. Monday at the Midway Baptist Church in Dibble with the Rev. Dale Thorn officiating. Burial will follow in the Dibble Cemetery under the direction of Eisenhour Funeral Home, Blanchard.

Alberta Miller George

Chandler resident Alberta Miller George, 83, died Friday, March 24.
Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at First Baptist Church in Chandler.

published Mar. 26, 2006

Addie Mae Smith

Shawnee resident Addie Mae Smith, 88, died Friday, March 24, 2006, in Shawnee.

She was born Sept. 21, 1917, in Bethel Acres to Frederick Bart Watson and Nancy Ella Wood. She graduated from Bethel High School in 1935.

On Dec. 28, 1939, she married Doyle E. Smith in Tecumseh. She was manager of the Dixie Dress Shop for 10 years, and she worked at Sears for nearly eight years and the Vogue Dress Shop and Montgomery Ward for more than three years. She owned Addie's Diner for five-and-a-half years. She also was an employee of Ira Smith in the county assessor's office for a short time.

She was a member of Liberty Baptist Church.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Doyle, on March 15, 2005; four brothers and four sisters.

Surviving relatives include a brother and sister-in-law, Harold Watson and wife Deane of Tecumseh; a brother, Jackie Watson of Wetumka; a sister and brother-in-law, Kozelhua Young and husband Heborn of Tecumseh; sisters-in-law, Sandra Watson of Shawnee, Ima Watson of California and Violet Watson of Shawnee; and numerous nieces, nephews and other family.

Service will be 10 a.m. Monday, March 27, at Liberty Baptist Church with the Rev. Bill Matthews and the Rev. Phil Thompson officiating. Burial will be at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Gaskill Funeral Chapel. Visitation will continue through Monday.

M
Earline B. Williams

Shawnee resident Earline B. Williams, 87, died Tuesday, March 21 at her home.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at First Christian Church of Shawnee with the Rev. Milo Steffen and the Rev. Don Richardson officiating.

Visitation is from Wednesday to noon Friday at Walker Funeral Service of Shawnee. Walker Funeral Service is directing arrangements.

Memorials may be made to CWF of First Christian Church or to Prairie View Hospice, Shawnee.


Birdie W. Morris

Birdie W. Morris, 88, of Tecumseh died Thursday, March 23, 2006, in Shawnee.
She was born July 29, 1917, in Wanette to Walter Forrester and Mattie McCall. She was a high school graduate.

She married Phillip Douglas "Doug" Morris in Healdton. She co-owned a grocery store and a hardware store. She was a member of the Full Gospel Church.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Doug Morris, on Sept. 16, 1986, in Shawnee; two daughters, Melody Morris and Wilma Butler; and two brothers, Walter Morris and Billy Allen Morris.

Surviving relatives include a sister, Betty Snodgrass and husband Oliver of Norman; and four grandchildren, Dianna LaPrade of Phoenix, Ariz., Michelle Butler of Glendale, Calif., Mark Butler of Cisco, Ga., and Mike Butler of Amarillo, Texas.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Monday, March 27, at Fairview Cemetery with the Rev. Ruby Nell York officiating. Gaskill Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Visitatition is today.

Memorials may be made to Feed the Children in Oklahoma City.


Janet M. Frazier

Shawnee resident Janet M. Frazier, 41, died Friday, March 24, 2006, in Shawnee.
Service will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 28, at the chapel of Resthaven Funeral Home in Shawnee. The Rev. Todd Fisher will officiate, and burial will be at Floral Haven Cemetery in Broken Arrow.


Lavonne Fluty

Longtime Chandler resident Lavonne Fluty, 84, died Thursday in Shawnee.
Graveside service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday at the New Zion Cemetery near Chandler with Keith Henley officiating.

Service is under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service of Chandler.
 

published Mar. 28, 2006

Irvin Bockhold

Irvin Bockhold left this life to be with his heavenly father on Sunday, March 26.
He was born April 6, 1945, to Anthony J. and Dorothy M. Bockhold in South Bend, Ind.

Irv graduated from Overton High School in Memphis, Tenn. He attended Memphis State University where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity.

He was enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during the Vietnam War as a criminal investigation officer.

Irv was a carpenter, contractor and drove for the United Parcel Service for several years.

He enjoyed cooking with and for his family, fishing, gardening, the University of Memphis basketball, Notre Dame and The University of Oklahoma football. He spent endless hours entertaining his children and grandchildren with stories, games and his culinary cooking.

