Billy Ray Brigance

Billy Ray Brigance, 60, of Pocola, OK passed away Thursday, May 28, 2009 in Fort Smith, AR. Bill was born December 25, 1948 in Spiro, OK to Ernest & Wanda (Fry) Brigance. Coach Brigance spent 30 years as a teacher and loved coaching his players. His parents preceded him in death as well as 2 sisters, Sharon Brigance & Deborah Brigance. Survivors include his son - William Brigance of Pocola, OK; 2 daughters, Audra Brigance of Pocola, OK, Randa Grant of Poteau, OK, 2 grandchildren, Desmond Brigance, Izaiah Davis; 3 brothers Jerry Don Brigance of Poteau, OK, Ernie Brigance of Heavener, OK and Ronnie Brigance; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services: 10 am, Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at Evans Memorial Chapel in Pocola, OK with the Rev. Bryan Vandever officiating. Interment in New Hope Cemetery, Spiro, OK. Pallbearers wlil be John Long, Larry Callaway, Ollie Gardner, John Layva, Billy Kimmons, Aron Barnes, Keith Haynes, & Chad Oliver.

Brent "Beck" Brown

Brent "Beck" Brown, 16, of Knothole, OK passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2009 in Pocola. Beck was born December 18, 1992 in Ft. Smith, AR to Brent & Sabrina Solomon Brown. He was a great guy who loved life. He was a duck hunter; played baseball and basketball; loved sports. He was a good kid and a great person. He will be missed by all. Survivors include his parents, Brent & Sabrina Brown of Knothole, OK; grandparents, Larry & Dolores Brown of Poteau, OK, Harold & Sue Solomon of Cameron, OK; great grandmother, Viola Brown of Cameron, OK; aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives & loved ones; many, many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Saturday, May 30, 2009 at the Pocola High School Gymnasium, Pocola, OK with Rev. Kevin Beck officiating. Interment in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK . Pallbearers, Austin Parker, Patrick Dixon, Randy Ragland, Caleb Banning, Eddie Combs, and Eric Ladd.

Modean B. Smith

Modean B. Smith of Woodward, OK passed away Thursday, May 28, 2009 in Woodward. She was born January 19, 1922 in Wister, OK to Emmett E. & Jane (Wilson) Duncan. She was a homemaker. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Poteau, OK. She was preceded in death by her Hershel (Bolivar) Smith and her parents; in laws, Mabra & Zelma Smith & 2 brothers, Bedford Duncan and Hoyt Duncan. She was active in the church in Poteau; an active volunteer, talented seamstress and dabbled in many other hobbies. Survivors include her daughters, Judy Evans & husband, Clayton of Woodward, OK, Janna Kiser & husband, George of Broken Arrow, OK; brother, Harold Duncan of Poteau, OK; 6 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 10 am, Saturday, May 30, 2009 at the First United Methodist Church in Poteau, OK with Rev. Greg Tener officiating. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK.

Gertrude Franzini

Gertrude Franzini, 97, of Poteau, Oklahoma passed away Thursday, May 28, 2009, in Poteau, OK. Gertrude was born January 31, 1913 in Heavener, OK to Byron :& Priscilla (Cook) Anderson. She was a social worker, a school teacher and an antique dealer. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Capt. Walter T. Florence & Phil Franzini; sister, Florence Johnson; brother, Edgar Anderson. She was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Poteau, OK. Survivors include her daughter, Billy Florence of Plain City, Ohio; 3 granddaughters, Sally Royce of Columbus, Ohio, Nancy Florence & Kathy Florence of Plain City, Ohio; 2 nieces, Gayle Smedley & Beverly Mazikowski of Poteau, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were 10 am, Saturday, May 30, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Leroy Billy & Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment followed in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Tommy Robertson, Clay Bennett, David Robertson; honorary pallbearer Jerry “JL” Ford. Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, OK.

Troy Francis Pyland

Troy Francis Pyland, 90, of Claremore, OK (formerly of Poteau) passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2009 in Claremore, OK. Troy was born in Whitesboro, OK TO Edward & Ruby (Brewer) Pyland on November 28, 1918. Troy worked for the Oklahoma Highway Dept. as construction superintendent. He served in World War II with the US Army. Survivors include his daughter & son-in-law, Kathy & Edward Holt of Grand Prairie, TX; son & daughter-in-law, Victor & Freda Pyland of Muskogee, OK & Todd Pyland of Tulsa, OK; 2 sisters, Helen Stewart of Texas and Joyce Boss; Stepchildren, Kathy Tolbert, Paula Woods, Bunnie Nichols, Clarence “Rookey” Hayes, & Paul Hayes; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be Friday, May 29, 2009 at the Oakland Cemetery Pavilion, Poteau, OK with the Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, OK.

