Orb Francis

Orb Francis, 70, of Poteau, OK passed away Saturday, November 28, 2009 in Fort Smith, AR. Orb was born January 14, 1939 to Rease & Ode (Gipson) Francis in Cameron, OK. He was a veteran of the US Army and a retired school maintenance man. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sue; his parents; 4 brothers, Alfred, Elmer, Velmer, & Gene; and sister, Ernie. Survivors include 2 daughters, Brenda Luman of Wister, OK, Mary Murray of Shady Point, OK; 3 sons, Greg Francis of Poteau, OK, Eddy Francis of Poteau, OK and Michael Francis of Shady Point, OK; 13 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; brother, Troy Francis of Panama, OK and sister, Wilma Sue Marler of Cameron, OK; other relatives & Loved ones; many beloved friends. Services: 2 pm Wednesday,December 2, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Pallbearers will be Chris Luman, Kevin Luman, Jerrid Francis, Aaron Francis, Coady Francis, and Trent Murray; honorary pallbearers will be Kayli Francis, Trinity Downs, Michael Shane Francis, Derek Francis, Destiny Francis, Dylan Francis and Kadynce Johnson. The family will visit with friends at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 5-7 pm.

Harlan Tiffee

Harlan Tiffee, age 87, of Poteau, OK (recently of Fayetteville, AR) passed away, Thursday, November 26, 2009 in Springdale, AR. The son of James Lewis Tiffee and Opal Johnson Tiffee was born April 26, 1922 near Howe, OK. He served in World War II and was a grocery clerk in Heavener, OK for many years and retired from McAlester Production Credit Assoc. as a field man. He was a charter member of the Friendship Baptist Fellowship in Rock Island, OK. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Vernice Clark and a brother, Glenn Tiffee. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ellen Crawford Tiffee; son Harlan Jr and wife, Lucille of Fayetteville, AR; grandsons, Kelly and wife, Pam, Kevin and wife, Hillaree all of Ft. Smith, AR; 5 precious great granddaughters, Chanley, Kaylee, Andee, Ellie and Toree. The family will receive guests from 1 pm until service time at 2 pm Tuesday December 1, 2009 at Friendship Baptist Fellowship in Rock Island, OK. Burial will follow in Springhill Cemetery, Monroe, OK. Pallbearers will be Truman Hill, Brad Hill, Charles Johnson, Bob McGaugh, Rex Ragon, & Kenneth Self. Memorial contributions may be made to the Friendship Baptist Fellowship, PO Box 583, Pocola, OK 74902 or to the Gideon's Intern'l. Arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, OK

Connie Brown Wiles

Connie Brown Wiles, 71, of Panama, OK passed away Tuesday, November 24, 2009 in Ft. Smith, AR. Connie was born in Poker Bend, OK on September 12, 1938, to James & Ruth Ellen (Brown) Brown. She worked for KiBois and was the Poteau Food Bank Manager. She was preceded in death by her parents. Connie loved the outdoors, flowers, gardening, and helping others. She always looked out for others. She also loved music and playing piano. Survivors include her husband, W.A. Wiles of Panama, OK; daughter & son in law, Sherry & Mickey Hale of Panama, OK; son and daughter in law, Bud Talhelm & Becky Ray of Nubbin Ridge, OK; granddaughter & her spouse, Michelle & Justin Edwards of Muldrow, OK; sister, Sylvia Hale & Joe Tedder of Spiro, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were held 2 pm, Saturday, November 28, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with Rev. Brian Smith officiating. Interment followed in Knothole Cemetery, Cameron, OK. Pallbearers were Mickey Hale, Bud Hale, Marty Hale, Darin Hale, Justin Edwards, Joe Tedder, and Randy Smith. Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, OK

Thomas Arthur Cherry

Thomas Arthur Cherry, born July 5, 1912 in Huntington, Arkansas passed away on Friday, November 20, 2009 in Poteau. He was the only child of Thomas Arthur Cherry and Rhoda Pearl Hodges Cherry. Tom graduated Mansfield High School in 1930 and attended the University of Arkansas where he was a member of Theta Kappa Nu fraternity. In 1933 he left the University to go into retail business with his father and a cousin in Mansfield, AR. Later he worked for Reynolds Davis Wholesale Grocery in Ft. Smith, managed Ouachita Grocery in Camden, AR then moved to Poteau in 1959. The business which he started, owned and operated with his son Steve, Cherry Wholesale Grocery closed in 1986. Tom was a loyal member of Kiwanis Club for over 50 years, and a long-time member and worker of the United Methodist Church and the Methodist Men's organization. He is well known for his ability to sell large quantities of Pancake Breakfast tickets for both Kiwanis and Methodist Men. He was an extremely loyal Arkansas Razorback fan and followed all Arkansas athletics. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary Neal Jones Cherry, two daughters, Carol Landfair and Linda Roseman. He is survived by two sons Tom Cherry and his wife Norma of St. Simon's Island, Georgia and Steve Cherry and his wife Gloria of Poteau, and one son-in-law, Robert Landfair of Tillar, AR. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Services will be held Friday, November 27, at 2 pm at the United Methodist Church in Poteau under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 26th between the hours of 6 and 8 pm at Evans & Miller Funeral Home in Poteau, OK. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church building fund - 109 South Harper, Poteau, OK or the Poteau Christian Free Clinic, PO Box 160, Poteau, OK 74953

Sandra (Cobb) Huens

Sandra Huens, 65, of Poteau, OK passed away Thursday, November 19, 2009 in Poteau. Sandra was born in Poteau, OK to Wilburn Lee & Arma Lee (Sandlin) Jones on September 12, 1944. She was a homemaker; preceded in death by her first husband, Billy John Cobb; grandchild, Margarete White; and her father. Survivors include her husband, Kenneth Huens of the home; daughters & sons in law, Annette & Denver Turner of Poteau, OK, Janet & John White of Waldron, AR; son & daughter in law, Johnny Lee & Laurie Cobb of Sandy Valley, NV; 8 grandchildren, Missy Drake, Peggy Jurina, Lesley Palmore, Johnny Adkisson, Stephanie Adkisson, Jesse White, Ellis White, Cassandra White; 17 Great Grandchildren; brother & sister in law, James R. & Pamela Jones of Mammoth, AZ; mother, Arma Lee Jones of LeFlore, OK; 3 stepchildren, Kenton Huens, LaDonna Huens, Misti Huens; 4 stepgrandchildren, Bree Norris, Bryce NOrris, Kaden Huens, & Autumn Norris; other relatives & loved ones;many beloved friends. Services 2 pm, Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK. Pallbearers will be her granddaughters, Melissa Drake, Peggy Jurina, Lesley Palmore, Stephanie Adkisson, Cassandra Burgess White and Tammy White. Honorary pallbearers will be Johnny Adkisson, Jesse White, and Elvis White.

Benna Lucretia Campbell

Benna Lucretia Campbell, 62, of Poteau, Oklahoma passed away on Monday, November 16, 2009 in Poteau. Benna was born on June 1, 1947 in Kingfisher, Oklahoma to Jack Charles & Magolen (Lomon) Redmon. Benna was a homemaker with a special love for all people especially children. She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Campbell & her parents. Benna is survived by a brother, David Redmon of Claremore, OK; 3 nieces and their husbands, Julie & Todd Krans of Claremore, OK Jeannie & Danny Oriolo of Laurel, MD & Lisa & Kenneth Chaney of Vian, OK; 2 brothers in law, Alfred Campbell of Oklahoma & Stoney Campbell of Texas; a stepson Nicky Campbell of Poteau, OK; a granddaughter, Kandice Campbell of Poteau, OK; nephews Winston & Harvey Cagle, Mike Lomon, Paul & Chris “Poptart” Oriolo; very special friend & her husband Marsha Ritter & husband Dale of Poteau, OK; special friends, Ron & Eula LaMar, Randy Mills, Brenda, Hattie, Laura, & all the children of Gardenwalk; numerous other relatives & loved ones & many beloved friends. Funeral services for Benna were held at 10:00 am Saturday, November 21, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with the Reverend Lynn Bullard officiating. Interment followed the services in Greenhill Cemetery, Cameron, OK with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Nicky Campbell, Todd Krans, David Redmon, & Danny Tucker.

Lorene Martin

Lorene Martin, 83, of Bokoshe, Oklahoma passed away on November 18, 2009 in Bokoshe, OK. Lorene was born on February 16, 1926 in Buck Creek, Oklahoma to Luther & Myrtle (Gollihare) Pierce. She was a factory worker and a homemaker. Lorene was preceded in death by her husband, Irby Martin; an infant daughter infant daughter, Sandra Martin, 4 grandchildren Debbie Martin, Cynthia French, Dennis & Gary Sutton, brother, Gene Pierce, son in law, Bobby French, sisters & brothers in law Evelyn & William Rogers & Dorothy & Hoover Stanfield, & her parents. Lorene is survived by 2 daughters & son in law, Caron Dian French of Hawaii & Marilyn Jane & George Sutton of Coweta, OK; 2 sons & daughters in law, Larry & Donna Martin of Buck Creek, OK & David & Tamara Martin of Mannford, OK; brothers & sisters in law, Charles Robert & Pat Pierce of Panama, OK & Jimmy Dale & Shirley Pierce of Buck Creek, OK; 10 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren; numerous other relatives & loved ones; and many beloved friends. Funeral services for Lorene were held at 2:00 pm Saturday, November 21, 2009 at Panama First Assembly of God Church with the Reverend Brian Smith & Jeff Little officiating. Interment followed the services in Shady Point Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau; OK Pallbearers were the grandsons & great grandsons.

Ira Edward Hughey

Ira Edward Hughey, 97, of Dewey, Oklahoma, formerly of Poteau, OK passed away November 15, 2009 in Dewey, Oklahoma. Ira was born on February 6, 1912 in Mena, Arkansas to Albert & Minnie (Tatum) Hughey. He was an auto mechanic for many years In the Poteau area and a World War II veteran of the US Navy. He was an avid hunter & fisherman. Ira’s wife of 76 years Katherine Hughey; his parents & 2 sisters preceded him in death. Ira is survived by his daughter Kay (Hughey) Riling & her husband Gene Riling of Bartlesville, OK; a son & daughter in law, Ronald Edward & Carol Hughey of Montoursville, PA; 4 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; numerous other relatives & loved ones; & many beloved friends. Funeral services for Ira were held at 2:00 pm, Friday, November 20, 2009 at First Baptist Church in Poteau, OK with the Reverend Phil McGehee officiating. Interment followed the services in Oakland Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK Pallbearers were San=m Abbott, Weylin Groom, Olan Arnall, Harrell Bright, Barton Bates, & Jim Mixon. Honorary pallbearers were Taylor Newby, Bill Mooneyham, Roger McMillin, & Brad McMillin.

F.L.HOLTON JR.

F.L. Holton Jr., 90, died at his home in Poteau, Sunday, November 15, 2009. He was born in Cameron, OK on November 10, 1919 to F.L. & Eva Holton. His philanthropy, business sense, and civic involvement made him an eastern Oklahoma legend. He remained actively involved in local business and civic activities, serving as President of Holton Stores, Holton Cattle Company, Chairman of Central National Bank of Poteau and on the Carl Albert State College Board of Regents. He was a veteran of World War II, serving as a Captain in the United States Army Air Corp. He is survived by his wife of 67 years Genevieve, three children, Linda Lynch and her husband Bob of Tulsa, Steve Holton and his wife Pam of Poteau and Deborah Gentry and her husband Sam of Poteau; eight grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Lois Blasdel of Woodward and was preceded in death by his sister Allene Conn. F.L. graduated from Poteau High School in 1937 and received his degree in Business Administration from Oklahoma A&M College in 1941. After World War II, he returned to Poteau where he joined his father in expanding family businesses that would include a supermarket, hardware and furniture store, department store, retail feed store, and a Pontiac and International dealership. He ran a large cow-calf operation, pioneered the development of the poultry industry in Eastern Oklahoma and founded Holton Mills to manufacture feed for the broiler and cattle industry. In 1954, Holton was named to the Board of Directors of Central National Bank. In 1978 he was elected Chairman. Under his leadership, CNB continuously ranked as one of the highest performing banks in Oklahoma. F.L. was one of Poteau’s outstanding civic leaders for over 60 years and was known as the area’s greatest “ambassador”. He served in leadership positions in the Poteau Rotary Club, Poteau Chamber of Commerce and Poteau Industrial Authority. His commitment to higher education spanned four decades. He was a charter member of the Board of Regents of Carl Albert State College that was formed in 1971. He served under Governors Boren, Nigh, Bellmon, Walters, Keating and Henry and was in his fifth seven year term. He had the honor of being the oldest and longest serving regent in the state of Oklahoma. He served 20 years on the Board of Trustees for Phillips University in Enid and was board chairman for four years. He was a charter member of the Board of Governors for the OSU Development Foundation, serving on that board for 19 years. He served 20 years as a College of Business Associate at OSU and was inducted into the university’s College of Business Hall of Fame. In 1990 the OSU Alumni Association honored him with the Alumni Service Award for his contributions to OSU and higher education in Oklahoma. He was also honored that year with the Rotary International Paul Harris Award. In 1992 he was the first recipient of the Poteau Lifetime Contribution award and in 1993 he was inducted into the CASC Hall of Fame. In 1997 the Holton family established the F.L. Holton Endowed Professorship and the 33,000 square foot CASC business center is named in his honor. He was an active member of the First Christian Church of Poteau. For many years he taught a Sunday School class, served as Board Chairman, was an Elder and was named Layman of the Year for Oklahoma Christian Churches. Services: 10 am, Wednesday at First Christian Church in Poteau with Dennis Jones officiating. Memorial gifts may be made to the First Christian Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 160, Poteau, OK 74953 or the Carl Albert Development Foundation Scholarship Fund, 1507 S. McKenna, Poteau, OK 74953. Evans & Miller Funeral Home Poteau, Oklahoma

William Edwin "Ed" Lamb

Ed Lamb, 77, of Shady Point, OK passed away Sunday, November 15, 2009 in Shady Point. Ed was born in Shady Point on June 13, 1932 to Jess & Freddie (Cain) Lamb. He was a veteran of the US Navy; a deacon in the Calhoun Baptist Church and a rancher/businessman. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Ronnie; brother, Burl; sisters, Mattie & Jean. Survivors include his wife of 56 years. Wanda of the home; son, Gary Lamb of Shady Point, OK; grandsons, Matt & wife Charli Lamb of Poteau, OK, Michael & wife Rebecca Akins of Waco, TX; granddaughter, Amanda & husband Jack Scott of Poteau, OK; 6 Great Grandsons, Ryan, Drew, Braxton, Dawson, Michael & Matthew; sisters, Margie Kendall of Tulsa, OK, Corrine Lloyd of South Carolina; brothers, Tom Lamb of Shady Point, OK and John Lamb of Tulsa, OK; mother of their grandchildren, Pam Lamb; special brother and sister in law, Robert & Elinor Pierce; several nieces and nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services: 2 pm, Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at Calhoun Baptist Church, Calhoun, OK with Rev. Steve Hughes officiating. Interment following in Shady Point Cemetery, Shady Point, OK. Pallbearers: Jackie Harris, Eugene Harris, James Fowler, Jerry Maxwell, Terry Pierce, Wes Martin. Honorary pallbearers: Ron Morhart and Curt Creekbaum. The family will be at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 6-8 to visit with friends and relatives.

Jeffery Allen Ricker

Jeffery Allen Ricker, 48, of Cameron, OK passed away Friday, November 13, 2009 in Cameron, OK> Jeffery was born September 29, 1961 in Wilmington, DE to Kenneth & Patricia Ricker. He was a gas rig driller. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Margarette Weaver. Survivors include his wife, Ruby Ricker of the home; stepson, Robert and wife, Melanie Warnock of Cameron, OK; father, Kenneth Ricker of Delaware; mother, Patricia Norris of Ft. Smith, AR; sister, Debbie Funmaker of Ft. Smith, AR; 2 granddaughters, Haylee Warnock & Brooklyn Warnock; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services held 11 am, Tuesday, November 17, 2009 graveside at Vinita Cemetery in Hackett, AR with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Burial following.

Homer LeRoy Nelson

Homer LeRoy Nelson, 76, of Poteau, OK passed away Thursday – November 12, 2009 in Pocola, OK. Homer was born in Poteau, OK on May 6, 1933 to William Henry & Alvessie (Qualls) Nelson. Mr. Nelson was a veteran of the US Army. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Ann Nelson; his parents; and two brothers, Delbert & Charles Nelson. Mr. Nelson was a factory worker. Survivors include his daughters & sons in law, Sharon & Nathan Melton of Stillwater, OK, Julia & Randy Reed of Pocola, OK, Barbra Gregory of Ft. Smith, AR; sons & daughters in law, Bryan Scott & Maria Nelson of Montgomery, IL, Jon & Millie Nelson of Montgomery, IL, Doug & Kim Nelson of Van Buren, AR; 11 Grandchildren; 2 Great Grandchildren; sisters, Betty Black of Bokoshe, OK, Patsy & Troy Mills of Noble, OK, Billy M. & Gail Chadwick of Bokoshe, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services held 2 pm, Monday, November 16, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Burial in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK. Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau,

Ruby D. Barcheers Lockaby

Ruby D. Barcheers Lockaby, 76, of Pocola, OK formerly of Panama, OK passed away on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 in Pocola, OK. Ruby was born on May 19, 1933 in Bonham, Texas to Jepsy Walter & Fannie Myrtle (Bost) Workman. She was a follower of her Lord Jesus Christ and a homemaker. Ruby was preceded in death by her husband of 34 years, Chester Lee Barcheers; a daughter, Brenda Gay Barcheers; 9 siblings; and her parents. Ruby is survived by her husband, Arlon “Buck” Lockaby of Panama, OK; 5 sons & daughters in law, Danny Barcheers of Searcy, AR; Roger & Donnia Barcheers & Kenny & Pat Barcheers, all of Bokoshe, OK; Rickey & Janice Barcheers of Shady Point, OK & Bruce & Barbara Barcheers of Haileyville, OK; 3 daughters & sons in law, Lavonne & Danny Cross of Lavaca, AR; Gail & George Swindle of Shady Point, OK; & Sandy & Grant Ralls of Bokoshe, OK; a host of grandchildren & great grandchildren who were the love of her life; numerous other relatives & loved ones and many beloved friends and church family. Funeral services for Ruby were held at 2:00 pm Thursday, November 12, 2009 at House of Hope in Poteau, OK with the Reverend Frankie Harris & Jeff Little officiating. Interment followed the services in Fairhill (Knothole) Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Danny, Roger, Kenny, Rickey, & Bruce Barcheers, Grant Ralls, George Swindle, & Joe Dotson.

Lille Mae Smith

Lillie Mae Smith, 81, of Houston, TX, formerly of Wister, OK passed away Friday, November 6, 2009 in Houston. Lillie was the oldest of 10 children and daughter of the late John & Mertice (Smith) Toler. She was the loving wife of George A. Smith and they had been married 25 years at his passing. Lillie was born in Leland, MS and was raised on a small farm outside of Greenville, MS where she met her husband, George. Lillie married George in April 1948 and they moved to Wister, OK shortly thereafter and bought a farm 4 miles west of Wister. Lillie was a homemaker as well as worked as a poultry and cattle farmer outside of Wister for 54 years, retiring in 2002. Lillie received the "Grower of the Year" award on one occasion by OK Farms. Her sister, Winnie Mae Williams preceded her in death in May 2009. Lillie was a member of the Wister Extension Homemaker's Service Club, having served as president of the club. She had a passion for sewing and was an excellent cook and baker. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Poteau at the time of her passing, however, for most of her life she was a member of the First Baptist Church in Wister. Survivors include her 3 daughters, Louise Bernadine Nichols and husband, Jim of Houston, TX, Georgia Mae Skocdopole & husband, Royce of Bixby, OK, Loretta Diane Weibel and husband, Stuart of Flower Mound, TX; 1 grandson, Brent Skocdopole of Mounds, OK, 6 granddaughters, Christie Holt of Southlake, TX, Memory Wortham of Forney, TX, Courtney Ebeier of Houston, TX, Andrea Javersak of McAlester, OK, Laurie Ford of Arlington, TX, Elizabeth Echternach of Grapevine, TX; 13 Great Grandchildren; 4 brothers, John Toler Jr., James, John Ellen and Sammy; 4 sisters, Sara Jane Huckeby, Ina Mae Lynchard, Jean Dillon and Louise Chavers; other relatives & loved ones many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at First Baptist Church in Wister, OK with Rev. Jim Parsley officiating. A private Interment for family will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK. Pallbearers will be Brent Skocdopole, Jeff Holt, Jason Wortham, Lance Ford, Dave Echternach, Dwight Robinson. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist Church, 405 E. Highland Ave., Wister, OK 74966 The family will receive visitors at the funeral home from 3-5 pm, Tuesday, November 10.

Iva Louise (Edgmon) Mills

Iva Louise (Edgmon) Mills, 73, of Wister, OK passed away Saturday, October 31, 2009 in Wister. She was born in Sallisaw, OK on March 21, 1936 to Brex & Beaulah (Ellis) Edgmon. Louise loved sewing, painting, her flower garden and collecting 'special' rocks. She was a homemaker. Daughter, Karri & son, Ronnie and her parents preceded her in death. Survivors include her husband, William Harold Mills of the home; son, Randy Mills of Wister, OK; granddaughter, Penny Williams and husband Ryan of Guymon, OK; grandson, JR; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held 2 pm, Wednesday, November 4, 2009 Graveside at Maxey Cemetery in Wister, OK with Rev. David Mills officiating. Interment following in Maxey Cemetery. Pallbearers will be her grandson, JR, Randy Mills, Garry Foster, Ryan Williams, Ken Spencer, David Mills and Bobby Mills. The family will be at the funeral home from 6-8 pm, Tuesday evening to visit with relatives & friends.