Irv Bockhold was truly one not easily forgotten. Although said to have a sarcastic attitude, people had a hard time not getting along with him. He had more friends than he could count, people fell in love with him instantly and he never met a stranger.

His father, Anthony J. Bockhold, preceded him in death.

Survivors include his mother, Dorothy M. Bockhold; wife, Cheri Bockhold of Shawnee; son, Cory Bockhold of Arlington, Va.; daughters, Jeannie Bockhold of Tecumseh, Reagan Bockhold of Edmond and Mary Cross of Goose Creek, S.C.; stepchildren, who he loved as his own, Kevin Varnell of Manford and Holly Johnson of Shawnee; grandchildren, Jacob Varnell, Whitney Davis, Ali Varnell, Kayla Jones, Shai Johnson, Abigail, Bethanie and Colleen Cross; brothers, Wayne, Leonard, Philip, Dennis and Donald Bockhold.

A memorial service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Trinity Baptist Church, followed by a family fellowship in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Oklahoma Heart Association, in memory of Irvin Bockhold. To make other lives better, Irv was an organ and tissue donor.


Janet M. Frazier

Shawnee resident Janet M. Frazier, 41, died Friday, March 24, in Shawnee of natural causes.
She was born Sept. 12, 1964, in Tulsa to Louis Z. "Bo" Frazier and Ersuline Lucille (Gray) Frazier.

Frazier graduated high school in 1983 in Tulsa.

She worked several jobs before becoming physically disabled but enjoyed working in customer service.

Frazier was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church, Shawnee.

She enjoyed cross-stitching, cooking country music, the "I Love Lucy" show, her dog "Freckles" and her nieces and nephews.

Her mother, Lucille Frazier; brother, Jeffrey Allen Frazier; and grandparents, Frank and Pearl Frazier and Othar and Ruth Gray, preceded her in death.

Survivors include her father, Bo Frazier, and his wife, Sylvia, of Tulsa; sister, Karen Lewis and husband Donnie of Shawnee; brother, Scott Frazier and wife Karen of Wichita Fall, Texas; nieces and nephews, Chris and Matthew King of Shawnee; Hannah and Nathaniel Frazier of Wichita Fall, Texas.

Service will be 10:30 a.m. today at Resthaven Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Todd Fisher officiating. Burial will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Floral Haven Cemetery, Broken Arrow. Resthaven Funeral Home is directing arrangements.


Lois M. (Crowder) Gilleland

Longtime Seminole and Oklahoma City resident Lois M. (Crowder) Gilleland, 73, died Sunday, March 26, in Oklahoma City.
Service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Lindsey Chapel Baptist Church, north of Tulsa, with the Rev. Tim Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.


Noel Harvel Humphrey

Harrah resident Noel Harvel Humphrey, 93, died Friday, March 24, in Harrah.
Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Asa Smith Memorial Chapel, Harrah, with the Rev. Paul Jackson and the Rev. Robert Temple officiating. Burial will follow at the Jones IOOF Cemetery, Jones, under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service in Harrah.

published Mar. 29, 2006

Boyd Ross Linduff

Longtime Seminole resident Boyd Linduff passed away Monday, March 27, in Shawnee at the age of 71.
He was born Feb. 27, 1935, in Edmond to Archie William and Beryle (Plumley) Linduff.

He met and married Carole Jean (Posey)Linduff on Dec. 24, 1954, in Muskogee.

He attended Cameron Junior College on a basketball scholarship and continued playing basketball at Northeastern University until an injury, and received his bachelor of science degree in education. He went on to obtain his masters degree and administrative certificate at The University of Oklahoma.

Boyd's career took him to Inola and Milfay school's then at Seminole High School in 1966 where he taught and coached for 11 years. He went on to be a superintendent at Strothers school for two years, Maud for six years, Henryetta for four years, and Mounds for three years. After 38 years in education, he retired in 1991 and eight days later opened up VIP Cellular in Shawnee. He was the owner and operator of VIP Cellular for 15 years.

In 2002 he was inducted into the Tournament of Champions Hall of Fame and the Coaches Hall of Fame for over 300 wins throughout his coaching career. He was a member of the Elks Lodge and the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce.

He is preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Patricia Hawkins.