Ruby Ellot Bailey

Ruby Ellot Bailey, 78, of Heavener, OK passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2009 in Ft. Smith, AR. Ruby was born July 7, 1930 in Hominy, OK to William Payton & Edna E. (Privett) Tucker. She was a homemaker. Ruby was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Juanita Huber; brother, Jimmy Tucker; grandchildren, Patty Box & Julie Ford; great grandson, Christian Harper; stepdaughter, Vickie Cox. Survivors include her husband, George Bailey of the home; 4 daughters, Kathie Ford of Howe, OK, Mary Mullenax of Olathe, KS, Brenda Garland of Poteau, OK, Ruby Ann Himes of Heavener, OK; 2 sons, Larry Milligan of Panama, OK, James Milligan of Poteau, OK, sister, Ruth Wilson of Choctaw, OK, brother, Joe Tucker of Bartlesville, OK, 34 Grandchildren; a wealth of great grandchildren; 6 stepchildren, Georgie Bailey of Panama, OK, Eddie Bailey of Atoka, OK, Johnny Bailey of Cowlington, OK, David Bailey of Panama, OK, Carl Bailey of Wister, OK, Steven Bailey of Atoka, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Friday, May 29, 2009 at the First Church of the Nazarene in Wister, OK with Rev. Roger Himes & Rev. PJ Atkinson officiating. Interment will follow in Ellis Chapel Cemetery, Wister, OK under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, OK

Orville Dale Peerson

Orville Dale Peerson, 84, of Bokoshe, OK passed away Sunday, May 24, 2009 at his home in Bokoshe. Orville was born May 5, 1925 in Bokoshe, OK to Claude & Pearl (Southern) Peerson. He was a paint foreman. He lost his wife, Voda on July 1, 1998; also preceding him in death were his son, John; brothers, Raymond & Travis; sister, May Lou Helms; and grandson, Richard Jorgensen. Survivors include 4 daughters, Mary Willis of Kamiah, Idaho, Judy Mattingly of Tulsa, OK, Nancy Ray of Bokoshe, OK & Teresa Perry of Bokoshe, OK; 1 son, Orville “Sonny” Peerson of Fresno, CA; 19 Grandchildren; 37 Great Grandchildren and 3 Great Great Grandchildren; 1 sister, Josephine Brown of Panama, OK and 2 brothers, Donald & Jimmy Peerson of California; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services 2 pm, Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at the First Baptist Church in Bokoshe, OK with the Rev. Jerry Turner officiating. Interment in Milton Cemetery, Milton, OK. Pallbearers were Shannon Peerson, Jeremy Ray, Ricky Ray, Joshua Jorgensen, Jimmy Mattingly and Billy Perry. Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, OK

RUBY DON SEXTON

Ruby Don Sexton, 81, of Poteau, OK passed away Thursday, May 21, 2009 in Poteau. S"he was born in Talihina, OK on October 24, 1927 to Aaron & Auda Johnico. Ruby Don was a nurse. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Clifford Henry Sexton. Survivors include her sons, Micheal Sexton of Talihina, OK and Bruce Sexton of Claremore, OK; one sister, Delores Dye of Talihina, OK; 3 Grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends Services will be 2 pm, Thursday, May 28, 2009 at the Oakland Cemetery Pavilion with Rev. Kenny Bryant officiating. Interment following at Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK.

Joe Neff

Joe Neff was born on July 31, 1947 in Poteau, OK. He joined his parents, Bill & Virginia Neff in Heaven on May 14, 2009. Joe’s legacy of love, laughter, and life lessons will live forever in the hearts of his family, daughter Marie Pitchford & husband Eugene; daughter Shawna Martin & husband Donny; and son Jon Sloan & wife Carla. Grandchildren: Clint, Blake, Bryce, Brody, Wyatt, Dawson, & Sadie. The mother of his children, Shirley Nichols Neff. Siblings: Billy, Barbara, Tom, & Jerry. Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones, and so many friends it would be impossible to count them all. Joe loved the outdoors. On Sundays, he could often be found driving his jeep in the mountains. He had a deep appreciation for the natural landscape that could only be found off the beaten path. Joe took every opportunity to enjoy the scenery on horseback. Joe was a man of many talents. Over his lifetime, he was a member of the National Guard, a home builder, an ironworker, a business owner, and most of all, the best dad in the entire world. His greatest occupation was his ability to see the good in everyone and instill in others the desire to be a better person. Life will never be the same without Joe but, but if you were fortunate enough to know him your life had already been changed. Funeral services for Joe will be held at 2:00 pm Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at Springhill Baptist Church in Monroe with internment following the services at Oakland Cemetery in Poteau, OK. Pallbearers will be Tom Neff, Jerry Neff, Wesley Neff, John Newell, Scott Griffis, & Steve Jenkins. Honorary pallbearers will be Jon Sloan, Jay Hill, Duane Donaho, Mel Ross, Bryon Kinsey, Jimmy Meisenheimer, Coopy White, Stan Jenkins, Frank Nichols, Sr. & Lucky Graham. If preferable to flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joe’s name to the Oklahoma Violent Crime Victim’s Fund.

