Jeanne Ballew

Jeanne Ballew, 76, of Wister, OK passed away Saturday, June 27, 2009 in Ft. Smith, AR. She was born August 27, 1932 in Wister, OK to William L. Sr. & Ora [Little] Free. Mrs. Ballew was a member of the First baptist Church in Wister, OK. She was retired from Wister Public Schools after teaching for 25 years. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Geneva Johnson & Brothers, Bill & Nim Free. Survivors include her husband, Wayne Ballew of the home; 2 sons, Gary Ballew of Ft. Smith, AR. Kendall and wife Sherry Ballew of Poteau, OK; granddaughter, Brianne Ballew of Midwest City, OK; sister, Louise Hornbuckle of Wister, OK; brothers, Bob Free of Poteau, OK and Tommy "Buddy" Free of Torrance, CA; numerous nieces, nephews, other realtives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services 2:00 pm, Wednesday July 1, 2009 at Wister First Baptist Church - Wister, OK - Rev. Keith Stewart officiating. Interment in Ellis Chapel Cemetery, Wister,. Pallbearers: Steve Tiffee, Sam Walden, Jesse Akins, Donnie DeWitt, Jared DeWitt and Wayne Woodall.

VIDA ELLEN WRIGHT

Vida Ellen Wright was born on November 24, 1917, to Zeoda May North and Ralph Melvin Fenderson, from pioneer families who made land runs into Oklahoma Territory. Born in Prague, OK she was raised in the nearby oil fields (Lyonsville, & Bryant) where her father worked. She was the third of four children, the other three being boys: Eldon, Lowell, & Enos. After the sudden death of her Father, when she was six, the family remained in the oil fields, as Vida's mother ruggedly struggled to provide and care for the five of them by running a boarding house and farming. In 1926 her mother met and married, O.M. Lindhorst and the two pooled their assets and ran a ten cent store in Henryetta, OK. Later Mr. Lindhorst adopted the four children and they moved to Chandler, Lincoln County, OK, and again operated a dime store. During this happy time of Vida's life, she enjoyed drawing, painting, writing, and working in the dime store. She was an excellent student and was salutatorian of her Chandler High School class. She attended Junior college and Oklahoma A & M and worked as a Lincoln County court reporter. In 1939, she married John Cecil Wright, also of Chandler. They were in the pharmacy/drugstore business there, and then after WWII, in Tulsa. In 1949 Vida and John moved to Poteau, OK, established and operated Wright's Drugstore for 33 years. They raised their three children and were involved in the community and Poteau's First Methodist Church. Vida was particularly active in Sunday School, the women's church groups, vacation bible school, the ESA sorority, the EOMC auxiliary, their children's school activities, AFS, and she also worked in the drugstore. She enjoyed homemaking, especially cooking and sewing. After selling the store, John and Vida had ten years of retirement together before John's passing. Vida remained in the family home on Amos Street in Poteau for about twelve years before moving to Norman, due to ill health associated with a series of mini-strokes, so as to be near relatives. She lived in the Rivermont Assisted Living Facility and was an inspiration for her courage, good humor and non-complaining attitude, though blind and affected by memory short-term loss for most of her last 5 years. She established her own identity at Rivermont, becoming well respected and appreciated for her spelling, grammar, biblical knowledge as well as her witty one-liners and enjoyed participating in the activities there. Passing on before her have been her husband of 53 years, Mother and Father, Step parents, brothers, and many aunts, uncles and cousins, as well as friends and neighbors. Survivors include her daughter, Cecilia Ellen Abrams; Son, John Albert Wright (Sallie) Daughter, Rebecca Jane Pulliam; granddaughter, Leslie Abrams Field (Warren); Grandson, Eric Christian Abrams; granddaughter, Jessianne Ashley Wright; grandchildren, Aspen, Autumn, Wildflower, Ocean, Mountain, Echo, and Willow Pulliam; great grandchildren, Brittany Gaddis, Finn and Harrison Field, & Pulliam great grandchildren; AFS Family; Juan and Abigail Solarzano; there are also many cousins and in-laws, as well as her many, many fine friends. Services 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at the Poteau First United Methodist Church. Interment in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK.

Lori L. Bullard

Lori L. Bullard, 43, of Wister, OK passed away Friday, June 26, 2009 in Fort Smith, AR. Lori was born November 9, 1965 in Poteau, OK to Eual & & Pat R. (Tucker) Ford. Lori was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Wister. She managed the cafeteria at Fanshawe and Wister Schools until she retired six years ago. She was a wonderful wife, daughter, mother, and sister. Survivors include her husband, Danny Bullard of the home; daughter & son in law, Elysia B. & Eric Dolph of Wister, OK; son and daughter in law, Christopher W. & Courtney Bullard of Monroe, OK; parents, Eual & Pat Ford of Wister, OK; mother and father in law, Bill & Faye Bullard of Fanshawe, OK; 4 sisters and brothers in law, Jeanne & James Lynch of Poteau, OK, June Warren of Mulberry, FL, Patricia Deville of Wister, OK, Phyllis & Jimmy Goodnight of Wister, OK; 2 brothers & sisters in law, Rick & Betty Ford of Heavener, OK, Lester & Sheryl Ford of Wister, OK; future grandson, Chasen Macrae Bullard; special grandmother to Jerret and Kimberlyn Carpenter of Wister, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services: 10 am, Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at Bethel Baptist Church in Wister, OK with Rev. Clyde Steelman officiating. Burial following in Ellis Chapel Cemetery, Wister, OK. Pallbearers: Chuck Lewis, Mike Woodal, Michael Gibson, Lester Ford, Rick Ford, Bill Cotner, John Warren, John Allen Ford. Honorary pallbearers, James Lynch, Jimmy Goodnight, Buddy Bullard, Jackie Farrar, & John Godwin.

Wanda Lee Mitchell Barnes

Wanda Lee (Mitchell) Barnes, 75, of Monroe, OK passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 in Fort Smith, AR. Wanda was born on September 3, 1933 in Monroe, OK to James C. & Ira (Gregory) Mitchell. Wanda loved all children and was a friend to everyone. Her husband, John H. Barnes; a sister & brother in law, Pervie & Jiggs Daniel, a brother, J.C. Mitchell, & her parents precede Wanda in death. Wanda is survived by 2 daughters & a son in law, Danna Barnes of the home & Donna & Rocco LaRosa of Monroe, OK; 2 grandchildren, John Michael & Beth LaRosa of Monroe, OK & Mandy & John Mitchell of Poteau, OK; 3 great grandsons, Mason & Caden Mitchell of Poteau, OK & Ashton Bailey of Monroe, OK; a sister, Retha Barnes of Hartford, AR; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones & many beloved friends. Funeral services for Wanda were held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, June 27, 2009 at Monroe Baptist Church in Monroe, OK with the Reverend Tommy Harris officiating. Interment followed the services in Monroe Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Jared Wood, Jim Daniel, Bo Daniel, Tyler Barnes, Butch Miller, & Todd Mead.

Earlene Ross

Earlene Ross, 76, of Cameron, OK was born on February 21, 1933 in Cameron, OK to Melvin &I Eunice (Ray) Hughes. Earlene was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Cameron; a clerk, and a homemaker. Earlene’s parents and a sister, Melvadene Hughes precede her in death. Earlene is survived by her beloved husband, Oran Ross of the home; a daughter & son in law, Lea & Jim Ridenour of Cameron, OK; a son, Byron Ross of Cameron, OK; her grandchildren, Ross Ridenour, John Ridenour, Sara & Craig Barnett, & Bryan & Angila Montgomery; a great granddaughter, Ashley Montgomery; a brother Billy Ray Hughes of Santa Clarita, CA; numerous other relatives & loved ones, and many beloved friends. Funeral services for Earlene were held at 10:00 am, Saturday, June 27, 2009 at First United Methodist Church of Cameron with the Reverend Gary Withrow officiating. Interment followed the services in Greenhill Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were her grandsons, Ross Ridenour, John Ridenour, Bryan Montgomery, & Craig Barnett.

Debora Maria Smith

Debora Maria Smith, 51, of Wister, OK lost her battle with cancer on June 25, 2009 in Wister, OK and went to Heaven for a joyous reunion with her loved ones that preceded her. Debora was born on May 16, 1958 in Holdenville, OK to Jerry & Lottie JoAnn (Dobbins) Williams. She was a legal secretary and a homemaker. She married the love of her life, Rex Smith on May 28, 1976 and they shared 33 wonderful years. Debora’s grandson was the light of her life and she loved flowers & gardening. Deborah is survived by her husband, Rex Smith of the home; 2 daughters, Nicole Smith of the home along with her fiancé’ Cory Ray, and Krista & her husband Daniel Free of Bates, AR; a grandson, Colton Free of Bates, AR; her parents, James & JoAnn Williams of Henryetta, OK; a sister & brother in law, Brenda & Randy Luellen; a special aunt Linda Collette of Henryetta, OK; special best friends, Phyllis Harris & Kathy Quirk; numerous other relatives & loved ones & many beloved friends. Funeral services for Debora were held at 10:00 am Monday, June 29, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with Larry Free & Joe Hayden Hall officiating. Interment followed the services at 3:00 pm, at Senora Cemetery in Henryetta. OK with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Josh Free, Floyd Smith, Cory Ray, Daniel Free, Caleb Free, Bud Morgan, Jake Donaho, Kerry Jackson, & Frank Smith. Honorary pallbearers were Randy Luellen, Carroll Kellogg, & Kendal Repass.

Margie Bernice Wiles

Margie Bernice Wiles, 83, of Cameron, OK passed away on June 26, 2009 in Poteau, OK. Margie was born on April 16, 1926 in Bokoshe, OK to John R. & Virgle Zozella Barnes. She was a homemaker. Margie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Willie Harold Wiles; a daughter, Sharon Dillon, her parents, John R. & Virgle Zozella Barnes; 3 brothers, Art, Olens, & Carl Barnes & a sister Betty Russell. Margie is survived by 2 daughters & sons in law, Joyce & Joe Farrar of Cameron, OK & Sherril & David Faulkenberry of Shady Point, OK; a son in law, Wayne Dillon of Longtown, OK; a brother, Isaac Barnes of Spiro, OK; a sister Lois Smith of Shady Point, OK; 8 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; numerous other relatives & loved ones; and many beloved friends. Funeral services for Margie were held at 10:00 am, Monday. June 29, 2009 at Shady Point Assembly of God Church in Shady Point with the Krystal Dillon & Kendall Dillon officiating. Interment followed the services at Fairview Cemetery in Panama, OK with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Benny Farrar, Jackie Farrar, Kendall Dillon, Brandon Faulkenberry, Jamie Farrar, & Josh Farrar.

Bessie Green

Bessie Green, 90, of Monroe. OK passed away on Monday, June 22, 2009 in Poteau, OK. Bessie was born on August 27, 1918 in Durant, OK to Wade Francis & Evie (Waldrop) Jones. She was a homemaker. Bessie is preceded in death by 3 husbands, Loyd Keeney, Joe Vermillion, & Lloyd Green; a son, Charles Keeney; 6 brothers, Travis Jones, Wade Jones Jr., Walter Jones, Tommy Jones, Bobby Jones, & Jimmy Jones; and her parents. Bessie is survived by 2 daughters, Virginia Sanders & Linda Smith both of Monroe, OK; 3 sons, Thurman “Tex” Keeney of Cedar Edge, CO, Marvin Keeney of Spiro, OK & William “Bill” Keeney of Heavener, OK; 16 grandchildren; a number of great grandchildren & great great grandchildren; 2 sisters, Katherine Dugger of Monroe, OK & Ella Mae Hardin of Weatherford, TX; a number of nieces & nephews, other relatives & loved ones & many beloved friends. Funeral services for Bessie were held at 2:00 pm, Friday, June 26, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with the Reverend Jimmy D. Cook officiating. Interment followed the services at Monroe Cemetery in Monroe, OK with arrangements under the directions of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Faye Johnson, Rusty Frizzell, Dustin Wade, Evie Wade, Don Conner, & Karen Masini.

Sue Earls

Sue (McBride) Earls, 62, of Pocola, Oklahoma passed away Wednesday, June 17, 2009 in Fort Smith, AR. Sue was born January 11, 1947 in Fort Smith to Arley Wallace & Sally Elizabeth [Matthews] Neighbors. She worked in food service for Fort Smith Public Schools for 30 ½ years. She was a member of Bluff Avenue Baptist church in Fort Smith, AR. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Ronnie McBride, brother, Jerry Neighbors, father, Arley Neighbors. Survivors include her husband, Owen T. Earls of the home; daughter & son in law, Cindy & Jody Grizzle of Pocola, OK; son & daughter in law, Kevin & Lisa McBride of Owasso, OK; 5 grandchildren, Matthew Grizzle, Cailin Grizzle, Adam McBride, Jett McBride, & Jacob McBride; Mother, Sally Neighbors of Uniontown, AR; 3 sisters & brothers in law, Ruthie & Charles Smith of Gore, OK, Mary & Jay Armer of Rudy, AR, Tami & Jerry Willson of McAlester, OK; 2 brothers & sisters in law, Arley & Sue Neighbors of Knobnoster, MO, Roy & Betty Neighbors of Muldrow, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends Services were held 10 am, Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at Bluff Avenue Baptist Church in Fort Smith, AR with Bro. Robert Berry & Bro. Shane Waldrop officiating. Interment followed in New Hope Cemetery in Spiro, OK Pallbearers were Jeff Neighbors, Shaun Smith, Jerry Willson, Jay Armer, Larry Cole, Truman Crawford, Matt Duke & Paul Miller Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Pocola, OK

Philip E. Casteel

Philip E. Casteel, 44, of Ft. Smith, AR passed away Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at his home in Ft. Smith. Philip was born in Yuba City, CA on July 29, 1964 to Philip Sr. & Leona M. [Fryhover] Casteel. He was a roofing contractor. Philip was preceded in death by his father; stepfathers, Michael Sweeney & Virgil Wayne Thompson; brother in law, David Turk. Survivors include his sons, Jason Scott & Chaunte Casteel, Joseph Scott Casteel, Jerami Scott & Megan Casteel all of Heavener, OK; mother, Leona May Thompson of Monroe, OK; 3 sisters, Liz & Mark Collins of Heavener, OK, Tina Marie & Donald Sanders of Howe, OK, Malinda Sweeney of Monroe, OK; 11 grandchildren; nieces & nephews, Angela Ritter, Aurora Ritter, Ashley Collins, Taylor Collins, Christopher Williams, Delilah Williams, John Jones, Donnie, Derek, & Dakota Sanders; special uncle, Karl Skinner, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services 2 pm, Thursday, June 25, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with Bill Willis and Jim Cook officiating. Interment in Monroe Cemetery, Monroe, OK. Pallbearers: Jason, Joseph & Jerami Casteel, Timothy Eugene & Karl Skinner, Clifford Lee Ellis, Sgt. Christopher Williams, Jeff Walker, Sean Haaser, Neal Martin.

Alfred A. Monks

Alfred A. Monks, 80, of Spiro, OK passed away Friday, June 19, 2009 in Poteau, OK. Al was born in Tahona, OK on November 3, 1928 to Dave & Minnie [Robinson] Monks. He attended the First Baptist Church in Panama, OK. He was a veteran of the US Army having served during WWII. Survivors include his wife, Janice of the home; daughters, Debbie Janway of Heavener, OK & Jennifer Maddox of Ft. Smith, AR; 3 sons, Jeff Jacobs of Spiro, OK, Ronnie Monks of Alma, OK and Al Monks of Panama, OK; 11 Grandchildren, Little Al, Sissy, Misty, Jason, Jeffrey, Jeremy, Kevin, Jason, Natasha, Matthew and Johnny; numerous great grandchildren; sister, Lois Raymond of Spiro, OK; brothers, Dave Monks of Panama, OK, August Monks of Shady Point, OK, Frank Monks of Ft. Gibson, OK; Services 2 pm, Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at First Baptist Church in Panama, OK with Rev. Jim Cook & Rev. Larry Harris officiating. Interment will be Fairview Cemetery Panama, OK.

Juanita Davis

JUANITA DAVIS, 90, OF OKEMAH, OK PASSED AWAY FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2009 IN OKEMAH. SURVIVORS include DAUGHTER, FREIDA JO & DON HUTTON OF ROGERS, AR SONS LEO & MARY DAVIS OF WALLS, OK, DALE & SARA DAVIS OF OKEMAH, OK; 11 GRANDCHILDREN; 29 GREAT GRANDCHILDREN; 14 GREAT GREAT GRANDCHILDREN; 2 SISTERS CARMELITA & PAUL ASKEW OF RED OAK, OK, DAPHNE & EUEL MARTIN OF RED OAK, OK; NUMEROUS NIECES AND NEPHEWS Other Relatives & Loved Ones; A Host of Beloved Friends JUANITA WAS BORN AUGUST 3, 1918 IN BRAZIL STATION, OK TO TOMMY AND MAGGIE (TUBBS) SIDES. AT THE EARLY AGE OF 16, JUANITA MET AND MARRIED ELVIN DAVIS OF DOG CREEK. THEY MADE THEIR HOME IN DIFFERENT PLACESS, WHILE ELVIN WORKED FOR THE FRISCO RAILROAD, BEFORE FINALLY SETTLING DOWN IN OKEMAH. JUANITA WAS A DEVOTED WIFE, LOVING MOTHER AND GRANDMOTHER, WHO THOROUGHLY ENJOYED HER FAMILY AND WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. SHE LOVED TO COOK. EVEN DURING THE WAR, WHEN STRANGERS SHOWED UP AT THE DOOR SHE WOULD INSIST THEY HAVE A MEAL BEFORE THEY GOT BACK ON THEIR WAY. SHE LOVED TO TRAVEL. THEY TOOK A FAMILY TRIP TO ARIZONA . IN 1968, A WISH OF SEEING THE GRAND OLE OPRY WAS GRANTED BY A CAMPING TRIP ACROSS TENNESSEE, GEORGIA AND NORTH CAROLINA. JUANITY ENJOYED THE LIGHTS AND SHOWS OF LAS VEGAS, BRANSON, AND THE BEAUTY OF HAWAII. GET TOGETHERS WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS ALWAYS MADE JUANITA SMILE, OR JUST WATCHING EVERYONE PLAYING CARDS, OR ELVIN AND DALE PLAYING GUITAR AND EVERYONE JOINING IN SINGING ALONG. SHE COULD GROW A BEAUTIFUL GARDEN, MADE THE BEST CHOW CHOW AND BREAD AND BUTTER PICKLES – EVEN IF ELVIN SAID SHE DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO DRIVE THE TRACTOR VERY WELL. JUANITA WAS A LONG TIME MEMBER OF THE OKEMAH CHURCH OF CHRIST, AND MORE RECENTLY THE CORMWELL CHURCH OF CHRIST. SHE WAS PRECEDED IN DEATH BY HER PARENTS, HUSBAND OF 58 YEARS, ELVIN DAVIS; DAUGHTER, SHELBIE JEAN DAVIS ROSS; GRANDSON, BRIAN ROSS AND 6 BROTHERS, WARREN, RED, GRANVIL, DARREL, BURNIS AND OSSIE. PALLBEARERS WILL BE GRANDSONS, DEXTER ROSS, DANIEL DAVIS, KRIS DAVIS, JOHN HUTTON, ISAAC HUTTON AND RANDY BEEBE. HONORARY PALLBEARERS WILL BE GRANDSONS, MIKE HUTTON, PAT HUTTON, LOREN DAVIS AND LONG TIME FRIEND, DENTON FOX. SERVICES WILL BE MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2009 AT 2 PM, AT POTEAU CHURCH OF CHRIST, POTEAU OK WITH JAMES BRANSCUM OFFICIATING. INTERMENT FOLLOWING IN DOG CREEK CEMETERY, DOG CREEK COMMUNITY, OK

Al Rogers

Al Rogers was born in Cedars, OK. He was the son of Willie Bedell Carter & Lewis Rogers. He was a graduate of Douglass High School in Spiro, Oklahoma. He attended Union Baptist Church and was a member of a quartet called Union Star Quartet along with Nathaniel Woods, Earl Eugene Cummins, Tim Edward Cummings, and Robert McClish. They traveled throughout the surrounding area singing gospel music. He served his country in the US Army from 1953 to 1955. In 1957, he entered the vows of Holy Matrimony with Ruby Jean Crutchfield. To this union, one son and two daughters were born. In 1982, he rededicated is life to the Lord at Macedonia Temple Church of God in Christ where he received the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues. He was ordained Deacon on December 10, 2004. He also served faithfully as assistant Sunday School Superintendent until his health failed. He went home to be with his Lord on Wednesday, June 10, 2009. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Ruby Jean Rogers of the home; one son Allen Ray Rogers Sr. & his wife Kellie ; 2 daughters, Yvonne Rogers & Rechelle Rogers; 8 grandchildren, Twynette Dixon, Shameka & Latoya Brown, Allen Ray Rogers, Jr., Michael Lewis Rogers, Vanessa, David, & Daniel Myers.; 2 great grandchildren Shatoya Brown & Elijah Ray Rogers; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, relatives & extended family and friends. Burial followed the services at Ft. Smith National Cemetery in Fort Smith, AR with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Joe Massey, James Kursh, Duane Figgers, EJ McCurtain, Michael Crutchfield, & Larry Roberts. Flower girls were Kim Olive, Theresa Lawrence, Lajuanna Taylor, & Yolanda Sellers.

Jane K. Otto

Jane K. Otto, 83, of Poteau, OK passed away on Friday, June 12, 2009 in Fort Smith, AR. Jane was born on Decembe3r 4, 1925 in Alexandria, Virginia to William A. & Mary (Thornton) King. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and a retired member of the CIA. Jane is preceded in death by her husband, Lee M. Otto; a sister, Ruth King, & her parents. Jane is survived by a grandson, Greg Phillips & his wife Michelle of Poteau, OK; 5 great grandchildren, Michael Humphrey, Michael Phillips, Jonathan Phillips, Meagan Phillips, & Breanna Humphrey; numerous other relatives & loved ones & a host of beloved friends. Funeral mass for Jane were held at 2:00 pm Monday, June 15, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with Father Valentine officiating. Interment followed the service in Oakland Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK.

Heath Travis Lomon

Heath Travis Lomon, 37, of Cameron, OK passed away Monday, June 1, 2009 in the Williams Community, OK. Heath was born August 3, 1971 in Fort Smith, AR. He was self-employed. Heath was an avid baseball fan having played high school baseball with Cameron High School Championship teams. He especially enjoyed watching major league teams on which his former American Legion teammates played. His caring for livestock belonging to him & his dad was a special interest. It thrilled him immensely to find new additions to the herd. He had a special bond with his canine companion, Rusty who accompanied him on daily livestock rounds. Heath is preceded in death by his grandparents, G.T. Lomon, Jim Archey and Erma Archey. He is survived by his mother, Carlon Lomon of Cameron, OK; father, Jackie Lomon of Cameron, OK; grandmother, Dorothy Lomon of Williams Community, OK; 2 aunts, 1 uncle, several cousins; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services 2 pm Monday in Evans Chapel of Memories with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment in Greenhill Cemetery, Cameron, OK. Pallbearers: Kevin Lomon, Craig Gibson, Mark Gray,John Boggs, Bryce Archey & Kendall Lomon. Honorary pallbearers, Cliff Caughron, Gary Seaton, Mick Caughron & Jimmie Archey.

Ewing Waymire Sr.

Ewing Waymire Sr., 84, of Poteau, OK passed away Wednesday, June 3, 2009 in Poteau. He was born in the Independence Community (near Heavener) Oklahoma on April 15, 1925 to Calvin & Mary (Fortner) Waymire. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Poteau. Ewing worked for the Ford Motor Company for more than 25 years. He was a veteran of WWII having served as a SeaBee in the US Navy. Ewing and Marcella (Ritter) were married August 25, 1950. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bobby Junior Waymire & son in law, John DeLude. Survivors include his wife, Marcella of the home; daughter, Derotha DeLude of Poteau, OK, son, Ewing Jr. & Susie Waymire of Poteau, OK; grandchildren, Christy & Jon Hamlin, Terre & Chad Braun; great grandchildren, Joshua & Caleb Hamlin, Cede & Katy Braun; sisters, Ruby Jewel Wyse of Denton, TX, Edna Lou Walkup of Howe, OK, Anna Rowena Usrey of Mesquite, TX, Marcella Faye Bush of Mesquite, TX, Odella Mae Guinn of Mesquite, TX, Wanda Lee Loras of Quinlan, TX brothers, Vester Leon “Beck” Waymire of Mabank, TX, Jasper Eugene Waymire of Poteau, OK, Jimmy Oderral Waymire of Mabank, TX; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were held 2 pm, Friday, June 5, 2009 at the First Baptist Church in Poteau, OK with Rev. Harold McConnell & Rev. Clyde Usrey officiating. Interment followed in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau. Pallbearers were Gary Wayne Waymire, Roger Waymire, Michael Ritter, Bentley Hill, Steve Humphries. Honorary pallbearers were Charlie Cox, Bradley Hill, Rodney Waymire, & Donnie Waymire. Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, Oklahoma

Jim Meek

James D. “Jim” Meek, 81, of Poteau, OK passed away on June 1, 2009 in Poteau, OK. He was born in Fort Smith, AR on January 14, 1928. Jim was a veteran of the US Navy. He was preceded in death by his parents, James D. & Dewanda (Van Dyke) Meek Sr. Survivors include his wife June of the home; son, Jeff & wife Angela Meek of Shady Point, OK; grandsons, Colt Sanders, Ty Sanders; great granddaughter, Baley Sanders; sister, Carolyn & Dell Nelson; brother, Roger & Georgia Meek all of Ft Smith, AR; several nieces & nephews; other relatives & loved ones; and many beloved friends. Funeral services for Jim were held at 10:00 am, Thursday, June 4, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with the Elder Chip Hinds officiating. Interment followed the services at Old Bokoshe Cemetery, Bokoshe, OK with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Stan Yerton, Caleb Yerton, Jim Green, Roger Meek Jr., Dean Wein, Kristopher Wein. Honorary pallbearers were David Green, Stephen Meek, Philip Meek and Jesse Howe.

Jesse Boyd Loomis

Jesse Boyd Loomis, 64, of Wister, OK passed away Sunday, May 31, 2009 in Poteau, OK. He was born January 1, 1945 to Ernest & Jewel Ruth (Merryman) Loomis in LeFlore (Bengal), OK. Jesse was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Kevin Loomis, grandson, Michael Rice, great grandson, Matthew Rice, nephew, Mikey McDaniel; sister, Bernadean McDaniel & brothers, Alvin Prewitt, Alfred Cooksey & Delbert Loomis. Jesse was a veteran of the US Air Force. He loved hunting, fishing, and riding horses. He loved the outdoors. Survivors include his wife, Beverly Jane Loomis of the home; 4 sons, Joe Rice, Larry & wife Beverly Loomis, Jeff & wife Debbie Loomis all of Wister, OK, Charlie Ralls of Poteau, OK; daughter & partner, Rebecca Loomis & Michael Fisher of Wister, OK; 13 Grandchildren, Anthony Loomis, Jesse Loomis, Jamie Rice, Hannah Miller, Dustin Rice, Shandee Rice, Michael Oliver, Chantillie Oliver, Hank Miller, Michaela Ralls, Hunter Miller, Jocie Rice, & Dylan Shanks; Great Grandchildren, Trey Knight, Blessed Rice, Michael Rice Jr., Serenity Rice, Gabin Rice, and Dallas Rice; brothers, Jack Loomis of Williams, OK, Billy Loomis of Tulsa, OK, Larry “Bear” Loomis of Wister, OK, Tommy Cooksey of Pennsylvania; sister, Ruth Brown of Ft. Worth, TX; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were held 2 pm, Thursday, June 4, 2009 at the First Assembly of God Church in Wister, OK with Rev. Frankie Harris & Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment followed in Ellis Chapel Cemetery, Wister, OK. Pallbearers were Larry, Anthony, Jeff Loomis, Joe Rice, Charlie Loomis, Charlie Ralls, Stanley & Steve Jenkins. Honorary Pallbearers were Jack, Billy, & Bear Loomis, Tommy Cooksey, Ronald, Keith. Jerry, Jamie, Brad, Chris, & Jesse Loomis, & Don Armstrong

Mary M. Pickle

Mary M. Pickle, 78, of Poteau, OK passed away Saturday, May 30, 2009 at her home in Poteau. She was born June 23, 1930 to Wilson S. & Lois Agnes (Ford) Flanary. Mary was preceded in death by her mother, Lois A. Flanary Faires & father, Wilson S. Flanary; brother, Virgil L. Flanary & sister, Lora B. McDaniel and her husband, Herbert Norman Pickle. Mary served on the county election board; she was a member of the Democratic Women; worked for 32 years for Alltel; delivered meals on wheels for the Nutrition Center. She was a member of Southside Baptist church where she served in many capacities: going on missionary trips to Mexico & other places; assisting in the nursery; keeping children for parents during visitation; working in Vacation Bible School; serving on the food committee; going on many trips with Senior Adults; she bowled with the Women's bowling league. She was always the first to volunteer for any job. Mary was fair and honest. She laughed often and loved the grandkids, no one will ever be able to cook like her!! She was a wonderful granny and a die hard gardener and awesome cook. She is survived by her daughter& son in law, Norma & Chip Sutton of Glenpool, OK; sons & daughters in law, James & Judy Pickle of Paola, OK, Steve & Teresa Pickleof Poteau, OK; 9 grandchildren & 5 great grandchildren; brothers & sisters in law, Larry J. & Joan Flanary of Fayetteville, AR;, Bill & Mary Kay Flanary of Kingsland, TX, Mary Gail Flanary of Grand Pairie, TX; sisters & brothers in law, Bonnie Gipson of Springdale, AR, Diana & Jim Parnell of Flowery Branch, GA, & Eva & Randall Smith of Sherman, TX, & Paul McDaniel of Poyen, AR. Services: 2 pm, Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at Southside Baptist Church with Rev. Bentley Hill and Rev. Dale Rogers officiating. Interment in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK. Pallbearers will be Jerry Gregg, Dexter Haskins, Aud Balentine, Monte Thompson, Glendon Chester, & Bill Seale.