He is survied by his wife, Carole Linduff of the home; three daughters and sons-in-law, Suzie and Rory O'Neal, Cheryl and Bruce Kunkleman and Laura and Lance King, all of Seminole. He is also survived by two brothers and sisters-in-law, Duane and Cinda Linduff of Miami, Okla., and Bill and Barbara Linduff of Tahlequah; seven grandchildren, Alyssa O'Neal, Colton O'Neal, Lane, Landry, and Lilea King, Brynly and Jaden Kunkleman.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday at the First Baptist Church with Dick Knox and Tommy Clark officiating. Burial will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Garden in Seminole.

Casket bearers will be Dr. John Randolph, Mike Rose, Terry Morris, Chris Clark, Danny Boydston and Don Trammell. Honorary bearers will be Dale Smart, Dick Irwin, Rob Pyron and Carl McCollum.

Visitation will be 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.


Tommy Joe Garner

Tecumseh resident Tommy Joe Garner, 68, died Monday, March 27, in Oklahoma City.
He was born Nov. 7, 1937 in Dale to Villard R. and Jewell (Mauldin) Garner. He was reared in Dale and graduated from Dale High School.

He served in the U.S. Air Force for eight years and was honorably discharged from Altus Air Force Base as an E3.

On November 11, 1968, he married Bonnie (Patton) Branson in Gainsville, Texas.

Following his marriage, he lived in the Oklahoma City area for two years. He then moved to Newalla where he lived for ten years before being transferred to Winslow, Ariz. He then lived in Commerce, Colo., for five years before retiring. Following his retirement, he moved to Eufaula. He had resided in Tecumseh since 2001.

He drove a truck for Transcon Lines for 23 years. He then drove for PIE, Inc. for one year and finished his retirement with Northwest Transport in Commerce, Colo.

He loved to play baseball while in school and in the Air Force. He was a member of the Elks Lodge for 23 years,

He was preceded in death by his parents; one step-son, Alan Branson; one grandchild, Lonnie Bachhofer; two brothers, Andy and Charles Garner; and one sister, Karen Novac.

Survivors include his wife, Bonnie Garner of the home; step-daugher and her spouse, Bonnie and Darrell Dimbat of Las Vegas, Nev.; stepsons and their spouses, Jack and Linda Bachhofer of Orange Park, Fla., Paul and Julia Bachhofer of Tecumseh, and Larry and Mary Lou Bachhofer of Pink; one brother and his spouse, Gary and Glenda Garner of Dale; one sister and her spouse, Joyce and Raymond Hendrickson of Shawnee; ten grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Cooper Funeral Home with Dewayne Thomas officiating. Burial will follow at Dale Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home, Tecumseh.


Esther Lee Rodden Williams

Lifelong Seminole county resident Esther Lee Rodden Williams, 97, died Monday, March 27, at her residence in Konawa.
Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Swearingen Funeral Chapel in Konawa with Virgil Romine officiating. Burial will follow at Vamoosa Cemetery under the direction of SwearingenFuneral Home, Konawa.


Clint H. Mayhew

Former Asher resident Clint H. Mayhew, 94, died Friday, March 17, at Unity Health Center, North Campus, of natural causes.
At his request, no services will be held.


Charles L. Johnston

Charles Lamoine Johnston, 81, died Monday, March 27, at Unity Health Center in Shawnee.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Arlington Memory Gardens in Oklahoma City under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home, Shawnee.


Gordon Marion White

Gordon Marion White, 69, of Perkins passed away on Saturday, March 25, 2006. Gordon died peacefully at home after a one year fight with pancreatic cancer.
Gordon, son of Gordon Maxwell and Ila Lee White, was born at home in Tecumseh, on July 18, 1936. Gordon began working in the printing industry while attending high school in Tecumseh. He married his sweetheart, JoAnn Ball, on April 8, 1955 in Tecumseh. While living in Tecumseh, they had two children, Candy and Gordon Jr.

In 1961, the family moved to Stillwater, where Gordon began working for the Oklahoma State University Publishing and Printing Department. He began as a pressman and advanced to Printing Services Coordinator. He was particularly proud of having worked with Will Rogers Jr., to print two series of books containing the writings of Will Rogers while at OSU. He retired from his position at OSU in 1996.

In 2005, Gordon and JoAnn were given a surprise 50th wedding anniversary party by their children. It was well attended by family and friends.