Ray Kirkland

Ray Floyd Kirkland, 79, of Shady Point, OK passed away Monday, May 18, 2009. He was born September 24, 1929, in Stapp Zoe, OK to Floyd & Pearl (Shepard) Kirkland. He was a member of the Calhoun Baptist Church and was a retired Law Enforcement Officer. Ray had worked security at Blue Ribbon Downs, for the Bokoshe PD, the Poteau Police Dept. He was LeFlore County Sheriff from 1977-1985; undersheriff for Bob Sears from 1974-1975; worked as a jailer for Dale Whitecotton. He was the oldest living county sheriff. Ray owned and operated a service station; was a rancher; ran a sawmill; and worked for LeFlore County District I in Spiro, OK. Survivors include his wife, Bonnie, of the home; sons & daughter in law, Larry & Janet Kirkland of Calhoun, OK, Richard Kirkland of San Antonio, TX; daughters & sons in law, Judy & David Nichols, Jeanette & Danny Baxter of Poteau, OK, Amanda & Greg Grogan of Defuniak Springs, FL; stepdaughters & sons in law, Deborah S. & Gary Manley of Mena, AR, Thersa Ann & Robert Lamont of Tahlequah, OK, Cindy & Steve Farmer of Tahlequah, OK; stepson & daughter in law, Stanley Webb Randolph Jr. & Thelma of Sapulpa, OK; 27 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were held 2 pm, Thursday, May 21, 2009 at Victory Worship Center in Spiro, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Pallbearers were Claudie Higgins, Dale Whitecotton, Steve Hensley, Bob Campbell, Ricky Wilson, Carl Miller; Honorary pallbearers were Kendall Ballew, David Henson, Jim Kersh, Lester English, B.J. Smith, Jim Sommers, Bill Morton, Roy Gentry, Charles Hurley, Lance Smith, Carroll Rogers, Freddy Cox, Bill Seale, Doug Ridner

Muriel V. Hanna

Muriel V. Hanna, 94, of Cameron, OK passed away Saturday, May 16, 2009 in Ft. Smith, AR. She was born October 21, 1914, in Monroe, OK to John & Maude (Hart) Floyd. She was a member of Williams Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Arthur Hanna. Survivors include her daughters, Wilma Johnson of Panama, OK, Irene Hodges of Lenexa, KS, Shirley Ramirez of Huntsville, AR; 5 sons, A.J. "Art" Hanna of Cameron, OK, James Hanna of Panama, OK, Floyd of Alix, AR, Jerry Hanna of Cameron, OK and Dewayne Hanna of Cameron, OK; sister, Geraldine Monks of Harker Heights, TX; 24 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren; 18 great great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services: 2 pm, Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau with the Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment: Greenhill Cemetery - Cameron, OK. Pallbearers: Steven Hicks, Stacy Pipkins, Gary Hanna, Kevin Hanna, Terry Hodges, Robin Hodges, Tracy Hodges, & Joe Hanna.

Stacy Shaw

Stacy Ann (Cowan) Shaw, 24, of Poteau, OK passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2009 in Poteau. Stacy was born on February 6, 1985 in Ann Arbor, MI to Johnny R. & Terrie M. (Bake4r) Cowan. Stacy was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by a special loved one, Tommy Davis. Stacy is survived by her husband, Richard Shaw of the home; 2daughters, Angela Shaw & Kristina Shaw, both of the home; her parents, Johnny & Terrie Cowan of Howe, OK; 2 sisters, her twin sister, Melissa Cowan & Heather Cowan, both of Howe, OK; her maternal grandparents, Dale & Betty Baker of Wister, OK; her paternal grandmother Edna Marie Cowan of Van Buren, AR; special loved one, Patricia Bell of Poteau, OK; numerous other relatives & loved ones, & many beloved friends. Memorial services for Stacy were held at 2;00 PM Friday, May 15, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with the Reverend Keith Williams officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be Matt Cordes, Larry Milligan, Kevin Knight, Shawn Knight, Eugene King, Tony Baker, Dustin Crase, Michael Bollinger, James Shaw, & James Lemmons.

