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

submitted by Kay Sugg Best

published May 02, 2006

Marsha Louise Olson

Longtime Shawnee resident Marsha Louise Olson went to be with her savior Jesus Christ, Saturday, April 29. She was 60 years old.
Marsha was loved dearly by all her family and friends and will be greatly missed.

She was born May 16, 1945, in Shawnee to Betty & Edward Simmons. She moved to California where she would later meet the love of her life, Phil Olson. The couple was married in Garden Grove California on June 21, 1963.

Marsha worked at Gibson's in downtown Shawnee for many years. Later she worked in the cafeteria at Sequoyah Elementary School. She then went on to work as a receptionist at Shawnee News-Star. Marsha retired from the News-Star after her serious illness.

Through all her illnesses and struggles in life, Marsha had a deep faith and a trust in Jesus Christ, her Savior. She was a member of The First Christian Church of Shawnee for many years until her death. She greatly enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Phil Olson, just one year ago. She also was preceded in death by her father, Edward Simmons, and her mother-in-law, Helen Olson.

She is survived by her two sons and their wives, Phil and Shannon Olson of Yukon, and Ron and Deanna Olson of Moore; three grandchildren, Caleb Olson of Yukon and Jacey and Carly Olson of Moore; her mother Betty Lynds of Del City; father-in-law, Merrill Olson of Sun City, Calif.; brother and sister-in-law, David and Edie Lynds of Del City; her nephew Shawn Lynds and her Niece Krystle Lynds, both of Del City; as well as many other relatives and countless friends.

Service will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, May, 3, at First Christian Church of Shawnee with the Rev. Milo Stephan officiating. Graveside service will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park in Shawnee.

Visitation will be 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday. The casket will be open only at the funeral home.


Nell Francis McCraw

Longtime Tecumseh resident Nell F. McCraw, 84, died Saturday, April 29, at a local nursing home.
She was born Nov. 22, 1921, in Beggs, Okla. to Lewis Shelby and Abba Francis (Klaber) Cope.

Her family moved to Pottawatomie County in 1929. She attended school at Earlsboro and Ruggles and had lived most of her life in the Little Axe, Pink and Tecumseh areas.

She was married June 26, 1947, to Thomas Olen Phillips. They were married 16 years until his death in 1963. On Oct. 30, 1964, she married Billly Wayne McCraw. They were married 10 years until his death in 1974.

Nell was a member of Romulus Baptist Church. She was a homemaker and enjoyed cooking, reading, playing bingo and visiting with friends and relatives. She worked as a housekeeper for various families in the Shawnee area for many years until her retirement in 1983.

She also was preceded in death by her parents, six brothers and one sister.

Survivors include one sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Fred Ray of Midwest City; one sister-in-law, Bessie Cope of Macomb; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Service will be 1 p.m. Thursday at the chapel of Walker Funeral Service with the Rev. Mike Craig officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery.


Charles Edward Alexander

Prague resident Charles Edward Alexander, 74, died Sunday, April 30, in Prague.
Service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Midwest City with Branch President Louis Armour officiaiting. Burial will follow at Arlington Memorial Gardens in Midwest City under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Prague.


Effie Crabtree

Former Seminole resident Effie Crabtree, 95, passed away Saturday, April 29, at a care center in Midland, Texas.
She was born Dec. 21, 1910, in Seminole to John and Ella May Hubbard. She was raised and educated in Seminole.

She was married to B.C. Jack Crabtree. He preceded her in death.

Effie was a manager of Dunlap's household department for several years. She was a member of Wilshire Park Baptist Church.

She also was preceded in death by two sons, Cleo Crabtree and Jimmy Crabtree; and a great-grandson, Phillip Andrews.

Survivors include two sons, Gerald Crabtree of Indianapolis, Ind., Gary Crabtree of Aspen, Colo.; two daughters, Wanda Heinzman of Gold Canyon, Ariz., and Kathleen Childers of Albany, Texas; one brother, Jimmy Hubbard of Oklahoma City; two sisters, Lottie Angone of Long Beach, Calif., and Opal Glover of Cleburne, Texas; 11 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; numerouse nephews and nieces.

Service will be 10 a.m. today at Pipkin Funeral Home Chapel in Midland, Texas.

Graveside service will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at Little Cemetery in Little, Okla.

Memorials may be directed to Wilshire Park Baptist Church, 801 N. Bentwood, Midland, Texas, 79703.

Arrangements are under the direction of Pipkin Funeral Home. Family messages and condolences may be emailed to [email protected].


Raymond Lee Hendrickson

Lifelong Shawnee resident Raymond Lee Hendrickson, 74, died Sunday, April 30, at a local nursing home.
He was born Nov. 21, 1931, in Shawnee to Fred and Mary Jane Hendrickson.

Hendrickson attended Shawnee Schools.

On June 19, 1954, he married Joyce Garner.

He worked at Mendonca Dairy in McLoud and prior to becoming ill, he worked at Sylvania Plant in Shawnee and C.E. Glass.

His parents; three brothers, Freddy, Robert and Jimmy Earl Hendrickson; and one sister, Jo Ann Williams preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife and longtime caregiver, Joyce Hendrickson, of the home; three daughters and son-in-law, Pam Alderman, Peggy Browning and Cindy and Phil Tyner.

Papa Raymond was proud of his grandchildren, Michelle Alderman, Zachary Tyner and Chad Browning and was anxiously awaiting the arrival of his first great-granddaughter. He was loved by his three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Patricia Proctor of Roanoke, Texas, Rosie and Ted Hendricks of Pryor; Hilda and Dale Blair of Claremore; two brothers, Jerry Hendrickson of Oklahoma City and Loyd Hendrickson of Idabel.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Dale Cemetery with Darrell Witten officiating.


George Leland Morris III

Longtime Seminole resident George Leland Morris III, 58, died Saturday, April 29, at his residence.
Service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel, Seminole, with the Rev. Steve Cline officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery.

published May 03, 2006

Cap Gardner

Shawnee resident Cap Gardner, 86, died Monday, May 1, at an Oklahoma City hospital.
He was born July 23, 1919 in Texhoma to Jason Everett and May (Lowery) Gardner.

From an early age Cap was taught to have faith in God and to love his Lord, Jesus Christ, family, friends and country. Following graduation from Texhoma High School he joined the Army Air Corps in 1939 and proudly served his country during World War II and the Korean Conflict.

On Jan. 3, 1943 he married Wanda Lou Aylor at the Immanuel Baptist Church, where he remained an active member, serving as a deacon, until his death on May 1, 2006.

For 49 years, beginning Oct. 1, 1947 until July 31, 1996, Cap worked at the Physical Plant of Oklahoma Baptist University. Prior to his retirement, he was honored with the Meritorious Service Award at the 1996 graduation ceremony. Cap also served on the Board of Directors of the Bison Federal Credit Union for 50 years.

Cap enjoyed traveling througout the U.S., visiting all the continental states. His children remember wonderful two-week family vacations. He and Wanda had great fun on trips with their special friends, the Carl Webbs, the Chuck Thompsons, and the Kenneth Gunns. They signed up for every excursion planned with their Immanuel family.

Survivors include his loving wife, Wanda, to whom he was married for 63 years; his children, Don and Karen Gardner of Foster, Dean Gardner of New York, N.Y, Gloria and Stephen Bonner of Rio Ranch, N.M.; grandchildren, David and Teresa Gardner of Shawnee, Johnathon and Jennifer Bonner of Norman, and Jamie Gardner of Oklahoma City; two great-grandchildren, Dillon and Tiffany Gardner of Shawnee; sisters, Sadie Blanton of Shawnee and Madie Shaffer of Guymon.

A celebration of life will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Immanuel Baptist Church with the Rev. Todd Fisher assisted by Sam Hendry officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

The family requests that donations be made to the Immanuel Baptist Church building fund.


Charles Richard Farley

Charles Richard Farley of Shawnee died Monday, May 1, in an area nursing home.
He was born May 28, 1925, in Miami, Okla., to George Earl and Celestial Grace (Lair) Farley.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. today at Hilltop Baptist Church, 44500 E. MacArthur. Burial will be in Resthaven Cemetery under the direction of Resthaven.

After high school graduation in 1943, Farley worked in a shipyard in Portland, Ore., before enlisting in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Following the war, he earned a bachelor's degree in music from Oklahoma Baptist University in 1950. He married Etta Jean Dunham on June 1, 1949, in Nixa, Mo. After serving as minister of music at First Baptist Church, Elizabethton, Tenn., and at Central Baptist Church, Muskogee, he joined the music faculty at OBU in 1954. He was promoted to assistant professor of music at OBU in 1957 and associate professor in 1971. He earned a master's degree in music from Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill., and a doctorate in music education from the University of Oklahoma. He did additional graduate study at the Eastman School of Music, Rochester, N.Y. At the time of his retirement in May 1990 he served as degree counselor for the College of Fine Arts.

During his career he served as minister of music in a number of churches. He served at McLoud First Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, Elizabethton, Tenn.; Central Baptist, Muskogee; First Baptist, Stroud; Wallace Avenue Baptist, Shawnee; Immanuel Baptist, Shawnee; and First Christian Church, Shawnee.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, Ray, David and Jack and three sisters, Velma, Lorraine and Geneva.

Survivors include his wife, Etta Jean, of the home; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Frazier Farley of Midwest City and Tracy and Marie Farley of Shawnee; seven grandchildren, Holly, Stephanie, Aaron and Daniel, all of Midwest City, and Faith, Amber Grace and Hope, all of Shawnee; one brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Jerri Farley, Broken Arrow; one sister, Ruth Helen Jenkins, Toledo, Ore., and numerous nieces and nephews.


Sandra Johnson

Shawnee resident Sandra "Sandy" Johnson, 66, died Friday, April 28, at a local hospital.
She was born Dec. 29, 1939, in Bangor, Penn., to Ada and Jake Kristol.

Sandy graduated from high school in Bangor.

In 1969, she married George E. Johnson in Las Vegas, Nev.

She worked as a waitress at Sunny Side Up.

Her husband; son, Danny Johnson; daughter, Georgia Moody, preceded her in death.

Survivors include her five children, Kris Cartwright of Seminole, Shayla Nowell of Shawnee, Travis Johnson of Shawnee, Robert Milholland and Trisha Murray, both of Hamet, Calif.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Tecumseh Cemetery with the Rev. Ronne Churchwell officiating.


Della Bruce

Our beloved mother, Della (Wolfe) Ott Bruce, went to be with our Lord Sunday, April 30. She was 97.
Della was preceded in death by two sons, Johnnie Ott, USMC killed in Okinawa, Japan, in 1945 and Kenneth Ray Bruce in 1993. Also preceding her were two husbands.

She leaves behind one son and daughter-in-law, Joseph and Betty Ott of Shawnee; daughter, Lorene Ott Lucas of Shawnee; four grandchildren, B.J. Lucas of Arizona, Johnnie Lucas of Stuart, David and Michael Ott of Shawnee; four great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; a multitude of nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Liberty Baptist Church at a later date.

We wish to thank Pastor Bill Matthews for being there with us.


Reid E. Dotter

Wellston resident Reid E. Dotter, 34, died Monday, May 1, in El Reno.
Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at First United Methodist Church in Wellston, with the Rev. Jim Moody officiating. Burial will follow in the Wellston Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Chandler.


Olive N. Blumenshein

Olive N. Blumenshein, 84, of Harrah, died May 1, in Midwest City.
A memorial service will be 10 a.m. Friday at the Summit Ridge Seventh Day Adventist Church, Harrah, under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service in Harrah.
 

published May 04, 2006

Leona Pauline Mankin

Meeker resident Leona Pauline "Babe" Mankin, 85, died Monday, May 1, in Shawnee.
She was born May 15, 1920, near Harrah to James Calvin and Mary Jane (Arnold) Weese.

Leona attended school at Dale.

On July 6, 1937, she married Ernest V. Mankin in Shawnee. They were married 67 years.

She worked at the Douglas Aircraft Plant in the 1940s. She was co-owner of M&M Plumbing until her retirement in 1976.

Leona was a member of Aydelotte Baptist Church, where she was a Sunday School teacher since the 1960s. She also was a member of Cheerful Home Extention Club for many years.

She and her family enjoyed traveling and sightseeing throughout the United States. Some of her greatest times were spent camping and fishing with family.

Her parents, husband and all 12 sibling and their spouses preceded her in death.

Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Jerry and Sharron Mankin, Mike and Jackline Mankin, all of Shawnee; two daughters and son-in-law, Paula and Robert Stephens of Meeker, Debra and Dennis Watson of Shawnee; 10 grandchildren, Danny Mankin of Shawnee, Kevin and Kim Mankin of Lubbock, Texas, James and Dana Mankin of Shawnee, Shelley Mankin of Tecumseh, Vicky and Kevin Kalies of Shawnee, Eric and Stefanie Stephens of Shawnee, Angela and David Goode of Roland, Okla., Craig and Chantel Stephens of Shawnee, Derk and Serena Watson of Oklahoma City, Drew Watson of Oklahoma City; 21 great-grandchildren; three brothers-in-law and four sisters-in-law, Leon and Jo Mankin of McLoud, Jane and Leon Webber of Midwest City, Lucille Russell of Midwest City, Mary Foster of Harrah, Earl McMillan of Harrah; numerous nieces and nephews; very special friend, Malisa Daniel.

Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Aydelotte Baptist Church with the Rev. W.F. Crow officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.


Barbara Jean Freeman-Spurgin

Barbara Jean Freeman-Spurgin, beloved daughter, sister, mother and grandmother, of Noble, Okla., went home to be with the Lord on Friday, April 28, 2006.
Born May 12, 1952, in Santa Monica, Calif., Barbara was the daughter of Edna and Marion Freeman. She married Timothy Spurgin Sr. in June of 1970.

She is survived by her three sons, Timothy Spurgin Jr., Sean Spurgin and Kevin Spurgin; five grandchildren, Chyenne Overturf, Brinklee Spurgin, Sawyer Spurgin, Cambel Spurgin, and Canyon Spurgin. She is also survived by her mother, Edna Freeman of Ronan, Mont.; three brothers, Dick Freeman of Rollin Hills Estates, Calif., Don Freeman of Ronan, Mont., Ron Freeman of Bonners Ferry, Idaho; and three sisters, Lonnie Johnson of Polson, Mont., Bonnie Smith of Ronan, Mont., and Shirley Tucker-Allen of Proctor, Mont., and several other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Timothy Surgin Sr., and her father, Marion Freeman.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, May 6, at Downtown Pentecostal Holiness Church. Burial will follow at New Hope Cemetery, west of Tecumseh.


Dawna Noel Campbell Spurgin

Newalla resident Dawna Noel Campbell Spurgin, 36, went to be with the Lord on a lonely, dark highway on Friday, April 28, as the result of a car accident.
She was born April 20, 1970, in Oklahoma City to Larry and Vicki Campbell.

Dawna attended U.S. Grant High School from 1985-1989.

She married Timothy E. Spurgin Jr.

Survivors include her husband, Tim Spurgin, and two precious daughters, Chyenne Overtuf and Brinklee Spurgin, all of the home; parents, Vicki and Larry Campbell; brother and sister-in-law, James and Penny Campbell, and their sons, Nathen and Landon; two brothers-in-laws, Sean Spurgin, Kevin and Christina Spurgin and their children, Sawyer, Cambel and Canyon, and their grandparents; best friend, Mary McHenry; numerous other family friends.

Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Downtown Pentecostal Holiness Church with the Rev. Dwight Thorton and Kevin Nagle officiating. Burial will follow at New Hope Cemetery, west of Tecumseh.

Memorial donations may be made to a special account at any Arvest Bank for Chyenne and Brinklee Spurgin.


Shirley M. Lester

Longtime Cromwell resident Shirley M. Lester, 76, died Tuesday, May 2, in Oklahoma City.
Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Glen Pence officiating. Burial will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.


Bell Reeves

Maud resident Bell Reeves, 92, died Monday, May 1, at Tecumseh Sunset Estates.
Service will be 10:30 a.m. today at Church of Christ in Maud with Frank Brewer and Tom Carter officiating. Burial will follow at Morse Cemetery, North of Okemah, under the direction of Knight-Swearingen Funeral Home in Maud.


Douglas Pollard Brown

Seminole resident Douglas Pollard Brown, 70, died Wednesday, May 3, at Oklahoma Heart Hospital in Oklahoma City.
A private family service will be held under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home of Seminole.

published May 05, 2006

Pauline F. Perry

Perry, Pauline F., 83, passed away Monday, May 1, in Del City. She was born December 16, 1922 in Eufaula to Lee and Mildred (Blankenship) Cheely.
Pauline was employed at Tinker Air Force Base before retiring in 1985 from the Base Exchange. Pauline enjoyed shopping and loved kids and animals.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gerald; one son, James Bridges; and one brother, Parker Cheely.

She is survived by one son, Glenn Bridges and wife, Judy; two sisters, Georgia Williams of OKC and Evelyn Robison of Tulsa; four grandchildren, Eric Bridges and wife Karen, Kim Bridges, Konnie Ardizzone, and Michele Jackson; and sixteen great grandchildren, Michael, Lauren, Nicholes, Shannon, Heather, Phillip, Brandi, Mat, Austin, Amber, Amanda, Danielle, Krissy, Rae, Natasha, and Brock.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday in the Resthaven Funeral Home Chapel with burial following in Resthaven Memory Gardens under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home, Oklahoma City.


Carma Rita Moore

Tecumseh resident Carma Rita Moore, 65, died Thursday, May 4, at his home.
She was born Oct. 28, 1940, in Alex, Okla., to Cecil and Beaulah Hendricks.

Carma attended high school in California.

On April 7, 1958, she married Bobby Louis Moore in Bakersfield, Calif.

She was a homemaker.

Carma enjoyed being a homemaker and loved to play bingo.

Her parents, three sisters, one brothers and her husband, Bobby Moore, preceded her in death.

Survivors include two daughters, Kim Pierce and Tammy Rodriques, both of Shawnee; son-in-laws, Kevin Managan and Ed Phillips, both of Shawnee; five grandchildren, Timmy Pierce Jr., Anthony Rodriques, Eddie Pierce, Cheryl Rodriques, Bobbie Managan, all of Shawnee; brother, Jerry Dean Hendricks of California; sister, Barbara Ann Moore of California.

Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Gaskill with the Rev. Keith Cole officiating, Gaskill Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements.


Randy Lee Linker

McLoud resident Randy Lee Linker, 46, went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, May 3, in McLoud.
Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church Ministry Center in Newalla with Chaplain Roy Barker officiating. Services are provided by Smith~Parks Funeral Service Center.

published May 06, 2006

Alton B. Sikes

Oklahoma City resident Alton B. Sikes, 79, passed away Thursday, May 4, in Ardmore.
A graveside service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Garden Grove Cemetery in Prague with Randy and Maggie Dickey officiating under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Prague.

published May 07, 2006

Max Sims Lale

Max Sims Lale, a former Marshall, Texas, city commissioner and chamber of commerce president, as well as a decorated combat veteran of World War II and author of several books relating to local history, died Saturday, April 22, at his home in Fort Worth, Texas. He was 89.
Mr. Lale had been an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church since 1946 and served as senior warden. Burial will be in Colonial Gardens Cemetery with full military honors.

A professional journalist, Mr. Lale was perhaps best known in his latter years as a historian and historiographer and for his service to a number of historical organizations. He was a fellow and past president of the East Texas Historical Association and the Texas State Historical Association.

During his tenure as chairman of the Harrison County Historical Commission, he supervised the preparation of 19 successful historical marker applications and nine successful listings on the National Register of Historical Places, most of which he wrote himself.

Born Aug. 31, 1916, in Shawnee, he grew up on a farm his paternal grandfather had homesteaded in 1891. He graduated from Shawnee High School in 1932 at the depth of the Great Depression. Both his mother's and father's families were Oklahoma pioneers, his maternal grandfather migrated to the Cherokee Nation in 1885.

In 1938 he graduated from The University of Oklahoma with a degree in journalism and a reserve commission as a second lieutenant of field artillery. In 2002 he was declared a distinguished graduate of journalism at OU and was honored at a dinner on campus.

After working two years for a weekly newspaper in Sapulpa, he volunteered for active duty in the Army in August 1940 and served until March 1946, rising to the grade of lieutenant colonel during four campaigns in Europe.

His decorations included the American Bronze Star, the French Croix de Guerre and a unit citation in the general orders of the Belgian Army.

After World War II he commanded the 647th Armored Field Artillery Battalion in the 49th Armored Division, Texas National Guard, and continued his service in the U.S. Army Reserve.

It was a matter of great pride to him that he had volunteered for active duty even before the first draft act in 1940 and almost 16 months before Pearl Harbor. He proudly wore miniatures of his decorations and service medals on formal evening wear in his late years.

Mr. Lale joined the staff of the Marshall Texas News Messenger in early 1946 after returning from Europe and except for three and a half years spent as publisher of the Greenville Texas Herald Banner, had maintained a home in Marshall ever since.

After the death of his first wife, Georgiana Aspley Lale, in 1982, he was married in 1983 to Lloyd May "Cissy" Stewart, then a long-time writer for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Afterward the couple divided their time between an apartment in Fort Worth and his home at 3704 Fitzgerald in Marshall.

In addition to his military and historical interests, Mr. Lale also was an active civic leader in Marshall, for which he was recognized as the city's Citizen of Distinction in 1982. He served as president of the Marshall Jaycees shortly after World War II, and during the Korean War was blood drive chairman for the Red Cross, of which he also directed.

For these and other civic contributions he was recognized during the "Max Lale Day" in 1982 at ceremonies on the square during which the Marshall High School band played and a number of academic and govermental officials spoke, including then, Rep. Sam B. Hall Jr.

In addition to his books on local history, Mr. Lale also contributed to a number of historical journals, including the East Texas Historical Journal, Southwestern Historical Quarterly, (Locus), Red River Valley Historical Review and Military History of the Southwest, he was a member of the editorial advisory board.

During the last 14 years of his working life, Mr. Lale was manager of communications and plant relations for Thiokol Chemical Corporation, operating contractor at Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant, retiring from that position in 1975.

From his first military training in the OU ROTC with horse-drawn French 75 mm guns he thus witnessed to the transformation of the Army's field artillery into a service equipped with nuclear-capable Pershing missiles whose motors were manufactured at Longhorn.

Survivors include his wife, Cissy Stewart Lale of Fort Worth and brothers, Newton A. Lale of Tyler, Texas, and Wallace R. Lale of Shawnee.


Edna P. Franklin

Edna Pauline Franklin, 81, Shawnee, died Friday, May 5, at a Midwest City nursing home.
Service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 10, at the Walker Funeral Service Chapel. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.


Phyllis Huff

Phyllis Jean Huff, longtime Chandler resident, died Friday, May 5. She was 61.
She was born July 6, 1944, in Chandler, the daughter of Henry David and Fady Long (Suggs) Wakley. She worked for National American Insurance Co. and Wal-Mart in Chandler. She graduated from Chandler High School in the class of 1962 and was a board member of the Chandler Alumni Association.

Phyllis was a member of the First Baptist Church of Chandler and a member of the BPW Club.

Her parents and one brother, Glenn Wakely, preceded her in death.

Survivors are one son and daughter-in-law, Buddy and Lisa Huff of Chandler; one daughter and son-in-law, Becky and Tad Sweitzer of Chandler; brother, Harold Wakely of Chandler; sisters, Lavada Place of Chandler, Patsy Ninness of Davenport and Sue Huffman of Chandler; sister-in-law, June Wakely of Midwest City; four grandchildren, Dalton Sweitzer, Chase Sweitzer, Briar Sweitzer and Athena Huff, all of Chandler; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 9, at the First Baptist Church in Chandler with the Rev. Ray Helm officiating. Burial will follow at the Oak Park Cemetery in Chandler.

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

published May 09, 2006

Edna Pauline Franklin

Shawnee resident Edna Pauline Franklin, 81, died Friday, May 5, in Midwest City after a long illness.
She was born Feb. 15, 1925, in Gray Court, S.C., to Ruth M. Davenport Hellams and Robert R. Hellams.

On July 30, 1943, she married Carl C. Franklin.

She and Carl came to Shawnee after his honorable discharge from the Army Air Corp.

Edna was employed with Sperry and Hutchinson Company for more than 25 years. She retired retired as manager of the S&H Green Stamp Store of Shawnee.

She was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church until moving in with her daughter in 2003.

Edna loved reading, gardening and taking care of her children.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, former Sen. Carl C. Franklin; daughter, Patricia Ann Franklin; son, James Keith Franklin; brother, F.E. Jack Hellams.

Survivors include her daughter, Barbara G. Franklin, of the home; son, Carl Ray Franklin of Houston, Texas; four grandchildren and spouses, Stuart J. and Crystal Ray of Midwest City, Steven T. and Nycole Ray of Dallas, Texas, Karla J. Franklin Tuttle and Ronnie Tuttle of Houston, Carl Jason Franklin of Austin, Texas; four brothers and two sisters, Mary Hellams Faulkner, Robert B. Hellams, John T. Hellams, James Hellams, Emma Hellams Benscooter and Robert R. Hellams Jr., all of South Carolina; six great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held prior to service time and not after the service. Service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Walker Funeral Service Chapel, Shawnee, with the Rev. Sam Hendry, Immanuel Bapitst Church, officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery.


Shirley Rounsaville

On May 2, 2006, at the age of 41, Shirley Lavone Rounsaville was set free from her chains.
She was born July 1, 1964, to Charles and Jackie Rounsaville in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The family moved to the Shawnee area in 1971 where she attended Bethel schools. Shirley attended the First Church of the Nazarene in Shawnee.

She is preceded in death by her loving mother, Jackie "Nanny" Rousaville.

She is survived by her father Charles "Pa" Rounsaville; sons, Dusty Rounsaville, Stormy and Trevor Walker; brothers, Ron of Edmond, Gerald of Tecumseh, and their families.

Her smile and laugh were contagious and unforgettable. We love her and will miss her.

A Memorial Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, May 13, at the First Church of the Nazarene, 401 N. Market, Shawnee, OK.


Robin Dee Inlow

Shawnee resident Robin Dee Inlow, 38, died Saturday, May 6, at his mother's home.
He was born Nov. 23, 1967, in Kansas City, Mo., to Preston Ewing and Charlotte Ruth Inlow.

He attended Winnetonka High School, Maple Woods, Mo.

He was a corporate pilot. He was active in Little League baseball, Youth for Christ and 4-H Club.

Survivors include his wife, Kim Inlow of Dearborn, Mo.; two children, Chelsea Seaton and Nikki Inlow; mother, Charlotte Inlow of Shawnee; two sisters, Rusti Dapelo and Rhonda Vincent; uncles and aunts, John Lee and Sue Terneus, Betty and Lonnie Shanks, Rev. Russell and Joanne Curries, Richard and June Proctor; nephews, Johnathan Ewing Vincent and Dalton Vincent; niece, Amber Renee Mize; and many cousins.

Service will be 11 a.m. today at Dale United Methodist Church with the Rev. Russell Currie and the Rev. Doug Parker officiating. Burial will follow at Dale Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.


Gerald Max Watts

Longtime Prague resident, living near Lake Eufaula at the time of his death, Gerald Max Watts, 71, died Saturday, May 7, in Coalgate.
Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Calvary Way Church in Prague with Brian Snow officiating. Burial will follow at 4 p.m. at Wilson Cemetery in Wilson, Okmulgee County, under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Prague.


Marshall E. Tabor

Newalla resident Marshall E. Tabor, died Sunday, May 7, at the age of 77.
Service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Vondel Smith South Colonial Chapel, 6934 S. Western, Oklahoma City.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.


Jimmy Dale Cortez

Jimmy Dale "Jimmy Rock" Cortez died Saturday, May 6, after a lengthy illness.
Service will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel, Seminole, with the Rev. Manuel Rivas Jr. officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole.


OBU's Angell dies

SHAWNEE -- Dr. Warren M. Angell, dean emeritus of Oklahoma Baptist University's Warren M. Angell College of Fine Arts, died Saturday morning in Asheville, N.C. He was 98.
Funeral services will be in Potter Auditorium of OBU's John Wesley Raley Chapel at 2 p.m. Friday. Burial will follow the ceremony, in Shawnee's Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery.

"Dr. Angell epitomized Oklahoma Baptist University," said OBU President Mark Brister. "He was a gifted educator who poured his life into the lives of his students. He used his gifts to strengthen Christian ministry, through those he trained and sent out, and through his personal work with musicians across the country. His legacy is one which we strive to uphold on our campus.

"We were able to visit last fall, as he was inducted into the Oklahoma State Higher Education Hall of Fame," Brister said. "That was a prominent moment in history, as we celebrated his leadership and achievement. We are grateful for the influence Warren Angell has had and will continue to have on Oklahoma Baptist University."

Angell died just one week before his 99th birthday. He suffered a stroke April 26, and had been hospitalized since that time.

Dr. Warren M. Angell  

shares a story with the audience during a Potter Auditorium performance at his 90th birthday celebration on the campus of Oklahoma Baptist University in May 1997. More than 400 alumni and friends traveled to the OBU campus in Shawnee to celebrate Angell's birthday. The legendary musician was dean of OBU's College of Fine Arts from 1936-73. PHOTO PROVIDED
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on May 13, 1907, Angell graduated from Ilion, N.Y., High School, and received both bachelor and master of music degrees in piano and composition from Syracuse University, Syracuse, N.Y. He earned a doctor of education degree from Columbia University Teachers College in 1944. He spent four summers studying in Europe and did summer study at the Eastman School of Music, Rochester, N.Y.

Angell taught piano and theory at Murray State Teachers College, Murray, Ky., as head of the piano department from 1934-36.

Angell moved to Oklahoma in 1936 when he was named dean of the College of Fine Arts and professor of piano, organ, and theory at OBU --a school that was struggling for survival in the midst of the Great Depression.

"OBU seemed to offer what I wanted -- a chance to settle somewhere and grow with the school," Angell said.

Over the next 37 years, Angell built a College of Fine Arts with a faculty of 29 and an enrollment of 300. In addition to his academic leadership, he was a respected teacher, a noted composer and arranger, a widely recognized pianist, and a well-known choral conductor.

In 1938 he founded the Bison Glee Club and directed the organization until his retirement in 1973. He also founded the Bisonette Glee Club in 1954 and the Tuneclippers in 1962.

His work with choral techniques in the Bison Glee Club earned the group national prominence. During his tenure, the BGC made seven commercial records, appeared in 1965 on the Great Choirs of America "Voice of Christmas" series on NBC, and was featured on other television and radio programs.

Angell was granted a leave of absence from OBU from 1942 to 1944 to complete his doctoral work at Columbia. During his time in New York City, he sang top tenor with Fred Waring's Pennsylvanians and was a member of the Robert Shaw Collegiate Chorale, often singing solos.

He became OBU's key public relations representative and student recruiter by virtue of travel with his music groups and his leadership of choral workshops throughout the country. In 1956 the OBU board of trustees named the College of Fine Arts in his honor.

He wrote five books on vocal and choral techniques, published by Convention Press, Nashville, Tenn.

He had more than 53 published compositions in the choral field and four published piano numbers.

published May 10, 2006

Charles DeWayne Luton

Charles DeWayne Luton, 56, died May 8, in Oklahoma City.
He was born Dec. 6, 1949, in Shawnee to Charles Vernon and Hazel Luton.

DeWayne was an independent insurance agent for more than 35 years most recently with Brooke Insurance and Financial Services.

He graduated from UCO with a degree in business. He played football in high school and college. He was a fantastic athlete and excelled in golf, scuba diving, bicycling and running.

DeWayne loved riding motorcycles with his friends.

His father, Charles, preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife of 20 years, Terrie L. Luton; daughter, Kelli Lovelace and her husband, Brian, and grandson, Blake Michael; mother, Hazel Luton; sisters, Donna Rapp and Cheryl Clayton; sisters-in-law, Stephanie Penny and Melanie Bailey, their husbands and his two nieces which he adored, Paige and Peyton Bailey; niece, Gervais Penny; nephew, Luke Penny; brother-in-law, Erwin Penny.

He will be greatly missed by all who love him.

Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Vondel Smith Mortuary North Colonial Chapel. Burial will follow at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery in Oklahoma City.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association National Center, 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231.


LaVanche Campbell

Prague and Meeker resident LaVanche Campbell, 85, died Tuesday, May 9, in Shawnee.
She was born Jan. 2, 1921, in Chandler to Everett and Maudie May (Tice) Yoder.

On March 3, 1967, she married Orville Dave Campbell. He preceded her in death Oct. 13, 1985.

LaVanche was a homemaker and a member of United Methodist Church in Prague.

Also preceding her in death were 10 brothers and sisters.

Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, Doyle Wayne and Anne Green of Murrieta, Calif., Larry Ernest and Linda Green of Prague; daughters and son-in-law, Mary Detamore of Arlington, Texas, Phyllis and Allen Forehand of Meeker; brothers, Bobby Ray Yoder of Oregon, Bruce Yoder of Temecula, Calif.; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson.

Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Prague. Burial will follow at Prague Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Prague.


Annie Vee Shaw

Longtime Konawa resident Annie Vee "Anna" Shaw, 86, died Tuesday, May 9, at Ballard Nursing Center in Ada.
Service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Swearingen Funeral Chapel, Konawa, with the Rev. Pam Shirk officiating. Burial will follow at Vista Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home of Konawa.


Melvin Curtis Bean

Harrah resident Melvin Curtis Bean, 70, died Sunday, May 7, in Harrah.
Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Rossville Cemetery, Meeker, under the direction Smith~Parks Funeral Service Center.

published May 11, 2006

Willie Ernest DeLeon Sr.

Shawnee resident Willie Ernest DeLeon Sr., 90, died Monday, May 8, at a local nursing home.
He was born Oct. 19, 1915, in Oletha, Texas, to Marion Joseph DeLeon and Mariah Callie (Moore).

Willie married Jessie Mae Campbell who preceded him in death.

He served in the U.S. Army and received an honorable discharge on Oct. 27, 1944.

Willie owned and operated a tree service in the Shawnee area for many years.

He loved to play dominoes, cards, working in his garden and spending time with his family.

Also preceding him in death were his parents; daughter, Christine Guffey; two sons, Willie Dean DeLeon and Willie Ernest DeLeon Jr.

Survivors include his four children and spouses, Wanda and Jim Wesley of Shawnee, Linda and Fred Wright of Shawnee, Judy and Dr. Thomas Avery of Shawnee, Donald Ray and Connie DeLeon of Shawnee; 23 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; two sisters and brother-in-law, Anna Bell Campbell of Gilbert, Ariz., Lucille and Ben Gonzalez of Las Vegas, Nev.; brother and sister-in-law, Sam and Mae Hoover of Corpus Christi, Texas; several nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Resthaven Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Brent McCutcheon officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.


Jay Michael Williams

Jay Michael Williams, the infant son of Chad Michael Williams Sr. and Sonya Marie Johnson of Newalla, died Tuesday, May 9.
Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Pilgrims Rest Cemetery, Newalla, with the Rev. Bill Derrick officiating. Services are under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service in Harrah.
 

published May 12, 2006

Johnnie R. Williamson

Shawnee resident Johnnie R. Williamson, 72, died Wednesday, May 10, in Oklahoma City.
Johnnie was born Oct. 18, 1933, in Erick, to Charles Edwin and Allie Mae (Wester) Williamson. He grew up in Erick and was a graduate of Erick High School. He earned his bachelor and master degrees from Texas Tech University. He also served in the U.S. Navy for two years.

On Feb. 23, 1956, he married La Rue Smith in Lubbock, Texas.

He worked as an industrial engineer in several departments at Tinker Air Force Base and retired in 1993. He was the founding member of Lakeview Church of Christ.

Johnnie enjoyed golfing, camping and spending time with his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Floy Williamson; and two sisters, Lavelle Moss and Terry Collins.

Surviving relatives include his wife, La Rue Williamson of the home; two sons and daughters-in-law, Mark and Molly Williamson of Rochester, Minn., and John and Deb Williamson of Valley View, Texas; two daughters and one son-in-law, Kim and Pat Robinson of Bethel, and Kristi Williamson of Bethel; ten grandchildren, Craig and Todd Robinson of Bethel, Michael, Emily and Brian Williamson of Minnesota, Kylah, Courtney, Tyler and Nykol Williamson of Texas and Tori Williamson of Bethel.

Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Lakeview Church of Christ with Ben Glover and Mike Snider officiating.

The family has requested that donations be made to Lakeview Church of Christ, Camp Rock Creek Williamson Memorial Fund.


Marjorie June Oldham

Marjorie June Oldham, 87, formerly of Ulysses, Kan., died early Wednesday, May 10, at her daughter's home in Tulsa.
Marjorie was born June 4, 1918, in Tecumseh to Clyde Orville and Cora Ann (Barnett) Rider.

On Nov. 21, 1945, she married Clarence Omer Oldham in Clayton, N.M. They moved from Campo, Colo., to Ulysses, Kan., in 1962. He preceded her in death on March 21, 2004.

She was a homemaker and a member of the First Assembly of God Church, Ulysses.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and three brothers, Carl, Royal and George Rider.

Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Carolyn and David Meyer of Rural Ulysses, Kan., Kathy and Randy Pitts of Tulsa; four grandchildren and spouses, Mike and Stacy Meyer of Ulysses, Mark and Elizabeth Meyer of Benton, Colo., Jill and Jay Hanley and Julie and Tommy Andrade, all of Overland Park, Kan.; three brothers and spouses, Robert and Alberta Rider of Tecumseh, Orville and Belva Rider of Springfield, Colo., Noble and Nadine Rider of Campo; two sisters, Edna Barlow of Canon City, Colo., and Doris Brodrick of Shawnee; three great-grandchildren and a host of other family and friends.

A memorial has been established for the First Assembly of God Church, Ulysses. Memorials may be mailed to Grant County Funeral Home, 218 S. Main, Ulysses, KS 67880.

Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at the First Assembly of God Church, Ulysses, Kan., with the Rev. Nicky Rider officiating, Burial will follow at Ulysses Cemetery under the direction of Grant County Funeral Home, Ulysses.

Friends may call 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.


John Preston Thomas II

John Preston Thomas II was born May 21, 1918, in Wewoka and departed this life Wednesday, May 10, in Prague. He was 87.
John, the son of John Preston and Rosie (Kelcey) Thomas, was a resident of Prague. He married Dorothea Riley on July 10, 1943, in Seminole.

John was a salesman with Prague Wholesale for many years and later worked for R. A. Fielden Realty. He was a member of the Prague United Methodist Church.

His parents and four brothers preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Dorothea Thomas of the home; sons and daughter-in-law, John Preston "Jake" Thomas III of Austin, Texas, and Howard Glendon and Donna Thomas of Lawton; daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Karl Beachler of Prague; brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Idanell Thomas of Van Buren, Ark.; seven grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren.

Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel, Prague, with the Rev. Sharon Capron and Bro. Tim Emmons officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Wewoka under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Prague.

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


Carol Lou (Cootie) Smith

Stroud resident Carol Lou Smith died Thursday, May 11, in Stroud at the age of 63.
Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Stroud with Pastor Jon Mitchell officiating. Burial will be in the Stroud Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Services in Stroud.


Essie Gaines

Longtime Konawa area resident Essie Gaines, 90, died Wednesday, May 10, at her home.
Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Swearingen Funeral Chapel, Konawa, with Richard Winters officiating. Burial will follow at Vamoosa Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.
 

published May 13, 2006

Bob L. LaShum

Bob L. LaShum was born Feb. 14, 1929, and went to be with the Lord on May 11, 2006.
He retired from McConnell Construction in 1970 and was a member of the Del City House of Prayer for 24 years.

He was preceded in death by his father, George L. LaShum and brothers, Rodney and Tommy LaShum.

Bob is survived by his wife, Elizabeth LaShum of the home; mother; Eva Williams of Checotah; son and daughter-in-law, Ed and Kim LaShum of Shawnee; daughter, Edra Tillman of Shawnee; five grandchildren, Brett Lee LaShum of Kentucky, Elysia and T.J. Roberson of Guymon, Erica Hirrill, Jesse Tillman, and Kayla Kelly, all of Shawnee; one great-granddaughter, Natallie Rose Roberson of Guymon; numerous sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Del City House of Prayer. Burial will follow at Dale Cemetery in Dale under the direction of Bill Eisenhour Funeral Home, Del City.


Agnes Flickinger

Shawnee resident Agnes Flickinger, 87, died Thursday, May 11, at a local nursing home.
At Agnes' request, there will be no service.


Coral Margaret Rutherford

Shawnee resident Coral Margaret Rutherford, 91, died Thursday, May 11, at Alterra Sterling House.
No service is scheduled at this time.

Resthaven Funeral Home is in charge of the cremation


Nora Lee Norcutt

Shawnee resident Nora Lee Norcutt, 56, died Monday, May 8, at a local hospital.
A private service was held Friday, May 12, at Calvary Cemetery.


Tom Belcher

Chandler resident Tom Belcher, 65, died Thursday, May 11.
Service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at First United Methodist Church in Chandler under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Chandler.


Elwood Lanier Short

Wewoka resident Elwood Lanier Short, 75, passed away Thursday, May 11, at his home.
A memorial service will be 4 p.m. Monday at Elwood's Bar and Grill, East of Seminole on Highway 9.

Swearingen Funeral Home is directing arrangements.

published May 14, 2006

Paul F. Willis, founder of Jonco Aircraft Company in Shawnee, died Wednesday, May 10, in Tulsa. He was 94.

Willis was born March 17, 1912, in Snyder, Okla., to Mary Harshberger Willis and Perry Willis.

He married Thelma Ater, his childhood sweetheart, Aug. 11, 1931. She bore him two sons. Thelma passed away in 1965. Willis later married Carolyn Martin of Shawnee, who died in 2005.

Willis received his education at Cameron A&M College and through courses at SMU in Dallas, Texas.

Jonco, a major industry in Shawnee during the '50s, became a subsidiary of Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corp., employing 1,500 people. Mr. Willis resigned his position with Jonco to form a company in Ogden, Utah. In 1961, he returned to Shawnee organizing Shawnee Industries, Inc., which later became a subsidiary of Thiokol Chemical Corp. Willis established another company in 1967 in St. Petersburg, Fla., partnering with Sears and Westinghouse in the waste management field.

Willis was a former member of First Christian Church, Shawnee, a past president of the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce and past president of the Rotary Club of Shawnee. He was a 32nd degree Mason, a Shriner and a member of the Rolling Oakies and Suntrackers RV clubs. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, a water enthusiast, and a guitar and fiddler musician.

His parents; two brothers, Steve and Perry, and two sisters, Marie and Jessie, preceded him in death.

Survivors include his sons, Bill and Linda Willis of Vero Beach, Fla.; Carl and Novella Willis of Tulsa; four grandchildren, Craig and Brenda Willis of Las Vegas, Nev.; Paul and Joanna Willis of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Matt and Tanya Willis of Royal Palm, Fla.; Thom and Diane Rubin of Tulsa, and eight great-grandchildren survive their Great PaPa and will miss him immensely.

A memorial service will be held in Tulsa at the Asbury UMC, Mason Chapel, Monday at 10 a.m. under the direction of Floral Haven Funeral Home.

Burial will be 3 p.m. Monday at Fairview Cemetery in Shawnee with the Rev. Walter Still officiating.


Bob Kilgo

Bob Kilgo, 53, of Shawnee passed away Wednesday, May 10, at a local hospital.

Bob was born to Herb and Gertrude Kilgo on Aug. 5, 1952, in Ada. Bob attended and graduated from Prague High School. He also graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. He married Lori Leeson May 27, 1982, in Chandler.

He was a manager for Sonic Drive-in for 27 years in the Shawnee area. Bob worked at the Corner Chill and Grill in Meeker.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife, Lori, of the home; a son, Michael Kilgo, of the home; a sister, Cindy and Rohdney Moore, of Meeker; two nephews, James and Josh Moore, of Meeker; mother-in-law, Carolyn Leeson, of Prague; an uncle, Joe and Joan Davis, of Moore; and a long time friend, Carol Alexander.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Walker Funeral Service Chapel.


Bob L. LaShum

Bob L. LaShum, born Feb. 14, 1929, went to be with the Lord Thursday, May 11.

He retired from McConnell Construction in 1970 and he was a member of the Del City House of Prayer for 24 years.

Bob is survived by wife, Elizabeth LaShum of the home; his mother, Eva Williams of Checotah; son and daughter-in-law, Ed and Kim LaShum of Shawnee; daughter, Edra Tillman of Shawnee; five grandchildren, Brett Lee LaShum of Kentucky, Elysia and T.J. Roberson of Guymon, Erica Hirrill, Jesse Tillman, and Kayla Kelly, all of Shawnee; one great-granddaughter, Natallie Rose Roberson of Guymon; numerous sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, George L. LaShum, and brothers, Rodney and Tommy LaShum.

Services will be 2 p.m. Monday at the Del City House of Prayer with burial at Dale Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Bill Eisenhour Funeral Home Southeast.


Juanita C. Coker

Wanette resident Juanita C. Coker, 82, died Wednesday, May 10, at her home.
A service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Cooper Funeral Home in Tecumseh.


Betty Elaine Ruby

Betty Elaine Ruby went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, May 11.
Elaine was born March 13, 1955, in Rapid City, S.D. She married the love of her life, Ron Ruby, on June 18, 1976. They had three daughters, Arlinda, Christina, and Stephanie.

Elaine held many jobs throughout her lifetime, but the ones she was most proud of were that of mother and Me-Ma (grandma). A member of the congregation at Countryside Pentecostal Church of God, she held her church family in the highest regard.

Elaine was preceded in death by her husband, Ron; both parents, John and Betty Lutheran; one sister, Jean Barrett; two brothers, Larry and Dennis Lutheran; and a special "daughter," Lori Giles.

She is survived by her three daughters and their husbands, Arlinda and Kyle Copeland, Christina and Robbie Gilliam, Stephanie and Luke Isenhower; four grandchildren, Abigail and Lola Gilliam and Ethan and Libby Isenhower; two stepsons and three stepdaughters and their families; five brothers; one sister; numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews, and many other special friends.

Service will be 2:30 p.m. Monday at Countryside Pentecostal Church of God in Tecumseh with the pastor, Dennis Stone, officiating.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom. You may seem far from us but you'll always be in our hearts. We Love You!! Welcome Home, Mom!


Alvin Eugene McGee

Alvin Eugene McGee, 96, of Kerrville, Texas, died Saturday, May 13, in Kerrville.
Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Crestview Memorial Park with the Rev. Hector Medina, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Owens & Brumley Funeral Home of Wichita Falls.

McGee was a native of Saint Louis, Okla., and was co-founder and owner of Perry-McGee Furniture.

He is survived by his wife, Jo McGee of Wichita Falls; two daughters, Ann L. McGee of Las Vegas, Nev., and Elaine McGee of Dallas; two sons, Carroll Wilson of Wichita Falls and John Wilson of Kerrville; a brother, Lawrence McGee of Amarillo, Texas, and a sister, Vida Butler of Hereford, Texas; four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Memorials be sent to the Alzheimer's Association, 901 Indiana, Suite 350, Wichita Falls TX 76301.


Milton E. Wilkes

Milton E. Wilkes, 94, of Shawnee formerly of Bastrop, La., passed away Saturday, May 13, at a local nursing home.
Milton was born to Frank and Martha Wilks on Dec. 11, 1911, in Hilly, La. Milton attended Hilly schools and graduated from Ruston High School. Milton also attended Louisiana Tech where he ran track and received his B.S. degree from Southwestern Louisiana Institute (now University of Louisiana Lafayette).

He married Bernice Thompson April 16, 1939, in Monroe, La. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and played in the Navy band. Milton was also a member of the Rotary club in Bastrop. He enjoyed coaching little league baseball and taught Sunday school at the First Baptist Church in Bastrop. He was also county supervisor for the Farmers' Home Administration, USDA in Morehouse Parish. After retirement he worked for Keith-Babb Auctioneers and was a farm appraiser. He was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church of Shawnee.

Survivors of Milton include one son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Jackie Wilks of Shawnee; two grandsons and daughter-in-law, David Wilks of Norman, Bryan and Courtney Wilks of Jenks, and many nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to Oklahoma Baptist University scholarship fund for track in memory of Milton Wilks.

Darrell Whitten, hospice chaplain, will conduct a memorial service Monday at Golden Rule Nursing Home residential care area under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.