During his retirement, Gordon worked pretty much full time as a farmer/rancher. Gordon was a huge supporter of 4H and FFA including being a Payne County Junior Livestock Premium Sale buyer. One of Gordon's greatest honors was to be asked to serve as the Advisory Director for Agriculture, at the Stroud National Bank of Perkins, this past year.

Gordon was involved in many community activities. While in Tecumseh, he was a volunteer fireman. He served on the Board of Directors of the Drumright Vo-Tech, was a member of Isaac Walton League, and a Charter Member of Moose Lodge. Gordon coached Little League Football and Baseball. He was a member of the Perkins Rodeo Club, OSU Posse, and OSU Alumni Association.

He was an avid OSU fan holding season football tickets for over 35 years. Over the years he attended many out of town games and bowl games as well. Whenever there was an opportunity, he also attended basketball games and wrestling matches.

Gordon attended the Good News Community Church, where he served on the new building committee. He was very passionate about obtaining land, and getting the construction started on the new church home.

Gordon's hobbies included hunting, fishing, and maybe even an occasional poker game; but always, these activities included his family.

Good, bad, or ugly, Gordon always had a smile for everyone, no matter what the circumstance. He especially smiled when his grandchildren were around him. Gordon was very proud of his children and grandchildren and supported them in all their endeavors. His smile and kind words will be missed by all who crossed Gordon's path. He was an honest, kind and loving, gentle man.

On three occasions, Gordon and JoAnn opened their home to care for a foster son, a foster daughter, and a college student.

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his devoted loving wife, JoAnn of the home; two children, Candy Taylor and husband Robert of Perkins, Gordon Jr. and wife Stephannie, also of Perkins; six grandchildren, Josh and wife, Julie Taylor, of Tulsa, Justin Taylor and Michael Taylor of Perkins, Joslyn White, Gus White and Jake White, all of Perkins; one brother and two sisters, Carl White and wife, Carolyn, of Choctaw, Donna Britton and husband, Robert, of Stillwater, and Jan Parker and husband, Eddy, of Tecumseh; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers for the service will be Bill Sasser, Buddy Flynn, Jack Vassar, Bill Graves, Robin Hood Lacy, and Lee Craycraft. Honorary Pallbearers include Lynn Kinder, Buel Hoar, Jim Lomineck, Bert Coffman, Randy Wedel, and Chris McCutchen.

Funeral service will be 3 p.m. Thursday at the Perkins High School Gym on Hwy 33. Burial will be at the Sunset Memorial Gardens on Hwy 177, Terry Tharp will officiate. Services are provided under the direction of Strode Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to The Building Fund, c/o Good News Community Church, P.O. Box 182, Perkins, OK 74059; or Sojourn Care of Tulsa, c/o Hospice Drumright Branch, 101 E. Broadway, Drumright, OK 74030.


Earline B. Williams

Earline Williams was born Dec. 30, 1918, in Sallisaw to Jess R. and Bess M. (Burchfiel) Baker.
When she was two years old, her family moved to Meeker in a horse-drawn wagon. They settled on a farm north of Meeker. Later, they moved to a home in Meeker and then to another farm near Payson.

Earline attended school in Chandler and Meeker. She graduated from Meeker High School in 1936 as valedictorian. She also attended Phillips University in Enid.

She worked for Gordon White Lumber Co from 1940 to 1946.

On June 2, 1946, she married Eugene F. Williams at the First Christian Church in Meeker. They moved to Shawnee shortly after being married.

Earline joined the First Christian Church in Shawnee and taught children's church school for several years. She also worked as assistant secretary in the church office.

From 1965 to 1967 she served as education coordinator and continued working in the office, writing the church newsletter and training teachers for church school. She was very active in the Christians Women's Fellowship, serving as president, co-president and numerous other offices. Earline enjoyed attending and leading discussions and retreats at the local and district levels. She also attended many national and international conventions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

One of her favorite activities was traveling with friends and family to many places to view the fall foliage, spring flowers or just to see new sights. After her husband died, she managed an apartment building for almost 20 years until illness made it impossible for her to leave home.

Earline was called to with our Lord Tuesday, March 21.

Her parents, her husband and her brother, Raymond Baker, preceded her in death.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Sherry Williams of Chula Vista, Calif.; two grandchildren, Kevin and Kristin Williams of Chula Vista; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Thomas and Peggy Baker and Morris and Amy Baker of Tucson, Ariz.; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Earline's family wishes to thank Patty and Marvin Campbell for their kind and loving care during the last two years. We shall be forever grateful for the love and concern that Patty has shown in giving round-the-clock care to Earline during her illness. We also would like to thank those friends of Earline who came to visit or sent cards, letters and gifts.

Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at First Christian Church of Shawnee with the Rev. Milo Steffen and the Rev. Don Richardson officiating. The Rev. Keith Cole will provide special music. Burial will follow at Resthaven Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Donations may be made to the CWF of First Christian Church or the Prairie View Hospice of Chandler.


Jack R. Jones

Chandler resident Jack R. Jones died Monday, March 27, at the age of 59.
Service will be 10 a.m. Friday at First Baptist Church in Chandler.

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

published Mar. 30, 2006

Web-Posted Mar. 30, 2006 03:18: AM
Cynthia Ann Williams

Longtime Seminole resident Cynthia Ann Williams passed away Monday, March 27, at the age of 55.
She was born June 6, 1950, to Waldo Amiel and Betty Jean (Larkin) Smith in Clayton, N.M.

Cynthia was a graduate of Beaver High in 1968 and received a mud engineering certificate and associates degree from Seminole State College. She was very active with the Chocolate Festival and the Sound of Music with the Seminole Arts Council, was active in raising thousands of dollars for the American Heart Association and was a member of the Legislative Wives "Ohoyahoma" Association where she organized several style shows. She was a former member of the Seminole Democratic Women's Association.

She met and married Danny Williams on Nov. 21, 1981, in Sherman, Texas. They were married for 25 years. She was currently the property owner and manager of Williams properties with her husband. Danny and Cynthia were charter members of the new Tri-City Christian Center. Her last activity was preparing for Easter holiday for her family prior to her accident.

She is survived by her husband, Danny Williams of the home; parents, Betty and Amiel Smith of Highlands Ranch, Colo.; daughter and son-in-law, Codi Lea and Tony Winters of Tulsa; three sons and daughters-in-law, Andy Larkin and Christy Chockley of Tulsa, Kevin and Mikki Williams of Ada, and Jason and Angelique Williams of Pink; one brother, Mark Smith of Tulsa; two sisters, Ollie and husband, Bret, Sumner of Highlands Ranch, Colo., and Amy Smith of Littleton, Colo. She is also survived by nine grandchildren, Larkin Winters, Ciaran Winters, Mara Winters, William Chockley, Jesse Chockley, Caleb Williams, Hayley Williams, Melaney Landis and Courtney Landis; and two great-grandchildren to be born in June and September of 2006.

Service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday at Immanuel Fellowship Church, Seminole, with the Rev. Mickey Keith officiating. Burial will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Garden in Seminole.

Casket bearers will be Marvin Botsford, Sam Mangell, Charley Ballou, Bruce Cantrell, Willie Rinder and Roger Streetman. Honorary bearers will be Tony Winters, Andy Chockley, Jason Williams, and Kevin Williams.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations may be made to the Seminole Art's Council, P.O. Box 212, Seminole,OK 74868, and the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 1653, Topeka, KS 66601, in her memory. Messages of condolences may be sent to the family website at www.swearingenfuneralhome.com


Donnie Eugene Freeman

Shawnee resident Donnie Eugene Freeman, 64, died Tuesday, March 28, at a Sulphur nursing home.
He was born Nov. 19, 1941 in Bradley to Carl and Vanita (Bardwell) Freeman.

Freeman was a Shawnee High School graduate.

He was a truck driver and a welder.

Freeman loved fishing, car racing, reading the bible and attending the baptist church.

His parents precede him in death.

Survivors include his companion, Dorsey States, of the home; sons, Royce and Norman Freeman; three brothers, Ray Freeman, of Oklahoma City, George Freeman and spouse, Francine, of Shawnee, Carl Freeman and spouse of Houston, Texas; three step-sons, Victor Slavik and spouse, of Victoria, Texas, Harold Slavik and Fred Slavik; step-daughter, Theresa Slavik, of Victoria, Texas; aunt, Mary Jane Bardwell, of Shawnee; and a number of nieces, nephews and friends.

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


Verona Sprague

Oklahoma City resident Verona Sprague died Wednesday, March 29, at the age of 89.
Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Parks Brothers Chapel, Chandler.


Elizabeth Tiger Middleton

Longtime Seminole resident Elizabeth "Losta" Tiger Middleton, 67, died Tuesday, March 28.
Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Swearingen Funeral Chapel with Dorsey Nero and David Little officiating. Burial will follow at England Family Cemetery.

Visitation will be 5 p.m. today through 5 p.m. Friday at the family home.


Ann C. Thompson

Longtime Stroud resident Ann C. Thompson, 71, died Wednesday, March 29, in Oklahoma City.
Service will be 10 a.m. Friday at First United Methodist Church, Stroud, with the Rev. Joe Molencupp and the Rev. Sara Bodenstein officiating. Burial will be 2 p.m. at the Albert Joseph Powell Memorial Cemetery, Hominy, under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Stroud.


Lorene Heinzig

Prague resident Lorene Heinzig, 85, died Wednesday, March 29, in Prague.
Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Deer Creek Baptist Church, Prague, with the Rev. Mark Sims and the Rev. Mike Haynes officiating. Burial will follow at Kellerby Cemetery in Prague under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Prague.

published Mar. 31, 2006

Jess Philip Honeycutt

Van Buren, Ark., resident Jess Philip Honeycutt, 64, died of natural causes Wednesday, March 29, at his farm in Short, Okla.
Honeycutt was a native of Meeker.

He was a member of Van Buren First Baptist Church, the Masonic Lodge #6 in Van Buren and a member of the Cattlemen9s Association.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jess and Vivian Honeycutt, and his father-in-law, Marvin Coiner.

Survivors include his wife, Nancy, of the home; daughter, Catherine Honeycutt, of Van Buren; son and his wife, Jess Marvin and Mary Jo Honeycutt, of Fort Smith, Ark.; sister and brother-in-law, Barbara Jane and Bob Terry, of Stillwater; mother-in-law, Mary Coiner, of Fort Smith; and four granchildren, Jess, Sam, Ben and Mary Honeycutt.

The family will visit with friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home, 700 Jefferson, Van Buren, Ark.

Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Ocker Memorial Chapel in Van Buren, with Masonic service to follow. Burial will be at Meeker New Hope Cemetery in Meeker. Services are under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home, Van Buren, Ark.


Randal G. O'Neal

Choctaw resident Randal G. O'Neal, 58, died Tuesday, March 28, in Oklahoma City.
He was born Oct. 10, 1947 in Shawnee to Wendell Gordon and Ora Mae (Tibbs) O'Neal.

O'Neal was raised in Tecumseh, but lived in the Harrah/Choctaw area for the past 20 years. He graduated from Tecumseh High School in 1965 and attended college at Seminole.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

On Nov. 21, 1985 he married Judy Kay Little in Midwest City.

O'Neal worked in electrical engineering at Tinker Air Force Base for over 30 years. He retired in 2002.

He enjoyed yard work, collecting Craftsman tools and being a "Papa" to his grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Anita Gail O'Neal; and several other family members.

Survivors include his wife, Judy of the home; three sons and two daughters-in-law, Randell and Tamika O'Neal of Tecumseh, Frank O'Neal of Oklahoma City, Tommy and Debbie Wilkerson of Tulsa; daughter and son-in-law, Viola and Tyrone Grass of Shawnee; two sisters and one brother-in-law, Peggy O'Neal of Oklahoma City, Kay and Jim White of Tecumseh; one brother and sister-in-law, Dean and Sherry Chaffin of Macomb; two aunts, Trelma O'Neal and Rosemary Kent, both of Tecumseh; uncle and aunt, Walter and Helen Tibbs of Shawnee; 15 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at the Evangelistic Center Church with Brother Guy Cagle officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home, Tecumseh.


Christina Johnson

Chandler resident Christina Johnson, 80, died Thursday, March 30.
Service will be 10 a.m. Monday at the First Assembly of God Church, Chandler, under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Chandler.


Verlin R. Abel

Shawnee resident Verlin R. Abel, 92, died Wednesday, March 29, at a local nursing home.
Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Wallace Avenue Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery.


Willard Henry Madron

Wewoka resident Willard Henry Madron, 53, died Tuesday, March 28, in an Oklahoma City hospital.
Service will be 2 p.m. today at Stout-Phillips Funeral Chapel, Wewoka with Chaplain Jim Ward officiating. Burial will follow at Tate Mountain Cemetery in Wewoka, under the direction of Stout-Phillips Funeral Home.