Anna "DeLois" Harris

Anna DeLois Hathcoat Harris, 84, of Poteau, OK passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2009 in Poteau. DeLois was born on December 31st 1924 to James Roy & Dessie Hathcoat. DeLois was a member of the House of Hope in Poteau, OK where her son Frankie is the pastor & a homemaker. Her husband, Rufus O. Harris and her parents preceded her in death. DeLois is survived by 3 sons & daughters in law, Larry & Carolyn Harris of Tuttle, OK, John & Carolyn Harris of Arkoma, OK , & Frank and Pam Harris of Howe, OK; 3daughters & sons in law, Stella & Art Drury & Kathy & Terry Carter, all of Poteau, OK; * Lorrie & Dwayne Houck of Tahlequah, OK; 15 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren; & 5 great great grandchildren; sister & brother in law, Bessie “Louise” & Richard “Dick” Searles of Edgewood, KY; a brother in law, Finis Harris, and a sister in law, Thelma Harris; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; and many beloved friends. Funeral services were held at 2:00 pm Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at The House of Hope in Poteau, OK with her three sons, the Reverend Frankie Harris, the Reverend Larry Harris, & the Reverend John Harris officiating. Interment followed the services at Howe Cemetery in Howe, OK with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Keith Andrews, Brian Harris, Phillip Owen, Barry Ivie, James Easley, & Randy Cagle. Honorary pallbearers were Bobby Cagle, Bobby Bowen, & Daniel Radasinovich.

William H. Whitmore Jr.

William H. Whitmore, Jr., 75, of Bokoshe. OK passed away on Monday, February 23, 2009 at Pocola Nursing Home in Pocola, OK. William was born on September 3, 1933 in Jenny Lind, Arkansas to William H. Sr. & Ada (Pryor) Whitmore. He was a member of the Assembly of God Church and retired from the City of Beverly Hills where he was employed as an Equipment Service Technician. His parents preceded him in death. William is survived by his wife, Thelma Whitmore of the home; 2 stepdaughters & sons in law, Glenda & Dewayne Craig & Sheila & Larry McDaniel, all of Spiro, OK and a stepson & daughter in law, David Jr. & Carol Black of Shady Point, OK; a host of grandchildren; numerous other relatives & loved ones and many beloved friends. Funeral services for William were held at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at New Life Church in Bokoshe, OK with the Reverend Joe Pierce officiating. Interment followed the services at Old Bokoshe Cemetery in Bokoshe, OK with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Dewayne Craig, David Black Jr, Larry McDaniel, Tony Craig, Tory Craig, & Tandy Sullivan.

Emma Jean Stella Hanley

Emma Jean Stella Hanley, 86, of Heavener, Oklahoma passed away on Friday, February 20, 2009 at Sparks Regional Medical Center in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Emma was born on May 11, 1922 in Poteau, OK to Othal & Emma (White) Johnson. Emma was a homemaker. Her husband, William A. Hanley; a son, William E. Hanley; 4 sisters, & 2 brothers precede her in death. Emma is survived by 2 daughters & sons in law, Mary & Bill Martin of Heavener, OK and Patricia & Bruce Hamm; a son, Dennis Hanley of Heavener, Oklahoma; a daughter in law, Troy Faye (Hanley) Hugle of Holson Valley, OK; 6 grandchildren, Don Martin, Dawana Peterson, Trish Payne, Jacob Hamm, Lucas Hamm, & Joe Hamm; 3 brothers, Floyd Johnson, Ernest Johnson, & Orville Johnson; 2 sisters, Johnnie Dorey & Syble Neff; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; and many beloved friends. Funeral services for Emma were held at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at House of Hope Church in Poteau, OK with the Reverend Frankie Harris officiating. Interment followed the services in Holson Valley Cemetery in Holson Valley, OK with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Bud Woolsey, Rollie Goff, Petey Jones, Gene Skelton, Kenny Dehart, Jr Sartor, & Jim Dunn. Honorary pallbearers were Jack Holland & Ervin Armstrong.

Arthur Clyde Jones

Arthur Clyde Jones, 80, of Summerfield, Oklahoma passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at Sparks Regional Medical Center in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Arthur was born on July 1, 1928 in Crystal Falls, Texas to Arthur & Stella Faye (Silas) Jones. He was a member of Summerfield Baptist Church, a veteran of the US Navy serving during the Korean Conflict, a member of the American Legion, and a welder and rancher. Arthur is survived by 2 daughters & sons in law, Linda & Herman McGowen of Summerfield, OK & Myrna Faye & Steve Dorsey of Heavener, OK; a son, Jeremy Jones of Poteau, OK; 8 grandchildren, Bryan Dorsey, Michelle Earls, Misti Roath, Brad Dorsey, Brooke Dorsey, Melissa Caldwell, Chelsea Jones, & Jordan Jones; 13 great grandchildren; a special daughter, Candice Frizzell of Wister, OK; 2 sisters, Dorothy Morphew of Fort Worth, TX & Ruby Dickson of Dallas, TX; special friend, Dorothy Davis of Seminole, OK; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, loved ones, & many beloved friends. Funeral services for Arthur were held at 10:00 am, Saturday, February 21, 2009 at Summerfield Baptist Church in Summerfield, OK with the Reverend Charles Caughern & the Reverend Rick Hedrick officiating. Interment was Sunday February 22, 2009 at Doty Cemetery in Gordon, Texas with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Bryan Dorsey, Brad Dorsey, Justin Earls, Jason Roath, & Daniel Caldwell.

Paul Athel Deere

Paul A. Deere, 95, of Wister, OK passed away Tuesday, February 10, 2009 in Poteau, OK. Paul was born November 3, 1913 in Gilmore, OK to Robert & Lila (Barnes) Deere. He was a retired farmer & rancher. He was a member of Summerfield Baptist Church since 1953. He loved to fish & hunt. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jo Haskell (Baker) Deere; 3 brothers, Roy L., Ulrus & Haskell; sister, Nellie McAlester & his parents. Survivors include his daughter, Joanne Davis of Ft. Myers, FL; 2 sons & Daughters in law, James & Bobbie Deere, Bobby Paul & Cindy Deere; 2 sisters, Pearl Abernathy & Opal Klinkenburg; 2 grandsons & their wives, Michael & Sherry, Joe Paul & Cindy; granddaughter, Jamie; 4 great granddaughters, Marcie Jo & husband, Jorge, Breanna, Kacie & Heather; great grandson, James Jackson Barnes; special friend, Hodo Wylie; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services: 2 pm, Monday, February 16, 2009 at Summerfield Baptist Church, Summerfield, OK with Bro. Charles Caughern officiating. Interment will be in Summerfield Cemetery, Summerfield, OK. Pallbearers: John McAlester, J.E. McAlester, Keith McAlester, J.J. McAlester, A.C. Evans, & Davy Owens. Honorary pallbearer, Dean Gray.

Darrelyn Kay Jackson

Darrelyn Kay Jackson, 73, of Panama, OK passed away Wednesday, February 11, 2009 in Muskogee, OK. He was born in Bakersfield, CA on August 15, 1935 to Leonard & Roberta (Phillips) Jackson. Darrelyn was a member of the Assembly of God Church. He was a devoted husband, father, & grandfather who proudly served his country during the Korean War. He was preceded in death by a brother, Daniel Jackson & his parents. Survivors include his wife, Betty of the home; 3 sons & daughters-in-law, Daryl & Nancy Jackson of Wister, OK, Steven Jackson of Shady Point, OK, Scotty Jackson & Courtney Bercher of Barling, AR; 5 daughters & sons-in-law, Kim & Rodney Checkall of San Antonio, TX, Patricia Goodwin & Tim Pope of Greer, SC, Dawn & Shannon Thompson of Panama, OK, Tanya & Lee Timms of Shady Point, OK; Jennifer Jackson of the home; 19 Grandchildren, 2 Great Grandchildren; brother, Cecil Jackson of Modesto, CA; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were held 2 pm, Monday, February 16, 2009 at the Calvary Assembly of God Church, Poteau, OK with the Rev. Lynn Bullard & Rev. Billy Taylor officiating. Interment followed in Shady Point Cemetery, Shady Point, OK. Pallbearers were Lee Timms, Chad Jackson, Shawn Hogan, Jeremy Taylor, Ryan Taylor, & Josh Martin; Honorary Pallbearers, Shannon Thompson, Ricky Potter, & Norman Green. Arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, OK.

Lowell Wayne Hicks

Lowell Wayne Hicks, 61, of Poteau, OK passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2009 in Poteau. Lowell was born on May 8, 1947 in Poteau to Lowell Dee & Atha Belle (Sinclair) Hicks. He was a veteran of the US Army; a teacher, coach, & school administrator for 36 years before his retirement; and a member of the Poteau Masonic Lodge #46. Lowell loved playing golf. He was preceded in death by his parents. Lowell is survived by his wife of 41 years, Joyce Hicks of the home; 2 sons, Joel Hicks of Poteau, OK & Matt Hicks of Sulphur Springs, TX; a granddaughter, Emma Hicks of Poteau, OK: a brother in law & wife, Ray & Jannelle Babb of Tulsa, OK; numerous other relatives & loved ones; and many beloved friends. Funeral services for Lowell were held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, February 14, 2009 at First Baptist Church of Poteau, OK with the Reverend Phil McGehee & the Reverend Jimmy D. Cook officiating. Interment followed the services in Oakland Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Wayne Hoffman, Ronnie Riggs, Earl Jobe, Jay Hicks, Larry Hicks, Bill Hicks, Wayne Fry, & Windle Harper.

Clifford A. Smith

Clifford A. Smith, 89, of Poteau, Oklahoma passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2009 at Eastern Oklahoma Medical Center in Poteau, Oklahoma. Clifford was born on January 24, 1920 in Blue Mountain, Arkansas to Robert Aaron & Emily (Baysinger) Smith. Clifford was a veteran of the US Army & US Air Force and a Southern Baptist. Before his retirement he was a coal miner and a merchant. His wife, Juanita; a son, Randy Smith; 3 grandsons, Bobby Glen Johnson, Shawn Smith, & Chris Smith; 3 brothers, Thurman Lee, Bud, & Bobby Smith; and 2 sisters, Margie Huckaby and Mildred Sue Kloempken preceded Clifford in death. Clifford is survived by a son & daughter in law, Arnold & Kay Smith of Tucker, OK; 3 daughters & sons in law, Marie & Bob McCroskey of Poteau, OK; Nancy & Lewis Johnson of Amarillo, TX; and Cecelia & Ray Vermillion of Wister, OK; 7 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren; a brother, Jimmy Smith of Albuquerque, NM; a sister, Dorothy Smith of Newton, KS; numerous other relatives & loved ones and many beloved friends. Graveside services for Clifford were held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, February 12, 2009 at Oakland Cemetery Pavilion in Poteau, OK with the Reverend Jimmy D. Cook officiating. Interment followed the services with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK.

Bobby Jack Grissom

Bobby Jack Grissom, 74, of Cameron, OK passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2009 in Pocola, OK. Bobby was born on May 19, 1934 in Mansfield, Arkansas to Riley & Martha J. (Newell) Grissom. He was a farmer and a lifelong resident of the area. Bobby’s parents precede him in death. Bobby is survived by 3 sisters, Alice Morris of Cameron, OK; Pansy Brown of Buhl, Idaho, & Mary Ruth Kell of Boise, Idaho; a brother Jerry Grissom of Rock Springs, WY; numerous other relatives, loved ones, & many beloved friends. Graveside services were held at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at Greenhill Cemetery Pavilion in Cameron, OK with the Reverend Jimmy D. Cook officiating. Interment followed the services with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK Pallbearers were Frank, Steven, Tracey, & Phillip Morris, Bill Sweeten, & Keith Morris.

Lloyd James Dukes

Lloyd James Dukes, 60, of Talihina, OK passed away on Friday, February 6, 2009 in Whitesboro, OK. Lloyd was born in Talihina, OK on April 25, 1948 to Lloyd Q. & Dortha D. (Mings) Dukes. He was employed by the Choctaw Nation Indian Hospital for 23 years as a Bio Medical Technician. Lloyd loved hunting, fishing, OU Football, & telling jokes. Lloyd’s parents preceded him in death. Lloyd is survived by 3 daughters, Tammy Melton of Jacksonville, FL, April Dukes of Houston, TX, & Elizabeth Dukes of Whitesboro, OK; a son. Bubba Dukes of Whitesboro, OK; a sister, Pam Dorsey of Ada, OK; 2 grandchildren, Tad Melton & Tara Melton; niece & her husband, Echo & Eric Constable of Ada, OK; nephew & his wife, Harley & Michelle Johnson of Whitesboro, OK; numerous other relatives & loved ones; and many beloved friends. Funeral services for Lloyd were held at 3:00 pm Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at Whitesboro School Auditorium with the Reverend Alvin Branscum officiating. Interment followed the services at Whitesboro Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home. Pallbearers were Artis Potts, Jess Attaberry, Herve’ Lucier, Harley Johnson, Danny Frazier, & Duane Elrod. Honorary pallbearers were Fred Humphreys, Allen Dukes, Jack Vadnis, & Phillip Humphreys.

Justin J. Williams

Justin J. Williams, 17, of Pocola, OK passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2009 at St. Edward Mercy Medical Center in Fort Smith, AR. Justin was born on December 11, 1991 in Fort Smith, AR to Marvin Williams & Jamie Collier. He was a junior at Pocola High School where he was a member of the Pocola High School Football Team and Pocola High School Weight Lifting Team and FCCLA. His maternal grandfather, Ray Collier; his paternal grandparents, Norman & Wanda Williams, & his maternal great grandmother, Clara Massey all precede Justin in death. Justin is survived by his mother, Jamie Collier of the home; his father & stepmother, Marvin & Tamika Williams of Fort Smith, AR; 3 sisters, Brandy Collier, Chanelle Collier Williams, & Danasha Williams; 2 brothers, Faizon Williams & Martavius Williams; his maternal grandmother, Geniva Collier of Pocola, OK; honorable grandparents, Danny & Sally Tedford; numerous other relatives & loved ones; and many beloved friends. Funeral services for Justin were held at 10:00 am, Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at Pocola High School Auditorium with Brother Larry Bishop officiating. Interment followed the services at Leard Cemetery in Pocola, OK with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Pocola, OK. Pallbearers will be members of the Pocola High School Football Team.

