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

submitted by Kay Sugg Best

published Feb. 16, 2007

Vivian Thomason Croarkin

Fort Worth resident Vivian Thomason Croarkin, 90, left her earthly family and friends to join her heavenly Father on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2007.
Vivian was born July 14, 1916 on the north side of Fort Worth, Texas, and continued to make her home there until 1950, when her family moved to Poly, Texas.

Mrs. Croarkin loved music, especially playing her piano. She was a pianist for the Ladies Auxiliary to the United Transportation Union, of which she had been a member for more than 52 years. As a young girl, she played piano for Sunday school at Chestnut Avenue Christian Church. At the time of her death, Mrs. Croarkin was a member of Sandy Lane Christian Church and was active in the Ruth Circle, holding offices of vice president and secretary a number of times. She also loved sewing and working with crafts and ceramics. Mrs. Croarkin had made an average of 60 baby sacques a year for John Peter Smith Hospital and one year made 100. As a young mother, she was a Co-leader for Brownie Troop 121 and served in the PTA for all three of her children. As an older parent, she gave her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren wise counsel and was always available for anything that was needed. Mrs. Croarkin was known as "Granny" to her many friends and loved ones. Mrs. Croarkin will be missed by all who knew and loved her, but especially by her immediate family, all of whom had been together on her 90th birthday last July. At her birthday party, she was presented with a memory book, which contained many cards and letters from friends and family. This memory book reminds all who read it what a special lady she was.

Mrs. Croarkin was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband of 64 years, Edward Paul "Pete" Croarkin Jr.; parents, J.H. And Mollie Thomason; three sisters, Annie Mae Brock, Ruby Pearl Tullous and Vera Lovella Miller; and a granddaughter.

Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Terry and Art Muller of Shawnee, and Mary and Mike Livesay of Fort Worth; son and daughter-in-law, Edward Paul III "Jerry" and Janice Croarkin of Haslet; granddaughter, Trisha Rose of Haslet; grandsons, Andy Croarkin of Haslet, and Jonathan Muller of Shawnee; great-granddaughter, Ashley Rose of Haset; great-grandson, Clayton Croarkin of Haslet; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 6 p.m. To 8 p.m. Today at the funeral home.

Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Sandy Lane Christian Church, 2613 Sandy Lane, Fort Worth, Texas with the Rev. Katie Alexander and the Rev. Sheron S. Ward officiating. Burial will follow at Shannon Rose Hill Cemetery.

Arrangements under the direction of Shannon Rose Hill Funeral Home, 7301 East Lancaster, Fort Worth, Texas 76112.


Margaret Valerie Skelton

Former Shawnee resident Margaret Valerie (Stone) Skelton, currently of Augusta, Kan., passed away on Sunday, Feb. 11.
She was born in Cass County, Texas, on Dec. 22, 1912, to Charles Clem and Hettie Minnis (Frazier) Stone.

On Dec. 25, 1935, she married James Robert Skelton in Linden, Texas.

She was a teacher in Cass County rural schools in the 1930's. Joined Delta Kappa Gamma Society, Alpha Upsilon Chapter in December 1936.

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

Surviviors include her daughter, Carolyn Mikish and her husband, Richard, of Augusta; sister, Charlie Dell (Stone) Whatley; sister-in-law, Althara (Skelton) McDuffie; brother-in-law, John Harold Skelton, all of Linden, Texas; granddaughter, Melynnie Williams and husband, Tom, of Newton, Kan., and Cathy Ryan of Andover; grandchildren, Zach Boucher and his wife, Michelle, Chelsea, Caitlyn and Chandler Williams; one great-great-grandson, Dylan Scott Boucher; a host of nieces and nephews.

Viewing will be 6 p.m. To 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, at Reeder Davis Schindler Funeral Home in Linden, Texas.

Service will be 11 a.m. Today at First Southern Baptist Church in Augusta and 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, at New Colony Baptist Church, Linden, Texas. Burial will follow at the New Colony Cemetery, Linden, Texas.

Memorials may be made to the First Southern Baptist Church in Augusta, Kan., or New Colony Baptist Church Cemetry in Linden, Texas.

Headley Funeral Chapel, Augusta, Kan., is directing arranements.


Homer Lawrence Chivers

Prague resident Homer Lawrence Chivers, 82, died Wednesday, Feb. 14, in Seminole.
Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Prague.

Arrangements under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Home of Prague.


Danny Leon Kitchel Jr.

Carney resident Danny Leon Kitchel Jr., died Thursday, Feb. 15.
Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at the First Baptist Church in Tryon.

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

published Feb. 17, 2007

Billie Guzon Clark

Longtime Shawnee/Seminole area resident Billie Guzon Clark, 85, died Sunday, Feb. 11, at Placerville, Calif.
He was born April 24, 1921, in Maysville, Okla., to James Warner Clark and Lula Bell Frizzel.

In 1970 Billie married Edith Florence Hack. She preceded him in death Jan. 20, 2004.

Billie was a retired automotive body and fender repairman. He had shops in Shawnee and Seminole areas for several years.

He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church of Shawnee.

He also was preceded in death by his parents and one grandchild, Carrie Broughton.

Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Janice and Chuck Brasiel of Placerville, Calif.; one brother, J.L. Clark of Roswell, N.M.; one sister, Cathy of Choctaw; two grandchildren, Robert Broughton, Travis Horton, Nicole Horton and Mallory Horton; one great-great-grandchild, Dominic Broughton; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Service will be 11 a.m. Monday at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel with his son-in-law, Chuck Brasiel, officiating. Burial will be a Maple Grove Cemetery, Seminole


Aud L. Hoffman

Shawnee resident Aud L. Hoffman died Wednesday, Feb. 14, at her home.
She was born April 19, 1932, in Highland Park, Calif., to Leif and Ada Torneskog.

She graduated from El Monte High School in California.

She was married to Bud Hoffman.

Aud loved people and people loved her.

Survivors include her husband, Bud Hoffman of the home; two daughters, Lynn Gilman and Teri Gillis; two grandsons, Matthew Gilman and Justin Gilman; two great-grandsons, Devin Stevens and Christopher Gilman; and one great-granddaughter, Alyssa Gilman.

The family will hold a private service in California.


Eddie Lee Duck

Lifelong Konawa area resident Eddie Lee Duck, 79, died Friday, Feb. 16, at the VA Medical Center in Oklahoma City.
Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at the Church of Christ in Konawa with Carl Wills, Richard Winters and Frank Brewer officiating. Burial will follow at Vamoosa Cemetery.

Arrangements under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home of Konawa.


Barbara Faye Worthington

Lifelong Seminole resident Barbara Faye (Satawake) Worthington, 58, died Friday, Feb. 16, at home.
Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Swearingen Funeral Chapel with Glen Pence officiating. Burial will be at Little Cemetery, Seminole County, under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home of Seminole.

published Feb. 18, 2007

Bro. Matthew Thomas Bach, O.S.B.

Bro. Matthew Thomas Bach, O.S.B., a monk of St. Gregory's Abbey, Shawnee, died suddenly from a stroke on Friday, Feb. 16. He was 63 years old.

Bro. Matthew was born Feb. 18, 1942, in Milwaukee, Wis., to Dr. Earl and Claire Werle Bach. He was given the name Thomas. He said he was a great-greatgreat-great-great-great-grandson of Johann Sebastian Bach.

He was received as an internal oblate at Holy Cross Abbey, Canon City, Colo., May 3, 1961 where he served many years doing custodial work. On Aug. 15, 1980, he made simple perpetual vows. Later, when the opportunity was provided to brothers, he made Solemn Vows. One of his proud moments at Holy Cross Abbey was Sept. 20, 1989, when he received his high school diploma at the high school operated by Holy Cross.

It was a sad moment for Brother Matthew when Holy Cross Abbey was not able to continue; it began to close its doors in 2004 and the remaining monks sought transfer to a number of other monasteries. Bro. Matthew and his great friend Bro. David Downey came to St. Gregory's Abbey and promised their stability here on Sept. 3, 2004.

At St. Gregory's, Bro. Matthew found many ways to be of service. He helped with the riders and the horses at the Charham Therapeutic Arena. He assisted in the abbey business office and relieved caregivers in the health service of the abbey. He said recently that he really appreciated the experience of community in the abbey and in St. Gregory's University.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his stepmother Lorraine Bach.

Bro. Matthew is survived by the members of the monastic community of St. Gregory's Abbey and the former members of Holy Cross Abbey; sister and brother-in-law, Robert and Judy Allan of Thornton, Colo.; brother, John Bach of Denver; sister and brother-in-law, Christine and Gary Robertson of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.

Vigils of the Office of the Dead for Bro. Matthew will be celebrated 6:45 p.m. On Monday in the St. Gregory's Abbey Church, Shawnee. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 4 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, in the Abbey Church with Abbot Lawrence Stasyszen, O.S.B., as the principal celebrant; burial will follow in the St. Gregory's Abbey Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the fund for the care of the infirm at St. Gregory's Abbey, 1900 W. MacArthur Drive, Shawnee, Oklahoma 74804.


Carson Ben Cook

Carson Ben Cook, infant son of David and Jessica Cook, went to be with the Lord on the date of his birth, Friday, Feb. 16, 2007.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather, D. Ben Cook.

Survivors include his parents, David and Jessica Cook of Shawnee; half-sisters, Faith and Haley Wittman and Madison Cook; grandparents, Anthony and Cassie Phillips and Sharon and Sam Slattery; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Resthaven Funeral Home. Service is under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home.


Ardene Posey

Longtime Seminole resident Ardene Posey, 82, died Thursday, Feb. 15, in Oklahoma City.
Viewing will be from noon to 8 p.m. Sunday at Swearingen Funeral Home.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Oakwood Cemetery in Wewoka with the Rev. Carl Whitfiled officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.


Franklin Onen Woodruff

Longtime Seminole resident Franklin Onen Woodruff, 75, died Friday, Feb. 16, at Seminole Estates Care Center.
Viewing will be from noon to 8 p.m. Sunday and from 8 a.m. To 8 p.m. Monday at Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Wolf Cemetery, South of Seminole, with the Rev. Carl Whitfield officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.

published Feb. 20, 2007

Margaret Bernice Pace

Tecumseh resident Margaret Bernice Pace, 71, died Saturday, Feb. 17, in Tecumseh.
She was born May 21, 1935, in Baltzer, Miss., to Elijah Dewell and Lois Bernice (Blackwell) Shepherd. She grew up in Mobile, Ala. And graduated in 1953 from Murphy High School in Mobile.

In 2000 she met Raymond Pace and they were married on July 21, 2001 at the United Pentecostal Church in Oklahoma City.

In her early years, she was employed at Keesler Air Force Base as a Legal Secretary and continued that line of work for a number of years. Later in life, she became a Home Health Aide, which enabled her to care for the elderly people she loved. She was a devoted Christian and she attended the Pentecostal Church of God in Shawnee.

In her youth, she was inspired to obtain her license to preach the gospel. She loved singing, playing the piano, organ and accordion. She had a real appreciation for the absurdly funny and was notorious for playing pranks on people. She also enjoyed playing cards and games with her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Survivors include her husband, Raymond Pace of the home; three children and their spouses, Michael and Becky Ray of Nicoma Park, Sharon and Carl Meadows of Tecumseh and Thomas and Jacqulyn Kasey of Oklahoma City; one sister and brother-in-law, Irene and Charles Bouteiller of Louisville, Ky.; 15 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; she was also expecting two more great-grandchildren.

Service will be 11 a.m. Today at Cooper Funeral Chapel with Bro. Rick Goodin, pastor of Pentecostal Church of God officiating. Burial will follow at Pilgrim's Rest Cemetery in Newalla.

To share memories, or to sign the guest book on-line, go to www.cooperfuneral.com.


Mildred Nora Helms

Shawnee resident Mildred Nora Helms, 89, died Sunday, Feb. 18, at Colonial Estates.
She was born March 7, 1917, to Henry and Minnie Kneisel, in Shawnee.

Mildred worked for serveral years at Sunset Estates Nursing Home.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Marvin Helms; sons, Larry and Ronnie Helms; brothers, Harvey and Melvin Kneisel; sister, Ruby Kneisel Yarger; one great-grandson, Jude Jackson.

Survivors include her son, Robert Helms; nephews, Harvey, Johnny, and Michael Kneisel; one niece, Peggy Kneisel; three grandsons, Rusty, Greg, and Stephen Holmes; one granddaughter, Jamie Jackson and husband, Bart; one aunt, Rhonda Montgomery; one sister-in-law, Geneva Eddy and children Janet Ruth and Jack; and many other family members and friends. She will be missed by all.

Visitation will be 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Today.

Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, at Resthaven Memorial Park with Harvey Kneisel officiating. Burial will be at Resthaven Memorial Park.


Ray Ash

Stroud resident Ray Ash died Monday, Feb. 19, in Stroud at the age of 76.
Visitation will be 10 a.m. To 9 p.m today and 8 a.m. To noon Wednesday at Parks Brothers, .

Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at First Baptist Church in Stroud with the Rev. Burl MacKey officating. Burial will be at Stroud Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Services, Stroud.


Aubrey Joe Lollis

Harrah resident Aubrey Joe "A.J." Lollis died Saturday, Feb. 17, in Harrah at the age of 70.
Service will be 10 a.m. Today at the Asa Smith Memorial Chapel, Harrah, with Mr. Jim Mitchell officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Lane Cemetery, Harrah under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service in Harrah.


Ellis Eugene Smith

Longtime Seminole resident Ellis Eugene Smith died Sunday, Feb. 18, at his home at the age of 65.
Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Little Cemetery with Chris Stinnett officiating.

Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole, is directing arrangements.

published Feb. 22, 2007

William "Bill" Colclasure

Shawnee resident William "Bill" Colclasure, 72, died Monday, Feb. 19, at his home.

He was born Sept. 6, 1934, in Baum, Okla., to Gibson and Lola Colclasure.

He was raised in Gene Autry, Okla., and graduated from Central High School in Okla. City. He also was a graduate of Oklahoma City University and pursued Master Studies in Urban Planning at The University of Oklahoma.

Bill served in the U.S. Army as a Dental Technician at Scoffield Barricks in Hawaii.

Bill began his career with the City of Oklahoma City working as an urban planner. He worked with the urban renewal authority as head of drafting and mapping. This is where he met his wife of 37 years.

He was married Feb. 14, 1970, to Janet Kay McMahan. They moved to Muskogee where Bill served as City Planner and raised Apaloosa's on their ranch in Warner. He also was a Mustang City Planner and became the Shawnee City Planner in 1988. He retired in 1999. Bill served as Acting City Manager for a time in the early 1990's.

Bill and and his wife, Janet, were members of the Keefton Freewill Baptist Church and have been members of the Mustang Freewill Baptist Church. He also was a member of the Elks Lodge.

He played college football and semi-pro baseball. Bill loved golf and was an avid OU fan. He loved spending time with his family and friends. He was a devoted father and husband.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister.

Survivors include his wife, Janet Kay Colclasure of the home; two daughters and one son-in-law, Kimberly and Michael Phillips of Pearland, Texas, and Kristi Coker of Shawnee; one brother, Wayne Colclasure and wife, Ruthie, of Nowata; three grandsons, Travis Phillips of Pearland, Texas, William Chase Phillips of Pearland, Texas, and Kobe Coker of Shawnee; several nieces and nephews.

Service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with the Rev. Mike Taylor officiating.


Dorothy L. Taylor

Shawnee resident Dorothy L. Taylor, 81, died Monday, Feb. 19, at her residence.
She was born June 25, 1925, in Cove, Ark., to Elbert and Virgie (Baker) Hill.

Dorothy worked as a telephone operator for Southwestern Bell and then at Tinker Air Force Base for 20 years before retiring.

She was an artist of ceramics and greatly enjoyed knitting and crocheting. She was a member of Liberty Baptist Church, as well as Eastern Star Chapter 43 and NARFE.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her son, Charles Hill.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Doris and Jim Rouse; four grandchildren, Belinda, Tina, Heather and Chris; and seven great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be 8 a.m. To 8 p.m. Today.

Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Gaskill Funeral Chapel. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery.


Susie Marie Henderson

Lifelong Shawnee resident Susie Marie Henderson, 87, died Thursday, Feb. 15, at her home.
She was born August 2, 1919, in Geary, Okla., to Gus and Susie Powell. She graduated from Shawnee High School.

She was married to Buddy Henderson for 35 years. She was a homemaker and a member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Buddy Henderson, and her sister, Betty Powell Wilson.

Survivors include two daughters, Dona Bodard Adcock and Lana Bodard Hathcock; one son, Phillip L. Reid; seven grandchildren, Rachelle R. Cleveland, Holly H. Melvin, Todd Adcock, Jon-Mark Adcock, Taylor B. Adcock, Kevin Reid and Shawn Reid; five great-grandchildren, Kristopher Hathcock, Sydney Cleveland, Hunter Cleveland, Nicole Adcock and Emilie Kate Adcock.

A memorial service was held Monday, Feb. 19, at Emmanuel Episcopal Church with Father Clark Shackelford officiating.

Memorials may be made to Emmanuel Episcopal Church Outreach Fund.


Wallace Armistead

Chandler resident Wallace Armistead. 77, died Saturday, Feb. 17.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Clearview Cemetery, Chandler, under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Chandler.


James Dorsey Kemble

Chandler resident James Dorsey Kemble died Saturday, Feb. 17, at the age of 82.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Oak Park Cemetery, Chandler, under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Chandler.


JoAnn Franks

Shawnee resident JoAnn (Brady) Franks died Monday, Feb. 19.
Service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at the John M. Ireland Funeral Home & Chapel. Burial will follow at 3 p.m. At the Murray Cemetery in Binger, Okla.

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


Virginia Geraldine "Jerri" Fowler

Tecumseresident Virginia Geraldine "Jerri" Fowler, 72, died Monday, Feb. 19, in Shawnee.
Jerri was born Oct. 4, 1934, in Red Oak, Okla., to Rufus and Edith (Jones) Nix.

She was born and raised in Red Oak and had lived throughout Oklahoma before moving to Tecumseh in 1958. She attended Red Oak High School.

On August 31, 1953, she married Bob Fowler in McAlester. He preceded her in death on Feb. 10, 1988.

Jerri worked at Tinker Air Force Base until her retirement in 1974. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star #30, where she served as Past Worthy Matron as well as serving as secretary for more than 20 years. She was an active member of the First Free Will Baptist Church. Her children, grandchildren and her great-grandchildren were a focal point in her life. She enjoyed quilting and crocheting.

She also was preceded in death by her daughter, Virginia Ann Fowler; her parents; two sisters, Alice Luna and Othalene Perry; and two brothers, Bobby Dale Nix and Terry Nix.

Survivors include three daughters and two sons-in-law, Debbie and Al Cronin of West Virginia, Melody Williams of Oklahoma City and Melissa and Kirk West of Shawnee; three sons and one daughter-in-law, Vic and Susie Fowler of McAlester, Billy Fowler of Holdenville and Mike Fowler of Tecumseh; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Shirley and Dail Bates of Oklahoma City and Connie and Larry Stafford of Edmond; two brothers and one sister-in-law, Jay Nix of McAlester and David and Nikki Nix of Wilburton, Okla.; 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Kenny Myers of Tecumseh First Free Will Baptist Church and the Rev. Jeff Hogan officating. Burial will be at Tecumseh Cemetery.

To share memories, to sign the guest book on-line, go to www.cooperfuneral.com 


Floyd A. Conway

Tecumseh resident Floyd A. Conway, went to be with the Lord Sunday, Feb. 18, at the age of 60.
He was born on April 21, 1946 in Hamilton, Ohio, to Ponder and Edith (Baker) Conway.

Floyd attended the Full Gospel Church in Tecumseh. He worked as a foreman in the construction industry. He loved his tractor service, collecting guns, and working with his tools. Floyd was always on the go, spending time with his family and his horse, chickens, and dogs and he loved being outdoors.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Ponder and Edith Conway; his brother, Marvin Conway; and his son, Brian Conway.

He leaves many loving memories with his family; his wife, Reba of the home; his daughter, Eva Rena Conway of Shawnee; his sons, David Conway of Prague and Dustin Conway of Shawnee; his sister, Vernita Norvell of Florida; his grandchildren, Coby Conway, Kaydence Conway, Christopher Hester, and Shelby Merrell all of Shawnee; his aunt, Marilyn Baker-Brown of Albuquerque, N.M.; his niece, Patty Benedict of Indiana; Connie and Jesse Henry of Indiana; and cousin, Henry Conway of Indiana; as well as many other loving relatives and friends.

Viewing will be from 8 a.m. To 5 p.m. Today.

Service celebrating Floyd's life will be held 10 a.m. Friday at the Resthaven Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Danny McCracken and the Rev. Jerry Robinson officiating. Casket bearers will be Terry McCracken, Barry McCracken, Johnny McCracken, James Haggard, Gene Hacker, and William Griffin. Honorary bearers will be Tommy Barton and Don Rector.


Emma Mae Bernard

Norman resident Emma Mae Bernard, 81, died Tuesday, Feb. 20, in Oklahoma City.

She was born July 15, 1925, in Cushing to Adam and Ethel (Brock) Gokey.

Mrs. Bernard was known as a tender and kind hearted person, many calling her "mom." A very loving mother and grandmother always gentle in her ways.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, George; daughter, Leona Foster; step-son, Charles Bernard; brothers, Johnny Gokey, Cyrus Gokey and Adam Gokey Jr.

Survivors include her two sons, Robert Gokey and wife, Kristle, of Shawnee, and Gary Bernard of Oklahoma City; step-daughter, Joyce Garcia of Oklahoma City; two sisters, Helen Littleton of Tecumseh, and Louise White of Tecumseh; three brothers, Leo Gokey and wife, Mary, of Tecumseh, Frank Gokey and wife, Vivian, of Oregon, and Louis Gokey and wife, Mildred, of Kansas; 11 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; numerous nieces and nephews.

Service will be 10 a.m. Friday at the Primrose Chapel. Burial will follow at Norman IOOF Cemetery under the direction of Primrose Funeral Service.


Carla Greening

Macomb resident Carla Greening died Monday, Feb. 19, in Macomb at the age of 48.
Service will be 11 a.m. Today at Cooper Funeral Chapel with Darel Neace of the New Life Worship Center officiating. Burial will be at Brown Cemetery under the direciton of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.

published Feb. 23, 2007

Willie "Lynn" Combs

Shawnee resident Willie "Lynn" Combs, 60, died Monday, Feb. 19, in Shawnee.
He was born Sept. 27, 1946, in Altus to Willie Lee and Fern (Armbrister) Combs.

He was raised in Oklahoma and graduated from Webster High School in Tulsa. He held a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from The University of Oklahoma, an MBA from George Mason University and a Master of Education Degree from Arizona State University.

In 1986 he married Pamela in Mesa, Ariz.

Lynn was proud to serve as a U.S. Marine and received numerous medals, including a National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Medal, Certificate of Commendation and Combat Action Ribbon. He retired in 1986 as a Major, with an Honorable Discharge after serving 20 years.

Lynn was currently employed by Central Oklahoma Economic Development District (COEDD) as a Director/Grant Administrator, and was instrumental in developing affordable housing though a non-profit organization called C.H.A.R.M.E.D.

Lynn was a member of the Wallace Avenue Baptist Church.

Shortly after his marriage to Pamela, they moved to Clifton, Ariz., where Lynn taught business, math, and English at the Junior High School and High School. He coached Junior High Boys Basketball and High School Girls Softball. He was Teacher/Editor of the High School Yearbook. He also taught business and computer classes for Eastern Arizona College. Lynn and Pamela moved to Oklahoma 13 years ago to begin farming. He raised vegetables, flowers, pigs, cows, and chickens until going to work for COEDD.

Lynn loved to go hiking, fishing, hang-gliding, and kayaking. His hobbies included carpentry, gardening, reading, needlepoint, and refinishing antiques. He loved to travel and would turn down any road in America to rediscover life's adventures.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother and several aunts and uncles.

Survivors include his wife, Pamela Combs; children, Kimberly Miller and husband, Dave, of Lee's Summit, Mo., Aaron Combs and wife, Erika, of Overland Park, Kan., Jamie Ingram and husband, Robert, of Earlsboro, and step-daughter Rachel Butler of Portland, Maine; grandchildren, Mathew, Michelle, Rebecca, Natalie, Beau, and Blaine; brothers, Jack Combs, Phil Combs, and Arling Medina; sister, Joyce Breckenridge; and several brothers and sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Walker Funeral chapel, Shawnee, with Joe Armbrister and Jeff Armbrister officiating.


Samuel Lee Woodward

Shawnee resident Samuel Lee Woodward, 36, passed away Sunday, Feb. 18, in Oklahoma City.
He was born Sept. 22, 1970, to Emmett "Woody" and Mary Woodward in Junction City, Kan.

He grew up in Junction City and attended Junction City High School. He later moved to Shawnee.

Sam worked as a long haul truck driver. He enjoyed antiquing, gardening, leather work, and spoiling his nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Michael Webb; one sister, Mary Ann Woodward.

Survivors include two sisters, Mary Lou Woodward of Topeka, Kan., and Mary Theresa Jacobs of Junction City, Kan.; five brothers, Kenneth Woodward of Topeka, Charles K. Webb of Portland, Ore., John Paul K. Webb of Portland, Ore., Anthony K. Woodward of Shawnee, Steve T. Cottrell of Fort Gibson; three nieces; two nephews; two great-nephews; one great-niece; and numerous other relatives and friends.

Memorial service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Brindle Corner Hwy. 9 and Harrah/Newalla Road. With Ellis Rolette and George Blanchard officiating.


Tecumseh Gage Blanchard Larney

Shawnee resident Tecumseh Gage Blanchard Larney, six months, died Friday, Feb.21, in Shawnee.
He was born July 31, 2006, in Oklahoma City to Kenia and Curtis Larney.

Survivors include mother and father, Kenia and Curtis Larney of Shawnee; birth parents, Autumn Pryski and Travis Blanchard; four sisters, Angel Blanchard, Paula Valdez, Paulina Valdez and Gabrielle Larney; two brothers, Bradley Larney and Skyler Murdock; grandparents, Rocky and Terri Larney of Shawnee, Leora and Dave Alford of Shawnee, Gail Bowlegs of Seminole, and Lucinda and Eddie Blanchard of Shawnee; great-grandparent, Emma Murdock of McLoud and Lana Bowlegs of Seminole. Numerous Friends & Family.

Service will be 9 a.m. Today at Kickapoo Friends Center in McLoud with Pastor Brad Wood officiating. Burial will be at Kickapoo Tribal Cemetery.


Geraldine "Jerry" Pourchot

Shawnee resident Geraldine "Jerry" Pourchot, 85, died Thursday, Feb. 22.
Service is pending under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home of Shawnee.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Shawnee Heartland Hospice.

published Feb. 24, 2007

Geraldine "Jerry" Pourchot

Shawnee resident Geraldine "Jerry" Pourchot , 85, died Thursday, Feb. 22, at Unity North Hospital.
Jerry was born Sept. 22, 1921, in Whitney, Texas, to Ben and Lena (Findley) James.

She was married to Melvin Everett Pourchot for 54 years before he passed away.

The most important thing in her life was her family.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband; one son, Richard James Pourchot; siblings, Shag James, Red James, Cotton James, Gaynell Holley, Richard Phillip (Bug) James and Notie James.

Survivors include her children, Phillip Melvin Pourchot and Robert Lynn and wife, Georgia Bell, Pourchot; siblings, Chip James, Nort James, Ferbia Ferzoco and Joy James; grandchildren, Vaughn Sterling Pourchot, Richard Drake Pourchot, Eden Bell Pourchot, Hannah Dean Pourchot, Emily Jane Shaffer, and Jenny Lynn Pourchot; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Service will be 1 p.m. Today at Resthaven Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Nathan James officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shawnee Heartland Hospice.

The family would like to give their heartfelt thanks toher caregivers, Leta Skaggs, Mary Henry, Geneva Glover, Nicole Moon, Nina Triplett and Shawnee Heartland Hospice.


Neil Norton

Peoria Heights, Ill., resident Neil Norton, 81, died Wednesday, Feb. 21, at the Apostolic Christian Skylines in Peoria.
He was born March 24, 1925, to H. Mead and Hazel Rose Bohannon Norton in Shawnee.

On Dec. 31, 1969, he married Floy M. Kerr Mantle in Miami. She preceded him in death Sept. 23, 2002 in Peoria.

He was owner and operator of Neil Norton Motors in Miami from 1953 to 1983 and owner and operator of Neil Norton Cadillac-Pontiac from 1983 to 2004. He was a winner of the Time Magazine Quality Dealer Award in 1974. He was a member of United Presbyterian Church of Peoria.

He was a World War II Army veteran serving in both European and Pacific Theaters. He was a member of Oklahoma City Lodge #36 AF & AM, Scottish Rite Bodies Valley of Peoria and Mohammed Temple, Shrine. He also was a member of Peoria Downtown Rotary.

Visitation will be 3 p.m. To 6 p.m. Sunday at Wright & Salmon Mortuary, Inc. Of Peoria, followed at 6 p.m. With a Masonic Service performed by Illinois Lodge #263 AF & AM. Additional visitation will be 30 minutes before service at the church.

Service will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at the United Presbyterian Church of Peoria. Cremation rites will be accorded after the service. Burial of ashes will be in Memorial Park Cemetery in Oklahoma City at a later date.

Arrangements under the direction of Wright & Salmon Mortuary, Inc. Of Peoria Heights.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Youth Farm Inc. Foundation or charity of the donor's choice.

Tributes and condolences may be submitted to www.wrightandsalmon.com.


Terry Lee Brennan

Longtime Seminole county resident Terry Lee Brennan, 49, died Thursday, Feb. 22, in Oklahoma City.
Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at the Seminole First Free Will Baptist Church with the Rev. David McDougal, the Rev. Malcom Tiger, the Rev. Eddie Goodin, and the Rev. Frank Moppin officiating. Burial will follow at Little Cemetery, eight miles North of Seminole on Hwy. 377.

Arrangements under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home of Seminole.

published Feb. 25, 2007

Brooklynn Nicole Gray

Brooklynn Nicole Gray, infant daughter of Dustin Shawn Gray and Ashley Nicole Reynolds of Meeker died, Thursday, Feb. 22, at an Oklahoma City Hospital.

She was born Nov. 28, 2006 to Dustin Shawn Gray and Ashley Nicole Reynolds in Shawnee.

She was preceded in death by a special Pawpaw; several other great great grandparents and family members.

Survivors include parents, Dustin and Ashley of Meeker; grandparents, Lynn and Donnie Ledbetter of Meeker, Lisa Gray of Tecumseh, Glen Gray of Shawnee; aunts and uncles, Derek Ledbetter of Meeker, Lexie Ledbetter of Meeker, Christa and Shane Belvin of McLoud, Mike and Jamie Gray of Tecumseh; and several cousins, great and great great-grandparents.

Service will be noon Monday at the Walker Funeral Service Chapel with the Rev. Clint Dawkins and the Rev. Travis Hurst officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park


Ina Mae Spencer

Longtime Seminole resident Ina Mae Spencer, 64, died Friday, Feb. 23, in Ada.
Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Hitchitee Methodist Church. Burial will follow at the Hitchitee Church Cemetery. A wake service will be held Monday, Feb. 26, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. At the Swearingen Funeral Chapel.

Arrangements under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home of Seminole.
 

published Feb. 27, 2007

John Daniel Flowers  - view image of obituary

Robert William "Bob" Witcher

Robert William "Bob" Witcher of Tulsa went home to the Lord on Friday, Feb. 23, 2007, after a long and valiant battle with cancer.
Bob was born in Mooreland, Okla., on Sept. 30, 1943, and was raised in Skellytown and Spearman, Texas. He moved to Shawnee in 1962 to attend Oklahoma Baptist University, where he met and married his wife, Theresa Taron, in 1968 (with whom he just celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary).

Bob Witcher worked for the Shawnee YMCA during his college years and later in the circulation departments of the Shawnee News-Star and the Dallas Morning News in Grand Prairie, Texas. He owned the MFA Insurance Agency in Shawnee and served on the Shawnee City Commission from 1976 to 1980. He worked in political lobbying and oil and gas funding in Oklahoma City before the "Fall of Penn Square Bank," and was later employed in Tulsa by the Eustice Fire Equipment Company and the Firemaster Company. He owned and operated "Mugs on Mugs," a computer imaging company and worked for and later owned and managed Dental Care in Tulsa. He returned to school and graduated from Southern Nazarene University in Tulsa in 1980 and in his retirement worked in custodial care and computer management at his beloved Church of the Madalene in Tulsa. Bob's quick smile, sense of humor, ready wit, generous spirit and "never say 'can't'" attitude will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Betty M. And Arthur Ray Witcher, of Spearman, Texas, and his father-in-law, Pierre F. Taron Jr. Of Shawnee.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his precious daughters, Amy of Oklahoma City, and Tina and granddaughter Presley of Tulsa. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Glennabelle Taron of Edmond; his sisters, Dianna Mason and husband, Harry, of Enid, and Mae Bell Pendleton of Albuquerque, N.M.; along with nieces, Cheryl Cole and Lynne Janzen of Cheyenne, Wyo.; nephew, Craig Pendleton and family of Seattle, Wash.; sisters and brothers-in-law, Monica and Bill Casey of Edmond, Charlotte and Gary Sellers of Choctaw, Tom and Becky Taron of Shawnee, Mike and Jennifer Taronof Phoenix, Ariz., and Terry and Trish Taron of Broken Bow; numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews and his parish family of the Church of the Madalene in Tulsa.

A Prayer Vigil was held at 6:30 p.m. Monday and the Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. Today at the Church of the Madalene in Tulsa.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, tax deductible donations may be made to: The Epiphany Life Enhancement Foundation, for The Robert W. Witcher Memorial Fund, in care of, and mailed to: Epiphany Life Enhancement Foundation, P.O. Box 701378, Tulsa, OK 74170-1378.


John August Erbin Jr.

Harrah resident John August Erbin Jr., departede this life Sunday, Feb. 25.
John was born Oct. 4, 1923, in Harrah to John A. Erbin Sr. And Bonnie (Baxter) Erbin.

John married Corene C. Bacon. They both graduated from Harrah High School and were married May 24, 1944. The couple raised one son, Donald Wayne, born Nov. 16, 1946, plus several foster children from Baptist Boys Ranch, Edmond, and from juvenile court, Oklahoma City. One young man was a local individual who needed a place to live during the last year or two of high school when his mother moved to Germany with his step-father. Dennis Frank Robinson still lives in the Oklahoma City area.

Don married Karen Stewart, Aug. 14, 1971. Karen and Don have two boys, Jason born Oct. 26, 1976, and Brain, born July 16, 1979. Brian married Jenean Leatherbury, Jun 10, 2006. John, Corene, Don, Karen, Jason and Brian have all graduated from Harrah High School. All of the preceding except Corene attended their entire school career in Harrah Schools. John was one of those students attending school when the school burned in March of 1931, while he was in second grade.

Corene and John lived their entire married life in the Harrah community. They were active in the Harrah Round-Up Club while Don was in school. They were also active in Harrah First Baptist Church.

John, or Junior as many called him, worked as a farmer, truck driver, and a siding applicator. In the 1940's, John and Corene began working in the State Fair Concession business. John has been affectionately known as "Popcorn" by what seemed to be half of Oklahoma City and everybody at the State Fair. Many people from Harrah worked in their stands over the years. At the 1997 fair (the year after he sold the fair concessions), John worked everyday for one of his friends just to help out. Old habits are hard to break after 50 years.

John and Corene were still residing on the land purchased by John's father in approximately 1950. They enjoyed watching their grandsons grow plus discussing memories with family and friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Bonnie and John Erbin Sr.; one sister, Dorothy Sparkman; brothers-in-law, Melvin and Bill Bacon.

He leaves behind his wife, Corene, of the home; son, Don and his wife Karen; two grandsons, Jason and Virginia, Brian and wife, Janean; brother and sister-in-law and their spouses, Melton and Kathy Bacon, and Betty and Oren Northcutt; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at the First Baptist Church of Harrah with the Rev. Gary Eubanks officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Lane Cemetery in Harrah.


V.J. Davis

Norman resident V.J. Davis, 68, died Sunday, Feb. 28, at the Veterans' Center in Oklahoma City.
V.J. Was born in Davidson, Okla., on Jan. 15, 1939, to Johnny and Zena Mae Brightwell Davis.

He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany for most of his tour. He worked as a salesman for Acme Fence Company for several years. V.J. Enjoyed spending time with his friends and going to Las Vegas with his wife. He also enjoyed watching sports, especially O.U. Football.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ernest Davis, Lewis Davis and Dean Davis and sisters, Ruthie Davis Solvey and Thelma Davis.

Survivors include his nephews, Wayne Davis and Thomas Hammond, both of Geronimo, Okla.; grand-nephews, Jeremy Davis Carter, of Edmond, and James Hammond, of Oklahoma; grand-nieces, Krystal Davis LaValley, of Edmond, and Delia Hammond, of Oklahoma.

Graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, at Marrs Hill Cemetery in Macomb with Pastor Sam Hendry officiating under the direction of Havenbrook Funeral Home, 3401 Havenbrook St., Norman, Okla.

Send condolences online at www.havenbrookfuneralhome.com  


Ralph Jones

Seminole resident Ralph Jones. 70, died Sunday, Feb. 25, in Seminole.
Service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Swearingen Funeral Chapel with Pastor Drew Isaacs, Ron Faulk and Bob Brown officiating.

Arrangements under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home of Seminole.


Pharabe Jane Tipton

Former Wyandotte resident Pharabe Jane Tipton, 81, died Saturday, Feb. 24, in Conroe, Texas.
She was born Feb. 1, 1926, in Red Rock, Okla., to John and Hattie Dunham.

They resided in Macomb from 1946-1953. They then moved to Oklahoma City where her husband worked for the Will Rogers Turnpike. They later moved to Wyandotte, Okla., where they lived for at least 44 years. While there, they raised their family.

On July 6, 1946 she married Robert G. Tipton Sr. In Bethany. He preceded her in death on July 15, 1987.

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

Survivors include three sons and daughters-in-law, Robert G. And Virginia Tipton Jr. "formerly of Macomb" of Conroe, Texas, Richard and Teresa Tipton of Vinita, and David and Karen Tipton of The Woodlands, Texas; one daughter, Deanne Neganquet of Conroe, Texas; nine grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren; two brothers, Bill Dunham and Jim Dunham, both of South Dakota; and one sister, Beulah Dunham of South Dakota.

Graveside service will be 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at Tecumseh Cemetery.

To share memories, or to sign the guest book on-line to www.cooperfuneral.com.


Alton "Jack" Jennings Maxwell

Longtime Seminole resident Alton "Jack" Jennings Maxwell, 78, died Saturday, Feb. 24, in Seminole.
A private family service will be Thursday Feb. 29.

Service under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home of Seminole.


Lucille Johnston Jones

Meeker resident Lucille Johnston Jones, 97, died Saturday, Feb. 24, in Meeker.
Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at New Johnstonville Cemetery in Byars.

Arrangements under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.

published Feb. 28, 2007

Jean (Rogers) Napier - view image of obituary


Eva J. "Meme" McCullar  - view image of obituary


Hester E. Fisher  - view image of obituary


Mary F. Hill  - view image of obituary


William Owen Talley  - view image of obituary