Kaye Aileen Ramey

Kaye Aileen Ramey, 53, of Poteau, OK passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 in Poteau. Kaye was born on November 23, 1955 in Fayetteville, AR to Warren J. & Joyce I (Davis) Ramey. Kaye was a member of the Methodist Church in Fayetteville. She was a big Elvis fan. Kaye is survived byher parents of Keller, TX; a sister & brother in law, Jennifer Ann & Scott Hensley of South Lake, TX; aunts & uncles, a nephew & niece, Zachary & Madison Hensley; maternal grandmother, Gladys I. Davis of Fayetteville, AR; other relatives & loved ones;many beloved friends. Service: 10 am Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau with Rev. Jim Cook officaiting. Interment: 1 pm at Fairview Cemetery in Fayetteville, AR.

Mary Martin

Mary L. Martin Mary L. Martin, 87, of Panama, OK passed away on Monday, May 11, 2009 in Fort Smith, AR. Mary was born on October 7, 1921 in Honobia, OK to Johnny Pate & Pearl Anna (Richards) Wiles. Mary was a member of Poteau Church of Christ. She had worked as a waitress for approximately 40 years, 27 of them at the Black Angus Restaurant. Mary is survived by 3 daughters & sons in law, Joyce & Bill Minnis of Fort Smith, AR; Donna Kendrick of Poteau, OK, & Linda & Bob Brown of Poteau,OK; 3 sons & daughters in law, Jack & Billie Martin & Jim & Lynn Martin, all of Shady Point, OK & James D. Martin of Panama, OK; 13 grandchildren,11 great grandchildren; sister, Dorothy Ray of Shady Point, OK; a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones, & many beloved friends. Funeral services for Mary were held at 10:00 am Friday, May15, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with Bob Marchant & Jim Cook officiating. Interment followed the services in Fairview Cemetery in Panama, OK with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Graig Oechner, Brian Wigginton, Michael Martin, David Mathis, Sammy Pierce, Don Martin, & Ron Dunn

Marcella “Sue” Francis

Marcella “Sue” Francis, 64, of Poteau, OK passed away Thursday, May 14, 2009, in Shady Point, OK. Sue was born March 19, 1945 in Poteau, OK to William Alfred & Myrtle (Cook) Blaylock. She was retired as cafeteria cook for Poteau High School. Sue loved her family, her grandchildren & her great grandchildren. She never met a stranger. Her parents, 3 sisters, Marie Goforth, Patsy Herrington, & Vivian Bowden preceded her in death. Survivors include her husband, Orb Francis of the home; 2 daughters, Brenda Luman of Wister, OK & Mary Murray of Shady Point, OK; 2 sons, Greg Francis & Eddy Francis, both of Poteau, OK; stepson, Mike Francis of Shady Point, OK; 12 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren; 3 sisters, Wilma Parker of Poteau, OK, Lois Dilday of Tulsa, OK, Mary Jo Harmon of Hackett, AR; 3 brothers, Hershel Blaylock & Jim Blaylock of Longview, WA, Jean Blaylock of Foyil, OK; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were held 2 pm, Sunday, May 17, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Burial followed in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Chris Luman, Kevin Luman, Jerrid Francis, Aaron Francis, Coady Francis, & Trent Murray. Honoary pallbearers: Kayli Francis, Trinity Downs, Michael Shane Francis, DerEk Francis, Destiny Francis & Dylan Francis.

Katherine Stephens

Katherine Stephens, 78, of Poteau, OK passed away Monday, May 11, 2009 in Ft. Smith, AR. She was born in Florence, Arizona on September 11, 1930 to Arthur & Mattie (Journeay) Langford. Mrs. Stephens was a homemaker. Survivors include her husband, John C. Stephens of the home; 4 daughters, Bonnie Ellis of Poteau, OK, Carol Ann Benamor of Monroe, OK, Bobbie Jean Frankhouser of Florence, OR, Yvonne Lynnette Wickup of Isleton, CA; 2 sons, James Arthur Mack Joe "Jimmy" Stephens of Manteca, CA Johnny P. "Johnny Boy" Stephens of Milpitas, CA; 13 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; 5 great great grandchildren; 2 brothers, A.C. Langford of Anchorage, AK, Smokey Langford of Spokane, WA; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services 2 pm, Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Sugarloaf Christian Fellowship, Monroe, OK; Rev. Les Scroggins officiating. Interment in Monroe Cemetery, Monroe, OK