Jimmie Wade Butler

Jimmie Wade Butler, 83, of Poteau, Oklahoma passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2009 in Talihina, OK. Jimmie was born on November 15, 1925 in Williams, OK to Wylie H. & Ida Ella (Victor) Butler. Jimmie was a lifelong Baptist & a proud veteran serving in the US Army, earning the Occupation Ribbon for Japan, the Korean Service Ribbon with 2 bronze stars, and the United Nations ribbon. He very proud of his Choctaw heritage and was a member of Mosholatubbe Lodge #13 of Cameron for over 60 years. Jimmie loved to fish. He married the love of his life, Nancy Coggins on June 7, 1947. They enjoyed 61+ years together. Jimmie was preceded in death by a son, Billy W. Butler; 3 brothers, Billy H. Butler, Arthur Butler, & Fred W. Butler; 2 sisters, Mildred Covey & Muriel Gould; and his parents. Jimmie is survived by his beloved wife of 61+ years, Nancy (Coggins) Butler; a sister & brother in law, Mary & Cloyis Clay of Poteau, OK; 3 brothers in law, Sam & wife Barbara Coggins of Arizona; Bill Coggins of Santa Rosa, CA & Frank Gould of Michigan; 3 sisters in law & their husbands, Bea & Lee Barton of New Mexico, Mattie & Kenny Williams of Texas, & Katie & Bob Ross of California; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones & many beloved friends. Funeral services for Jimmie were held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, February 7, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, Oklahoma with the Reverend Phil McGehee & the Reverend Jimmy D. Cook officiating. Interment followed the services at Greenhill Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Fred Beal, Roy Don Carmack, Cloyis Clay, Sam Coggins, Bill Coggins, Devin Griffith, Jim Norwood, Buddy Pope, Bill Raney, & Pat Searles.

Joy A. Odom

Joy A. Odom, 69, of Poteau, Oklahoma passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2009 in Fort Smith, AR. Joy was born on November 14, 1939 in Albion, OK to James & Alta (Wilson) Miller. She was a member of the first graduating class of RN’s at Carl Albert State College. Joy was preceded in death by her husband, Carl D. Odom; her grandson, Carlton Trent Odom; 2 nephews, Earl Miller & Carl Miller, Jr., and her parents. Joy is survived by 2 daughters, Vonda Thedford of Edgewood, NM & Carla Firestine of Liberty, OK; 2 sons Keith Odom of Pocola, OK & Trent Odom of Jonesville, LA; 2 brothers Carl Miller of Albion, OK & Danny Miller of Miami, OK; a sister Diannah Yeager of Fort Smith, AR; 11 grandchildren, Amanda Eilers, Heather Williams, Jessica Means, Heath Odom, Timmy Carl Means, Joy Michelle Burge, Carl Odom, Sancee Odom, Zackary Odom, Wrangler Firestine, & Briley Odom, 11 great grandchildren; numerous other relatives & loved ones and many beloved friends. Funeral services for Joy were held at 2:00 pm Thursday, February 5, 2009 at Gospel Tabernacle in Poteau, OK with the Reverend Sonny Daniels & the Reverend Carl Daniels officiating. Interment followed the services in Ellis Chapel Cemetery in Wister, OK with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were R.L. Long, Arvil Nelson, Bob Carter, John Firestine, Mike Rogers, Harold Means, & Heath Cosgrove.

Cleve Eldon Thompson

Cleve Eldon Thompson, 74, of Pryor, OK formerly of Poteau, Oklahoma passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2009 in Claremore, Oklahoma. Cleve was born on September 25, 1934 in Wister, Oklahoma to Grover & Bonnie Thompson. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Poteau, OK and a veteran of the US Army. He worked as a lab technician for Trane Company until his retirement and was the ultimate Fix-It Man. His first wife, Dorothy, his parents, and a sister Merle precede him in death. Cleve is survived by his wife Linda Thompson of Pryor, OK; 3 daughters & son in law, Julie & Larry Coshow of Edmond, OK, Jean Ann Thompson of Tulsa, OK; & Linda Thompson of Los Angeles, CA; a stepson, Shawn Taylor of Adair, OK; a stepdaughter Delana Taylor-McNac of Tulsa, OK; 3 grandsons, Zach, Cale, & Jackson; a granddaughter, Grace; 2 sisters, Wanda Rhodes of Sulphur, LA & Madelon Orms of Fort Smith, AR; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, loved ones, and friends. Memorial services for Cleve will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, February 6, 2009 at First Baptist Church of Poteau, OK with the Reverend Phil McGehee officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK.