Sarah Jane Pope

Sarah Jane Pope, 95, of Bokoshe, Oklahoma passed away on Sunday, December 20, 2009 in Spiro, Oklahoma. Sarah was born on September 26, 1914 in Sparta, Tennessee to Beecher & Maridan (Selby) Kinnard. Sarah was a Free Will Baptist & a cook. She was a loving caregiver who loved cooking and going to auctions. Sarah is survived by a son & daughter in law Wesley & Shannon Pope; her grandchildren, Lisa & Standly Casey, Chase & Megan Pope, Royce & Sharla Bilyeu, Brian & Brandy Bilyeu, & Kevin Bilyeu; 8 great grandchildren; numerous other relatives & loved ones and many beloved friends. Memorial services for Sarah were held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, December 31, 2009 at Vineyard Community Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas with Kevin Beck officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK.

Matthew Llane Slone

Matthew Llane Slone, 36 of Cushing, OK formerly of Wister, OK passed away on Sunday December 20, 2009 in Oklahoma City, OK. Matthew was an oilfield worker. Matthew is survived by a daughter Casey Llane Slone of Sayre, OK; a son Trevor James Slone of Slater, MO; his parents, Arnold & Betty Slone of Talihina, OK; 2 sisters Paula Mize of Springdale, AR & Amanda Akins of Poteau, OK; 3 brothers Thomas Slone of Red Oak, OK, Randy Slone of Albany, OR, & Paul Slone of Poteau,OK; numerous other relatives & loved ones and many beloved friends. Funeral services are pending under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK.

Earl W. Crowder

Earl W. Crowder, 82, of Red Oak, OK passed away Friday, December 25, 2009 in Talihina, OK. Earl was born in Hughes, OK on August 20, 1927 to Robert & Fannie (Hardin) Crowder. Earl attended school in Hughes & Fanshawe, He married Bertha Herrington on January 26, 1979 in Reno, NV. He was a veteran of the US Air Force attaining the rank of Staff Sgt. during WW II before his discharge on August 12, 1949. He joined the Sailor’s Union of the Pacific on December 2, 1975. He loved reading, ballgames, & helping his family & friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Bruce Crowder; and brothers Herbert & Derl (twin). Survivors include his wife Bertha Crowder of the home; daughter & son in law, Belinda & Randy Lame of Ceres, CA; son & daughter in law, Warren & Brooke Crowder of Fanshawe, OK, sister & brother in law, Martha & Sam Valdez of San Leondro, CA; brother & sister in law, Jim & Helen Noah of Tracy, CA; grandchildren & great grandchildren; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were held 2 pm, Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment followed in Red Oak Cemetery, Red Oak, OK, under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, OK

Rosie Lee Thomas

Rosie Lee Thomas, 79, of Poteau, OK passed away Friday, December 25, 2009 in Ft. Smith, AR. Rosie was born July 31, 1930 in Kinta, OK to Walter & Lula (Canida) Upton. She was a dietician. Rosie was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Sylvester & Franklin Upton; 2 great grandsons, Zach Kincaid & Payden Grayson; and a son in law, James Grayson. Survivors include her daughters & son in law, Linda Grayson of Pocola, OK, Melissa & Stan Stone of Poteau, OK; grandchildren, Carl & Joanie Grayson, Tina & Chris Blevins, Jerry Grayson, Michael Grayson, Brandon Stone, Justin Stone; great grandchildren, Dustin Dollar, Kayla Dollar, Layne Blevins, Keelyn Grayson, Jordyn Kennison; great great grandson, Dalton Dollar; 4 sisters, Hazel Daniels & Edna Valentine of CA, Rachel Leivas & Frankie Sittner of OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were held 2 pm, Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at Maxey Cemetery Pavilion, Wister, OK with Rev. Jim Cook & Rev. Junior Phillips officiating. Interment followed in Maxey Cemetery with her grandsons serving as pallbearers. Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, OK The family will be at the funeral home from 6-8 on Monday evening to visit with relatives & friends.

Ellen Crawford Tiffee

Ellen Crawford Tiffee, 87, of Poteau, OK (recently of Fayetteville, AR) passed away December 24, 2009 in Springdale, AR. She was born June 4, 1922 in Monroe, OK to Hubert B. & Elva Lou (Lowrance) Crawford. Ellen was a charter member of Friendship Baptist Fellowship in Rock Island, OK. She was a secretary for LeFlore County Farm Bureau for years. She married Harlan Tiffee Sr. on March 1, 1944. Ellen’s husband of 65 years, Harlan Tiffee Sr. & her parents preceded her in death. Survivors include her son & daughter in law, Harlan Jr. & Lucille Tiffee of Fayetteville, AR; grandsons and their wives, Kelly & Pam Tiffee, Kevin & Hillaree Tiffee of Ft. Smith, AR; 5 precious great granddaughters, Chanley, Kaylee, Andee, Ellie & Toree; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held 10 am, Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at Friendship Baptist Fellowship in Rock Island, OK. Burial following in Springhill Cemetery, Monroe, OK. Pallbearers will be Truman Hill, Brad Hill, Charles Johnson, Bob McGough, Rex Ragon, & Kenneth Self. Arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, OK In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made in Ellen's honor to the Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Rd., Springdale, AR 72762 or to the Friendship Baptist Fellowship, PO Box 583, Pocola, OK 74902

Robert W. Sisson

Robert W. Sisson, 63, of Wister, OK passed away Wednesday, December 23, 2009 in Poteau, OK. He was born September 10, 1946 in New Orleans, LA to Robert & Margie Sisson Robert was a foster parent for 12 years. He fostered 72 children; one special foster child Gena Jones & her daughter Glenda of Tulsa. He was married to Glenda M. Sisson for 32 years. He had a very special friend, Rev. Lee Vaughn. Robert was an oil field worker. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert & Margie Sisson; father & mother in law, O.C. & Mildred Sampson; brothers in law, Virgil & James Sampson; brother Chance West & daughters in law, Sherry Langston & Errica Sisson. Survivors include his wife, Glenda W. Sisson of the home; daughters & sons in law, Tammy & Wally Lambert of Oklahoma City, OK, Teresa & Earl Seagraves of Spiro, OK, Diane & Kevin Yarbrough of Greenbriar, AR; sons & daughters in law, David & Mary Langston of Madill, OK, Russell Broussard of Howe, OK, Bobby Sisson and Brian Sisson of S. Carolina; Glenn Sisson of Wister, OK, Cody Shipman & Jessica Whitlow of Oklahoma City, OK; Godson, Mitch Sampson of Poteau, OK, Sister & brother in law, Candy & Dickie Welch of Oklahoma City, OK, Brother, Dennis Johnon of Ardmore, OK; 36 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; special sister & her husband, Elaine & Cliff Midgley; special grandson, Heith Sulivant; special friend, Trish Hildebrant; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were held 2 pm, Monday, December 28, 2009 at Mt. View Baptist Church in Glendale, OK with Rev. P.J. Atkinson & Rev. Tim Trent officiating. Special Speaker, Pat Gowdy. Interment followed in Mt. View Cemetery. Pallbearers were George Midgley, Lance Midgley, Jason Sampson, John Sampson, Ronnie Vance, Danny Sampson, Phil Migues Jr. & Matt Sanders.

Donald Ray Moore

Donald R. Moore Donald Ray Moore, 72, of Poteau, OK passed away Wednesday, December 23, 2009 in Ft. Smith, AR. Donald was born November 25, 1937 in Paris, AR to Jessie & Rosie Lucille (Scrivener) Moore. He was a set up man at Whirlpool. He was a veteran of the US Air Force and the Air National Guard. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, David Moore. Survivors include his wife, Doris Moore, of the home; daughters & sons in law, Debra & Kenneth Taylor, Leisha & Jerry Beale of Poteau, OK; Son & daughter in law, Donald R. Jr. & Ruth Moore of Ft. Smith, AR; Grandchildren, Jerry Dale Beale Jr., Sheri & James Pinkston, Raymond Plant, John Beale, & Dakota Moore; great grandchild, Jason Pinkston; brothers & sisters in law, Kenneth Moore, Phillip & Pam Moore, Ronnie & Dorothy Moore; sisters & brothers in law, Martha & Junior Hilliard, Mary Jean Owens, Marilyn & Raymond Palmer, Donna Kay Green; 26 nieces & nephews; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were held 10 am, Monday, December 28, 2009 with Rev. Howard Cox officiating. Interment followed in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Jerry Beale Jr., John Paul Beale, Raymond Plant, James Pinkston, Jerry Beale and Kenneth Taylor. Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, OK.

Joe Paul Hemphill

Joe Paul Hemphill, 83, of Poteau, OK passed away Monday, December 21, 2009. He was born in Monroe, OK September 6, 1926 to Joseph Braxton & Bertha (Cagle) Hemphill. Joe Paul was a member of Southside Baptist Church of Poteau, OK. He was a veteran of the US Navy and a longtime administrator until his retirement. Hemphill's list of accomplishments, memberships and awards is quite extensive. They include: Served 19 years on the Board of Directors of KI BOIS Community Action Foundation; Served 10 years on KEDDO (Kiamichi Economic Development District of Oklahoma) Board of Directors; Served 20 years as a member of the Oklahoma Education Association; Served 10 years on Higher Education Alumni Council; Member Howe Masonic Lodge - Master Mason; 32nd Degree Mason - McAlester Consistory Served 37 years as member of Poteau Chamber of Commerce. During that time he served on the Board of Directors, served as Board President and was Executive Director for two years; Received Poteau Chamber of Commerce President's Award in 1983. Named 1984 Poteau Man of the Year; First building at CASC was named Hemphill Hall after his retirement in 1988 following 20 years of service to the college; while as CASC he served as a teacher, first Dean, Athletic Director, Vice President for Student Affairs and Vice President for Academic Affairs; Served 20 years as member of Poteau Rotary Club. Served on Board of Directors and President. Received the Paul Harris Fellow Award in 1987; Served 22 years as Poteau City Councilman; Served as Chairman of the LeFlore County Democrat Party from 1965 until 1967; Served as campaign chairman in LeFlore County for Governor Raymond Gary, Governor David Hall and Governor David Walters; Served 10 years as board member of Poteau Summer Youth program; Managed Poteau Summer Youth Program for two years; Member LeFlore County Historical Society; Served 20 years as chairman of the LeFlore County Heart Fund Drive; Served 20 years as Poteau Community Chest Board Chairman; Inducted into Oklahoma Girls Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1992; Received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in 1998 Received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Carl Albert State College in 2000; Received Alumni Award from Monroe School in 2002 Appointed by Governor David Walters to a nine year term on the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges in 1991 Received Poteau Daily News Lifetime Contribution Award 2003; Received CASC Development Foundation Board of Trustees Award Also listed among his accomplishments was having his picture taken with First Lady Hillary Clinton with she and President Bill Clinton visited with the Murrah Building bombing victim families on April 4, 1996;Although he lived and served in Poteau, Monroe was always home to Hemphill Survivors include his wife, Wilma of the home; daughter & son in law, Suanna & Charlie Rust of Poteau, OK, sons & daughters in law, Joe & Kaye Hemphill of Durant, OK, Rodney & Kim Hemphill of Poteau, OK, Roger & Toni Hemphill of Clayton, OK; 13 Grandchildren; 13 Great Grandchildren; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were held 2 pm, Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at Bob Lee Kidd Civic Center, Poteau, OK with Rev. Monty Thompson & Rev. Garry Haskins. Interment followed in Monroe Cemetery, Monroe, OK Pallbearers were his grandchildren. Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, OK

John Manen

John Manen, 92, of Poteau, OK passed away Thursday, December 17, 2009 in Poteau. John was born February 15, 1917 in Crockett, TX to Agustis & Lula (Slaughter) Manen. John was a merchant seaman. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby. Survivors include his daughter, Robin Lynch of Heavener, OK; sons, William C. Easttom of Oklahoma City, OK, Mike Manen of San Diego, CA, David Manen of Okemah, OK, Don Manen and Scott Manen, both of Texas; brother, Glen Manen of Rockport, TX; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends Services were held 2 pm, Monday, December 21, 2009 graveside at Ellis Chapel Cemetery in Wister, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment followed under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, OK.

Margaret B. Rowley

Margaret B. Rowley, 91, of Panama, OK passed away Friday, December 18, 2009 in Poteau, OK. Margaret was born in Panama on November 6, 1918 to B.F. & Myrtle (Lipsey) Brashears. She was a retired industrial worker and sales clerk. She was a member of the Methodist church. Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Millard Rowley, her parents; and a grandson, Max "Butch" Rowley. Survivors include her son and daughter in law, Max & Lynn Rowley of Poteau, OK; granddaughter and her husband, Christy and Michael Cunningham of Wister, OK; great grandson, Isaac Cunningham; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services 2 pm, Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at the Assembly of God Church in Panama, OK with Rev. Brian Smith and Rev. Pete Butler officiating. Interment following in Fairview Cemetery, Panama, OK. The family will be at the funeral home on Monday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Mary Ellen Norris

Mary Ellen Norris, 72, of Spiro, OK passed away Wednesday, December 16, 2009 in Ft. Smith, AR. Mary was born October 17, 1937 to Clyde Rolland Sr. & Vera Mae (Hudson) Bell. Mary loved reading, being outside, gardening and flowers. She was a great mother, grandmother, wife, & sister. She was always doing for others and was a good neighbor. He was preceded in death by her husband, Tommy Lee Norris; 4 brothers, Clyde Bell, Claude Bell, Bill Cheshire, & Tommy Cheshire; and her parents, Clyde Bell Sr. & Vera Mae (Hudson)(Bell) Cheshire. Survivors include her son & daughter in law, Michael & Marisa Norris of Muskogee, OK; daughter & son in law, Penny & Lane Hetherington of Panama, OK; grandsons, Landon & wife Lisa Hetherington of Panama, OK, Cory Hetherington of Panama, OK; great grandchildren, Logan & Leyton Hetherington; brother & sister in law, Charley & Lu Jayne Bell of Cold Spring, TX; 4 sisters & brothers in law, Shirley Hood of Jenks, OK, Sherry & Louis Helms of Okmulgee, OK, Vera & Floyd Counts of Henryetta, OK, Susan & Roger Wyrick of Okmulgee, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were held 2 pm, Saturday, December 19, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment followed in Fairview Cemetery in Panama, OK. Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, OK

Oscar Kineth Worley

Oscar Kineth Worley, 98, of Vian, OK passed away Wednesday, December 16, 2009 in Vian. Oscar was born October 1, 1911 in Whitley, AR to James Hawkins & Cecilia Ann (Baldwin) Worley. He was a minister. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Jay, Earl, Marvin & Dave; 3 sisters, Minnie, Velma & an infant sister; & 3 grandchildren. Survivors include daughters & sons in law, Anna Gearlene & Vernon Hall of Vian, OK, Miriam & A.T. Jett of Vian, OK; sons & daughter in law, Ernest Dale & Juanita Worley of Blanchard, OK, James A. Worley of Vian, OK; 13 grandchildren; 41 great grandchildren; 24 great great grandchildren; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services: 10 am, Saturday, December 19, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories with Bro.Roger Alexander officiating. Interment following in Oakland Cemetery - Poteau, OK. Pallbearers: Alton Davis, Arba Jett, Dwayne Jett, Aaron Stewart, Robert Parks, & Atlee Stewart.

Norla Elizabeth Pierce

Norla Elizabeth Pierce, 67, of Spiro, OK passed away Sunday, December 13, 2009 in Pocola, OK. She was born September 16, 1942 in Chilco, Idaho to Wilburn & Jessie (Law) McDonald. Norla was a minister for 40 years in the Assembly of God Church. She was preceded in death by a son, Scottie Pierce, her parents; brother, Charles McDonald; sister, Katherine Riley; and granddaughter, Shay Lynn Pierce. Survivors include her husband, Edward "Joe" Pierce of the home; daughter, Tammy Parker & husband Skip of Cowlington, OK; son, Edward L. Pierce Jr. & wife Melinda of Wister, OK; 5 sisters, Mary Wilson of Oregon, Juanita Davenport of Bokchito, OK, Dorothy Crowder of Soper, OK, Paula Spriggs of Holdenville, OK, Mildred Felice of Dayton, FL; 8 grandchildren, Heath Pierce, Bobby Pierce, Dawna Parker, Precious Restine, Dustin Parker, Whitney Parker, Andrea Pierce, Scottie Pierce Jr.; 9 great grandchildren, Judge Pierce, Keelyn Moore, McKenna Pierce, Cade Siler, Brittney Restine, Adison Parker, Brayson Parker, Kecher Bustos, Kolby Reel Services will be 2 pm, Wednesday, December 16, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with Rev. Garry Cline & Rev. John Beckman officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. View Cemetery in Glendale, OK. Pallbearers will be Mike Clark, Harold Statham, Aaron Clark, Delton Eastep, Jerry Shropshire, & Clifton Cline. The family will be at the funeral home from 6-8 pm Tuesday evening to visit with relatives & friends.

Patricia Ann (Wilson) Butler

Patricia Ann (Wilson) Butler, 68, of Poteau, OK passed away Thursday, December 10, 2009 in Poteau, OK. She was born in Poteau on July 6, 1941 to Woodrow Dillard & Martha Rella (Irvin) Wilson. Pat retired from Eastern Oklahoma Medical Center after 27 years service; she was preceded in death by her daughter, Victoria Delassus, a great grandson, Dylan Ritter, a brother, Harold Wilson Sr., & her parents, Woodrow & Martha Wilson. Survivors include 3 daughters & sons in law, Tammy & Butch Phelan of Levelland, TX, Penny & Greg Smith of Poteau, OK, Marty Holman of Ft. Smith, AR; 10 grandchildren, Chris Ritter, Vickey Ramirez, Summer Spencer, Nikki Fields, Alex Harp Gabrea & Gergory Smith, April Remy, Duston & Ashley Green; 11 great grandchildren, Bailey Coffey, Maraya Ritter, Cesar, Alex and Florentino Ramirez Jr., Alexis Spencer, Kadence & Trevor Fields, Ayden Aplara, Cierh Carey, and a great granddaughter due in March. brothers & sisters in law, Dillard & Darlene Wilson of Montana, Tommy & Virginia Wilson of Poteau, OK, & Mary Wilson of Sand Springs, OK; best friend, Betty Black; other relatives & loved ones; a host of beloved friends. Services 2 pm, Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories - Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK. The family will be at the funeral home on Monday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Marie "Riki" Walker

Marie “Riki” Walker, 92, of Bethany, OK passed away Monday, December 7, 2009. She was born in Nacogdoches, TX on February 26, 1917, to Clebourn & Emma (Howard) Alders. Riki was a retired state employee. Riki and 12 siblings were raised by her parents on a 160 acre farm. Riki was an advocate of education, attending Stephen F. Foster College where she was her cheerleading squad captain. She took delight in her accomplishments winning many tennis titles with other countries while in college. She later attended Texas University where she earned her Masters Degree in Sociology and up to her Psychology Degree at Tahlequah State. Riki was known for her wit and vivacious personality. She was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Freeman Walker. Riki was a member of the Crossroads Cathedral and took pride in the fact that she read the Bible through four times. She will be dearly missed and completely lovingly missed by all who knew her. Survivors include her son, Ron Walker of Bethany, OK; daughter & son in law, Mona & Don Brown of Oklahoma City, OK; grandchildren & their spouse, Polo & Dawnie, Jennifer & Billy, Tammye & David, Michelle & John; great grandchildren, Mikia, Caleb, John, Rynn, Mikala, Johna Michelle; many devoted, extended family members and friends. Services were held 2 pm Friday, December 11, 2009 graveside at Shady Point Cemetery, Shady Point, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment followed under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, OK.

Frances Yvonne Carpenter

Frances Yvonne Carpenter, 69, of Cameron, OK passed away Wednesday, December 9, 2009 in Ft. Smith, AR. She was born November 21, 1940 in Haywood, OK to Otto & Mattie (Roberts) Moore. She was retired from Phoenix Police Dept.. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Cleo Wilson & Lois Jean Cravins; & brother, Theodore (Lucky) Cravins. Survivors include her husband, Theo Carpenter of the home; daughter, Terry & husband John Shamley of Peoria, AZ; son, Thell & wife Suzi Carpenter of Phoenix, AZ; 4 Grandchildren, Travis & wife Jordanna Carpenter, Whitney Shamley, Taylor Carpenter, Gwen Shamley; great grandchild, Trenton Carpenter; sister, Donna Moore of Phoenix, AZ; brothers, Bill Cravines of Marlton, NJ, John Moore of Phoenix, AZ, Chester McCartney of Poteau, OK; brother in law, Gerald Wilson of Poteau, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services held 2 pm, Monday, December 14, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating.

