Lathaniel Fowler, Sr.

Lathaniel Fowler, Sr. 74 passed away on July 28, 2009 at his home in Rock Island, OK following a lengthy illness. Lathaniel was born on January 28, 1935 in Fort Smith, AR to Robert L. & Charlcie (Wade) Fowler. He was a member of Pocola Christian Fellowship, a graduate of Fort Smith High School, an Air Force veteran and a retired Civil Service employee. His parents preceded him in death. Lathaniel is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Shirley (Muncy) Fowler of the home; 2 daughters & sons in law, Lisa & D.A. Myers III of Butler, MO and Gayla S. & Roger Blair of Rock Island, OK; a son, Lathaniel Fowler Jr. of Rock Island, OK; a grandson & his wife, Troy & Maria Greenwell of Belton, MO; 2 granddaughters & their husbands, Trisha & Jerald Ferguson of Belton, MO & Sebrina & Billy Park of Sasebo, Japan; 11 great grandchildren; 2 brothers, Wilson W. Fowler of Rock Island, OK and Robert R. Fowler of Fort Smith, AR; a sister and brother in law, Iris & Davey Lee Sumners of Fort Smith, AR; numerous other relatives & loved ones and many beloved friends. Funeral services for Lathaniel were held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, August 1, 2009 at Evans Memorial Chapel in Pocola, OK with the Reverend Eldon Burnett officiating. Interment followed the services in Mt. Cemetery, Hackett, AR with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Pocola. Pallbearers were Jim Holt, Bob Pyatt, Brent Pyatt, & David Holt.

Jeremy Dale Sexton

Jeremy Dale Sexton, 36 of Fayetteville, AR passed away on July 20, 2009 in Fayetteville. Jeremy was born on March 21, 1973to Larry & Deborah (Rohrbach) Sexton. He was a talented artist who loved to draw. He also loved cooking & listening to rock and heavy metal music. Jeremy is survived by his mother, Deborah Rohrbach of Atlantic Beach, FL; his father, Larry Gene Sexton of Euless, TX; a brother, Joshua McKinley Clark of Fort Worth, TX; his paternal grandparents, Lydia & Charles Sexton of Poteau, OK; his maternal grandfather, Frank E. Rohrbach of Huntsville, TX; a number of aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and loved ones and many beloved friends. Memorial services for Jeremy were held at 1:00 pm Thursday, July 30, 2009 at Oakland Cemetery Pavilion in Poteau, Oklahoma with the Reverend Jim Parsley & Harrell Vise officiating. Interment followed the services with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK.

William Darrell Roland

William Darrell Roland, 67, of Shady Point, OK passed away Thursday, July 23, 2009 in Oklahoma City, OK. He was born March 30, 1942, in Papaw Central, OK to Freddy & Mildred (Kenney) Roland. Darrell was a member of Shady Point Assembly of God Church; a veteran of the US Army and retired from Whirlpool Corporation. He loved fishing, watching ballgames, and spending time with his family and friends. Survivors include his wife, Sue Roland of the home; son and daughter in law, Darrell Wayne & Mindy Roland of Shady Point, OK; daughters, Donita McMullen & Stephanie Harris; 3 grandchildren; brother & sister in law, D.D. & Linda Roland of Vinita, OK; sister & brother in law, Pat & Eddie Finney of Booneville, AR; mother & stepfather, Mildred & Wayne Ferguson of Muldrow, OK; parents in law, Eugene Allen & Billie Jean Logan of Shady Point, OK; brother in law & sister in law, Jerry & Peggy Logan of Keota, OK; special aunt, Cille Williams of Shady Point, OK; special cousins, Joe & Ruth Davison; special friends, Joey & Tim Gish; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services: 2 pm, Monday, July 27,2009 at First Assembly of God Church - Shady Point, OK with Rev. Joe Owen & Rev. Mike Bunch officiating. Burial in Shady Point Cemetery. Pallbearers: Nick AShby, Josh Massey, Derrick Herrington, Cody Holt, John Davison & Dustin Reddin.

ZOLLEN LEE TUCKER JR.

Zollen Lee Tucker Jr., 43, of Columbus, Ohio formerly of Panama, OK passed away on Sunday July 19, 2009 in Columbus, OH. He was born August 29, 1965 in Los Angeles, CA to Zollen Lee & Peggy G. Harold Tucker Sr. Zollen was a member of the American Legion and a disabled veteran of the US Army & he later joined the US Air Guard. He loved riding motorcycles. He was preceded in death by his mother, Peggy Gustafson and his father, Zollen Tucker Sr. Survivors include his stepmother, Marlene Tucker of Alma, AR; stepfather, Walter Gustafson of Panama, OK; brother Tim Tucker of Panama, OK; sisters, Christina AJohnston of Lavaca, AR, Terry Thompson of Greenwood, AR, Sharlene Johnson of Ft. Smith, AR; Nancy Tew of Alma, AR; sons, Michael Tucker of Altus, OK, Zollen Lee Tucker III of Cheyenne, WY; daughter, Michylea Tucker of Cheyenne, WY; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services: 10 am, Saturday, July 25, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories - Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Burial in New Hope Cemetery - Spiro, OK.

SYDNA CHARLENE CARR

Sydna Charlene Carr, 72, of Poteau, OK passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2009 in Ft. Smith, AR. She was born December 31, 1936, in Talihina, OK to Bill & Lois (Wall) Palmer. Charlene was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Leno Carr; son, Charles William Carr; and her parents. She liked to go fishing, sewing, and singing (in Choctaw. Survivors include her son, Matthew Carr of the home; 2 daughters, Christine Durant of Pocola, OK and Stephenie Carr of the home; granddaughter, Crystal Sampley of Ft. Smith, AR; great grandchildren, Ethat Selph and Charla Selph of Ft. Smith, AR; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services: 10 am, Saturday, July 25, 2009 at First Step of Faith, Poteau, OK with Rev. Leon Glenn officiating. Burial in Fairhill(Knothole) Cemetery- Cameron, OK.

Paul H. Wells

Paul H. Wells, 82, of Shady Point, OK passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2009 in Fort Smith, AR. He was born September 10, 1926 in Shady Point, OK to Louis Condy & Minnie Belle (Richards) Wells. Paul was a member of Calhoun Baptist Church and a bridge construction engineer. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou Wells; a son, Richard McQuain and a sister, Wilma Wells. Survivors include 4 sons, Joe Wells of Tulsa, OK, Paul R. Wells of Shady Point, OK, William C. Wells of Shady Point, OK & Henry K. Wells of Shady Point, OK; daughter, Cynthia Scott of Sugar Loaf Lake, AR; 2 sisters, Ann Lee Dean of Muskogee, OK, Donnie Sue Stubbs of Farmington, AR; 15 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services: 2 pm, Saturday, July 25, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories - Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Burial following in Shady Point Cemetery Shady Point, OK . Pallbearers, Gerald Fox, Charles Scott, Chris Armistead, David Foster, Mark Morris and Bill Hoffman

Herman "Hodo" Wylie

Herman D. “Hodo” Wylie, 82, of Wister, OK passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2009 in Summerfield, OK. He was born March 9, 1927, in Holsun Valley, OK to M.L. & Lou (Turner) Wylie. Hodo was a member & deacon of Summerfield Baptist Church and a veteran of the US Army. Survivors include his wife, Tema Wylie of the home; daughter & son in law, Kathy & Alton Carpenter of Summerfield, OK; grandchildren, Kendall & wife, Sharla Carpenter of Summerifled, OK, Raenita Carpenter of Summerfield, OK; great grandchildren, Wally Kitchel and Kagney Scarberry of Summerfield, OK; brother & sister in law, Troy & Wanda Wylie of Nevada; sister, Lucille Harris of California; special nieces & nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were held 10 am, Friday, July 24, 2009 at First Baptist Church in Summerfield, OK with the Rev. Charles Caughern officiating. Interment followed in Summerfield Cemetery, Summerfield, OK. Pallbearers: Rick Brannon, Mike Cox, Herman McGowen, Davy Owens, Davy Don Owens, Bob Lewis. Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau,

Wanda Ferguson

Wanda Faye Ferguson , 75, of Poteau, OK passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2009 in Ft. Smith, AR. Wanda was born July 6, 1934 in Heavener, OK. She was a homemaker. Her husband William Thomas Ferguson precedes her in death; as well as her sons, Patrick Ferguson, John Ferguson, Phillip Ferguson, & Thomas Ferguson. Survivors include her brother, William Maney of Cedar Lake, OK; daughters & sons in law, Jane Coleman of CA; Charlotte & Danny LaJess of AL, Kathaleen & Mark Mocekis of Eugene, OR, Kelly & Steve Forester of CA, Patricia Folwer of Arkoma, OK, Donna J. Harvell of Wister, OK; sons & daughters in law, Michael & Linda Ferguson of CA, Larry & Ellen Lord of CA, John L. Lord of Tulsa, OK, Jerry Lord of CA; 25 Grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services 2 pm, Friday, July 24, 2009 at Stapp Zoe Baptist Church in Stapp Zoe Community, OK with Rev. Bob Garrett officiating. Burial in Zoe Cemetery.

Eddie Robison

David Edward “Eddie” Robison David Edward “Eddie” Robison, 58, of Poteau, OK passed away Sunday July 19, 2009 in Oklahoma City, OK. Eddie was born in Poteau, OK on January 12, 1951 to George Thomas & Twalla Lou (Worley) Robison. Eddie was a veteran of the US Army serving as an MP. He was a tile setter & contract laborer. He was preceded in death by his father; daughter, Jeannie Noah; son in law, Joe Noah; and his grandparents, Joe & Mae Randolph, Ed & Ada Robison. Survivors include 3 sons, Phillip Smith of Okmulgee, OK, Matthew Robison & Wesley Robison of Beggs, OK; 4 daughters, Melissa Dawson & Mary Joe Davis of Okmulgee, OK, LaKota Robison & Katie Robison of Beggs, OK; mother, Twalla Robison of Poteau, OK; 5 grandchildren, Mayci Noah, David Dawson, Kiell Dawson, Riley Davis, & Logan Smootherland; brother & sister in law, Thomas & Darlene Robison of Branson, MO; companion, Thresa Carter of Okmulgee, OK; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were held 2 pm, Wednesday, July 22, 2009, at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating Interment in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, OK.

Ellen Estell Cherry

Ellen Estell Cherry, 67, of Panama, OK passed away on Monday, July 20, 2009 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Ellen was born on August 2, 1941 in Poteau, OK to Zemon Wesley & Maggie Mae (Russell) Copeland. Ellen was a home health care worker. She enjoyed Nascar races (especially the ones with Dale Earnhart) & baseball. She loved spending time with her children & grandchildren & her friends. Her husband, Wade Cherry, a twin brother, Buck Copeland; 6 other siblings, & her parents precede Ellen in death Ellen is survived by a daughter, Rhonda Thompson of Panama, OK; a son & daughter in law, Byron W. & Anita Cherry of Panama, OK; 2 stepdaughters, 9 grandchildren, Larrissa Cherry, Natasha Cherry, Bea Dawn Mize, Justin Mize, Brook Mize, Robin Cheely, Crystal Herald, & Amanda Driver; 8 great grandchildren; a sister, Eastel James of Panama, OK numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; and many beloved friends. Funeral services for Ellen were held at 10:00 am, Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with the Reverend Jimmy D. Cook officiating. Interment followed the services at Shady Point Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Howard Cagle, Jeff Cagle, Dennis James, & Austin James.

Patsy R. Hopcraft

Patsy R. Hopcraft, 80, of Poteau, OK passed away Friday, July 17, 2009 in Ft. Smith, AR. Patsy was born in Poteau, OK on May 7, 1929 to Melvin & D'olus (Taylor) Moody. She was an office manager. and member of St. Johns Episcopal Church in Ft. Smith, AR. Survivors include her husband, Calvin Hopcraft of the home; son & daughter in law, Calvin & Cory Hopcraft II of Jenks, OK; daughter, Lori Lea Hopcraft of Poteau, OK; 4 grandchildren, Taylor, Erin, Colin and Kyle; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Memorial services will be held Monday, July 27, 2009 at St. Johns Episcopal Church in Ft. Smith, AR.

C.B. Wade

C.B. Wade, 80, of Shady Point, OK passed away Friday, July 17, 2009 at his home in Shady Point. C.B. was born February 18, 1929 in Spiro, OK to Charley B. & Eliza (Carpenter) Wade, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brother W.J. Wade and sisters, Nellie Fern & Reba Moore. C.B. was a retired welder and he was a retired veteran of the US Army after some 30 years. He was a Master Sgt. He served in the Korean War. Survivors include 3 daughters, Debbie Luman of Poteau, OK, Tammie Herrington of Wister, OK and Linda Turner of Alma, AR; 4 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter; 2 sisters, Opal Sinclair of Spring Valley, CA and Jewell Pratt of Muskogee, OK; numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services 2 pm, Monday, July 20, 2009 graveside at New Hope Cemetery in Spiro, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating.

Jimmy D. Sears

Jimmy D. Sears, 37, of Bentonville, Arkansas, formerly of Poteau, Oklahoma passed away on Monday, July 13, 2009 in Joplin, MO. Jimmy was born on February 19, 1972 in Poteau, OK to Robert & Sarah (Kelley) Sears. He was a landscaper & lawn care specialist. He was good with all kids & was just a big kid himself He loved being around all kids and having fun with them. Jimmy’s parents, preceded him in death Jimmy is survived by a son, Bradley Sears & a daughter, Shelby Sears both of Prairie Grove, AR; a sister & brother in law, Annetta & Ron DeMoss of Wister, OK; 2 nieces, Lindsey & Molly; a nephew, Taylor; and a great niece Jocelyn; numerous other relatives & loved ones & many beloved friends. Graveside services for Jimmy were held at 10:00 am, Thursday, July 16, 2009 at Ellis Chapel Cemetery in Wister, 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.

A. Helen Morris

Arie Helen Morris, 87, of Poteau, Oklahoma passed away on Sunday July 12, 2009 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Helen was born on December 14, 1922 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to John & Esther (Floyd) Hoffman. Helen was a longtime resident of Poteau and a member of the First Baptist Church. Over the years, Helen was employed by Poteau Motor Company and LeFlore County Memorial Hospital where she retired after 33 years of service. She also had a tax office for 50 years. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Clyde T. Morris; and a daughter, Shirley Caldwell. Helen is survived by her daughter, Mary Helen Lucas of Poteau, OK; a son in law, Reverend Fred Caldwell of Coppell, TX; 3 granddaughters, Kari & husband Richard Riddle of Sydney, MT; Melissa & David Engle of Allen, TX; and Lacey B. Lucas of Salem, OR; a grandson, Larry B. Lucas of Tulsa, OK; 4 great grandchildren, Andrew Kindle, Katie Beth Kindle, Jordan Kindle, & Noah Engle; 2 brothers & sisters in law, Giles & Susan Helbling of Fort Smith, AR & Terry & Megdalia Helbling of Houston, TX; several nieces & nephews, other relatives & loved ones; and many beloved friends. Funeral services for Helen were held at 10:00 am, Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with the Reverend Phil McGehee officiating. Interment followed the services in Greenhill Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Larry B. Lucas II, Floyd Morris. Fred Caldwell, David Engle, Gary Rogers, & Danny Rogers.

Claud Albert Davis

Claud Albert Davis was born April 3, 1928 and departed this life on Friday, July 10, 2009. He was 81 years of age. He was preceded in death by his parents, Webster Edwin Davis & Lucy Viola Wells Barnes Davis; four brothers: Nelson, Earl, Jim Ed & Charles Davis: one sister, Inez Condra; and a son, Claud Nelson Davis. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Vilene Martin Davis of the home; two sons: Bob and wife Debbie of Pocola and Gary and wife Sharon of North Little Rock, Arkansas; a daughter Carol Ann Ford and husband Lance of Heavener; four grandchildren: Adam and Barrett Davis of North Little Rock and Julianne and Nicholas Ford of Heavener; two sisters: Wilma Coffman of Fresno, California, and Mary Florence Morgan of Shady Point; one brother, George A. Davis of Pocola; numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of beloved friends. Claud was born in Pocola and lived here all of his life. He served as a member of the first Town Council when the City of Pocola was incorporated in the early 1960’s. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Pocola, and served there as deacon, Sunday School Director, choir member and songleader for many years. Claud graduated from high school in 1948 and played baseball and basketball. He married his high school sweetheart, Vilene Martin, in 1949. They had four children, and he was very proud of his family. He worked extremely hard to make sure all of his children could get a college education, and they all became teachers. Claud loved people. He always had a smile and the ability to make friends easily. He was wonderful at telling jokes and stories. He had many friends, and he always made time to visit with them, often standing for hours in his driveway or pasture. Claud farmed and raised cattle most of his life. He especially enjoyed buying used farm equipment to repair then trade or sell. He was a good businessman, and he operated Davis Farm Equipment out of his home after work and on the weekends. Claud retired in 1983 from Motive Parts Warehouse, where he worked for 32 years as a parts manager. Claud enjoyed music, especially country and gospel. He had a beautiful tenor voice and sang solos at his church. He always sang from the heart, and he loved to hear other people that sang that way also. Most of all, Claud loved his family. He was a devoted son, brother, father, and Papa. Despite living with Alzheimer’s Disease in his final years, he was still able to bring joy to all of us. The Davis family is especially grateful for all the friends and relatives who have expressed their concern through cards, flowers, phone calls, visits, and prayers. They would also like to thank the staffs of Pocola Nursing Center and Advantage Home Health and Hospice for taking such good care of Claud in his last months. Pallbearers will be Eddie Coleman, Jim Davis, Kevin Hesslen, Jimmy Dean Pipkins, Phil Smith, Larry Sockey, & grandsons, Adam & Barrett Davis Services will be held at 10:00 am Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at First Baptist Church of Pocola.

Walter Franklin Montgomery

Walter Franklin Montgomery, 64, of Sallisaw, OK passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2009 in Sallisaw. Walter was born on November 1, 1944 in Walls, OK to Jim & Vera (Battles) Montgomery. He was a member of Hodgen First Baptist Church and a house mover. Walter is survived by2 sons and daughters in law, Dewayne & Kalley Montgomery of Sallisaw, OK & Jeff & Rhonda Montgomery of Heavener, OK; a daughter & son in law, Alisha & Tommy Fisk of Spiro, OK; 6 grandchildren, Tyler Montgomery, John Fisk, Destiny Phillips, Dakota Montgomery, Jeffery Montgomery, & Walter Franklin Montgomery; numerous other relatives & loved ones & many friends. Funeral services for Walter were held at 10:00 am Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with Steve Ellison officiating. Interment followed the services at Greenhill Cemetery in Cameron, OK with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Ron Cauthen, Tommy Fisk, Kevin Holt, Bradley Montgomery, Roy Dale Thompson, & Kevin Holt, Jr. Honorary pallbearers were Billy Jack Holt & Tyler Montgomery.

Dorothy L. Hastings

Dorothy L. “Granny Dorothy” Hastings, 79, of Poteau, OK passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2009 in Poteau. Dorothy was born on February 3, 1930 in Okemah, OK to W. T. & Fannie (Cornell) Nicholson. She was a Nurse Aide at Spiro Nursing Home for a number of years and a homemaker. Dorothy is preceded in death by a son, Steve O. Hastings, the father of her children, Frank Hastings; 2 sisters, 4 brothers, and her parents, W.T. Nicholson & Fannie (Cornel) Banson. Dorothy is survived by a son, Terry Hastings of Poteau, OK, a daughter, Tina Stanley of Poteau, OK; a daughter in law, Debra Hastings of Poteau, OK, a son in law, Donny Stanley of Red Oak, OK, special daughter, Dee Pierce of Fort Smith, AR; 4 granddaughters, April Hastings, Sabrina Williams, Nena Hastings, & Tammy Hastings, 6 grandsons, B.J. Hastings, Terry Loyle Hastings, Franky Hastings, Jacob Bennett, Brandon Stanley, & Jeff Loyd; great grandchildren, Scooter Hastings, Stevie Hastings, & many more too numerous to mention; other relatives & loved ones and many beloved friends. Funeral services for Dorothy were held at 2:00 pm, Monday, July 13, 2009 at First Free Will Baptist Church in Poteau, OK with the Reverend Junior Phillips & 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 Don Stanley, Tommy Hayes, Eric Blaylock, Robert Calvin, Billy Cripps, & Daniel Sweeten.

Andy Covey

Andrew Alan “Andy” Covey, 38 of Towanda, KS passed away on July 6 in Wichita, KS. Andy was born on January 25, 1971 in Calhoun, OK to Jimmy & Patsy (Thompson) Covey. He was a truck driver for Hogoboom Oilfield Trucking Inc. Andy’s father, Carl Jimmy Covey, a brother, Carl Jimmy Covey, Jr, and his maternal and paternal grandparents precede him in death. Andy had a love for his daughters, family, friends, and anyone around him. He will be missed by many family and friends. Andy is survived by 3 daughters, Amanda, Kimberly, & Kasyl Covey all of the home; his mother Patsy Covey of Panama, OK; 4 sisters & brothers in law, Lois & Gerald Gotes of Poteau, OK, Judy & Jackie Harris of Shady Point, OK, Carolyn & Steve Sumpter of Poteau, OK & Janie & Tim Davis of Heavener, OK; 4 brothers & sisters in law, Bobby and Tammy Covey of Washington, NC, Jimmy & Tammy Covey of Shady Point, OK, Ronnie & Margaret Covey of Poteau, OK & David & Dina Covey of Hot Springs, AR; 22 nieces & nephews, 11 great nieces & nephews, 1 uncle, Charley Covey of Shady Point, OK; 1 aunt Ila Faye Thompson of Panama, OK; numerous cousins other relatives & loved ones, & many friends. Funeral services for Andy were held at 2 pm, Friday, July 10, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with the Reverend Jimmy D. Cook officiating. Interment followed the services in Shady Point Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were his brother & nephews, Bobby Covey, Jimmy Covey, Ronnie Covey, David Covey, Jackie Wayne Harris, CJ Covey, Chris Covey, Eric Covey, Brent Covey, & Dusty Harris. Honorary pallbearers were nephews Bobby Covey Jr., Steven Covey, Daniel Taylor, Paul Moss, Austin, Noah, & Jacob Davis.

Christopher Justin Bryan

Christopher Justin Bryan, 20, of Pocola, OK passed away July 4, 2009 in Fort Smith, AR. He was born July 7, 1988 in Indio, CA to Shannon & Karen {Reichard} Bryan. Christopher was a shift manager at Quiznos. He graduated from Pocola High School in 2006 but his true home was his birthplace California where he had trained in Soo Bak Do Karate and was a baseball and football star when he was younger. He was an avid skateboarder and loved music and being with his friends. He was kind, funny, charming, and had a way of making everyone he was around laugh and smile. He had too many friends to count and loved his friends and family very much and will be missed tremendously. Survivors include his mother, Karen Bryan of Pocola, OK and father, Shannon Bryan of Banning, CA; sisters, Megan Allen of Roland Ok and Erin Bryan of Pocola, OK; stepfather, David Arteaga of Thousand Palms, CA; nephew, Christian and neices, Rayanne & Mikayla; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services 10 am, Friday, July 10, 2009 at Evans Memorial Chapel in Pocola, OK with Eddie Blankenship officiating. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Ft. Smith, AR. Pallbearers will be James Cohee, Nyles Ferden, Jonathan Allen, Joey Tudor, Christopher Ryan Thomas, David Herdison, Greg Howell, & Trent Embry. The family will be at the funeral home from 6-8 pm, Thursday evening to visit with relatives & friends.

Dessie Owen

Dessie Owen, 105, of Spiro, OK passed away Monday, July 6, 2009 in Fort Smith, AR. She was born August 16, 1903 in Poker Bend, Indian Territory, OK. She was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Madison & Ida Lee ( Brown) Taylor; husband Jessie "Bob" Owen and son, Edward Madison Owen. Survivors include 2 daughters and son in law, Lois Baxter of Spiro, OK, Doris & Wayne McWaters of Shady Point, OK; sons, Albert Owen and Jesse Owen of Shady Point, OK; 11 Grandchildren; 20 Great Grandchildren; 16 Great Great Grandchildren; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services 11 am, Saturday, July 11, 2009 - Graveside at New Hope Cemetery in Spiro, OK with Rev. James Hill officiating. The family will be at the funeral home from 5-7 pm Friday evening to visit with relatives & friends.

Sibyle Caldwell Clayton Ollie passed to her heavenly home on July 2, 2009 after a brief illness. Sibyle was born February 6, 1920 in Poteau, OK to Fannie Emaline Bone & John Edward Caldwell. She was the eleventh child of twelve. She graduated from Poteau High School in 1938 and married her sweetheart and best friend, James Fred Clayton, on May 28, 1938. She began working with him in the Clayton grocery store, which she did off and on for a number of years. They later moved to El Paso, TX where she worked for the Department of Defense at Ft. Bliss and retired in 1990. After losing her sweetheart Fred in 1979, Sibyle remained in El Paso where she participated in many organizations over the years and was always active in a Baptist church wherever she lived. During the 1980’s she was active in the American Business Women’s Association of El Paso, TX and was named Woman of the Year. In August 1991 she moved to Spiro, OK and married her long-time friend, J.D. Ollie. Sibyle enjoyed playing bridge, sewing, and cooking. Her Cinnamon Rolls were the best! She was most recently a member of First Baptist Church of Poteau and remained a lifetime member of the Order of Eastern Star in Spiro, OK. Sibyle was preceded in death by her parents, her husband James Fred Clayton in 1979 and James David (J.D.) Ollie in 1992, brothers Clyde, Jerry, Cecil, Henry, Jack, and Joe Caldwell, sisters, Lenora Bolding, Mollie Bennett, Fern Hargrove, baby girl Caldwell, and one great grandchildren, Aaron Bailey Atchley. She is survived by one son James Fred Clayton II and wife Elizabeth of Anthony, NM and one daughter Carol Havill and husband Dean of Sarcoxie, MO; seven granddaughters, Phoebe Havill of Richardson, TX, Polly Anna Oliver and husband Kent and family of Elizabeth, CO, Penny Moore and husband Douglas and family of Sarcoxie, MO, Danielle Wills and family of Lakewood, OH, DeAnna Hlousek and husband Brian and family of Springfield, MO, JO Kruzel and husband Bob and family of Grapevine, TX, and Keri Dawn Atchley and husband John and family of Grand Prairie, TX; one sister, Eva Kirk Jensen of North Carolina and one sister-in-law, Lee Oma Caldwell of Hugo, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were held 11 am, Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at First Baptist Church, Poteau, OK with Rev. Phil McGehee officiating. Interment followed in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau with pallbearers John Atchley, Doug Moore, Kent Oliver, & Tyler Oliver. Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, OK

T.J. Dodd

T.J. Dodd, 77, of Pocola, OK passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 in Fort Smith, AR. T.J. was born on August 25, 1931 in Doddville, MS to Austain & Claudia (Willaby) Dodd. He was a veteran of the US Army and retired from Whirlpool Corporation. T.J. is survived by his wife, Ina Sue Dodd of the home, 4 daughters, Dorothy Dodd of West Monroe, LA, Linda Gail Dodd of Shreveport, LA, Robin & Kenny Alston of Inola, OK & Valerie & Burl Lafferty of Panama, OK; a son & daughter in law, T.J. & Jennifer Dodd of Pocola, OK; 2 stepbrothers & sisters in law, Woodrow & Linda Dilly of Lafayette, LA & A.J. & Marina Dilly of Monroe, LA;3 stepsisters & brother in law, Bertha & Ray Seals of Beaumont, TX, Inez Griffis & Mary Ann Graves, both of Lafayette, LA, 2 sisters in law, Helen Dodd of Jefferson, TX & Frances Dodd of Las Vegas, NV; 16 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; numerous other relatives & loved ones & many beloved friends. Funeral services for T.J. were held at 10:00 am, Monday, July 6, 2009 at Evans Memorial Chapel in Pocola, OK with interment following the services at Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Fort Smith, AR. Pallbearers were Burl Lafferty, Kenny Alston, Jeramy Finney, Michael Waterbury, Leon Alston, & Wesley Smith.