Taylor N. Rolen

Taylor N. Rolen, 11, of Poteau, OK passed away on Friday, May 8, 2009 in Tulsa, OK. Taylor was born on January 12, 1998 in Okmulgee, OK to Stacey & Lori Aud Rolen. She was a Baptist and a 4th grade student at Poteau Public Schools. Taylor is survived by her parents, Lori & Billy Shropshire of Wister, OK; her father, Stacey Rolen of Okmulgee, OK; 3 sisters, Destiny Rolen of Wister, OK & Misty Shropshire & Lori Cooper both of Ft. Campbell, KY; 2 brothers, Blake Shropshire of Wister, OK & Tommy Shropshire of Tulsa, OK; her maternal grandmother, Debbie Aud of Midwest City, OK; her paternal grandparents, Linda Rolen of Okmulgee, OK, Calvin Rolen of Kansas City, KS, & Leonard Shropshire of Poteau, OK; numerous other relatives & loved ones and many beloved friends. Funeral services for Taylor were held Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with Tracy Loyd officiating Interment followed the services in Summerfield Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Mike Aud & Mark Aud.

W. Steve "Buck" Garrett

Steve “Buck” Garrett, 86, of Poteau, OK passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2009 in Tulsa. Steve was born on February 26, 1923 in Poteau to Hillard Steve & Letha (Robbins) Garrett. He was a DX gasoline distributor and managed the LeFlore Nursing Home in the late 1960’s. Buck was a member of First Baptist Church of Poteau, the Rotary Club, Poteau Alumni Association, the Quarterback Club (he ran the football clock for over 35 years) a school board member for 25+ years, a 50 year Mason; & was a member & former assistant fire chief for the Poteau Fire department, serving for 44+ years. He was an avid Poteau Pirate & OU Sooner fan. Buck is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ella Lee Garrett; his parents, Hillard Steve & Letha (Robbins) Garrett; a sister, Alma Garrett Taylor; and a nephew Jack Henson. Steve is survived by his daughter, Lynda Lea Garrett of Tulsa, OK; a sister, Anna “Tootie” Alfred of Tulsa, OK; a nephew, James R. Alfred of Tulsa, OK; 4 nieces, Kathy Taylor Harris of Inola, OK, Emma Lou Cox of Bartlesville, OK, Claranne Hayes of Miami, OK & Mary Beth Retherford of Owasso, OK; a number of great nieces & great nephews; other relatives & loved ones; and many beloved friends. Funeral services for Steve were held at 2:00 pm Thursday, May 7, 2009 at First Baptist Church of Poteau, OK with the Reverend Phil McGehee officiating. Interment followed the services at Oakland Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Harrell Bright, Lance Smith, Bob Free, Bert Corr, Scottie Bratton, Dewey Shoup, Dewayne Fussell, & Charles “Chuck” Hollingsworth. Honorary pallbearers were the members of the Poteau Fire Department, retired Poteau Fire Fighters, Phillip Zearley, Cloyis Clay, & Sherman Floyd.

Paul Edward Jones

Paul Edward Jones,88, of Heavener, OK passed away on Monday, May 4, 2009 in Wister, OK. Paul was born on April 28, 1921 in Winfield, AR to JC & Ola (Brothers) Jones. Paul was raised in Blackfork, AR. He married the former Reba Scott on May 6, 1942. He served in the US Army from 1942-1945, Paul worked in timber and the oilfields, and sold cars for a number of years in Mena, AR. He spent his last productive years bailing hay and ranching at Big Creek. Paul was a member of Big Creek Baptist Church. His beloved wife; a son, Donnie Jones; a sister Clara Bowen; 2 brothers, Floyd “Bob” & Lloyd “Bill” Jones, and his parents precede him in death. Paul is survived by his 3 daughters, Jean Meeks of Wister, OK; Jackie Steelman & Linda Duncan both of Heavener, OK; 2 sons, Ronnie Jones of Terrebonne, OR & Cary “Fred” Jones of Caddo, OK: 20 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, 5 great great grandchildren; a sister Helen Nulick of Enid, OK; a brother, JK Jones of Midland, TX; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, loved ones, & friends. Funeral services for Paul were held at 10:00 am, Friday, May 8, 2009 at Big Creek Baptist Church in the Haw Creek Community with the Reverend Bob E Cherry officiating. Interment followed the services in Hontubby Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Brother Meeks, John Steelman, Jacob Duncan, Mason Jones, Rylan Miller, Brandon Hemphill, & Lane Titsworth.

J Craig Smith

J Craig Smith, 46, of Wister, OK passed away on Monday, May 4, 2009 in Wister. Craig was born on May 26, 1962 in Larned, KS to Martin James & Iva Mae Kershner Smith. Craig married Teresa Byrd, the daughter of Ray & LaQuita Byrd on February 21, 1987 in Larned, KS & they have resided in Wister, OK for the last 22 years. Craig was a member of Bethel Baptist Church. He loved all sports especially grade & high school events and cheering on his daughter in all that she did. Craig was employed by Breeden Dodge in Fort Smith, AR. He was an avid hunter & loved golf & the outdoor life. Craig is survived by his wife Teresa Smith of the home; a daughter Jagan Smith of the home; his parents, Martin & Iva Smith, his grandmother Elma Kershner of Oklahoma City, OK; numerous other relatives & loved ones and many beloved friends. Funeral services for Craig were held at 2:00 pm Friday, May 8, 2009 at Bethel Baptist Church in Wister, OK with Reverend Clyde Steelman officiating. Interment followed the services in Maxey Cemetery in Wister with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Brian Barham, Ed Navarro, Jerry Henderson, Ricky Crane, Rocky Crane, Jason Kidd, Jason Adams, & Chris Hamm.

Bobby Ellen Adams

Bobby Ellen Adams, 64, of Wister,OK passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2009 in Poteau. Bobby was born on February 10, 1945 in Bengal, OK to Bill & Willie Mae (Dorris) Phillips. She was a daycare owner operator. Bobby was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Jewel Holson; 3 sisters, Marie Martin, Ruby Pass, & Sue Phillips 2 brothers, Billy Martin & Bud Martin; and a grandson, Tyler Brown Bobby is survived by her husband, Jay Adams of the home; a son, “Red” Roberts of Yellville, AR; a daughter, Lorry Brown of Arkansas; a stepson, Darrell Adams of Wister, OK; 2 stepdaughters, Carolyn Gutierrez of Belton, TX & Reah Maynor of Wister, OK; grandchildren, Nathan Roberts, Jonathan Brown, Chase Brown, & Trey Brown; great grandchildren, Jewel Roberts & Colista Roberts; 2 sisters, Dorothy Bollinger & Betty Ann Smith; 2 brothers, Kenneth Martin & Charles Phillips; numerous other relatives & loved ones & many beloved friends Memorial services for Bobby were held at 2:00 pm Saturday, May 9, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with the Reverend Jimmy D. Cook & the Reverend Brian Maynor officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK.

DORIS JEAN POPE

DORIS JEAN (SASNETT) POPE, AGE 67, PASSED FROM THIS LIFE AND WAS WELCOMED INTO HEAVEN ON SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2009 AT HER HOME IN LEFLORE, SURROUNDED BY FAMILY AFTER A LONG HARD FOUGHT BATTLE WITH CANCER. DORIS WAS BORN TO ED AND SCOTTIE SASNETT, ON JULY 12, 1941, IN THE GREEN VALLEY AREA JUST WEST OF THE TOWN OF LEFLORE. SHE ATTENDED LEFLORE PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND WAS A GRADUATE OF LEFLORE HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1959. SHE RECEIVED HER COSMETOLOGY LICENSE THROUGH THE TALIHINA BEAUTY COLLEGE AND OPENED DORIS’ BEAUTY SHOP IN THE EARLY 70’S IN LEFLORE. DORIS WORKED FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS AT THE LATIMER COUNTY HOSPITAL IN WILBURTON AND COUNTRY BOY FURNITURE IN POTEAU. DORIS AND JOHNNY RAY ALSO OWNED POPE’S FEED STORE AND RANCH SUPPLY IN TALIHINA FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS. IN 1990 SHE BUILT DJ’S HANDY STOP IN LEFLORE AND ENJOYED WORKING IN HER STORE AND BEAUTY SHOP. LATER DORIS AND HER HUSBAND BUILT POPE’S FARM AND RANCH SUPPLY ACROSS THE STREET FROM DJ’S HANDY STOP. IN THE LEFLORE COMMUNITY DORIS’ STORE WAS THE PLACE TO GET A COLD POP, EAT A SANDWICH AND CATCH UP ON ALL THE NEWS AROUND LEFLORE. DORIS ALSO WORKED HARD TO HELP JOHNNY RAY ON THEIR RANCH WEST OF LEFLORE. AUNT DORIS LOVED ERIC AND RONNIE WHO LIVED WITH HER AND UNCLE JOHNNY IN LEFLORE AND THEY GRADUATED FROM LEFLORE HIGH SCHOOL DORIS MARRIED JOHNNY RAY POPE ON DECEMBER 20, 1959 IN LEFLORE. THEY HAD CELEBRATED THEIR 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY THIS PAST DECEMBER 20, 2008. THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY WAS HOSTED BY HER CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN. A DAY THAT DORIS ENJOYED SEEING AND VISITING WITH MANY FRIENDS AND FAMILY. DORIS ENJOYED HAVING FAMILY GET-TOGETHERS AT HER HOME AND COOKING FOR HER FAMILY. FISH FRYS, BBQ COOKOUTS, AND QUAIL BREAKFASTS WITH ALL THE TRIMMINGS WERE JUST SOME OF THE EVENTS AT HER HOME. SHE MADE THE BEST JAR PICKLES IN THE SUMMER AND WOULD DIVIDE THEM OUT BECAUSE SO MANY FRIENDS AND FAMILY WANTED JARS OF THOSE PICKLES. DORIS WAS FAMOUS FOR HER CHICKEN-N-DUMPLINGS, CORNBREAD DRESSING AND HOMEMADE BUTTERMILK BISCUITS. DORIS ENJOYED TAKING HER FAMILY OUT TO EAT ON SPECIAL OCCASIONS, BUT WE KNEW IT WOULD ONLY BE CATFISH COVE IN FORT SMITH OR GIA COMO’S IN MCALESTER. SHE ENJOYED ATTENDING LEFLORE SAVAGE AND LADY SAVAGE BASKETBALL GAMES. AND HAD BEEN KNOWN TO YELL OUT TO ADVISE THE REFEREE HE HAD MADE A BAD CALL AGAINST ERIC, RONNIE, CODY OR MISTY. SHE WOULD BE DELIGHTED WHEN PEOPLE WOULD TELL HER WHAT A GOOD BASKETBALL PLAYER SHE WAS WHEN SHE WAS IN HIGH SCHOOL. SHE ENJOYED GOING TO BRANSON AT CHRISTMAS TO SHOP AND SEE THE LIGHTS, GOING TO ROBBERS CAVE FALL FESTIVAL AND THE AFFAIR OF THE HEART ART AND CRAFT SHOW IN TULSA. DORIS SERVED ON THE BOARD OF THE KIAMICHI AREA NUTRITION PROGRAM AND SERVED AS TRUSTEE OF THE FULL GOSPEL FELLOWSHIP CHURCH OF LEFLORE, WHICH WAS FOUNDED BY HER MOTHER SCOTTIE SASNETT. DORIS ENJOYED HELPING SUE MINGS AT THE ANNUAL ALUMNI BANQUET EVERY MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND AT LEFLORE SCHOOL. DORIS WAS PRECEDED IN DEATH BY HER PARENTS AND A BROTHER, JAMES “DUB” SASNETT; HER HUSBAND’S PARENTS, JOHN VERNON AND RUTH POPE. PALLBEARERS WILL BE JAMES SASNETT & EDDY WAYNE SASNETT OF OKLAHOMA CITY, OK ; MICHAEL KERWIN OF WOODBRIDGE, VA, JIM WAITS, SAM WARD, AND LARRY MCALESTER, ALL OF LEFLORE, OK ; HONORARY PALLBEARERS WILL BE THE LEFLORE GRADUATING CLASS OF 1959 AND COACH/CLASS SPONSOR, NADINE CARPENTER. DORIS IS SURVIVED BY HER HUSBAND, JOHNNY RAY: DAUGHTER, RENEE AND HUSBAND LES JOHNSON OF LEFLORE, OK; SON, WAYNE & WIFE REGINA POPE OF LEFLORE, OK, GRANDCHILDREN, JOSH POPE, CODY JOHNSON, KAYLA POPE, MISTY JOHNSON, JOHNNY PAUL JOHNSON & MAKENZIE POPE ALL OF LEFLORE, OK; GREAT GRANDCHILD, LEXIE JOHNSON; SISTERS, MELBA “LOIS” McFERRAN OF TULSA, OK, JANE CARTER & HUSBAND KENNY OF CONCORD, CA GENEVA BELL OF OKLAHOMA CITY, OK; BROTHER, MARVIN SASNETT AND WIFE JOYCE OF OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, HALF BROTHERS, EDDY WAYNE SASNETT & HARLEY SASNETT OF OKLAHOMA CITY,OK; DALE SASNETT OF McALESTER, OK; AUNTS, LAVADA HAMNER OF TULSA, OK BETTY DIXON, LEFLORE, OK, SPECIAL GREAT NEPHEWS ERIC JERNIGAN AND WIFE CYNDI OF BROKEN ARROW, OK, RONNIE HENDERSON & WIFE CATHLEEN OF JENKS, OK; SPECIAL BEST FRIEND AND SISTER IN HEART, JEWEL LEFLORE OF LEFLORE; BEST FRIEND, SUE MINGS OF LEFLORE Other COUSINS, SPECIAL NIECES & NEPHEWS; OTHER Relatives & Loved Ones; A Host of Beloved Friends Services 10 am Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at LeFlore Baptist Church in LeFlore, OK with Rev. Ron Bss & Rev. Ed Sasnett officiating. Interment following in LeFlore Cemetery.

Ronnie Joe Goodman

Ronnie Joe Goodman, 67, of Pocola, OK passed away Saturday, May 2, 2009 in Ft. Smith, AR. He was born in Slayton, TX on April 8, 1942, to Joe Harvey & Lilla Mae (Kline) Goodman. Ronnie was a truck driver; a veteran of the US Army having served in Korea. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Rhonda Goodman Langley; 2 brotheres, Kenneth & Harold; 2 sisters, Gracie Harp & Barbara Lusk; and his parents. Survivors include his daughters & sons in law; Lucia & Bill Brasher of Blue Mountain, AR, Nettie & Carlos Gonzalez of Pocola, OK; son & daughter in law, Ronnie & Amanda Goodman of Pocola, OK; wife, Elva Goodman of Pocola, OK; 8 grandchildren, Nicholas Brasher, Amber Warnock, Krystyn Francis, Chelsea Francis, Houston Francis, James T. Goodman, Taylor Goodman & Sierra Goodman; grandson in law, Matthew Warnock; 3 sisters, Elizabeth Cook of Ennis, TX, Sue Goodman of Texas & Kimberly Goodman of Houston, TX; 4 brothers, Clinton Goodman of Ennis, TX, STanley & wife Marie Goodman of Ennis, TX, Wesley Goodman of Houston, TX & Bradley Goodman of Florida; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services: 9:30 am, Wednesday, May 6, 2009 at Evans Memorial Chapel in Pocola, with Rev. John Cockerham & Stanley Goodman officiating. Interment will follow at 11 am at Ft. Smith National Cemetery, Ft. Smith, AR. Pallbearers: William "Bill" Brasher, Nicholas Brasher, James T. Goodman, Matt Warnock, Kevin Goodman, & James H. Goodman. The family will visit with friends on Tuesday evening from 6-8 at the funeral home in Pocola.

Patricia Ann Bolin

Patricia Ann Bolin, 64, of Poteau, OK passed away Friday, May 1, 2009 in Poteau. Patricia was born in Danville, Kentucky on June 6, 1944 to Luther & Ollie (Lair) Bolin. She was a homemaker & of the Baptist faith. Patricia is survived by her husband, James Lewallen of Poteau, OK; 2 daughters, Lisa Opsahl of Cedar Rapids, IA & Theresa Bolin of Orlando, FL; 2 sons, Larry Anderson of Cedar Rapids, IA & James Anderson of Little Rock, AR; numerous grandchildren; 3 sisters, Edna Miller of Danville, KY, Edie Lane of Nocholsville, KY, & Betty Dean of Lancaster, KY; 1 brother, Ralph Bolin of Eureka, MO; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services: 10 am, Thursday, May 7, 2009 at the Oakland Cemetery Pavilion in Poteau, OK with the Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment following in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK.

Luther Wayne Helton

Luther Wayne Helton, 62, of Poteau, OK passed away in Poteau on Friday, May 1, 2009. Wayne was born August 17, 1946 in Tulare CA. to Luther Paul & Vera (Huggins) Helton. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War; a maintenance welder and mechanic. He is survived by his mother, Vera Helton of Poteau, OK; 2 daughters, Lori Diaz of Omaha, NE & Tonya Andrews of Modesto, CA; brothers, Bill Helton of Claremore, OK and James Helton of Tyler, TX, sisters, Kay Romine of Van Buren,AR & Cleo "Cookie" Crawford of Caddo, OK; 9 Grandchildren; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services: 2 pm, Monday, May 4, 2009 at Southside Baptist Church in Poteau, OK with the Rev. Monty Thompson officiating. Interment following in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK.