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

submitted by Kay Sugg Best

published Sep. 01, 2006

Vanetia Ann Powers

Shawnee resident Vanetia Ann Rosebud Powers, 71, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, Aug. 30, in Oklahoma City.
She was born May 6, 1935, in Tecumseh. Her parents were William Arlet Rosebud and Alice Grace Brooks Rosebud. She graduated from Varnum High School in Seminole.

Vanetia worked for many years at Shawnee Regional Hospital. She was a member of Tranquil Moments Water Garden and she enjoyed being with friends and family.

Vanetia was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; and brother, Bill Rosebud.

She leaves a husband, Jack D. Powers, of Tecumseh; daughter and son-in-law, Teresa and John Doak, of Shawnee; son and daughter-in-law, Wayne and Jeri Oldham; son, Calvin Oldham, all of Tecumseh; two step-daughters and their spouses, Karen and Art Wells and Sharon and Sam Slattery; one step-son and his spouse, Gary Don and Sana Powers; 14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Lorettia Shepherd, of Bethel Acres, and LaWanda Adamson and husband, Frank, of Tecumseh. Also, a number of nieces, family and frieds that will miss her presence greatly.

Vanetia showed unconditional love for her family and friends. She loved them all dearly and will be greatly missed.

Graveside service will be 10 a.m. today at Resthaven Cemetery in Shawnee.

Please come help celebrate her life with us.


Agatha B. Ray

Shawnee resident Agatha B. Ray, 80, died Wednesday, Aug. 30, at her home.
She was born July 11, 1926, in Colton, Okla., to Aubrey and Ione (Farrar) Thorne.

She graduated high school in Tulsa.

On March 22, 1946, she married James Ray in Tulsa.

They moved to Shawnee two years ago.

Agatha loved sewing, crocheting, needlepoint, cross stitching, quilting, bowling, shopping and cooking.

Preceding her in death were her parents and brother, Harold Thorne.

Survivors include husband, Jim, of the home; two children, Linda Sepulveda of Shawnee and Lewis Ray and his wife, Teresa, of Sapulpa; three grandchildren, Stefanii Sepulveda, Sarah Sepulveda and James Ray; two great-grandchildren, Lynda Sepulveda and Ashley Ray; three brothers, Edwin, Raymond and Dale Thorne; numerous nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Twin Oaks Baptist Church, Seminole, with the Rev. Forrest Weast officiating.

Burial will be 1:30 p.m. at Westlawn Cemetery, Henryetta, under the direction of Walker Funeral Service, Shawnee.


Arnold Martin

Prague resident Arnold Martin, 91, died Wednesday, Aug. 30, in Prague.
Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Prague Cemetery.

Burial will follow under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Prague.


Helen Thomas

Stillwater resident Helen Thomas, 87, died Wednesday, Aug. 30.
Service will be 10 a.m. Monday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Chandler.


Billy E. Smith

Prague resident Billy Elmer Smith, 71, died Sunday, Aug. 20, at his residence.
Service will be 6 p.m. Tuesday at Keokuk Cemetery, Prague, with Bro. Tim Emmons officiating.

published Sep. 02, 2006

Lillian Newby

Lillian Newby, 82, died Thursday, Aug. 31, at her residence in the Earlsboro area.
She was born April 3, 1924, in Earlsboro to Pleas Lindsay and Ola Lindsay (Hadley).

Lillian was a homemaker and loving mother.

She enjoyed watching TV and playing with her dog.

Preceding her in death were her parents, six sisters and two brothers.

Survivors include son, Keith Newby, of the home; many nieces, nephews and many other family members.

Visitation will be 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. today at Gaskill Funeral Chapel, Shawnee.

Service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Little Chapel in Little Cemetery with Larry Chesser Jr., Faith Hospice, officiating.

Burial will follow at Little Cemetery.


Helen Agnes Thomas

Longtime Chandler resident Helen Agnes (Reed) Thomas, 87, departed this life Wednesday, Aug. 30, in Stillwater.
She was born June 27, 1919, in Chandler, to George W. and Annie "Agnes" (Hall) Reed.

Helen married Byron "Bill" Garfield Thomas Dec. 27, 1938, in Chandler.

She was a homemaker and a member of Church of Christ in Chandler.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband; daughter, Mary; brother, J.M. Reed; sister, Rhoda Ann Cook.

Survivors include two daughters, Agnes Viola Jones of Edmond and Linda Helen Anthony of Stillwater; two sons, John Byron Thomas and Matthew Robert Thomas, both of Stillwater; one brother, Billy Carson Reed of St. Louis, Mo.; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.

Expression of sympathy may be made to the Judith Karman Hospice at 918 S. Main, Stillwater.

Service will be 10 a.m. Monday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel, Chandler, with Carson E. Reed officiating.

Burial will follow at New Zion Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Chandler.

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

published Sep. 03, 2006

Robert James Dolin

Robert "Bobby" James Dolin, son of Joseph E. and Evelyn G. (Zahasky) Dolin, died Thursday, Aug. 31.
He was born July 28, 1946, a Down's Syndrome child who has needed special care and consideration of his unique needs throughout his life. Family and friends have all felt love and enjoyment from him, and we will miss his usually good nature.

Bobby was fortunate to have had the nurturing and expert care of all of the staff at the Center of Family Love, where he had made many friends over the 25 years he stayed there. He would have felt proud that the family is requesting in his behalf that, in lieu of any memorials for his services, donations be sent to the Center Of Family Love, P.O. Box 245, Okarche, OK 73762.

Any designations for donations need to be made payable to the Loosen Center Activity Fund.

Bobby was preceded in death by his mother and father.

Survivors include three brothers and their spouses, Patrick and Irene Dolin, Richard and Rebecca Dolin and Joseph and Linda Dolin; three sisters, Maureen and spouse, Clifford, Gilleland, Mary Ellen Bishop, and Yvonne Ruzicka; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral mass and reception following the service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday at Walker Funeral Service.


Theodore R. King

Shawnee resident Theodore Roland King, 74, died Friday, Sept. 1, at a local hospital.
Visitation will be held 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Trinity Chapel at Resthaven Memorial Park. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to VFW Post 1317.

Resthaven Funeral Home is directing arrangements.


Richard Frank DaMico Sr.  

Tecumseh resident Richard DaMico Sr., 71, died Thursday, Aug. 31, at his residence.

He was born Sept. 28, 1934, in Covington, Ky., to Albert and Norma (True) DaMico.

Richard married Betty Brown March 31, 1964, in Las Vegas, Nev.

He served in the U.S. Air Force.

Richard owned and operated Richard's Floor Care and was a member of the Masonic Lodge.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and repairing furniture.

Preceding him in death were his parents; two sons, Antonio and Bobby DaMico; one daughter, Lauri DaMico; three sisters, Alvina Carino, Alma Howard and Alberta Heff; three brothers, Victor, Robert and Roger DaMico.

Survivors include his wife, Betty, of the home; three children, Richard DaMico Jr. and wife, Connie, of Tecumseh, Jackie Arthur DaMico and wife, Tracy, of Foyle and Tinia Stella Smith and husband, Scott, of Shawnee; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; three brothers, William, Woody and Ray DaMico; two sisters, Florence Lamox and Stella DaMico; mother-in-law, Ruby Brown; brother-in-law, Johnny Brown; and numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.

Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at the chapel of Walker Funeral Service with Kurt Beauford officiating.

Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service, Shawnee.


Dr. John Brown

Retired dentist John Brown, 79, passed away Saturday, Sept. 2.

Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church in Shawnee. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park in Shawnee. Visitation will be today 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Greenwood Funeral Home, Fort Worth, Texas.

Dr. Brown was born Sept. 15, 1926, in Kansas City, Mo. At the age of 2 months he was adopted by Arch and Marie Brown of Heavener, where he grew up and graduated from high school in 1944. While in school he was active in music, singing in a quartet and chorus. He played the saxophone in the band and won many awards playing the violin as a solo instrument.

Upon graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served two years as a radar operator aboard the aircraft carrier USS Monterey CVL 26. He was discharged on the point system in 1946 and enrolled at Oklahoma Baptist University as a pre-dental student.

At OBU, he played the saxophone in the band and violin in the orchestra. John also taught freshman chemistry, quantitative analysis, organic lab and toxicology lab as a student instructor. He graduated in 1949 with a bachelor of science in chemistry, physics and biology and as a member of Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities.

In 1950 he enrolled in Kansas City Western Dental School in Kansas City, Mo. While in school he supplemented his GI Bill income by driving Yellow Cabs part-time.

John graduated in 1954 and moved to Shawnee, where he opened his general dentistry practice. He was active in the community, serving on the YMCA board when they built the new building; Pottawatomie County Board of Health for 30 years; the Indian guides program, where he served as longhouse chief; the Boy Scouts, where he was health and safety commissioner; the Shawnee Lions Club as president and zone chairman; and Tecumseh Rotary president.

John was active in the First Baptist Church, where he sang in the senior adult choir and the sanctuary choir for 50 years, and was a deacon for 40 years, past deacon chairman and several times as chairman of the house and grounds committee.

Professionally, John was a member of the American Dental Association, the Oklahoma Dental Association, where he served two terms for the house of delegates, past president of the Central District Dental Association and past president of the Pott. County Dental Society. He retired to Fort Worth in 2004 after 50 years in practice.

In 1949 John married Nancy Lee of Spiro. Into this union were born two sons, John Keith Brown in 1954 and John David Brown in 1957. In 1981, John married Carla Latta of Fort Worth.

Survivors include his wife, Carla, of Fort Worth; a son, Keith Brown, and his wife, Shauna of Midland, Texas; a granddaughter, Heather and husband, Will, of North Pole, Alaska.; grandson, Joshua Brown and wife of Lubbock, Texas; son, David Brown and wife, Stefania of Cary, N.C.; grandsons, Andrew Brown, Michael Brown, Matthew Brown, and granddaughter, Julia Brown, all of Cary, N.C. He also is survived by Michael and Raylene Latta, David and Kathy Latta, Valerie Green, Nancy and Larry Albert, Andrew and Polly Latta, Craig and Donna Latta; 20 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

A guestbook is available at www.star-telegram.com/obituaries.


Robert James Dolin

Robert "Bobby" James Dolin, son of Joseph E. and Evelyn G. (Zahasky) Dolin, died Thursday, Aug. 31.
He was born July 28, 1946, a Down's Syndrome child who has needed special care and consideration of his unique needs throughout his life. Family and friends have all felt love and enjoyment from him, and we will miss his usually good nature.

Bobby was fortunate to have had the nurturing and expert care of all of the staff at the Center of Family Love, where he had made many friends over the 25 years he stayed there. He would have felt proud that the family is requesting in his behalf that, in lieu of any memorials for his services, donations be sent to the Center Of Family Love, P.O. Box 245, Okarche, OK 73762.

Any designations for donations need to be made payable to the Loosen Center Activity Fund.

Bobby was preceded in death by his mother and father.

Survivors include three brothers and their spouses, Patrick and Irene Dolin, Richard and Rebecca Dolin and Joseph and Linda Dolin; three sisters, Maureen and spouse, Clifford, Gilleland, Mary Ellen Bishop, and Yvonne Ruzicka; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral mass and reception following the service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday at Walker Funeral Service.

published Sep. 05, 2006

Tammy Sue Tsotaddle

Tammy Sue Tsotaddle, a caring, loving and beautiful child of Our Creator, joined Him on Saturday, Sept. 2. She will be missed by all, and all know she is in the good hands of Our Creator.
A Shawnee resident, Tammy had great plans of becoming a chef for the new Citizen Potawatomi Nation Casino, located on Interstate 40. She recently graduated from Culinary Arts School at Okmulgee State Tech.

Survivors include her mother, Mary Jim of Shawnee; father, Joseph Tsotaddle Jr. of Carnegie; sisters, Debbie Tsotaddle of Prague and Stephanie Pheasant Lewis of Alabama; grandparents, Mavis and Joseph Tsotaddle Sr. of Carnegie and Viola Jim of Shawnee; uncle and aunt, Micheal and Lea Tsotaddle of Shawnee, aunts, Darla Castillo of Oklahoma City and Angela Tsotaddle of Shawnee; cousins Christa Tsotaddle of Tulsa, Meskee Tsotaddle of Rehoboth, N.M., Micheal Tsotaddle Jr. of Marlow, Adriann Tsotaddle, Francisco Ponce of Oklahoma City, Adreanna Ponce, Ellen Meely and Christopher and Brandon Kaseca, all of Shawnee.

Services will be in Carnegie.


Freddie Clark Simons

McLoud resident Freddie Clark Simons, 70, died Saturday, Sept. 2, at a local hospital.
He was born May 27, 1936, in McMinnville, Tenn., to James H. and Frankie A. (Coopenger) Simons. He later married Virginia Ahl in Boston Mass. Freddie retired from the U.S. Air Force.

He was preceded in death by his parents, half brothers and half sisters.

Survivors include his wife, Virginia of Shawnee; a son, Clark Simons of Shawnee; a daughter, Leona Simons of Shawnee; a brother, James Simons of Texas; a sister-in-law, Nell Simons of Texas; a sister, Jean Hudson of Tennessee; a brother-in-law, Ed Hudson of Tennessee; grandchildren, Justin, Javen and Marcia of Shawnee; and four nieces and nephews.

Service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday with the Rev. John Keeling officiating at Walker Funeral Chapel. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.

Services are under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.


E. H. Stewart

Shawnee resident E.H. Stewart, 72, died Saturday, Sept. 2, in Shawnee.
He was born in Delaware, Ark., on Oct. 5, 1933, to Everette Henry and Grace Helen (Thompson) Stewart.

E.H. was a resident of the Lincoln and Pottawatomie county area most of his life. He graduated from Centerview High School with the class of 1951.

He married Wanda L. Hayes in Okmulgee Aug. 23, 1952. They recently celebrated 54 years of marriage.

E.H. worked in the Prague and Shawnee area all of his life. He was employed by Grimes Farm Store, Ford Texaco and Motor Parts Co. before buying the Sinclair and Texaco Service Stations in Prague.

In 1967, he began working as a salesman for Harvey's GMC in Shawnee. On Oct. 1, 1975, he started his own business, Stewart Wholesale, near Shawnee.

He continued to work at Harvey's GMC until July 1979 when he began operating his business full time.

In addition to being a kind, generous and loving person, he was a friend to all he met. He also was a poet, author, story teller, songwriter and had many of his original works published.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

Survivors include his wife, Wanda Stewart of Shawnee; a son and daughter-in-law, Terry and Barbara Stewart of Shawnee; three daughters and their husbands, Pam and John Street of League City, Texas, Kay and Donnie Young of Prague and Donna Payne of Oklahoma City; two brothers and their wives, Roy and Judy Stewart of Stroud and Leslie and Jo Ann Stewart of Prague; a sister and her husband, Helen and John Reed of Shawnee; 10 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the First Baptist Church, Prague, with the Rev. Mike Craig officiating and the Rev. Steve Stone assisting.

Burial will follow in Prague Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service of Prague.

The family has suggested expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 1701 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria, VA 22311 or the Parkinsons Foundation, 1501 NW Ninth Ave./Bob Hope Road, Miami, FL 33136

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


Theodore "Ted" R. King

Retired Spc. 1st Class Theodore "Ted" R. King, 74, died Friday, Sept. 1.
He was born Jan. 20, 1932, to Marvin L. and Martha F. King.

Ted's military career started before high school graduation when the 45th "Thunderbird" Division was activated for the Korean conflict. His career spanned four decades and included three tours of duty in Korea, two tours of duty in Vietnam and several other overseas tours.

Ted was a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1317 and was a past commander. He was selected to represent the post in Washington, D.C., for the dedication of the Vietnam National Memorial.

Ted had three sons, Jerry Wayne King, Jimmy King, and Johnny King; a daughter, Rene; and four step-children, Pam O'Neal, Glenita Hayden, Lana Westrope and Bruce Hayden.

There were numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews who will miss him greatly.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, James A., Marvin L., Robert E., and Donald L., and sister, Florence M. Armstrong.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley M. Hayden King.

A graveside memorial service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Resthaven. Ted will be laid to rest in the Garden of Valor.

Family has requested donations be made in Ted's memory to help save VFW Post 1317 in lieu of floral gifts.


The Rev. W.F. Crow

Tecumseh resident the Rev. W.F. Crow, 90, died Friday, Sept. 1, in Shawnee.
The Rev. Crow was born Jan. 27, 1916, in Pleasant Run, Texas, to Erskin Monroe and Lela Evelyn (York) Crow. He grew up in the Pleasant Run Community, now part of Colleyville, Texas, where he went to school and attended Pleasant Run Baptist Church. There he preached his first sermon on March 17, 1935, at the age of 19 and was licensed to preach the same day.

He attended Decatur Baptist Junior College in Decatur, Texas, before attending Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, where he graduated in 1941.

He continued his education at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, where he obtained a master of theology degree in 1945 and a master of religious education in 1946.

While at seminary, he met another student, Clemmie Elizabeth Wester of Mineral Wells, Texas, and married her July 16, 1945. She was his constant helpmate and encourager for 56 years, until she went to be with the Lord on Sept. 29, 2001.

He was the pastor at Prairie Mound Baptist in Nocona, Texas; Pleasant Run Baptist in Colleyville, Texas; First Baptist, Earlsboro; Calvary Baptist, Shawnee; First Baptist, Carnegie; Wallace Avenue Baptist, Shawnee; and First Baptist, Waynoka.

After his retirement in 1978, he served in revivals and in 31 interim pastorates. He often said, "Old preachers never die, they just go out to pastor."

On Oct. 22, 2005, celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Pottawatomie-Lincoln Baptist Association, he was recognized as "The Patriarch of Pastors."

He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter and son-in-law, Marilyn and Salvatore Pischedda, and a brother, Harold Crow.

Survivors include three daughters and sons-in-law, Edna and Allen Wingo of Shawnee; Nancy and Gary Wingo of Shawnee; and Dena and Walter Mueller of El Paso, Texas, 15 grandchildren and spouses, Amy and David Isbell; Andrea and John Wingo; Jesse and Becky Wingo; Raphael, Marcus and Pam, Stefan, Gina and Carmen Pischedda; Elizabeth and Josh Bartolomucci; Josh, Angela and Chris Jones; Amber and Brit Hembree; Crystal and Richard Inga; and Kristin and Jordan Mueller, five great-grandchildren, Rachel and Kaitlin Isbell, Carson Wingo and Shelby and Darcy Jones; three brothers and two sisters-in-law, Floyd Crow of Tecumseh; Olan and Nan Crow of Richardson, Texas; and E.J. and Nancy Crow of Marlow; and two sisters, Mary Willis of Tecumseh and Mildred Ziegler of Shawnee.

Service will be 10 a.m. today at Immanuel Baptist Church in Shawnee with Dr. Walter Mueller and Dr. Russell Cook officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery, under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Tecumseh Mission Fund or the Immanuel Baptist Church Building Fund.


Leon Casey

Shawnee resident Leon Casey, 86, died Saturday, Sept. 2, at a local hospital from natural causes.
He was born Aug. 5, 1920, in Shawnee to Jesse C. Casey and Maude (Paulk) Casey.

He graduated from Shawnee High School in 1939. He later married Verda Jewel (Ward) Feb. 28, 1948, in Sulphur.

He was a fireman and engineer for Rock Island Railroad. He was a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, Masons and Wallace Avenue Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and two sisters.

Survivors include daughters, Janet Kay Doze of Liberal, Kan., and Sharon Ann Autrey of Shawnee; grandchildren, Casey Tookolo and Jason Tookolo; three great-grandchildren; and many other loving family members and friends.

Service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Resthaven Funeral Chapel with Pastor Scott Gordon and Pastor Dewayne Colvin officiating. Burial will be at Resthaven Memorial Park. Visitation is 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. today.

Service is under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home.


Marie Ellen McMahan

Life-long Shawnee resident Marie Ellen McMahan, 91, died Saturday, Sept. 2, at Colonial Estates Nursing Home.
She was born Dec. 17, 1914, in Shawnee to Claude C. and Zulmee (Leonard) Holt.

She married Carl McMahan and was a homemaker.

She was a member of Draper Street Baptist Church (now Immanuel).

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter Shirley Ann, son Bobby Gene and two brothers, Cecil and Leonard Holt.

Survivors include her brother, Delbert W. Holt and wife Oma Gean of Blair; niece, Cindy Jo Rieger and husband Sidney of Blanchard; nephew, Hal Dean Holt and wife Marla of Sentinel, great-nieces and nephews, Christa Jo Geary, Raymond Dale Rieger, Alyssa Holt and Bryan Holt.

Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Walker Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Randy Mitchell officiating. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.


Bertha F. Norris

Carney resident Bertha Faye Norris, 78, died Sunday, Sept. 3.
Graveside service will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Carney Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service.


Asa Lincoln Hale

Parkland resident Asa "Acie" Lincoln Hale, 71, died Sunday, Sept. 3.
Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 8, at the Parkland Cemetery.

published Sep. 06, 2006

Casper Marvin Fleck Jr.

Tecumseh resident Casper Marvin Fleck Jr., 83, died Sunday, Sept. 3, at his residence.
He was born Dec. 28, 1922, in Oklahoma City to Casper M. Fleck Sr. and Agnes (Dixson) Fleck.

Casper married Marie Spurgin on June 6, 1944.

He was an aircraft mechanic for the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Casper was a self-employed small engine repairman and a member of St. Benedict Catholic Church.

Preceding him in death were his parents; wife; and two sisters, Margie and Frances.

Survivors include one sister, Ellen Hensley of Del City; two brothers, Joseph Fleck of Blanchard; James Fleck of Sherman, Texas; several nieces and nephews including Chuck and Paula Barber of Shawnee.

A Rosary will be 9:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Shawnee. Mass will follow at 10 a.m. with Father Maurus Jaeb, O.S.B., and Father Charles Massoth, O.S.B., officiating.

Burial will be 1 p.m. at Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Oklahoma City under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Benedict Catholic Churh Memorial Fund, 632 N. Kickapoo, Shawnee, OK, 74801.


Doris Sybel Simpson

Tecumseh resident Doris Sybel Simpson, 88, died Saturday, Sept. 2, in Shawnee.
She was born May 26, 1918, in Shawnee to Harry and Catherine (Holland) Dudley.

She retired as a bookkeeper for the Pottawatomie County Clerk's office. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Shawnee.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Lloyd W. Simpson; two brothers; and two sisters.

Survivors include two sons, Gaylon Franklin, Shawnee, and Keith E. Franklin, Albuquerque, N.M.; two daughters, Carole Franklin, Prescott, Ariz., and Jeanie Drury, Coatesville, Pa.; one brother, Richard Keith Dudley, Rosamond, Calif.; 16 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at Shawnee Calvary Baptist Church with the Rev. Jimmie Don Gibson officiating.

Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery.

published Sep. 07, 2006

Leona B. Feuerborn

Shawnee resident Leona B. Feuerborn, 86, formerly of Wichita, Kan., died Monday, Aug. 28, at Avonlea Cottages.
She was born Dec. 18, 1919, in Howard, S.D., to August and Louise (Schulz) Allgaier. She grew up in Howard and graduated from Howard High School with the class of 1938. After her sister, Shirley, graduated, they both lived and worked in Richmond, Calif..

Leona was married in June, 1946, to Charles Ford Myers in Richmond, Calif.. Two children were born of this union. He preceded her in death in 1952.

In 1955 she moved to Wichita, Kan. In February 1956, she married Max Henry Feuerborn of Wichita, where they made their home. Four children were born to them. Max preceded her in death in 1996. Leona moved to Shawnee April 2006.

She was a charter member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Wichita. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, crafts, and family get-togethers. In addition to being a full-time wife and mother, she worked part-time at Green Cross Pharmacy and spent 20 years loving and caring for the children of others.

In addition to her husbands and parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Florence Loe and Gladys Lease, and two brothers, Irvin (Butch) Allgaier and Orville (Bud) Allgaier.

She is survived by sisters Violet Dale and Mrs. George (Shirley) Friedrich and by her children; Sheryl (Myers) Horejsi of Columbia S.C., Doug (Linda) Myers of Belle Plaine, Kan., Deann Feuerborn (Jim) Smith of Shawnee, Steven Feuerborn of Clearwater, Kan., Larry (Eunice) Feuerborn of Wichita, Kan., and Marty Feuerborn of Wichita, Kan.; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at St. John's Lutheran Church, Howard, S.D., with the Rev. Watt officiating. Burial will follow at St. John's Cemetery under the direction of Willoughby Funeral Home.

A memorial service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, at Bethany Lutheran Church, Wichita, Kan., with the Rev. John Pool officiating.

Memorials may be made to St. John's Lutheran Cemetery Fund, Howard, S.D. 57349.


Ronald Lewis Gibson Sr.

Ronald Lewis Gibson Sr. of North Carolina died Monday, Sept. 5, at his sister's residence in Meeker. He was 56.
He was born May 7, 1950, in Pawnee, Okla., to George Gibson Sr. and Cordelia Murray-Green. He attended Red Rock and Chilocco schools.

He was married to Hattie Goodeagle. He served in the 101st Airborne division with two tours of Vietnam.

Ronald was an auto mechanic and a member of the Native American Church. He was a well-know Native American singer.

Ronald attended Native American services and enjoyed helping others.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, George Gibson Jr.; and sister, Tona Gibson.

Survivors include his wife, Hattie "Judy" Gibson, of the home; children, Rhonda Gibson of Moore, Loretta Gibson of Okahoma City, Ronald Gibson Jr. of Stillwater, and Tony Gibson of Lawton; numerous grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Loretta Walker, Ruby Logan, Lawrence Gibson, Timothy Gibson, Jimmy Gibson, Mary Gibson, and Wosey Butler.

Wake service will be 7 p.m. today at Loretta Walker Place. Burial will be 10 a.m. Friday at Walker Cemetery.

Walker Funeral Service of Shawnee is directing arrangements.


Nicola "Nicy" Paramore Metzger

Nicola "Nicy" Paramore Metzger, 42, died Friday, Sept. 1, at her home in Walla Walla, Wash.
She was born Oct. 17, 1963, in Bremerton, Wash., to Carl R. and Nell E. Williams Paramore.

She graduated from Moore High School in Moore and from the University of Anchorage in Anchorage, Alaska.

Nicola was married Oct. 24, 1986, in Oklahoma City to James F. Metzger Jr.

She was a member of the Institute of Transportation Engineers, 2001 to 2002; Alaska Section Treasure, 2000 to 2001; Alaska Section Secretary, 1998 to 1999; Student Chapter President; American Society of Engineers Registration Chairperson, 1999; National Steel Bridge Competition; served as official, 1997, for Regional Steel Bridge Competition; National Society of Professional Engineers.

Survivors include her husband, Jim Metzger Jr. of the home; daughter Francesca Metzger of Corona, Calif.; sons, James F. Metzger III of the home and Carl Paramore of Maud; mother, Nell Paramore of Mathis, Texas; sisters, Etola Ann Keesee of Newalla, Carla Parks of Lexington and Ivana Buchanan of Noble; brothers Ivan Paramore of Kennewick, Wash., Marvin Paramore of Ocala, Fla.; brother-in-law, Christopher J. Metzger of Tucson, Ariz.; mother-in-law, Cecelia A. Metzger of Youngstown, Ohio; father-in-law, James Metzger and his wife, Jeannette, of Ohio; grandmother, Nellie Cooper of Corpus Christi, Texas; three aunts; one uncle; one great-aunt; sisters-in-law, Deborah A. Jovanovich of Stow, Ohio, and Julie Marie O'Malley of Lexington, Colo.; numerous nieces and nephews.

Service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Chapel of Herring Funeral Home, Walla Walla, Wash., with the Rev. Robert McCoy of Corps of Engineers officiating.

There will be a private family burial.

Arrangements are under the direction of Herring Funeral Home, Walla Walla, Wash.

Memorial contributions may be made to Nicola Paramore Metzger memorial fund through Herring Funeral Home, Walla Walla, Wash.


Timothy Jay Long

Shawnee resident Timothy Jay Long, 47, died at home Friday, Sept. 1.
He was born Dec. 10, 1958, in Tulsa to James F. Long and Sylvia V. Ashworth Long.

He graduated from Heavy Equipment School in Drumright, Okla., and worked construction for a few years. He then worked for Rock Island Railroad. For several years, he worked at Central Plastics, where he won several awards. He then worked for Carmike Theatres until going to work for his parents, helping run their furniture store.

Tim was preceded in death by one son, Nicklas Scott; and father, James.

Survivors include son, Timothy J.; daughter, Brandy Long; mother, Sylvia V. Long; brother, Ron Long, and his wife, Jan; sister, Ronda Thrasher, and husband, Mike.

Tim was a loving and kind person. He loved his children and was a loving and thoughtful son. He was always there to help in time of need. He never said no, regardless of how he was feeling.

He will be greatly missed by all who know and love him.

There will be a private memorial service with family and friends at the family's request.


Mary Moseley

Shawnee resident Mary Moseley, 78, died Sunday, Sept. 3, in Oklahoma City.
Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Cooper Funeral Chapel under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home, Tecumseh.

published Sep. 08, 2006

Karen (Crow) Degraffenreid

Tecumseh resident Karen (Crow) Degraffenreid, 42, died Wednesday, Sept. 6, in Oklahoma City.
She was born Nov. 22, 1963, in Tecumseh to Larry and Dorothy (Cope) Crow.

Karen was raised in Tecumseh. She graduated from Tecumseh High School in 1982. She also attended Seminole Junior College and East Central University.

Karen worked in the accounting department at LVI Environmental Services in Shawnee.

She was a member of Temple Baptist Church and Tecumseh Order of Eastern Star.

Karen enjoyed all types of music, playing the piano and singing. She also enjoyed gardening, flowers and bird watching. She loved her family, spending time with her sons and daughter-in-law and attending church.

Preceding her in death were her grandfathers, Elwood Cope and Harold Crow; and grandmother, Gerry Crow.

Survivors include her parents; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Stephen and Shannon Degraffenreid of Oklahoma City and Christopher Degraffenreid of Shawnee; two sisters and one brother-in-law, LaDonna and Randy Brock of Macomb and LaDarla Woody of Tecumseh; grandmother, Bessie Cope of Macomb; two nieces, Stephanie Ragon and Kaylee Ragon; four nephews, Joshua Brock, Ryan Brock, Zachary Ragon and Dakota Ragon.

Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Temple Baptist Church, Shawnee, with the Rev. Mike Craig and Randy Moore officiating.

Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home, Tecumseh.


Patti A. Carter

Seminole resident Patsy Ann "Patti" Carter, 60, died Wednesday, Sept. 6, at Seminole Medical Center.
A memorial service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at the family home, 100 Washington Street, Bowlegs.

Cremation services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.

published Sep. 09, 2006

Linda Kay Brown

Chandler resident Linda Kay (Rademann) Brown, 51, died Thursday, Sept. 7.
Service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at First Baptist Church, Chandler, under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Chandler.


Aydin Raine Ketcher

Aydin Raine Ketcher, infant son of Scott Daniel Ketcher and Rachel Nelson of Bartlesville, died Thursday, Sept. 7, while awaiting a liver transplant. He was 7 months old.
Traditional Sac and Fox Indian services will be 6:30 p.m. today and 8 a.m. Sunday at McKosato Family Cemetery in Prague.

A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Monday at Delaware Indian Center in Bartlesville.

Burial will be at McKosato Family Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Prague.

published Sep. 10, 2006

Annie Hicks

Longtime Seminole resident Annie Hicks, 72, died Friday, Sept. 8, at Colonial Estates Nursing Home, Shawnee.
Wake service will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at Swearingen Funeral Home.

Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Hitchitee Methodist Church with the Rev. T.J. Fixico officiating. Burial will be at Hitchitee Cemetery, Seminole County, under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.


Mary Sue Perkins

Shawnee resident Mary Sue Perkins, 75, died Saturday, Sept. 9, at a local hospital.
She was born Feb. 17, 1931, in McLoud to Grover and Laura (Cooper) Ham.

Mary was a Shawnee High School graduate. She worked for the city of Shawnee water department for 42 years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church. Mary had lived in Shawnee most of her life.

She is preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Gaymon and Carl Ham; and one nephew, Jimmy Carl Ham.

Survivors include her husband, Clarence R. Perkins of the home; brother and sister-in-law, Ted and Lucille Perkins of Shawnee; dear friends, Jack and Margaret Bird of McLoud and Otto and Dixie Kracke of Chapman, Kan.; a number of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Service will be 10 a.m. Monday at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with the Rev. J.C. Farrand officiating. Burial will be at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.


Dorothy A. Skow

Stroud resident Dorothy A. Skow, 64, died Friday, Sept. 8, in Stroud.
Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Monday at Sac and Fox Cemetery with Don Abney officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Parks Brother Funeral Services of Stroud.


Michael Frederick Behlen

Euless, Texas, resident Michael Frederick Behlen, 28, died Thursday, Sept. 7, at his home.

He was born Sept. 29, 1977, in Oklahoma City to Bill and Brenda (Waybourn) Behlen.

Michael grew up in Moore. He moved to Euless, Texas, where he graduated high school. He attended the Art Institute of Dallas.

He was an artist and was highly skilled with computers and technology. He enjoyed meeting people from around the world via the Internet. Friends from Belgium were visiting him at the time of his death. Michael was a loving and spiritual person. He enjoyed family gatherings and holidays. He particularly enjoyed the time he shared with his son, Dylan, and was able to see the world through a child9s eyes.

Michael was preceded in death by his father; grandparents, A.F. and Jean Behlen, Della Waybourn, Joseph Waybourn; uncle, David Denslow; and cousin, Jesse Steinberg.

Survivors include his son, Dylan, Burleson, Texas; mother, Brenda Behlen, Euless, Texas; brothers and sister-in-law, Brian and James and Carla Behlen, Grand Prairie, Texas; aunts and uncles, Bob Behlen, Edmond, Loraine Waybourn and John Wilson, Boston, Mass., Annemarie St. John, Dallas, Texas, Donna Schoenkopf, San Pedro, Calif., and Lynn Denslow, Tecumseh; cousins, Mike, Alex and Tom Behlen, Caroline Denslow Grubbs, Jared and Alan Denslow, Eric Steinberg, Rebecca and John Schoenkopf; and numerous friends in Texas and Oklahoma.

Service will be 1 p.m. Monday at Spirit Rain Christian Center, 545 N. Beard, with Dr. Carol Hopper officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.


Michael Alien Deere

Tecumseh resident Michael Alien Deere, 53, died Thursday, Sept. 7, in Shawnee.
He was born March 7, 1953, in Shawnee to Jessie and Minnie (Thompson) Deere. He was a longtime resident of Shawnee.

Michael served in the US Army. He worked as a forklift operator at General Motors. He was a Seminole Nation Tribal member and a member of the Native American Church. He enjoyed music and playing the drums.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Jessie James Deere Jr., and a brother, James Lee Deere.

Survivors include three sons, Jessie Deere of Oklahoma City, Michael Haunna of Oklahoma City and Marcus Deere of Shawnee; one daughter, Vikki Lynn Deere; three sisters, Nellie Straight of Norman, Molly Deere of Norman and Judy Deere of Los Angeles, Calif.; and numerous grandchildren.

Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Cooper Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow at Williams Family Cemetery.

published Sep. 12, 2006

Steven Lane Howard

Ninnekah resident Steven Lane Howard, 55, died Sunday, Sept. 10, in Oklahoma City.
He was born April 13, 1951, in Shawnee to Arch and Geraldine (Humphrey) Howard.

Steven grew up in Shawnee, graduating from Shawnee High School in 1969. He continued his education at Oklahoma State University in Okmulgee. He graduated in 1971 with a machinist degree.

He joined the U.S. Navy, serving four years before he was honorably discharged.

Steven had previously been employed by Haliburton as a machinist. He was later promoted to a purchasing agent. Steven later became the plant manager for E&S Manufacturing in Longview, Texas.

On May 14, 1994, he married Sue Charlson in Alex. They had 12 wonderful years together.

In 1998, they moved to Chickasha, where Steven started his career with Chickasha Manufacturing. He was currently the production manager.

Steven had many hobbies and enjoyed working with his hands. He loved restoring old cars, gardening and working in his shop.

He attended Hawkins Freewill Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by both parents.

Survivors include his wife, Sue, of the home; daughter, April (Howard) Campbell, and husband, Chuck, of Duncan; two sons-in-laws, Jackie Charlson and friend, Donya, and Kevin Charlson and wife, Terry, all of Ninnekah; brother, Marc Howard and wife, Debby, of Choctaw; sister, Judy McNeer and husband, David, of Broken Arrow; five grandchildren, Courtney and Kristen Charlson, Kayla Charlson, Natalee Campbell, and Laycee Taylor; one niece, Carrie McNeer; and one nephew, Michael McNeer and wife, Jodi.

Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Ferguson Funeral Home Chapel, Chickasha.

Burial will be at Ninnekah Cemetery under the direction of Ferguson Funeral Home, Chickasha.


Kenneth Lester Sanders

Kenneth Lester Sanders went to be with his Lord on Sept. 10, 2006, at the age of 70 years, 6 months and 17 days.
He was born Feb. 23, 1936, to Lloyd L. and Ethel E. (Chambers) Sanders in Pearson. He attended school at Center Point and Asher High School. He graduated high school in 1952.

On May 29, 1956, he married LaVon Abbott in Ada.

Ken was a member of the Avoca Church of Christ. He worked as a lab tech for Phillips Petroleum Co. in Borger, Texas, and Bartlesville; and as a sales representative for Champlin Petroleum Co., Tulsa. He owned and operated K-Von Enterprises Inc. for 15 years before retiring in 1994.

He was loved and will be missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lavon Sanders; parents, Lloyd and Ethel Sanders; grandparents, Tom and Bessie Sanders and George "Dad" and Lilly "Mom" Chambers; mother and father-in-law Georgia and Preston Abbott.

Survivors include his three children and their spouses, Kenny Sanders of Shawnee, Kari and Royce Welch of Sasakawa and Kylee and Mike Finley of Shawnee; nine grandchildren and spouses, Billy and Charity Sanders, Patience Sanders and friend, Ryan O'Dell, Rebecca and Zack Kozichi, Forrest Sanders, Stevie and Christy James, Brandy and Jimmy Hale, Elizabeth and Johnny Ruth, Tara and Matt Vallandingham and Whitney Lee; 10 great-grandchildren, Cody, Mykala, Dylan, Eian, Alana, Emma, Jacob, Evie, Georgia and Ellison; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Towana and Harold Gober of Shawnee, Vonnesylle "Bompie" and Clinton Palmer of Maud and Linda and Marion Milburn of Tecumseh; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Pallbearers are his grandsons and grandsons-in-law.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Scott Stewart and Dr. Henry Allen for all their care and love during Ken's time of illness.

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

Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Avoca Church of Christ with Jerry Sheryl McCorkle officiating.


Robert L. "Bob" Kennedy

Cromwell resident Robert Lee "Bob" Kennedy, 61, passed from this life Saturday, Sept. 9, at his home.
He was born Sept. 11, 1944, to Leonard and Hazel Marie (Odom) Kennedy.

His work took him to various places in Oklahoma, Texas and, for a time, the oil fields of Saudi Arabia. He retired from Duke Energy in 2000 and ran B & J Dump Truck Service until November 2005.

Bob was never at a loss for things to do and he chose to surround himself with family and friends. He was respected and well-loved by all who had the pleasure to know him.

Preceding him in death were his parents and one sister, Peggy Hodges.

Survivors include his wife, Janita (Taber) Kennedy, of the home; son, Rick Kennedy and wife, Jeanette, and their children, Randall Lee and Amy Marie Kennedy; daughter, Cheryl Keesee and husband, Kevin, and their son, Robert Gage Keese, all of Cromwell.

When he and Janita married, he made a point to include her family as his own. These include Robert and Rhonda Moneypenny and their children, Chelsea Jolley of Runaway Bay, Texas, and Lance Jolley of Ada; Russell and Robin Moneypenny and sons, Zane and Riley, of Owasso; Randy and Jan Moneypenny and sons, Reese and Andrew, of Sauk Rapids, Minn.

Also surviving Bob are his brother, Sam Williamson, and wife, Lois, of Henryetta; two sisters, Ann Williams and her husband, Burt, of Manford, and Helen Tate of Seminole; one brother-in-law, Virgil Hodges of St. Petersburg, Fla.; numerous nieces and nephews who know they have always held a special place in his heart; and a host of other family and friends.

Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Parks Brothers Funeral Home Chapel, Okemah, with the Rev. Dennis Yeubanks officiating.

Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery, Okemah.

Serving as pallbearers are Tommy Factor, Pat Curry, Jack Schultz, Bobby Whisnant and Jeff Sjoberg.

Honorary bearers include Kenneth Edgemon, Doyle Cook, Leonard Sjoberg, Richard Robinson, Lloyd Sanders, Damon Sanders, Terry Sanders, Johnny Manos, Paul Bourque, Bernie Allensworth, Bruce Finney and Tommy Bogus.


Norris "Ray" Davis

Former Shawnee resident Norris "Ray" Davis, 86, died Sunday, Sept. 10, in Oklahoma City.
He was born May 2, 1920, in Moro, Ark., to Erve Davis and Flora Guynes-Davis.

He married Beatrice Pierce on May 20, 1940, in Aubry, Ark. She preceded him in death on Dec. 25, 1953.

His second marriage was to Gwyndolen Harris. They married Sept. 4, 1954, in Shawnee. She preceded him in death on Nov. 5, 1997.

Ray was in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

He was a farmer before moving to Shawnee in 1946. Ray worked in sales in Seminole, Shawnee and Oklahoma City.

The family moved to Oklahoma City in 1960, where Ray started Pioneer Floor Company in 1965.

He was a member of Mayfair Church of Christ in Oklahoma City.

Also preceding him in death were both parents; two sons, Wayne Davis and Curtis Davis; one grandson, Kemp Harris.

Survivors include two sons, Paul Harris and wife, Paula, of Shawnee, and Phil Harris and wife, Darlene, of Duncan; two daughters, Martha Cosgrove and husband, Don, of Oklahoma City, and Winona Morgan and husband, Max, of Shawnee; 15 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be 8 a.m. Tuesday until service time only.

Service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Gaskill Funeral Chapel, Shawnee, with Dwyane Dennis officiating.

Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Shawnee.


Bina Elizabeth Crew

Bina Elizabeth Crew, 90, passed away Saturday, Sept. 9.
She was born in Shawnee on Jan. 15, 1916. She was the youngest of seven children born to Maude and James F. Moore.

Bina graduated from Shawnee High School in 1932 and attended Oklahoma Baptist University.

Bina married John Harry Crew in 1939 in Oklahoma City. They shared 54 wonderful years until his death in January 1993.

She also is preceded in death by her four sisters and two brothers.

Survivors include two daughters, Karen Sauntry and husband, Tim, of Frisco, Texas, and Melanie Kelley and husband, Steve, of Mansfield, Texas.

Bina, lovingly known as "Mimi," is survived by two granddaughters, Kristen Ybarra and husband, Warren, of Frisco and Ann Bonner and husband, Stewart, of Austin, Texas; two great-granchildren, Kourtney and Crew Ybarra; and several nieces.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. today at Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Guardian North Funeral Home, Oklahoma City.


Nicola Parramore Metzger

Memorial service for Nicola Parramore Metzger of Walla Walla, Wash., will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Prairie View Cemetery in Macomb with Pastor Kevin Hopkins officiating.
A reception will be held at the Maud Senior Citizens Center following the service.

Services are under the direction of the John M. Ireland Funeral Home, Moore.


Walter H. Hartwell

Davis resident Walter H. Hartwell died Monday, Sept. 11, at the age of 81.
Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Chickasaw Trail Baptist Church, Sulphur. Burial will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Fort Sill National Cemetery, Elgin, under the direction of Krien Funeral House of Davis.


Emma Louise Capps

Muskogee resident Emma Louise (Rooks) Capps died Thursday, Sept. 7, in Muskogee.
Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Gable Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Prague.


Mildred J. Worthen

Oklahoma City resident Mildred J. Worthen, 86, died Sunday, Sept. 10.
Services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Asa Smith Memorial Chapel, Harrah.

Burial will follow at Memory Lane Cemetery in Harrah under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service of Harrah.

published Sep. 13, 2006

Carolyn Cranston Spieler

Carolyn Cranston Spieler, a tireless community activist who was responsible for planting the trees along Atlantic Avenue and who helped to create the development of an attractive, viable downtown Brooklyn, died suddenly at her home in Richmond, England, on Aug. 8, 2006. She was 63.
The cause was coronary heart disease, her family said.

Carolyn Cranston Spieler, the only child of Dr. Elmer Casmos and Jennylynn Creilly Cranston, was born May 25, 1943, in Oklahoma City. She grew up in Shawnee.

She graduated from Finch College and married August Joseph Spieler in 1966. The young couple bought and renovated a brownstone in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, two years later, sparking her lifetime love affair with brownstone Brooklyn.

While her two children were still preschoolers, Cranston, as she continued to be known, turned her attention to community improvement. At that time, Atlantic Avenue, a main thoroughfare in Brooklyn, was an uninteresting strip of commercial and office buildings. Cranston spearheaded Turn Atlantic Green, a series of fundraisers that successfully raised the money to plant trees along Atlantic Avenue in 1971-72. A year later she helped organize the first Atlantic Antic, a neighborhood fair that has grown into one of the largest street fairs in New York City.

She was also the catalyst who led the drive to save a stand of 100-year-old pin oaks situated along the Brooklyn Heights waterfront when the city Parks and Recreation Department planned to modernize Squibb Park and cut them. As a result of these and other activities, Cranston was instrumental in helping to make downtown Brooklyn a viable place for shopping and eating and, coincidently, starting the real estate development of the community.

Cranston was always proud of her Oklahoma roots, and she later lived in both Manhattan and London, but she frequently said that she considered Brooklyn to be her true home.

During this period Cranston helped start a baby-sitting pool that allowed young parents to exchange childcare duties with other parents, cutting the cost of nights out while ensuring quality childcare.

She also gained a reputation in the neighborhood as a consummate hostess and accomplished chef, and she threw the same vitality and non-stop enthusiasm into her dinners and cocktail parties as she did into her community activities.

A lifelong believer in equality, Cranston found friends without regard to ethnicity or sexual orientation long before it was politically fashionable, and people of all persuasions were part of her social circle and invited to her table.

Cranston worked first as a reporter for a small weekly paper in Brooklyn, and then later joined the editorial staff of Aviation Week & Space Technology magazine. Her passion for Boerum Hill led her to return her professional activities to Brooklyn with Century 21 Real Estate.

Her business career ended in 1981 when the family moved to London where her husband opened a futures desk for Kidder Peabody & Company. Her passion for community togetherness continued in Chelsea, London, where she was instrumental in establishing the Oakley Street Residence Association.

Cranston returned with her husband to New York City in 1994; this time they purchased and renovated a brownstone in Turtle Bay, Manhattan. Over the next few years, she returned to her activist roots, helping successfully to prevent a proposed sports arena from being built on the site of the Hudson River piers in lower Manhattan. A lifetime advocate of city trees and the shade and atmosphere they provide, she also worked to improve and protect the tree pits in Turtle Bay.

Carolyn Cranston Spieler is survived by her husband of 40 years, August Joseph Spieler. They maintained residences in Boerum Hill and Turtle Bay and were living in Richmond, England, at the time of her death.

She is also survived by her son, August Joseph Spieler III; daughter-in-law, Beth Patterson Spieler; and grandchildren, Jay, Graham, Ellis and Chloe of Bethania, N.C.; and her daughter, Courtney Spieler Kolb; son-in-law, Kevin Stewart Kolb; and granddaughters, Hayley and Felicity of Twickenham, England.

A memorial service will be 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 2, in Shawnee, at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, followed by burial in the family plot.

A funeral was held at the St. Mary Magdalene Church in Richmond, England, on Aug. 16, 2006, and the family asks that donations in Carolyn Cranston's name be sent to the St. Mary Magdalene Bell Tower Fund, Account Number 11530712; Sort Code 40-38-18; Routing Code MIDLGB22, HSBC, 67 George Street, Richmond, TW9 1HG, U.K.

A memorial service is also scheduled in New York City.


Jerry Lee Marley Jr.

Seminole resident Jerry Lee Marley Jr., 77, passed away Saturday, Sept. 9, 2006
He was born Nov. 16, 1928, in Earlsboro to Jerry Lee Marley Sr. and Walsie Mae (Parker) Marley.

He married Loretta Jane Morrel on Feb. 17, 1954, in Yuma, Ariz.

Jerry served in the Marine Corps during the Korean conflict as a welder. He also flew supplies over Hawaii.

He raised his family working as a driller for Service Drilling Company and as a cross country truck driver.

He was a member of the Highway Baptist Church.

He is preceded in death by his parents, one infant baby and his youngest son, Karry Marcus Marley.

He is survived by five sons and daughters-in-law, Jerry Lee III and Kathy Marley of Cromwell, Larry Don and Nita Marley of Sallisaw, Gary Reece and Jackie Marley of Madera, Calif., Perry Dalton Marley of Orange Lake, Fla., and Terry Mitchell and Donna Marley of Seminole; two daughters and sons-in-law; Sherry LaNee4 and Kevin Keeth of Depew and Shelly JoLeene and Gregg Comstock of Seminole; and one sister, Jen Goff, of Pink.

He is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Service will be 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15, 2006, at Swearingen Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Carl Whitfield and Larry Chesser Jr. officiating.

Burial will follow at Little Cemetery in Seminole County.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.swearingenfuneralhome.com.


Virginia Mae White

Lifelong Little Axe resident Virginia Mae White, 69, died Monday, Sept. 11, at her home.
She was born Jan. 27, 1937, in Cleveland County to Thomas Wayne and Minnie (Little Creek) White.

Virginia received her GED in May 1992 from Moore Adult Education.

She had various jobs throughout her life, her last being a presser at Clark Cleaners.

She was an active member of Native American Indian Church.

Virginia took part in her Native American ceremony dances. She was very active in her children's lives, supporting them in their sports, driving the princess to powwow and cheering on the sidelines.

She was very encouraging and well-loved by all.

Preceding her in death were her parents; daughter, Sylvia Tullius; and two sisters, Neldene Little Charley and Louella Blanchard.

Survivors include her children, Rance George Starr, Mary Ellen Torres-Salazar, Thomas Wayne White, Cynthia Diane White, Edward Leon White, Brenda Kaye White, Avis Jewell Lewelling, Taree Renea Williams and Verna May Dospapas; two sisters, Edith Goodman and Ruth Blanchard; brother, Donald White; 24 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside service will be 9 a.m. today at the family home with Don White officiating


Joyce Elaine Zind

Joyce Elaine Zind passed away early Tuesday morning from heart complications. She will be fondly remembered.
She was born in Sacramento, Calif., on June 30, 1943, to Dorsey and Gladys Griggs. Joyce was raised in Sacramento until moving to Shawnee in 1991.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold, in 1995.

She is survived by her beloved companion, Bud Rosterman; son, Lester, and wife, Jessica, of McLoud; daughter, Sandra, and husband, Shawn Parish of Meeker; stepdaughters, Kathy Zind of Shawnee and Renae Ogletree and husband, Randy, of Ardmore; grandchildren, Jamie and Rodney Gaither, James and Danny Archer, Mandy and Clinton Ogletree, Kyle Campbell and Pheonix Parish; wife, Jane Griggs of Alturas, Calif.; sisters, Norma, and husband, Jim Hunter of Carson City, Nev., Roberta Lein of Ardmore and Shirley Brown of Paradise, Calif.

She also is survived by numerous family members and friends. She will be greatly missed by all.

Memorial service will be 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, at Church of Latter Day Saints, 1501 E. Independence.


Jack Davis

Lifelong Seminole resident Jack Davis, 87, died Saturday, Sept. 9, at Seminole Medical Center.
Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Swearingen Funeral Chapel, Seminole, with Danny Grimms officiating.

Burial will follow at Little Cemetery, north of Seminole, under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.

published Sep. 14, 2006

George Penuel

Former longtime Seminole resident George Penuel went to live with the Lord on Monday, Sept. 11, 2006, at the age of 84.
He was born on Sept. 15, 1921, in Emprise City to Melford and Katie Helen (Powell) Penuel.

He lived in Seminole for 65 years and worked in the oilfield before moving to Shawnee in 1987.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Dorothy Penuel, and two brothers, Kenneth and Walter Penuel.

George is survived by his wife, Betty, of Shawnee; brother and sister-in-law, Leon and Joyce Penuel of Longview, Texas; sister, Elizabeth Moss; sister-in-law, Norma Penuel; two stepsons and spouse, Don and his wife Linda Boger and Roger Gober, all of Seminole.

He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, Susan Lewellen of Mustang, LuAnne Langewell of Holdenville, Cynthia Grove of New Braunfels, Texas, Paul Penuel of Longview, Texas, Kenneth Penuel of Seminole; grandchildren, Stacy Gober and Brian and Lisa Gober; stepgrandchildren, Sara, Amy, Brenda, Linda and Ojeda; great-grandchildren, Micheal, Courtney, Brandy, Angela and Katrina; stepgrandchildren, Christine, Mathew, Alisha, Casey and Emily.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in Seminole.


Willie Albert Hishaw II

Lifelong Shawnee resident Willie Albert Hishaw II died Monday, Sept. 11, 2006, in Oklahoma City at the age of 65.
He was born June 20, 1941, in Shawnee to Willie Albert and Dora (Gaines) Hishaw Sr.

On Feb. 9, 1964, he married Louise Johnson in Konawa.

He drove a truck for many years and had spent the last 25 years in automobile recovery.

He was a member of Galilee Baptist Church and the Monroe Wagoneers. He enjoyed volunteering his time for Santa Fest in Shawnee and, while growing up, he enjoyed riding bulls and bareback riding.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Richard Hishaw, and sister, Darlene Hishaw.

Survivors include his wife, Louise, of the home; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Willie Albert Hishaw III of Lawton and Donald and Francis Talton of Earlsboro; four daughters, Kathy Hishaw of California, Audrey Berry, Joycetta Hishaw and Dana Hishaw, all of Shawnee; one sister, Lena Owens of Shawnee; 13 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; special cousin, Bonnie Jean Bray of Shawnee; special friend, Ike Brannon Jr.; four brothers and sisters-in-law, Willzetta and Sammy Edwards, Donna and Clay Talton, Carol and Kenneth Edwards and Etta and Monte Lewis; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Service will be 11 a.m. Friday at First Church of God, 1025 E. Ninth, Shawnee, with Anthony Rhome officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery.


Helen "Sissy" Good

Meeker resident Helen "Sissy" Good, 69, died Monday, Sept. 11, in Norman.
She was born July 9, 1937, in Keota to Earl Owens and Ollie Mae Barber-Owens.

On Dec. 20, 1986, she married Carl H. Good in Shawnee.

Helen was a homemaker who enjoyed sewing, quilting and taking care of her many children.

Preceding her in death were both parents; brother, Danny Owens; and sister, Tammy Cope.

Survivors include children, Verla Spencer, Michael Nixon, Dr. Zane Delaughter, Joseph Delaughter, Traci Lacek, Randy Delaughter, Joel Good and Justin Good; siblings, Shirley Grey, Patsy Owens, Thomas James "T.J." Owens, Jewell Shannon, Florence Rust and Roger Owens; 23 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren.

Service was yesterday at Garden Grove Baptist Church. The Rev. Charles Thomas officiated.

Burial was at Gable Cemetery.


Michael Dan'te Newson-Louie

Former Seminole resident Michael Dan'te Newson-Louie "Smurf," died Tuesday, Sept. 5, in Tahlequah at the age of 36.
Service will be 11 a.m. Friday at First Baptist Church in Seminole with Pastors Raymond Wood and Gilbert Reece officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Seminole.

Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole, is directing arrangements.


James D. Brownlie II

Tecumseh resident James D. Brownlie II, 34, died Monday, Sept. 11, at his home.
He was born March 15, 1972, in Lynwood, Calif., to James D. and Vera Ann (Green) Brownlie Sr.

He moved to Tecumseh in 1983.

James graduated from Tecumseh High School in 1991 and later from machinist school at Gordon Cooper.

He worked as a welder for Shawnee Steel.

James enjoyed fishing, working on cars and watching baseball and football.

Preceding him in death were his grandparents.

Survivors include his daughter, Madilyne Nadean Brownlie of Dale; father and stepmother, James and Vivian Brownlie of Macomb; mother, Ann Brownlie, of Tecumseh; two brothers, Patrick Davis of Oklahoma City and Mike Davis of Tecumseh; three sisters, Colleen Ortiz, of Quartz Hill, Calif., Vanessa Westervelt of Shawnee and Leeann Beasley of Tecumseh; grandparents, David Lawrence of Macomb and Vivian Corene Page of Smithville; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with Chad Brodrick officiating


Jacob James "Jimmy" Miller

Shawnee resident Jacob James "Jimmy" Miller, 76, died Tuesday, Sept. 12, at a local hospital.
He was born Feb. 8, 1930, in Perry to Jim and Hazel May (Hill) Miller.

James served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean conflict.

He was a lifetime rodeo performer.

Preceding him in death was his father, Jim.

Survivors include mother, Hazel, of Shawnee; sister and brother-in-law, Ann and J.L. Freeman of Bethel Acres; two brothers and sisters-in-law, William D. and Beverly Miller of Ponca City and Terry and Sharon Miller of Richmond, Texas; loving nieces and nephews, and friends too numerous to mention.

No services are scheduled at this time. Arrangements are under the direction of Walker Funeral Service, Shawnee.


Milfred Dean Lacquement Jr.

Milfred Dean Lacquement Jr. died Friday, Sept. 8.
Service will be 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15, at Knob Hill Baptist Church in Oklahoma City with the Rev. Drue Freeman officiating.

Burial will follow at Prague Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Prague.


Barbara Jean Massie

Stroud resident Barbara Jean Massie, 71, died Tuesday, Sept. 12, in Chandler.
Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Church of Christ, Stroud, with Buster Sides, Manuel Rivas and Loren Geiger officiating under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Services, Stroud.

Burial will follow at Stroud Cemetery.

published Sep. 15, 2006

Lillian Elizabeth Ellis

Lillian Elizabeth Ellis, infant daughter of David and Kathy (Sparks) Ellis, Chandler, died Thursday, Sept. 14.
Service will be 10 a.m. today at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Chandler under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service.