Betty Joan Whitson

Betty Joan Whitson, 73, of Poteau, Oklahoma passed away on Sunday, December 28, 2008 in Mexia, Texas. Betty was born on December 8, 1935 in Modesto, California to Jason & Devoda (Reed) Carriger. She was a school teacher and a nurse. A son, Phillip Bookout and her parents precede her in death. Betty is survived by her beloved husband, Russell Whitson of the home; 2 sons & and a daughter in law, Darrell Bookout of Altus, OK & Mark & Becky Bookout of Bessie, OK; 3 daughters & sons in law, Jill & Joseph Thompson of Mexia, TX, Sheila Whitson of Mexia, TX, & Zona & Billy Castlow of Kirvin, TX; 7 grandchildren, Billie, Duane, Dakota, Jason, Kayla, Johnny, & Travis; 8 great grandchildren; and a half brother, Paris Carriger of Livingston, TX; numerous other relatives & loved ones; and many beloved friends. Graveside services for Betty were held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, January 1, 2009 at Monroe Cemetery in Monroe, OK with Father Valentine officiating. Interment followed the services with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK.

Judith Kay "Judy" Richison

Judy Richison, 59, of Pocola, OK passed away Friday, December 26, 2008 at Ft. Smith, AR. Judy was born in Pine Bluff, AR on April 5, 1949 to Dolph & Willie (Martindale) Hancock. She was a secretary for Anglen Diesel in Pocola. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, David Hancock; and daughter in law, Donnell Richison. Survivors include her husband, Z.W. Richison of the home; daughter, Kerry Richison of Pocola, OK; 2 sons, Shawn Richison of Spiro, OK and Chris Richison of Ft. Smith, AR; 2 grandchildren; Reed & Ryan Richison; 7 sisters, Billie Schriver of Van Buren, AR, Patsy Davis of Scranton, AR, Joan McBurnett of Conway, AR, Barbara Griffith, Carol Harwood, & Brenda Yusko, all of Ft. Smith, AR, and Janice Owen of Little Rock, AR; 2 brothers, Jerry Hancock and Harold Hancock, both of Van Buren, AR; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services: 10 am, Tuesday, December 30, 2008 at Pocola Heights Free Will Baptist Church in Pocola, OK with Rev. Clifford Myers officiating. Interment will follow in the Ft. Smith National Cemetery, Ft. Smith, AR at Noon. Pallbearers: Keith Richison, Brian Harwood, Greg Harwood, David Harwood, Blake Harwood, & Derek Harwood. Arrangements - EVANS & MILLER FUNERAL HOME - POCOLA, OK

Shanna Lavon Short

Shanna Lavon Short, 41, of Poteau, OK passed away Saturday, December 27, 2008 at her home in Poteau. She was born in Ft. Smith, AR on February 16, 1967 to Larry Joe & Phyllis Lavon (Howard) Maden. Shanna was a Dental Office Manager. She was a member of the Life-N-Christ Church in Rock Island, OK. Survivors include her husband, Scott of the home; 2 daughters, Paige & future son-in-law, Chris McCoy of Poteau, OK and Chelsea Short of the home; her parents; maternal grandmother, Marie Howard of Pocola, OK; and paternal grandmother, Mary Maden of Pocola, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services: 2 pm, Tuesday, December 30, 2008 at Life-N-Christ Church in Rock Island, OK with the Rev. Dan Kennedy officiating. Interment in Macedonia Cemetery, Pocola, OK. Pallbearers: Jeff Jensen, Weylin Groom, Keith Davis, Randy Akins, Mitch Harbour, Dwayne Carter, Colby Martin, & Clinton Reeves. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to KRAV Youth Program at Life-N-Christ Church. The family will visit with friends on Monday evening from 6-8 pm at the funeral home.

Elva Oehlschlager

Elva Oehlschlager, 69, of Poteau, OK passed away Saturday, December 27, 2008 at her home in Poteau. She was born in Colorado Springs, CO on December 14, 1939, to Fred & Edna Pearl (Phelps) Reed. She was retired after working 32 years at Johnson Control. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Poteau. She loved to help people, especially in the kitchen at the Methodist Church and also helping with kids Logo Program at church. She is survived by her husband, Jack of the home; daughter & son in law, Jackie & Ronnie Schornick of Allen, TX; son & daughter in law, Ronnie & Christy Oehlaschlager of Poteau, OK; 3 grandchildren, Marie Schornick, David & Susan Oehlschlager; brother, Charles Reed of Yoder, CO; parents, Fred & Edna Reed of Rush, CO; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services: 10 am, Tuesday, December 30, 2008 at the First United Methodist Church in Poteau, OK with the Rev. Greg Tener officiating. Interment: Vaughn Cemetery, Gilmore, OK. The family will visit with friends on Monday evening Dec. 29, from 6-8 pm.

Jack Howard Michael

Jack Howard Michael, 78, of Pocola, Oklahoma passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2008 at St. Edward Mercy Medical Center in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Jack was born on June 15, 1930 in Slaytonville, Oklahoma to Justin & Lenora (Fields) Michael. He was a truck driver. Jack’s parents precede him in death. Jack is survived by his wife, Pat Michael of the home; a son 7 daughter in law, Jack & Cathy Michael of Poteau, OK; 2 grandsons & their wives, Jessie & Toni Michael of Pocola, OK & Jeremy & Stacy Michael of Bonanza, AR; a great granddaughter, Jacqulynn Michael; his brother, Pete Michael of Slaytonville, AR; numerous other relatives & loved ones; and many beloved friends. Funeral services for Jack were held at the Life N Christ Church (formerly Solid Rock) in Rock Island, OK at 2:00 pm Friday, December 26, 2008 with the Reverend L.G. Williams, the Reverend Robert Presson, and the Reverend Danny Kennedy officiating. Interment followed the services in Macedonia Cemetery in Pocola, OK with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Pocola, OK. Pallbearers were Jack Michael Jr., Michael Sallys, Jeremy Michael, Jessi Michael, Farrell McCoy, & Ralph Bobbitt.

Maudie Geraldine Hudlow

Maudie Geraldine Hudlow, 68, of LeFlore, OK passed away Wednesday, December 17, 2008 in Ft. Smith, AR. Mrs. Hudlow was born January 20, 1940 in Fanshawe, OK to Hayden & Nancy (Grissom) Thornburg. She was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her parents, a son; a grandson Jonathan; a great grandson Tyler; and her grandmother who raised her, Martha Grissom. Survivors include her husband, James Hudlow of the home; daughter & son in law, Brenda & Frankie LeFlore of Wister, OK; sons & daughters & sons in law, Danny & Phyllis Hudlow of LeFlore, OK, Clarence & Felicia Hudlow of LeFlore, OK; 17 Grandchildren, 23 Great Grandchildren; 2 sisters, Mae Wilson of Wilburton, OK, Barbara Newby of Fanshawe, OK; brother, Freddie Thornburg of Wilburton, OK; 20 half brothers & half sisters; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services held 2 pm, Monday, December 22, 2008 at the First Baptist Church in LeFlore, OK with the Rev. Bob E. Cherry officiating. Interment following in LeFlore Cemetery, LeFlore, OK. Pallbearers Adam Hudlow, Tommy Hudlow, Bryan LeFlore, Bobby LeFlore, Robin Fry, Floyd Hudlow, Eugene Ritter, & Kevin Wiley. Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, OK.

Joyce Amanda Smith

Joyce Amanda Smith, 74, of Tulsa, OK passed away Wednesday, December 17, 2008 in Ft. Smith, AR. She was born December 20, 1933, in Spiro, OK to Ray & Alta Robertson Strain. Joyce worked at Whirlpool. She attended the Assembly of God Church. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Sharon Marie Eubank; sister Lois Robbins; brother, Wesley Strain, & her parents. Survivors include her daughters, Ann Dupriest of Greenwood, AR & lisa Way of Oklahoma City, OK; sons, Ricky Eubank and Randy Eubank, both of Tulsa, OK, & Michael Eubank of Mineral Wells, TX; 11 Grandchildren; 5 Great Grandchildren; brother, Lawrence Strain & sisters, Florence Brown, Darlene Way & Hollie Hall; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services are 2:00 pm, Sunday, December 21, 2008 at Evans Memorial Chapel in Pocola, OK with the Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment following in New Hope Cemetery, Spiro, OK. Pallbearers will be her grandsons. Family will visit with friends on Saturday evening December 20 from 6-8 at the funeral home in Pocola.

Kenneth Ray Allen

Kenneth Ray Allen, 61, of Pocola, OK passed away Wednesday, December 17,2008 in Ft. Smith, AR. He was born January 29, 1947 in Hodge, LA to Frank Reese & Maudie Nunn Allen. Kenneth worked in a plant nursery. He was a Baptist. He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Joseph Allen. Survivors include 3 sisters, Kathy Western and Frances Hergett, both of Portland, OR; brother, Ronnie Allen of Oregon; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2pm Sunday, December 21, 2008 graveside at New Hope Cemetery in Spiro, OK with Pete Dobing officiating.

William Floyd "Bill" Ward Jr.

William Floyd “Bill” Ward William Floyd “Bill” Ward Jr., 90, of Pocola, OK passed away Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at his home. Bill was born in Fort Smith, AR on June 5, 1918, to William Floyd & Laura Elizabeth {Durham} Ward Sr. He was a veteran of the US Army. He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Mary Laverda Ward on March 4, 2008. He is also preceded by daughter, Mary Severe; brother, Wayne Ward & sister, Carman Doose. Survivors include 3 daughters, Ann Rupp of Redding, CA, Nancy Ward of Fullerton, CA, Cheryl Plant of Pocola, OK; son, Jack Ward of Whittier, CA; 12 Grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; brother, Bill Ward; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services held 2:30 pm, Saturday, December 20, 2008 at Pocola Memorial Chapel in Pocola, OK with Rev. Ricky Huggins & Rev. Gary Severe officiating. Interment following in Macedonia Cemetery, Pocola, OK. Pallbearers: Ron Stanley, Michael Stanley, Jack Ward, Kenneth Plant, Jerry Hobbs, & Steve Hobbs. Arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Pocola, OK.

E.J. Solomon

E.J. Solomon, 61, of Spiro, OK passed away Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at his home in Spiro. Mr. Solomon was born February 26, 1947 in Red Oak, OK to Curtis & Clara Walker Solomon. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Ernie Joe Solomon. He was a veteran of the US Navy. He was an electrician. Survivors include his wife, Joan Solomon of the home; son, Pete Solomon of the home; daughters, Margaret Solomon of Scotland, Kim Dodson of Greenwood, AR, Teresa Deenean Rose Solomon of Boynton Beach, FL; 7 grandchildren, Randall Pierce of Okinawa, Japan, Andrew Solomon of Tulsa, OK, Ryan Dodson of Greenwood, AR, Catrina Solomon of Tulsa, OK, Dara Holland of Greenwood, AR, Taylor Wilson of Scotland, Matthew Wilson of Scotland; 1 great grandson, Ronnie Ray Pierce of Okinawa, Japan; 3 brothers, Curtis Solomon Jr. of Spiro, OK, Harold Solomon of Cameron, OK, Joe Solomon of Spiro, OK; 4 sisters, Edna Aary of Spiro, OK, Mildred Davis of Parkhill, OK, Dorothy James of Cameron, OK, Louise Jordan of Spiro, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services - 11 am, Saturday, December 20, 2008 at Victory Worship Center in Spiro, OK with the Rev. Brian Fout and Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Burial in Shady Point Cemetery, Shady Point, OK. Pallbearers: Wayne Thompson, Ace Waite, Wilber Chance, Andrew Solomon, Ryan Dodson, Shawn Dodson.

Eugene V. Dunn

Eugene V. Dunn, 91, of Fort Smith, AR [formerly of Poteau, OK] passed away Tuesday, December 16, 2008 in Fort Smith, AR. He was born in Monroe, OK on October 17, 1917, to Ed & Leona Price Dunn. Eugene was a longtime member of the First Christian Church of Poteau, OK and served for many years as a deacon; he was a Rotarian; a 32nd Degree Mason; an avid fisherman & bridge player. He was a graduate of Southeastern State College in Durant where he met and married his wife of 65 years, Joan McCarty Dunn. After college he moved to Washington, DC where he became a special agent with the FBI. He served in the US Navy during WWII and then returned to Poteau where they established and operated the Credit Bureau of LeFlore County and Robbers Cave Recreation. Eugene was preceded in death by his grandson, Jay Shadwick. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Joan Dunn; 2 daughters & sons in law, Jackie & August Khilling of Ft. Smith, AR, Jana & Brad Randall of Ft. Smith, AR; son & daughter in law, Dr. Jim & Charlene Dunn of Poteau, OK; granddaughter, Caroline Dunn of Poteau, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services: 1 pm, Friday, December 19, 2008 at the First Christian Church in Poteau, OK with Rev. Dennis Jones officiating. Interment following in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau. Pallbearers: Steve Holton, Sam Gentry, Ron Hall, Robert C. Thompson, Mark Eidschun, Jerry Kemp. Honorary pallbearers: F.L. Holton, Neville Brehm, Dr. R.L. Winters, Riley Smith, & Wayne Spider Webb. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to the First Christian Church, PO Box 160, Poteau, OK 74953 or Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 NE 13th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73104-9930.

Foy Lee Rimer

Foy Lee RImer, 70, of Wister, Oklahoma passed away on Tuesday, December 9, 2008 in Wister, OK. Foy was born on May 30, 1938 in Shawnee, Oklahoma to Foy Marion & Mattie Love (Page) Rimer. Foy was a 6 year veteran of the US Air Force; and was a manager for Wall’s in Seminole & Tulsa after working his way up from stock boy. He also was a forestry technician for Arkansas Kraft for many years. At the time of his accident 20 years ago, he and his wife were operators in the trucking industry. Foy’s parents; 2 sisters, Sharon Kinnamon & Marcella Burrows; and a grandson, Stash Wallace preceded him in death. Foy is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Jean Rimer of the home; 2 daughters & sons in law, Shereta & Randy Wallace of Morrilton, Arkansas & Melissa & Larry Loomis of Wister, OK; 2 sons & daughter in law, Randy & Kendra Rimer of Shady Point, OK & Kevin Rimer of Wister, OK; 11 grandchildren, Shauna, Paul, AJ, Hunter, Nick, Kane, Raejean, Randi Sue, Darren, Casey, & Kirsten; 3 brothers, R.C. Rimer, Mark Rimer, & Clayton Rimer, of Shawnee, OK; 3 sisters, Betty Winthrow & Shirley Hayden both of Shawnee, OK & Virginia Guthrie of Seminole, OK; numerous other relatives & loved ones; and many beloved friends. Funeral services for Foy were held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, December 13, 2008 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, Oklahoma with the Reverend Frankie Harris & Floyd Clement officiating. Interment followed the services in Fanshawe Cemetery, Fanshawe, OK with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, Oklahoma. Pallbearers were AJ Rimer, Nick Rimer, Randy Newby, Jimmy Don Newby, Johnny Means, & Glenn Clements

Russell Granville McKenzie

Russell Granville McKenzie, 81, of Poteau, Oklahoma passed away on Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at Easter Oklahoma Medical Center in Poteau, Oklahoma. Russell was born on April 23, 1927 in Wetumka, Oklahoma to Granville A. & Allie M. (Davis) McKenzie. He was a member of Calvary Assembly of God Church; a veteran of World War II where he served in the Merchant Marien; and co-owner/ooperator of Feed in a Drum in Poteau, Oklahoma. Rusell is preceded in death by his parents and 2 sons Clifford Earl McKenzie & Russell G. McKenzie. Russell is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mattie Lou McKenzie of the home; a son Steven McKenzie of Long Beach, CA, a daughter Kaye Carter of Poteau, OK; 7 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; 2 sisters, Marie Rohrig of Santa Anna, CA & Dorothy Castle of Castaic, California; numerous other relatives & loved ones; and many beloved friends. Funeral services wee held at 10:00 am, Saturday, December 13, 2008 at Calvary Assembly of God Church in Poteau, OK with the Reverend C. Lynn Bullard officiating. Interment followed the services in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, Oklahoma with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK.

Martha Louvenia Gillion

Martha Louvenia Gillion, 91, of Durant, OK (formerly of Bokoshe, OK) passed away Tuesday, December 9, 2008 in Durant. She was born April 19, 1917 in Bokoshe, OK to Brack & Trish McCool. Martha was a member of the Bokoshe United Methodist Church & the American Legion Auxiliary. She was preceded in death by her husband, William H. Gillion; a son, William M. Gillion & her parents. She is survived by 2 daughters & sons in law, Mary & Boyd Converse of Milburn, OK, June & Jim Meek of Poteau, OK; 2 sons & daughters in law, Jay & Patricia Gillion of Sumter, SC, Bob & Jackie Gillion of Cardwell, MO; 3 granddaughters, 3 grandsons, 3 great grandsons, 1 great granddaughter, 2 great great grandchildren; one sister, Wilma Fanning of Bokoshe, OK; other relatives & loved ones; a host of beloved friends. Services were held 10 am, Friday, December 12, 2008 at the United Methodist Church in Bokoshe, OK with the Rev. Benny Waller & Charley Cabaniss officiating. Interment followed in Old Bokoshe Cemetery, Bokoshe, OK . Pallbearers were Jay Gillion, Bob Gillion, Billy Gillion, Greg Gillion, Jeff Meek, & William Hastings. Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, OK.

Maudie Mae Malone

Maudie Mae Malone, 78, of Poteau, Oklahoma passed away on Monday, December 1, 2008 at St. Edwards Mercy Medical Center in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Maudie was born on September 14, 1930 in LeFlore, OK to Francis Marion & Bertha Rose Cook. She was a devout Christian who devoted her liife to serving God and loving her family very much. She was a homemaker. Maudie is preceded in death by her husband, her parents and a number of brothers & sisters. Maudie is survived by a son & daughter in law, Robert & Sandy Malone of Richardson, Texas, a daughter & son in law Debbie & Tom Terwilliger of Alaska; 4 grandchildren Joel, Rachel, & Becca Terwilliger & Robert W. Malone; a great grandchild Cameron Malone; a sister Bertha Rose of Oklahoma City; numerous other relatives & loved ones and a host of beloved friends. Funeral services were held at 2:00 pm, Monday, December 8, 2008 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with the Rev. Jimmy D. Cook & Rev. Ray Phillips officiating. Interment followed at Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK.

Jimmy D. Akins

Jimmy D. Akins Jimmy D. Akins 84, of Poteau, OK passed away on Monday, December 1, 2008, at Pocola Nursing Home in Pocola, OK. Jimmy was born on April 2, 1924 in Latham, Oklahoma to Henry & Laura (Gregory) Akins. Jimmy was a veteran of the US Army Air Corps serving during World War II; a Mason; and retired from the Oklahoma State Highway Department in Poteau. His wife, Mae Bell Akins; a brother, 2 sisters, & his parents precede him in death. Jimmy is survived by his daughter & son in law, Carol & Davie Spindle of Poteau, OK; a son & daughter in law, Henry & Jeannie Akins of Las Vegas, NV; 5 grandchildren, Kristi Spindle, Audrey & husband Raymond Ritthaler, Stephen & wife Lori Rutledge, Jamie & husband Keith Smith, Jimmy & wife Amanda Akins; 15 great grandchildren; a daughter in law Shirley Thornburg of Fanshawe, OK, a sister Willie Ervin of Poteau, OK, a brother, Dave Akins of Poteau, OK; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; and many beloved friends. Funeral services for Jimmy were held at 10:00 am Friday, December 5, 2008 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with the Reverend Jimmy D. Cook & Jeff Little officiating. Interment followed the services at Iron Bridge Cemetery in Keota, OK with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were his Masonic brothers.

George Phillips

George D. Phillips, 85, of Poteau, OK passed away Monday, December 1, 2008 in Poteau. He was born in Big Canyon, OK to Francis M. & Dorie Phillips on December 3, 1922. George was a heavy equipment operator. He liked to fish. George was a veteran of the US Army & served in WWII. He was preceded in death by his parents; 4 brothers & 2 sisters. Survivors include his wife, Juanita of the home son, David Phillips of Poteau, OK; daughter, Wynama Bowman of Poteau, OK; 4 Grandsons; 6 Great Grandkids; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services: 2 pm, Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment- Oakland Cemetery.

Tony Cox

Tony Cox, 94, of Cameron, OK passed away Saturday, November 29, 2008 in Ft. Smith, AR. Tony was born in Rock Island, Ok on February 9, 1914 to John & Bertie Cox. He was a livestock inspector & rancher. He was a member of the Rock Island Free Will Baptist Church. He was a very special person to all he left behind. He was a very devoted Christian; auctioneer, farmer, & cattleman who loved gospel music. He as always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone. He loved gardening & children; loved to watch them at play. He served our country in WWII with the US Navy. Tony was preceded in death by his parent,; 6 sisters, 1 brother & 2 daughters. He is survived by his wife, Jewel of the home; son & daughter-in-law, Gaylon & Georgia Ann Cox of Hackett, AR; 10 Grandchildren, 10 Great Grandchildren; 5 Great Great Grandchildren; other relatives & loved ones; a host of beloved friends. Services 10 am, Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at Rock Island Free Will Baptist Church, Rock Island, OK with the Rev. Brad Kuhl & Rev. Jackie Edwards officiating. Interment Greenhill Cemetery, Cameron, OK. Pallbearers: Randy Cox, Dewayne Cox, Greg Butler, Steve Butler, Noble McIntyre, Kevin Burton. Honorary Pallbearers: Freddie Edwards, Jon Edwards, Kevin Edwards, & Tim Edwards.