Emery L. Rooney

Emery L. Rooney, 90, of Panama, OK passed away Monday, December 7, 2009 in Ft. Smith, AR He was born December 22, 1918 in Fidelity, AR to John E. & Adelia (Bagley) Rooney. Emery was retired from the Civil Service. He was a veteran of the US Navy. He was on the Battleship Maryland when it was bombed in Pearl Harbor. He was an excellent carpenter. He liked fishing, hunting, listening to gospel music, and building things. He was preceded in death by his parents, 4 sisters, and 2 brothers. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Hazel Rooney of Panama, OK; sister, Johnnie Monks of Stockton, CA; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were held 2 pm, Thursday, December 10, 2009, at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. David Nolan officiating. Interment followed in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK Pallbearers were Eddie Seaton, Harlan Hale, Dewayne Seaton, Randy Smith, Hayden Byrd, & Ricky Darneal. Honorary pallbearer was Jim Pendergrass.

Betty Jean Logan

Betty Jean Logan, 84, of Tulsa, OK (formerly of Poteau, OK) passed away Sunday, December 6, 2009, in Tulsa. She was born in Poteau, OK on August 29, 1925 to Marcus & Jeanette (Cummings) Hoyle. Betty was a retired insurance agent. Betty was born and raised in Poteau and graduated from Poteau High School in 1943. She married her husband Bill Logan in 1950. They worked together at Logan Insurance Agency for 30 years. She was a member of First Christian Church in Poteau, OK for over 70 years where she played the organ for 25 of those years. She loved her daughter and granddaughters dearly, they were the light of her life and her first thoughts were always of them. She was so excited to have a great grandbaby due in February. She loved her dog Babe, who was her best friend. Betty was the best Nanna and the best mother and will be missed very much. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Logan and her parents. Survivors include her daughter, Leslie Gail Logan King of Tulsa, OK; granddaughters, Megan King Branagh & husband John of Walnut Creek, CA and Whitney Claire King of Dallas, TX; sister and brother in law, Anabel & Bill Gillham of Fort Worth, TX; numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held 10 am, Thursday, December 10, 2009 at the First Christian Church, Poteau, OK with Rev. Dennis Jones officiating. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK. Honorary Pallbearers will be Dick Winters, Riley Smith, George McBee, Bob Arens, Loy Dobbins, and Bill Cupp. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Oklahoma Methodist Manor, Employee Appreciation Fund, 4134 East 31st St., Tulsa, OK 74135. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 5-7 pm on Wednesday evening.

Opal Stewart Pierce

Opal Stewart Pierce, 77 was born in Hanna, Ok and passed away at Knothole, OK on Dec. 5 2009. She was married to James R. Pierce of Knothole, OK and they celebrated their 61st Wedding anniversary in 2009. She was a 30 year member of Calvary Assembly of God Church in Poteau, OK and a 25 year member of the Cameron Homemaker’s Club. She assisted her husband in teaching ceramics at Pocola Adult Education night classes and worked at the Pocola Head Start for several years. OPAL RAISED SIX CHILDREN: Lillian (George) Kasper, Linda (Darrell) Beshears, Don (Penny Alford) Pierce, all of Knothole, OK, Mike (Tiona) Pierce of Big Cedar, OK, Ray (Chieko) Pierce of Knothole, OK, Jimmy (Barbara) Pierce of Slidel, LA; Joseph (Verna, deceased) Ollar arrived sometime between Don and Mike and the family never allowed him to leave. She is also survived by Grandchildren Seth, Sarah Dawn (Steven) Jennifer, Amanda, D.J. (Beth), Emerald, Micah (Katelyn) Terrance, Delana,Lena (Mark, Daniel, James, Jr. (Victoria), Misty Marie, and Mike; Great Grandchildren Sarah Elizabeth, Christina, Megan, Ashley, Alec, James Alan, Kaetyn Bay, Armani, Jayven, Savana, One due to arrive in April, Rebecca, Bethany, Matthew, Peyton and Heather 2 Sisters Inez (Earl Holland) Goodson of Panama, OK and Betty (Paul) Tabor of Lincoln, AR; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Opal loved flowers and had such a green thumb that she once dropped a handful or uprooted aloe vera plants into an empty plant container and the plants not only survived, but thrived. She was a gifted artisan, doing ceramics, and taking ribbons at both Poteau and Arkansas-Oklahoma State Fairs. She loved to quilt and embroider and could can anything James could grow in his garden – averaging 1000 jars per year over her lifetime – not including jelly which, she said, disappeared so quickly she was always needing to make more. She is preceded in death by granddaughter, Darla Goude and grandson, Brian Ollar, and daughter in law, Verna. Opal will be greatly missed. The family will visit with friends at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 6 – 8 pm. Services: 2 pm, Wednesday - Calvary Assembly of God Church with Rev. Lynn Bullard officiating.Interment in Fairhill(Knothole) Cemetery in Cameron, OK with pallbearers, Daniel Pierce, Micah Pierce, Terrance Pierce, Seth Kasper, Darrell Beshears Jr., Mike Ollar, Steven Jones, and James Pierce Jr. (grandsons).

Lyda Jewel Lawson

Lyda Jewel Lawson, 90, of Shady Point, OK passed away Friday, December 4, 2009 in Shady Point. She was born in Hillsborough, OK on October 24, 1919 to Jack Leroy & Sarah Margaret (Jones) Conn. Lyda was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Murl N. Lawson; 2 sons, 5 brothers & sisters, and her parents. Survivors include her daughter and son in law, Loretta & Ken Sisco of Shady Point, OK; son, Thomas Lee Lawson of Inola, OK; 4 grandchildren, Matt Lawson and wife, Kim of Muldrow, OK, Stacey Lawson of Riverton, WY, LeeAnn Starts of Greenwood, AR, Ronda Hood and husband, Bryan of Alma, AR; 11 Great Grandchildren, 3 Great Great Grandchildren, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services: 2 pm, Tuesday, December 8, 2009 graveside at Highland Cemetery in Inola, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating.

Shirley Gassaway

Shirley Jane Gassaway, 70, of Poteau, OK passed away Monday, November 30, 2009 in Ft. Smith, AR. Shirley was born August 2, 1939 in Poteau to Hollis L. & Novella (Phipps) Gassaway. She was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 daughters, Kimber Lee Miller and Mischa Carty and son, Donald Wayne Miller. Survivors include her daughter and son in law, Julie & Steve Turman of Poteau, OK; sister, Phyllis Gassaway of Acton, CA; and brother, H.L. Gassaway of Talihina, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services held 2 pm, Friday, December 4, 2009 graveside at Hontubby Cemetery, Hontubby, OK with Rev. Phil McGehee officiating. Pallbearers: Gary Howell, Weylin Groom, Russ Hoxit, Lance Smith, Jay Neugin, and Monte Shockley Sr.

Brenda J. Butler Bradley

Brenda J. (Butler) Bradley, 60, of Shady Point, OK passed away Monday, November 30, 2009 in Fort Smith, AR. Brenda was born October 13, 1949 in Poteau, OK to Jim Perry & Freada (Stanfield) Butler. She was a homemaker. She attended Spiro Free Will Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Robert Dale Bradley. Survivors include her daughter, Dawn Diane Bradley of Little Rock, AR; sons, Brian Perry Small of Bastrop, TX, Harry Christopher Small III of Flower Mound, TX, Robert Sean Bradley of Durant, OK; 4 grandchildren, Taylor Bradley Day, Trevor Dan Dailey, Warner Dale Bradley and Lauren Elizabeth Small; and sister, Diane Coke of Shady Point, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Thursday, December 3, 2009 at Greenhill Cemetery Pavilion, Cameron, OK with the Rev. Pete Butler officiating. Interment following. Pallbearers will be Trent Edwards, John Wood, Greg Coke, and Trevor Dailey.