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

submitted by Kay Sugg Best

published Jan. 02, 2007

Susan Morrison Pechacek

Prague resident Susan Morrison Pechacek, 65, departed this life Sunday, Dec. 31, in Prague.

Susan was born June 5, 1941 in Prague to Walter Madison and Alice (Meyer) Morrison.

She graduated from Prague High School and then from the University of Central Oklahoma.

On Feb. 8, 1963 she married Larry Pechacek in Prague. Larry preceded Susan in death on Dec. 11, 2001.

Susan was a resident of Tahlequah for many years, but she returned to Prague to care for family. She was an interior decorator, member of the United Methodist Church of Prague, member of Alpha Chi Omega, and PEO of Chapter AF.

Also preceding her in death was her mother.

Survivors include her daughters and son-in-law, Amy and Charles Castello of Waco, Texas, Ann Pechacek of Columbus, Ohio, Lynn Rout of Prague; father, W.M. "Speedy" Morrison of Prague; brothers and sisters-in-law, Walter M, Jr. and Martha Morrison of Luling, La., Dr. J.Scott and Judith Morrison of Middlebury, Vt.; five grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at United Methodist Church in Prague, with the Rev. Sharon Capron officiating and the Rev. Dyton Owen assisting.

Memorial may be made to Friends of the Library, 1116 N. Jim Thorpe Blvd., Prague, OK 74864. A guest book is available to share your memories on-line at www.ParksBrothers.net.


George Worrell Blaney Jr.

Davenport resident George Worrell Blaney Jr., 76, died Saturday, Dec. 30, at his home near Davenport.

George was born April 12, 1930, in Davenport to George Sr. and Virginia (Clark) Blaney.

On July 9, 1949 he married Mary Smith in Davenport.

He worked as a mechanic, carpenter, welder, and was field superintendent for C.W. Smith and Associates.

George attended the Davenport Assembly of God Church.

Preceding him in death were his father and one granddaughter.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Blaney of the home; mother, Virgie Blaney of Shawnee; daughters and sons-in-law, Virginia and Ray Thronesbery of Davenport, Janice and Ken Dill of Wilburton, Marilyn and Robbie Davis of Stroud; grandchildren, Charles and Rachel Thronesbery of Kan., David Thronesbery of Davenport, Debbie and Ben Johnson of Stroud, Julie and Joey Elliot of Texas, Kari and Darren Hulsey of Chandler, Justin Wilson of Stroud; sister, Eloise Flannagan of Shawnee; two nephews, Richard Leivas and Larry Flannagan both of Shawnee; eleven great grandchildren, other relatives and many friends.

Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Davenport Cemetery with the Rev. Leon Williams officiating.


Geneva Wilson

Shawnee resident Geneva Wilson, 82, died Sunday, Dec. 31, at a local hospital.

Geneva was born March 27, 1924 in Cleveland County to Felix Creek and Mary Fire (Gipson) Creek.

She married Cecil Wilson and was a homemaker.

Geneva was a member of the Native American Church.

Preceding her in death were her husband, a daughter, and two sons.

Survivors include sons, Dewayne Mack, Alvin Wilson, Melvin Wilson, Calvin Wilson and Marvin Wilson; daughters, Mary Tiger, Wilma Colungo and Gladys Tiger; sisters, Eunice Sloat and Cynthia Blanchard; brother, Albert Creek; 16 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Service will be 10 a.m. today at Wilson Family Home with Donald White officiating. Burial will be at the Wilson Family Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

published Jan. 03, 2007

Cynthia Diane Wills

Claremore, Okla., resident Cynthia Diane Wills, 21, died Sunday, Dec. 31, in Claremore.

She was born Jan. 15, 1985, in Pawnee, Okla., to Roy Wills Jr. and Shawna Ponder.

She spent most of her life in Stillwater, McLoud and Norman, but had also lived in Glencoe and Shawnee. She was a 2002 graduate of Norman High School and had recently moved to Claremore. Diane loved ice cream, bowling, swimming and the Tilt-a-Whirl at the State Fair. She enjoyed music and especially liked music by Shania Twain. She had a sense of humor and adventure. Diane loved her caretakers and her family.

She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Benjamin Ponder; two great-grandfathers, Fred Hoisington and Gene Hughes; and one cousin, Joshua Ponder.

Survivors include her mother and her partner, Shawna Ponder and Kimberly Sloan of Lufkin, Texas; father and his spouse, Roy and Susan Wills of Beggs, Okla.; brothers, Ruell Wills III and Daniel Wills, both of Lufkin, Texas; sister, Sarah Jones Wills of Yukon; aunt, Renee Holmes; uncle, Aaron Dennis; grandparents, Cynthia Lynch of Pond Creek, Okla., and Mary and Harry Dennis of Stillwater and Ruell Wills Sr. of the Philippines; great-grandmothers, Frankie Jean Hoisington of Tecumseh and Edna Hughes of Enid; a host of other relatives and friends; her caretakers, including Keli Flynn of Independent Opportunities, Lola Weber of Able Community Based Wavered Services and J.D. McCarty Service of Norman.

Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Dennis Stone officiating. Burial will follow in Tecumseh Cemetery. The family has designated United Cerebral Palsy, 1660 L Street, NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20036 as appropriate for memorials. To share memories, or to sign the guest book on-line, go to www.cooperfuneral.com.


Laverne Gilstrap 

Shawnee resident Laverne Morris Gilstrap, 86, died Sunday, Dec. 31, at Colonial Estates in Shawnee.

Laverne was born March 20, 1930 in Seminole to Frank and Mary Morris.

She was a member of Heritage Church and was a volunteer for 17 years at Mission Hill.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Bud Grant Gilstrap; her parents; four siblings, Bob Morris, Johnnie Morris, Lucille Sheets, and Lewis Morris.

Survivors include her children, Jim Gilstrap and wife Nancy of Texas, John Gilstrap and wife Melody of Tulsa; sister, Lenore Travis of California; grandchildren, Landon, Spencer, Adam Gilstrap, J. Grant Gilstrap, and Courtney Gilstrap; one great-grandchild, Conner Grant Gilstrap; special friends, Bill and Mary Weeks, Dorothy Epperson, Clara Collins, Arthur and Julie Gregory.

Visitation will be noon-8 p.m. today.

Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Resthaven Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be at Resthaven Memorial Park.


Bernice Bridges

Stroud resident Bernice Bridges, 86, departed this life Sunday, Dec. 31, in Stroud.

On Feb. 11, 1920, Bernice was born in Stella to George and Nina (Weingarner) Fehrle.

Bernice has been a resident of Stroud since 1941 moving from McLoud. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Stroud and was a housewife.

Preceding her in death were her parents.

Survivors include her two sons, Jeff Burton of Santa Rosa, Calif., John Terry II of Aurora, Colo.; four daughters, Cathy Terry of Tulsa, Barbara Harvey of Stroud, Bette Mount of Tulsa, Mary Montague of Phoenix, Ariz.; three brothers, Raymond Fehrle of Blue Hill, Maine, Phil Fehrle of Long Beach, Calif., Jim Fehrle of Tulsa; 16 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

Service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at First United Methodist Church in Stroud with the Rev. Sara Bodenstein officiating. Burial will be 2 p.m. in Sunny Lane Cemetery in Midwest City.

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

Thomas A. Pomeroy Jr.

Davenport resident Thomas A. Pomeroy Jr. died Sunday, Dec. 31, in Stroud at the age of 81.
Memorial service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Davenport Baptist Church with the Rev. Mike Mitchell officiating. Burial will follow at Davenport Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Stroud.

published Jan. 04, 2007

LaVern Redwine

Shawnee resident LaVern Redwine, 83, died Saturday, Dec. 30, in Oklahoma City.
LaVern was born Dec. 5, 1923, in Shawnee to William Walter and Maggie (Greenlee) Austin.

She married Ray LeRoy Redwine. He preceded her in death in July 1995.

She lived in California from 1947 to 1984.

LaVern was a homemaker and enjoyed gardening. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. During World War II she was a "Rosie the Riveter."

Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, five brothers, three sisters, and one grandson.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Leslie Ray and Nancy Redwine; daughter and son-in-law, Rita and Steve Carroll; sister, Euleane Cook; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild.

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

Service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Gaskill Funeral Chapel with James Walter and Chaplain Mike McCauley officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery.


Chad Bettelyoun

Former Seminole resident Chad Bettelyoun, currently of Hollywood, Fla., died Monday, Jan. 1, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
He was born March 9, 1973, in Lynnwood, Calif., to Lester and Donna (Whiteley) Bettelyoun.

Chad was a 1991 graduate of Seminole High School and he was a member of Ogalala Sioux of South Dakota.

Preceding him in death were his grandfather, Woodrow Whiteley; and grandparents, Isac and Sofia Bettelyoun.

Survivors include his parents, Lester and Donna Bettelyoun of Shawnee; grandmother, Dennie Whiteley of Shawnee; brothers, L.J. and Wally Bettelyoun of Seminole, Isac Bettelyoun of Florida, Charles and John Bettelyoun of Shawnee; sisters, Sofia Fowler of Shawnee and Sonia Rich of Norman; nieces and nephews, Cheyanne and Durango Bettelyoun of Norman, Stormy, Gavin and Nigel Bettelyoun of Seminole and Ayden and Wally Bettelyoun of Seminole.

Service will be 1 p.m. Monday at Resthaven Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Sam Henry officiating. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to the Immanuel Baptist Church Building Fund.

published Jan. 05, 2007

Bernice A. (Casey) Parson

Tecumseh resident Bernice A. (Casey) Parson, 94, went to be with her Lord Thursday morning, January 4.
Bernice was one of 11 children born to Archaball Yell and Fannie (Brown) Casey. She was born April 1, 1912, in Limestone, Ark.

She was married May 19, 1937, in Muskogee to John Chesley "J.C." Parson from Huntsville, Ark. They lived in the states of Washington, California, and Arkansas before making their home in Oklahoma. They lived in the Skagg City area before moving to Tecumseh in 1952.

Mrs. Parson was a homemaker and an LPN before retirement. She attended the First Assembly of God, Tecumseh. She loved red birds, gardening and fishing.

She was preceded in death by her husband, J.C. on July 15, 1995; her parents, brothers and sisters.

Survivors include two sons, Jack Parson and wife Lou Ann and Don "Punkin" Parson and wife Lavon, of Tecumseh; one brother-in-law (who joined the family at a young age), Lee Parson and wife Arlene of Oklahoma City; their daughter, Lynn Beaty and husband Kent of Enid; four grandchildren, Tracey Parson of Oklahoma City, Randall Parson of Shawnee, Tammy Hybarger and husband, Jeff; and Jerry Parson, all of Tecumseh; two great-granddaughters, Emily Parson of Tecumseh and Keisha Graham and husband, Matt; great-great-granddaughter, Dasie Graham of Shawnee; one sister-in-law, Ruby Elam of Hoodriver, Or.; many nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at the First Assembly of God in Tecumseh with the Rev. Chad Brodrick and the Rev. Robert Rider officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery.

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


Donetta Lynn (Sparks) McGann

Tecumseh resident Donetta Lynn Sparks McGann, 43, died Tuesday, Jan. 2, in Oklahoma City.
Donetta was born Jan. 23, 1963 in Shawnee to Don Sparks and Brenda Cantwell.

She attended Macomb High School.

On Feb. 10, 2006 she married James McGann in Shawnee.

Donetta was the first female FFA member for Macomb High School. She loved the country and was a "true" country girl and also collected elephants and chickens.

Preceded her in death were her mother, Brenda Cantwell and brother, Don Jene Sparks.

Survivors include her husband, James McGann of Tecumseh; daughter and husband, Frances and Chris Roy of Pink; son and wife, William and Amber Wheeler of Tecumseh; brothers and sister-in law, Roger and Diana Sparks of Pond Creek and Robert Sparks of Oklahoma City; sister and brother in-law, Angela and Cameron Moles of Missouri; grandchildren, Tyler Roy, Ryan Roy, Chris Roy Jr. all of Pink; godson, Michael Slottman of New York.

Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Hopewell Baptist Church with the Rev. Brian Cook officiating.


Laura L. Lincoln

Longtime Tecumseh resident Laura L. "Sis" Lincoln, 86, died Wednesday, Jan. 3, at her home.
She was born Nov. 6, 1920, in Tecumseh to Claude J. and Rena (Nadeau) Hollingsworth.

She was a homemaker and a farmer.

Preceding her in death were her parents.

Survivors include three children, Johnnie Lincoln of Tecumseh, Kathleen Norris and her husband Don of Shawnee and Carolyn Jo Kieffer and her husband Jack of Tecumseh; grandchildren, Kevin and Gena Lincoln, Kristi and Stacy Whatley, Sharla Reese, Pam and Tim Coble and Stacie Smith; great-grandchildren, Heather McCullough and Chance Lincoln, Kody and Kaitlyn Whatley, Shelbie and Kadyn Reese and Wade Rath; great-great-grandchildren, Alexia and Jace McCullough.

Service will be 2 p.m. today at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with the Rev. Larry Sparks officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.


Velbert C. Foshee

Newalla resident Velbert C. Foshee, 72, died Wednesday, Jan. 3, in Newalla.
Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at the Asa Smith Memorial Chapel, Harrah, with the Rev. Bill Derrick officiating.

Smith~Parks Funeral Service in Harrah is directing arrangements.

published Jan. 06, 2007

Vernon McGee

Cromwell, Okla., resident Vernon McGee died Thursday, Jan. 4, in Seminole at the age of 92.
He was born June 16, 1914, in Macomb to Jessee Tee and Mary Alice (Black) McGee.

Born and raised on the family farm in Macomb, he lived in California for many years before moving to Cromwell in 1980. He was a graduate of Macomb High School.

On Oct. 18, 1980, he married Irene Adams in Tulsa.

He served with the U.S. Army in Germany during World War II.

Vernon worked as a secuity guard and fireman at Lockheed Missiles in Van Nuys, Calif., and Manteca Magnesium Plant.

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

Survivors include his wife, Irene Adams McGee of the home; sons, Vernon Eugene McGee of Edgewater, Colo., Melvin Lewis McGee of Oklahoma City, Bobby Lee McGee of Las Vegas, Nev.; 12 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

Service will be 10 a.m. Monday at Cooper Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Carl Whitfield officiating. Burial will be at Tecumseh Cemetery.

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


Naomi B. Woods Lane

Lifelong Shawnee resident Naomi B. (Woods) Lane, 92, passed away Thursday, Jan. 4, at Solara Hospital in Shawnee.
"Pagee" as she was affectionately known, was recovering from hip surgery on Dec. 9.

Naomi was born Oct. 5, 1914 in Shawnee.

She attended Harrison Grade School and graduated from Shawnee High School and also attended Oklaholma Baptist University in 1930-1931.

She married C.O. "Kid" Lane on June 29, 1932, in Shawnee.

He preceded her in death in September 1997.

She was a wife, mother and homemaker. She began working for Sears in 1956 and retired in 1975. Naomi was a member of the First Baptist Church of Shawnee and was a member of the Marry Sunday School Class, the Senior Choir and a member of Beta Sigma Phi Laureate Sigma Chapter since 1958. She enjoyed playing bridge and was active in two groups up until her passing.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Howard and Pat Lane of Dallas, Texas; one daughter and son-in-law, Mona and Jim Haig of Shawnee; four granddaughters, Debby Lane-Huelsenberg and husband Stephen of Carrollton, Texas, Kathy Lane Fulmer and husband Kirk of Dallas, Laura Lane Brewer and husband Layne of Denton, Texas, and Sue Lynn Martin and husband Jim of Pensacola, Fla.; four great-granddaughters, Alyssa Lane-Huelsenberg and Katelyn Lane-Huelsenberg, Madelynn Lane Martin, Katheryn Lucille Martin of Pensacola; one step-grandson, Patrick Haig of Fort. Cambell, Ky.; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services will be 2:00 p.m. today at Resthaven Funeral Chapel with the Reverend JC Farrand officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.


Myrtle Kochick

Tecumseh resident Myrtle Kochick died Wednesday, Jan. 3, in Tecumseh at the age of 89.
Myrtle was born Nov. 15, 1917, in Berlin, Okla., to Clifton and Maude (Bruce) Campbell.

She was a 1935 graduate of Berlin High School. She later graduated from Blackwood-Davis Business College in Oklahoma City.

On Oct. 10, 1944, she married Michael S. Kochick Jr. He preceded her in death.

After her marriage, she returned to Berlin, where along with her family she farmed and raised cattle before moving to her present home in Tecumseh in 1952. Myrtle was a homemaker, as well as an avid gardener and plant enthusiast. When she was younger she enjoyed reading and traveling . At the age of 60 she developed a talent for landscape painting.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband; a granddaughter, Lisa Cluts; two sisters; and one brother.

Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Wanda and Thomas O'Neil of Norman and Mary Ann and Mike Stevens of Tecumseh; four sons and daughters-in-law, Edward S. and Pat Kochick of Oklahoma City, Clifford and Marie Kochick of Tecumseh; James and Jo Kochick of Enid and Michael and Carol Kochick of Cairo, Egypt; 15 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; four sisters and two brothers.

Service will be 3 p.m. today at Cooper Funeral Chapel with Roger Klopfenstein officiating. Burial will be at Brown Cemetery.

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


Elmer Hall

Stroud resident Elmer Hall, 83, died Friday, Jan. 5, in Stroud.
Visitation will be Saturday 8 a.m.-9p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-9p.m. Monday 8-noon.

Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Stroud Christian Church with the Rev. Dewayne Jackson officiating. Burial will be at Stroud Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Chapel in Stroud.


Loretta Grace Roberts

Shawnee resident Loretta Grace Roberts, 71, died Wednesday, Jan.3, in Shawnee.
Service was held 2 p.m. Friday at Bah-Kho-Je Chena with the Rev. Tom Morris officiating. Burial will be at Iowa Tribal Cemetery under the direction of Strode Funeral Home in Perkins.

published Jan. 07, 2007

Mayme Irene Stapp

Mayme Irene (Lewis) Stapp, 88, died peacefully in her sleep Thursday, Jan. 4, at Sunset Estates, Tecumseh.

Mrs. Stapp was born near Pink, Okla., July 2, 1918, to Lora Elmo and Lucy Mae (Stevens) Lewis.

She married Charles Allen Stapp on Aug. 24, 1940, in Tecumseh. He preceded her in death on Dec. 5, 1960.

She became a licensed cosmetologist in July 1941 following which she was a beautician in Tecumseh for a few years.

Mrs. Stapp lived much of her adult life in Shawnee where she worked for many years for Chapman Insurance Agency. From 1973 to 1983 she oversaw the daily operation of Mayme's Miss & Mrs. for whom the business is named.

Mrs. Stapp was a member of the former Draper Street Methodist Church and more recently of Liberty Baptist Church. She also was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Murrow Chapter No. 464, and a charter member of the Cartwright Hi-Noon BPW.

In addition to her husband; her parents; a brother, William Elmo "Jack" Lewis, who was killed in World War II; a sister, Patsy Ann Lewis, and a nephew Barry Fleming preceded her in death.

She is survived by daughters and sons-in-law, Linda Charlene and Ronald R. McClure of Tecumseh, and Cheryl Ann and Michael B. Lawson of Shawnee; sisters, Emma Orr of Marshall, Okla., and Claudine Fleming of Oklahoma City; brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Velda Lewis of Ardmore; grandsons, Ricky A. McClure and his wife, Colette, of Tecumseh, Michael R. McClure and his wife, Scottie, of Ada and McKinley C. Lawson and his wife, Beth, of Boulder, Colo.; great-granddaughters, Taylor R. McClure of Tecumseh, Marleigh R. and Mayme M. McClure of Ada; great-grandson, Hayden B. McClure of Tecumseh; and several nieces and nephews.

Service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Cooper Funeral Home in Tecumseh with the Rev. Richard Zimmer officiating. Following the service a private family burial will be held at Brown Cemetery, Pink, Okla.

Those wishing may make memorial contributions to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Alzheimer Resarch, 825 N.E. 13, Oklahoma City, OK 731104.

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


Kathryn May Sinclair

Shawnee resident Kathryn May Sinclair, 73, died Wednesday, Jan. 3, at her home.

She was born Oct. 14, 1933, in Marshall, Texas, to Jewel W. and Pauline V. (Smith) Lowry.

She married Jim Sinclair and was a truck driver.

Kathryn was a member of Liberty Baptist Church.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband; daughter, Sabrina Sinclair; infant son, Gary Lyn.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and Danny Hassen of McLoud; son and daughter-in-law, Robby and Cindy Sinclair of Shawnee; two brothers, Bill Lowry and his wife, Joyce, and Jim Lowry; two sisters, Margaret Akins and her husband, Walter, and Gwen Hess; grandchildren, Mirriya and Josh Sinclair, Summer Lang, Justin Sinclair and Amber Hassen; two great-grandchildren, Danyn Land and Dylan Lang; numerous nieces and nephews; brother-in-law, Charles Sinclair and his wife, Linda; sister-in-law, Wanda Walters.

Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Liberty Baptist Church with Bill Matthews and Phil Thompson officiating. Walker Funeral Service is directing arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association of Oklahoma.


Grace Avis Hawkins Smith

Grace Avis (Philbin) Hawkins Smith died Thursday, Jan. 4, in Norman following a lengthy illness.

She was born March 14, 1917, in Pottawatomie County to Samuel Tilden Philbin and Edna Pearl Creach Philbin, the fifth of eight children.

On Nov. 18, 1933, she married Lee Hawkins and they settled in Shawnee where they raised three children.

In 1964 Avis was widowed and started a career in real estate. In 1966 she moved with her daughter to Norman.

In 1967 she met and married Bill Smith. They spent some of their years together in New Mexico. While there, she began painting, exhibiting a previously unknown gift of expression through her art. After returning to Norman, Mrs. Smith volunteered with CASA as a court appointed special advocate, representing and supporting children who were in family crisis in the court system.

She was actively involved in University Christian Church, where she treasured her ladies' Sunday school class and the elders' strong arms and warm hearts.

Avis Smith was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Froman and Clyde; sisters, Myrtle Fay, Loyce Rutherford and Micki Harchuck; husband, Lee Hawkins; grandson, Zeb Slocomb and son, Richard Hawkins.

She is survived by her husband, W.R. (Bill) Smith of the home; son, Dr. Gene Hawkins and wife, Lou, of Oklahoma City; daughter, Janet Slocomb and husband, Bryan, of Goldsby; sisters, Fern Clausen of Harrah and Gladys Copley of Bremerton, Wash. She leaves many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and close friends.

Pallbearers will be Mrs. Smith's grandchildren, Rick Hawkins and Tony Hawkins of Shawnee, Todd Hawkins of New York, Shawn Hawkins of Norman, Amy Harryman of Goldsby and Brad Hawkins of Ohio.

Viewing will be noon to 8 p.m. Sunday at Guardian Norman Funeral Home.

Graveside service will be 3 p.m. Monday at Resthaven Memorial Park in Shawnee.


Barbara Ruth Doggett

Barbara Ruth (Guild) Doggett left this world Wednesday, Jan. 3, at Deaconess Hospital, Oklahoma City.
She was born Barbara Ruth Guild on April 22, 1935, in Prague, Okla.

She graduated from The University of Oklahoma in 1960.

In 1956 she married David H. Burleson who passed away in 1974. She married John Doggett in 1980, who continues to be a sterling example of what a husband should be and who continues to be the father that her sons lost.

She was employed by the Department of Human Services in Oklahoma City until her retirement in 2000.

She loved her pet dogs, Gracie, Smokey and Blackie, who lit up her day, and continued to celebrate the life of her late dogs, Joee and Buster. She was a political junkie and a staunch follower of The University of Oklahoma sports, especially football and women's basketball.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Leroy J. Guild Sr. and Melba Lewis Guild; and by her brother, Leroy Joseph (Buddy) Guild Jr., who was killed in Viet Nam in 1967.

Suvivors include her husband, John Doggett of the home; three sons and in-laws, Hayden and Carrie Burleson of Norman, Ned and Stephenie Burleson of Prague, and Kevin Burleson and Dr. Gregg Smith of Tulsa; five grandchildren, Morgan, Grahm and Carter Burleson of Norman and Cameron and Kaleb Burleson of Prague.

Service will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10, at Mercer-Adams. Burial will follow in Prague Cemetery, Prague under the direction of Mercer-Adams Funeral Service, Bethany.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Breast Cancer Research Centers or Pets and People Humane Society, 701 Inla Avenue, Yukon, OK 73099, (405) 350-7387 (which is 350-PETS), www.petsandpeople.com.  Pets and People is a non-kill animal shelter.

published Jan. 09, 2007

Joseph William Grove

Lifelong Sacred Heart and Konawa resident Joseph William Grove, 85, passed away Friday, Jan. 5, at Shawnee Care Center in Shawnee. Joseph was born Sept. 25, 1921, on the family farm in Konawa to Arthur Patrick and Anna Catherine (Kuestersteffen) Grove.

He attended Saint Mary's Academy Grade School at Sacred Heart and graduated from Konawa High School in 1942. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a V-5 Cadet and received an honorable discharge on Jan. 4, 1943.

He married Iva Marie Bourbonnais on Sept. 2, 1952. He later married Geraldine Lehman on May 15, 1993 at Sacred Heart.

Joseph worked in the greater area oilfields more than 30 years as a roughneck and roustabout for St. Louis Well Service, Kennedy and Booth Well Service. He also farmed all of his life. He was a longtime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and a lifetime member of the American Legion.

Preceding him in death were his parents and his first wife, Iva on July 6, 1989; one son, Joseph Patrick Grove; one brother, Chris Grove; three sisters, Emma Semtner, Monica Moran and Sister Mary Tarsicius, R.S.M. Surviors include his wife Geraldine Grove of Shawnee; one daughter, Diane Beesley of Shawnee; one brother, John Grove of Konawa; one sister, Teresa Sanders of Newcastle; brother-in-law, Roy Bourbonnais of Tecumseh; two sisters-in-law, Ann Hopkins and her husband Dean of Abilene, Texas and Maggie Snider of Midwest City; three grandchildren, Stephen Beesley of St. Louis, OK, Victor Beesley of Shawnee and Tamryn Beesley of Shawnee; two great-grandchildren, Travis Doiron of Shawnee and Zoe Boyce of St. Louis, OK; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of other family and friends.

A Rosary will be held 7 p.m. today at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel in Konawa.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Matthew Brown, OSB officiating. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Serving as casket bearers will be Stephen Beesley, Victor Beesley, Joe Semtner, David Semtner, Steve Semtner and Mike Varnell.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church.


Jack David Simpson

Jack David Simpson Shawnee resident Jack David Simpson, 58, died Sunday, Jan. 7, at St. Anthony9s Hospital of natural causes.
He was born Jan. 26, 1948, in Montgomery County, rural Caney, Kan., to Fred David Simpson and Marjorie Louise Carinder.

He graduated from Caney High School and on July 1, 1967, he married Sue Ducummon in Caney.

Jack served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam. He worked in the construction industry for Ferguson Interiors.

He was a member of the local VFW where he was a past commander, American Legion, VVA, 40 et 8.

Jack enjoyed slow pitch softball, woodworking, camping, fishing and the time he was able to spend with his dearly loved family.

Preceding him in death were his father; two grandsons, Jarrett Simpson and Devon Carter; father-in-laws, J.C. Ducummon Jr. and Harry H. Levites.

Surviviors include his wife, Sue Simpson of the home; three children and spouses, Jack D. Simpson Jr. and Tonya of Shawnee, Julia Carter and Daman of Shawnee, and Jason Simpson and Rhonda of Mt. Home, Ark.; grandchildren, Paige, Jaylee and Jayden Simpson, Taron and Logan Carter, Jessica, Jami, Jewels and Jacey Simpson, Rachel, Courtney and Justin Pruitt; great-granddaughter, Rilye Weger; sisters and spouses, Marjorie Artherton and Norman of Caney, Kan., Mary Jo Ketchum and Bob of Pueblo, Colo., and Helen Capps of Denton, Texas; mother-in-law, Nettie B. Levites; sister-in-laws and spouse, Janet Fry and John of Oklahoma City and Margie Silvers of Tulsa; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visition will be 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. today at Resthaven Funeral Home, Shawnee.

Service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Nazarene First Church of Shawnee with Conley Henderson officating. Burial will be in Harrisonville Cemetery near Tyro, Kans.


Dorthey Viola Johnson Lynn

Shawnee resident Dorthey Viola Johnson Lynn, 81, got her wish to go be with the Lord. She passed from this earth Sunday, Jan. 7, in Shawnee after a very long illness.

She was born June 5, 1925, in Asher to Walter Lee Nelson and Ida Mae Fisher-Nelson.

Dorthey was a seamstress all her life. She made specialized clothing for many people in the Shawnee area. She also made costumes for Saint Gregory9s College and the Oklahoma Baptist University drama departments. She loved to crochet, work in her vegetable garden and flower beds, make quilts and embroidery.

She had lived in Shawnee, Konawa and Tecumseh; spending most of her life in Shawnee.

She was a member of Temple Baptist Church, Eastern Star and the Rebeccas.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Sim F. Johnson and Lowell Lynn; sisters, Francis Victor and Joann Sanders; and brother Ira Nelson.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Anna Mae and Glen Sires of Shawnee; one son and daughter-in-law, Robert F. and Virginia Johnson of Ada; sisters, Agnes Baker of Tecumseh, Marie Smith of Oklahoma City, Lillian Brackeen of Del City, Dorothy M. Hatch of Roff, Okla.; five grandchildren and spouses, Heather and Brian Moore of Tecumseh, Crystal and Pete Barger of Shawnee, Kyle and Anitra Sires of Stillwater, Seaman Logan Johnson of Point Loma, Calif., Kristian Markmum of Hunnington Beach, Calif.; two great-granddaughters, Jordyn and Gracie Moore of Tecumseh; two great-grandsons, Gavin and Kirin Joseph 3Joey2 Sires of Stillwater; many other loving family members and friends.

Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Cooper Funeral Chapel in Tecumseh with the Rev. Mike Craig officiating. Burial will be in Tecumseh Cemetery.

One of God's angels is going home.


Geneva Christine Fisher

Geneva Christine Fisher Lifelong Konawa resident Geneva Christine Fisher, 83, died Sunday, Jan. 7, at Valley View Reginal Hospial in Ada.
Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel in Konawa. Burial will be at Konawa Cemetery.


Helen Faye Loving

Helen Faye Loving Wewoka resident Helen Faye (Coats) Loving, 71, died Sunday, Jan. 7, at Seminole Medical Center in Seminole.
Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.


Donald Paul Ray Smith

Donald Paul Ray Smith Harrah resident Donald Paul Ray Smith, 69, Sunday, Jan. 7, in Midwest City.
Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Asa Smith Memorial Chapel in Harrah with the Rev. Dennis Stone officiating. Burial will follow at Arlington Memory Gardens in Midwest City under the directions of Smith~Parks Funeral Service, Harrah.


Therman Ritchie  

Bethany resident Therman Ritchie, 67, died Sunday, Jan.7. Therman was born Sept. 12, 1939 in Shawnee to Oscar and Nora (Trammell) Ritchie.

He retired as a salesman for AAA.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Margie Lee. Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Lela; son, Craig Ritchie; daughters, Wendy Devonshire and Teresa Larios; brothers, Herman and Sherman Ritchie; sisters, Faye Walker and Jewel Jackson; seven grandchildren, Gwyneth and Collin Ritchie, Josh and Micah Devonshire, Anthony, Blake and Danielle Larios; one great-grandchild, Abigail Devonshire.

Service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Mercer-Adams Chapel. Burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery under the direction of Mercer-Adams Funeral Service in Bethany.

He will be LOVED and MISSED greatly by ALL. Donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

published Jan. 10, 2007

Charles Franklin Vieux

Lifelong Saint Louis, Okla., resident Charles Franklin "Charlie" Vieux, 82, passed from this life Sunday, Jan. 7, at his home.
Charlie was born Sept. 2, 1924, at Sacred Heart (near Konawa) to Dessie Etta (Vick) Vieux and Nicholas V. "Nick" Vieux.

Charlie married Mary Elizabeth (Holmes) on Jan. 23, 1956, in Newkirk.

He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Charlie worked for Double "E" Well Service in Saint Louis for owner Everett Kennedy from 1960 until his retirement in April 1984.

Charlie was a deacon at the Saint Louis First Baptist Church. He was also a former president of the Saint Louis Round-up Club and was an avid team roper. He also was a member of the Maud Masonic Lodge and the Tecumseh American Legion and had served on the Saint Louis Water Board for several years.

Charlie is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary Vieus on Oct. 18, 1990; three sisters, Ines Brinlee, Armenta and Elvina Vieux; niece, Connie Wood Silas; and nephew, Kenneth Ray Silas.

Charlie leaves to cherish his memory, his four daughters and a son-in-law, Charlene Vieux Killian of Saint Louis, Clarice (View) and Fred Murdock of Saint Louis, Elizabeth "Beth" Vieux of Shawnee, and Teresa Vieux of Tecumseh; one son, Nick Vieux of Sacramento, Calif.; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a host of other family and friends including special friend, Janet Kennedy of Saint Louis.

Service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at the Saint Louis First Baptist Church with Brother Glenn Peck officiating. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery near Konawa.

Casket bearers will be James "Moe" Eldred, Kasey Strickland, Ed Bottoms Jr., Jimmy Skender, Ashley Postman and Rick Reed.

Honorary bearers will be Frank Williams, Harold Henley, Mike Hunter, Gary Smith, Ty Dean, Jim Shirey, Melvin Long, Denver Merrill and Edd Bottoms.


Jack David Simpson

Shawnee resident Jack David Simpson, 58, died Sunday, Jan. 7, at St. Anthony's Hospital of natural causes.
He was born Jan. 26, 1948, in Montgomery County, rural Caney, Kan., to Fred David Simpson and Marjorie Louise Carinder.

He graduated from Caney High School and on July 1, 1967, he married Sue Ducummon in Caney.

Jack served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam. He worked in the construction industry for Ferguson Interiors.

He was a member of the local VFW where he was a past commander, American Legion, VVA, 40 et 8.

Jack enjoyed slow pitch softball, woodworking, camping, fishing and the time he was able to spend with his dearly loved family.

Preceding him in death were his father; two grandsons, Jarrett Simpson and Devon Carter; father-in-laws, J.C. Ducummon Jr. and Harry H. Levites.

Surviviors include his wife, Sue Simpson of the home; three children and spouses, Jack D. Simpson Jr. and Tonya of Shawnee, Julia Carter and Daman of Shawnee, and Jason Simpson and Rhonda of Mt. Home, Ark.; grandchildren, Paige, Jaylee and Jayden Simpson, Taron and Logan Carter, Jessica, Jami, Jewels and Jacey Simpson, Rachel, Courtney and Justin Pruitt; great-granddaughter, Rilye Weger; mother, Marjorie Simpson of Caney, Kan.; sisters and spouses, Marjorie Artherton and Norman of Caney, Kan., Mary Jo Ketchum and Bob of Pueblo, Colo., and Helen Capps of Denton, Texas; mother-in-law, Nettie B. Levites; sister-in-laws and spouse, Janet Fry and John of Oklahoma City and Margie Silvers of Tulsa; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Nazarene First Church of Shawnee with Conley Henderson officating. Burial will be in Harrisonville Cemetery near Tyro, Kans .


Raymond C. Atterberry

Shawnee resident Raymond C. Atterberry, 88, died Monday, Jan. 8, after a long battle with cancer.
Raymond was born June 15, 1918, in Temple, Okla. to William and Nina (Unsell) Atterberry.

On June 26, 1940, he married Bettie Jo Gilbert in Oklahoma City.

He was a retired farmer and a hard worker. He will be greatly missed.

Preceding him in death were his parents, grandparents, George and Nancy Unsell.

Survivors include his wife, Bettie Atterberry of the home; four children, Betty Gilbert of Shawnee, Nina Garland of Arkansas, Gerald Atterberry of Newalla, and Gene Atterberry of Texas; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and many friends.

Service will be 2 p.m. today at Gaskill Funeral Chapel. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery.


John Wesley McMahan

Shawnee resident John Wesley McMahan, 46, died Monday, Jan. 8, in Shawnee.
He was born Feb. 6, 1960, in Shawnee to Kenneth and Marion (Christensen) McMahan

John attended Pleasant Grove School in Shawnee until the family moved to Tecumseh. He graduated from Tecumseh High School in 1978. During his early years he participated in Boy Scouts, 4-H, FFA, Beta Club, DeMolay and was a proud member of the Tecumseh Alumni. He also attended ECU in Ada.

He went to work for GM, and then worked for SWB Telephone in Shawnee. He was transferred to Dallas where he worked and lived for several years before returning home to Tecumseh in 2003. John most recently was employed at Unity Health Center.

He enjoyed family, friends and music. Throughout his life he raised money for several charities and always was the first in line to give to someone in need. He always met people with a smile and will be remembered for his kind heart and smiling face.

He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth McMahan; brother, Charlie McMahan; and sister, Nancy McMahan.

Survivors include his mother, Marion McMahan of Tecumseh; four sisters and brothers-in-Law and their families, Marianne and John Reiff of Amherst, Mass.; their children, Hannah Reiff and Charlie Reiff, Chelsea and Ryan Reiff-Gwyther; and their children, Emma and Avery all of Amherst, Mass., Gayle and Dave Gilmore of Shawnee, their children, Chris O'Neal of Shawnee and Amy and Brandon Steffens of Tecumseh; their grandchildren, Gaven Kanske and Cashen Steffens of Tecumseh, Susan and Mike Tischer of Tecumseh; their children, Dru and Kristi Tischer of Shawnee and Matt Tischer of Norman, Frani and Mike Harris of Seminole; their daughter, Courtney Harris; numerous friends and extended Family members.

Memorials may be made to Broadway United Methodist Church, the Tecumseh Alumni Scholarship Fund, or the Unity Health Center Foundation.

Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Broadway United Methodist Church with the Rev. Tracy Schumpert and the Rev. Trinnette Smith officiating.

The casket will remain open until service time and will not be reopened following the service.

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


Flora Belle Thompson

Prattville, Ala., resident Flora Belle Thompson died Monday, Jan. 8, at the age of 89.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Arlington Memory Gardens, Oklahoma City, under the direction of Walker Funeral Service, Shawnee.


Joe Hart

Okemah resident Joe Hart died Saturday, Jan. 6, in Shawnee at the age of 31.
Graveside service will be 3 p.m. Thursday at Johnson Cemetery with the Rev. Guy Cagle officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.


Merl Lee Smith

Former Seminole resident Merl Lee Smith, currently of Grand Island, Neb., died Saturday, Jan. 6, at St. Francis Skilled Care in Grand Island.
Service will be 11 a.m. today at the All Faiths Funeral Home in Grand Island with the Rev. Tim Rust officiating. Visitation will be one hour before service time. Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Friday in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Seminole, Okla.


Barbara Jane Terry Honeycutt

Stillwater resident Barbara Jane Terry, 69, died Monday, Jan. 8, in Stillwater.
The family will greet friends from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. today.

Services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at University Heights Baptist Church, 323 S. Knoblock St., Stillwater, OK. Graveside services will be 2 p.m. on Thursday at New Hope Cemetery in Meeker under the direction of Strode Funeral Home, 610 S. Duncan St.

published Jan. 11, 2007

Thomas Charles Bridges

Oklahoma City resident Thomas Charles "Chuck" Bridges, 48, died Tuesday, Jan. 9, in an Oklahoma City hospital.
Chuck was born March 14, 1958, in Shawnee to Clyde L. Bridges Sr. and Margie (Lynam) Bridges.

He attended school in Shawnee before moving to Roseville, Calif. where he graduated from Oakmont High School. He later returned to Shawnee and has lived in Oklahoma City the past few years.

Chuck was baptizied at Immanuel Baptist Church in Shawnee.

Preceding him in death were his father; grandparents; brother, Clyde L. Bridges Jr; and infant twin brothers.

Survivors include his mother, Margie Bridges of Oklahoma City; brother Greg Bridges and wife, Sherri, of Parker, Colo.; niece, Rebecca Bridges of Oklahoma City; nephew, Brad Bridges of Oklahoma City; and several aunts and cousins.

Service will be 10 a.m. Friday at the Chapel of Walker Funeral Service with the Rev. Larry Sparks officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service, Shawnee.


Joe Wesley Hart

Okemah resident Joe Wesley Hart, 31, died Saturday, Jan. 6, in Shawnee.
Joe was born March 23, 1975, in Shawnee to Carrell Edward Hart and Mary Belle (Sharp) Ouart.

Born in Shawnee, he was raised in Tecumseh and had lived in Okemah for the past 13 months. He attended Tecumseh schools.

Joe had worked as a machinist for 17 years at the Wood Group and Eaton Corporation.

He was preceded in death by his father, Carrell Edward Hart.

Survivors include three children, Preston Hart and Kristie Hart, both of Okemah, and Payton Hart of Seminole; mother, Mary Ouart of Okemah; step-father, Don Ouart of Shawnee; six brothers, Ricky Cagle of Missouri, Guy Cagle of Shawnee, Wade Cagle of Stillwater, Twain Hart of Stillwater, William Ouart of South Dakota and Donald Ouart of Shawnee; one sister, Teresa Menser of Muskogee.

Graveside service will be 3 p.m. today at Johnson Cemetery with the Rev. Guy Cagle officiating.

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


Flora Belle Thompson

Flora Belle Thompson, 89, of Prattville, Ala., died peacefully on Jan. 8, at the Baptist Medical Center, Prattville, Ala.
Flora, also known as Flo, was born March 20, 1917, in Arkadelphia, Ark. to Henry Newton Easley and Amanda (Dyess) Easley.

She married Leonard Cecil "Gube" Thompson in 1935 in Wynnewood where they had two sons, Henry and Jerry. Most of her life was spent in Pauls Valley, Midwest City, and Shawnee, Oklahoma, where she worked outside the home as a dry cleaning press operator or as a seamstress. She moved toPrattville, Ala., in 1998 to be near her son, Henry and his wife, Nadyne.

Flora was a faithful member of the Nazarene Church. She was a moral compass and friend to her children and was loved by both family and friends. Her gentle spirit, easy smile, and good humor won her many friends wherever she lived. The world was a finer place with her presence.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and eight of her nine siblings.

Surivors include her younger sister, Nancy Lynch; her two sons; four grandchildren; and by her four great-grandchildren.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Arlington Memory Gardens in Midwest City under the direction of Walker Funeral Service of Shawnee.

Memorial donations may be made to your local Alzheimer's association.

published Jan. 12, 2007

Clarice Bush Aycock

Daughter of Pioneer banker, Clarice Bush Aycock, 96, died of natural cases in her home in Prague on Tuesday, Jan. 9.
Aycock's parents settled in Prague in 1906. Her father, Charles, purchased the Lincoln County Bank and converted it to the Prague National Bank. The bank wa noted for its bilingual services-tellers spoke Czech, Slovak and Polish dialects as well as English. He and Clarice's mother, Mary Olive (McCall) were from Nocona, Texas, where he owned a hardware store and was a retired working cowboy who drove cattle up the Chisholm Trail during the huge trail drives across Oklahoma Territory.

Clarice Aycock was born Dec. 30, 1910. She graduated from Prague High School with the class of 1929 and attended The University of Oklahoma for two years. In later years, she served on the board of directors of Prague National for 40 years. In the 1930s, she and her husband, George, worked a cattle company in Texoma, Okla. During the Dust Bowl, the couple served as a field team for the Federal Land Bank helping several hundred western Oklahoma farmers restructure millions of dollars in debts to save their drought ravaged farms.

At the beginning of World War II, George was graduated from flight school and assigned by the U.S. Army Air Corps to fly supplies over the Himalayas from India to Chinese troops fighting the Japanese. She spent the war year producing bandages for battlefield hospitals.

In 1945, the couple returned to the Oklahoma Panhandle and began operating a successful home construction company in Guymon. In 1970, they sold their housing company, formed an oil and gas investment firm and moved to Norman to facilitate their daughter, Mary, attending Norman High School and The University of Oklahoma. Clarice and her family moved back to Prague in 1980. She became an active member of the PEO Sisterhood and served as president of Prague Chapter AF twice.

She is preceded in death by her husband, George L. Aycock Jr; her parents, Charles Columbus and Mary Olive (McCall) Bush; three brothers, Will, Duvern and Charles; sister, Loydale Bush Hinson; two nephews, Ted Hinson of Prague and Dale Hinson of Washington, D.C.; and one niece, Marilyn Bush.

Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Prague with the Rev. Steve Roach officating. Burial will follow at the Prague Cemetery.

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


Harold P. Watson

Tecumseh resident Harold P. Watson, 80, went home to be with Jesus on Tuesday, Jan. 9, in Tecumseh.
He was born June 17, 1926, in Shawnee to Bart and Ella (Wood) Watson.

Harold was born and raised in the Bethel area. He had lived in Tecumseh since his marriage. He attended grade school at Center Point, and junior high and high school at Bethel.

He was married Oct. 25, 1947, in Tecumseh to Geraldean "Dean" Flick.

He worked for Steffens Dairy, later became Gilt Edge, for over 20 years. He also worked as a supervisor at COJAC until retiring in 1989. He drove a school bus for the Tecumseh School system for 21 years.

He attended Downtown Pentecostal Holiness Church.

Harold enjoyed deer hunting, fishing and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed eating cookies.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Harold P. Watson, II; brothers and sisters, Oma, Ruth, Addie, Dovie, Gertie, Frank, Wayne, Ivory and Raymond.

Survivors include his wife, Geraldean "Dean" Watson of the home; three daughters and sons-in-law, Kathy and Jesse Stearman of Tecumseh, Connie and Keith Mitchell of Bethel, Tawana and BJ Gracy of Tecumseh; grandchildren and spouses, Colette and Rick McClure of Tecumseh, John and Allison Stearman of Tecumseh, Sam and Tessica Mitchell of Bethel, Amanda and Jake Clanin of Shawnee, Andrew, Morgan, Taylor, and Joseph Mitchell, all of Bethel; four great-grandchildren, Taylor and Hayden McClure, and Laney and Cami Stearman all of Tecumseh; sister, Kozelhua Young of Tecumseh; and brother, Jackie Watson of Wetumka.

Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Downtown Pentecostal Holiness Church with Pastor Ron Baldridge officiating. Burial will be at Tecumseh Cemetery.

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


William Bernard Young

William Bernard Young passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 10, at the age of 85 in Seminole Estates Nursing Home.
He was born March 16, 1921, to William Nathan and Clara Louse (Mergen) Young in Omaha, Neb.

On Aug. 15, 1942, he married Barbara Fay (Cole) Young in Yuma, Ariz.

He has been a Seminole resident since 2001 moving here from Palm Springs, Calif. He was retired from the U.S. Army after 20 years of service. He was a golf pro in South Lake Tahoe and also was active in the senior olympics in Palm Springs, Calif.

Preceding him in death were his parents and his wife, Barbara Faye Young, on Feb. 22, 1997.

Survivors include two daughters, Patricia "Patty" Edgell of Seminole and Pamela Tabel of Brentwood, Calif.; one sister, Louise Knoll of Claremont, Calif.; five grandchildren, Matthew W. Garst, Rachel M. Page, Matthew Tabel, Carlene Armour and family and Carl James Edgell and family.

Service will be 2 p.m. today at The Little Chapel, Seminole County, with Father Basil Kennan, O.S.B. and Roger Tabel officiating. Burial will follow at Little Cemetery, Seminole County.

Memorial donations may be made to Humanitatian Aid Fund on behalf of William B. Young, LDS Philanthropes, 15 E. South Temple 2E, Salt Lake City, Utah 84150.

Messages of condolences may be sent to the family online at www.swearingenfuneralhome.com


Leatrice V. Newkham

Longtime Maud resident Leatrice V. "Peach" Newkham, 94, died Tuesday, Jan. 9, at Norman Regional Hospital.
Service will be 11 a.m. today at Saint Mark's United Methodist Church in Maud with the Rev. Gene Teel officiating. Burial will follow at Cummings Cemetery in Maud.

Knight-Swearingen Funeral Home in Maud is directing arrangements.


Mary Jane Harjo

Lifelong Seminole resident Mary Jane Harjo, 71, died Wednesday, Jan. 10, at her home.
Visitation will be 1 p.m. today at the family home.

Wake Service will be 7 p.m. Saturday at the family home.

Sunday she will be moved to Sand Creek Church at 4 p.m.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Sand Creek Church with Houston Tiger officiating.

Burial will follow at Harjo Family Cemetery located at the Harjo Residence on Old Hwy 59, Bowlegs, Ok. under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.


Robert G. Way

Former Meeker resident Robert G. Way, 84, died Monday, Jan. 8, in Oklahoma City.
Graveside services will be 10 a.m. today at the New Hope Cemetery Pavilion, Meeker, OK with Rev. Hubert Gilbert officiating under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service in Harrah, OK.

published Jan. 13, 2007

Ruby Fern Eighmy

Former Shawnee resident Ruby Fern (Dannar) Eighmy, 78, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 10, in Grapevine, Texas.
On March 2, 1928 she was born to Marion L."Jake" and Kate (Trump) Dannar.

She grew up in the Worth, Miss. community and attended Worth school. Later, graduating from Grant High School, Grant City, Miss.

She married John Lee Eighmy in 1948, and they raised three children. The family lived in Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma, where John was a pastor and university professor. John preceded his wife in death on Feb. 19, 1970. Ruby graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University, Shawnee and the Master degree programs at Central State University, Edmond. She taught high school science and math in Shawnee for 24 years.

Ruby professed faith in Jesus Christ at a young age and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Shawnee. She also held membership in Omicron Delta Kappa, an education sorority, and was active in Shawnee Little Theatre productions and costuming. She enjoyed traveling, especially overseas, as well as collecting and refurbishing antiques and collectibles.

Also preceding her in death were her husband, parents, her sister, Maxine and Virginia; her husband's parents, Ed and Mabel Eighmy; and her husband's siblings, Frances, Rodney, and Melvis.

Survivors include her three children, Jeffrey Eighmy and his wife, Catherine of Tucson, Ariz., Jennifer Duncan and husband, John of Cassville, Miss., and Jaclyn Potter and husband, David of Lantana, Texas; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, Alicia Eighmy Uhl and husband, Greg, and sons, Aidan and Kyler of Wilmington, N.C., Jay Duncan and wife, Jennifer and daughters, Grace and Kate of Lantana, Texas, Jeff Duncan and wife, Christa and daughters, Emma and Merdith of Washington, Miss., Jonathan Potter of Waco, Texas, Jacob Potter of Norman; two nephews, Jimmy Herndon and Jesse Akins; niece, Cathy Hafner; sisters-in-law, Mardelle Turner, Betty Shipley, Bonnie Schumacher, Theresa Combs, and Milly Eighmy; as well as many other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at a later date under the direction of Andrew Funeral Home in Grant City, Mo..

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Grant City Baptist Church, Grant City, Missouri, or American Hospice, 3124 S. E. Loop 820, Fort. Worth, Texas, 76140.


Derrell Gene Bratcher

Eufaula resident Derrell Gene Bratcher, 66, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 10, in Tulsa.
Derrell was born on April 3, 1940, in Tribbey, Oklahoma, the son of Lidge and Ida (Ginn) Bratcher. He attended and graduated from Tribbey High School. On September 30, 1977, Derrell married Noretta Miller in Oklahoma City. Derrell worked as a layout operator for Western Electric and AT&T.

He is preceded in death by his parents and five brothers.

Survivors include: his wife of the home; his sons, David Bratcher and Shayla Young of Eufaula and Brian Bratcher and wife Sandy of Del City; his daughter, Terri Working and husband Ken of Mustang; his brothers, Harold and Inez Bratcher of Midwest City, J.T. and Bridgette Bratcher of Lawton and Larry and Pat Bratcher of Choctaw; his sister, Lavon Parson and husband Don of Tecumseh; his ten grandchildren, Ashlee, Sydney, Jarrett, Kyle, Lauren, Brittney, Skya, Shawn Kody, Carson and Alicia and a host of nephews and nieces.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Monday at the First Baptist Church, 400 W. Foley, Eufaula, with the Rev. John Basden officiating. Burial will follow 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 16, at the Bower Cemetery under the direction of Hunn, Black & Merritt Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718, 1-800-227-2345.

published Jan. 14, 2007

Levi F. Coody

Meeker resident Levi F. Carter Coody, 70, passed away Thursday, Jan. 11, after battling lung cancer for six years.

He was born April 11, 1936, in Shawnee to Della Carter and Roger Coody.

Levi was 17 years of age when he joined the U.S. Marine Corp. Aug 11, 1953, as part of the 1st Marine Division Guadalca. He receiven an honorable discharged Aug. 10, 1956.

He was married to Eva Leflore for six years.

Levi had worked in the cleaning industry and the heat/air conditioning business for 20 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Justine Libby Whitebead.

Survivors include his sister, Joyce and her husband, Paul D. Wolf of Meeker; nieces, Ramona Rico and Renee Tsoodle both of Oklahoma City, Denise Whitebead of Hinton and Christina Littlehead of Shawnee; nephews, Eugene Harjo of North Dakota, Sammy Whitebead of Calumet, Joe Whitebead of Hinton and David Littlehead of Shawnee; step-grandchildren, Keenetha, Marcie, Frances, and Rusty; numerous great-nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will be from 1 p.m to 10 p.m. Sunday at the Wolf resident one mile East of Nagawee Church. for more information call 275-1711.

Wake Service will be 7 p.m. Monday at Nagawee Methodist Church on moccasin trail.

Service will be 8 a.m. Tuesday at Nagawee Methodist Church with the Rev. Eugene Harjo and the Rev. Paul D. Wolf officiating. Burial will be 10 a.m. at the Wakolee Cemetery, two miles East on moccasin trail, then three-quarters mile South on Brangus Rd, Shawnee. Arrangements are under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.


Calvin Young

Tecumseh resident Calvin Young, 76, died Friday, January 12, in Shawnee.

He was born Aug. 30, 1930, in Sylvester, Texas, to Oscar and Dicie (Adams) Young. He was raised in Sawyer, Okla., where he attended school.

While working in Tecumseh he met his wife, Betty Arms. They were married June 30, 1950, in Fort Towson, Okla., and have lived in Tecumseh since their marriage.

He enjoyed golf, hunting and University of Oklahoma football. He was the co-founder of Young Masonry, Inc., and was a member of the Bricklayers International Union, Local #5.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 1 brother: Pete Young.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Young of the home; two sons and daughters-in-law, David and JoAnn Young and Steve and Lynne Young all of Tecumseh; two granddaughters and their spouses, Angie and Wade Stuteville and Misty and Shayne Stiles; one grandson, Kevin Young; three great-grandsons, Masen Stiles, Wyatt Stuteville and Sawyer Stuteville, one great-granddaughter, Makenzi Stiles; mother-in-law, Leitha Arms of Shawnee; four brothers, Oscar, Earl, Virgil and James Young; one sister, Charlene Thomas, one sister-in-law, Juanita Riddle; many nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Anna Nease of Shawnee.

Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16, at Cooper Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Larry Sparks officiating. Burial will be at Tecumseh Cemetery.

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


Mary Buzzard

McLoud resident Mary Buzzard, 75, died Friday, Jan. 12, at her home.
Service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 18, at First Baptist Church of McLoud. Burial will be at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Walker Funeral Service will have further announcements.


Ada Lorene Willingham

Stroud resident Ada Lorene Willingham, 81, died Friday, Jan. 12, in Chandler.
Visitation will be 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at Parks Brothers Chapel.

Service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Stroud with the Rev. Randy Ethridge officiating. Burial will be at Stroud Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Stroud.