Dale Brown

Dale Brown, 79, died Sunday, June 27, in Hot Springs, Ark., after a lengthy battle with cancer. Dale was born on June 1, 1931, to Carlos William and Arlie Gertrude Sublette Brown. Dale spent his early childhood in the Williams and Cameron areas. The family moved to Poteau in the 1940s. Dale excelled in sports at Poteau High School and later played for the football team at Poteau Junior College. He also enjoyed bowling, golfing, boating, softball and coaching youth teams later in life. Dale’s young adult years included two years in the Air Force as a propeller mechanic, work on oil rigs and business ventures in the Poteau area including owning a taxi stand. While driving a taxi, Dale met Wanda McCage of Panama. They were married on Wanda’s 18th birthday on Dec. 14, 1959, and she was by his side until his death. Dale moved his young, growing family to Fort Smith, Ark., in 1969, where he became an insurance sales manager for Metropolitan Life and later Guaranteed Reserve Life companies. In 1976, Dale moved the family back to Poteau to help his ailing parents. During the next several years, he took over operation of his father’s farm and business interests. During that span he expanded the feed store operation into a wholesale business that provided delivery of farm and veterinary supplies to feed stores across Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma. He sold the business several years ago. Dale also built an underground home near his parents’ house south of Poteau. Through the years, the family farm hosted an assortment of lambs, cattle, pigs, rabbits. Dale was a devout Baptist and shared his faith often. He was active in the bus ministry and made sure all the children who rode his bus went home with a candy bar or treat. He also taught Sunday School and even preached a few times when asked. He was a lifelong scholar of Bible prophecy and even wrote a weekly column in the Poteau newspaper under the pseudonym Ben Forgiven. His weekly column was titled “Urgency.” Later in life, he wrote a book about his studies of end-times scripture. The book, “Urgent Countdown to Eternity” was self-published and several copies were sold. Dale and his wife moved to Hot Springs, Ark., in October. His parents preceded him in death, as did a son, Michael, who died in a car accident in 1997. He is survived by his wife, Wanda, of the home; three sons, Geary and wife Linda of Sallisaw; Randy and wife Shirley of Dothan, Ala; and Robin and Charlotte Brown of Shattuck; one daughter, Angela Riggs of Hot Springs, Ark.; one daughter-in-law, Donna Sue Pettry of Hot Springs, Ark.; one sister, Betty Ruth Miller of Valley Forge, Pa.; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Funeral services were held 2 pm, Tuesday, June 29, 2010 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with Rev. Rick Snyder & Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment followed in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK.

Frances Barnett

Frances "Mema" Barnett, 70, of Wister, OK passed away Saturday, June 26, 2010 in Fort Smith, AR. Frances was born December 3, 1939 in Oklahoma City, OK to Elmer & Gertrude (Edwards) Friend. Frances worked at Flanders where she was secretary of the union. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James; 5 brothers & 4 sisters. She is survived by 2 daughters, Pam Ward & husband, Ron of Pocola, OK, Carol Ann Amos of Poteau, OK; 2 sons, James Elmer Barnett of Wister, OK, Ricky Allen Barnett of Poteau, OK, 8 Grandchildren, 11 Great Grandchildren; sister, Catherine Dewees of Oklahoma City, OK, brother, David Friend of Moore, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held 11 am, Tuesday, June 29, 2010 graveside at Milton Cemetery, Milton, OK with Rev. Gene Benson officiating. Interment will follow in Milton Cemetery.

Clyde Farlow

Clyde Farlow, 91 Wister, OK, formerly of Irving, TX passed away on June 22, 2010 in Fort Smith, AR. Clyde was born on August 21, 1918 in Rock Branch, MS to Christopher Columbus & Rosie (Lott) Farlow. He was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church and loved gardening and building things. Clyde was a veteran of World War II and a construction contractor. He is preceded in death by a son, Donald Farlow; 4 brothers, 2 sisters, & his parents. Clyde is survived by his wife, Mary Lee (Cook) Farlow of the home; 2 daughters, Jackie Woolery & Jewell Pearson, both of Wister, OK; a number of grandchildren, great grandchildren & great great grandchildren; numerous other relatives & loved ones; and many beloved friends. Funeral services were held at 2:00 pm Friday, June 25, 2010 at Ellis Chapel Church inWister, OK with Carl Carlson officiating. Interment followed the services in Ellis Chapel Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Keith, Wayne & James Woolery, Jordan Key, Harold Potter, & Brandon Mason; honorary pallbearers were Cash & Royce Rotello, Jeremiah Neal, Dakota & Sam Potter.

Colton Blaize Samuels

Colton Blaize Samuels, 2, of Mt. Juliet, TN, formerly of Poteau/Talihina, OK passed away on June 20, 2010 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Colton was preceded in death by a great great grandmother, Rena Samuels; uncles Stephen Chandler & Trevor Brown & cousin Mikal Morphis. Colton is survived by his parents, John & NaTasha (Chandler) of the home; a sister & brother, Rena & Gunner both of the home; paternal grandparents, Peggy Ludlow & Bobby Samuels of Talihina, OK, maternal grandparents, Daniel K. & Mia Miller of Monroe; Damon & Tammy Brown of Monroe; paternal grandmother Ruth Ann Pierce of Poteau, OK & maternal great grandparents Winford & Carolyn Chandler of Poteau, OK; aunts, JoAnna Walls of Talihina, Cheyanne Cranfield of Heavener, Shayna Rice of Wister, Lacey Brown Langley of Poteau, Tara, Shyla, & Lanie Brown and Bennie Miller of Monroe; uncles Tyler Brown of Monroe & Daniel Miller of Kaplan, LA; numerous great aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives & loved ones; & many beloved friends. Funeral services were held at 2:00 pm Friday, June 25, 2010 at Poteau Church of Christ with Scott Martin officiating. Interment followed the services in Monroe Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were John Samuels, Bobby Samuels, Damon Brown, & Tyler Brown.

James Michael Gaspari

James Michael Gaspari, 56, of Wister, OK passed away May 20, 2010. He was born in Tillamook, OR on July 19, 1953. James was a construction worker. He was a veteran of the US Navy. Survivors include his daughter Gina Marie Regnier; sons, Michael James Gaspari and Vincent Thomas Gaspari; sisters, Sylvia Gaspari & Christine Sanchez; brother, Richard Gaspari; cousin, John Newell; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Memorial services were held 10 am, Thursday, June 24, 2010 at Maxey Cemetery Pavilion in Wister, OK.

Roberta Lee "Bobbie" Tal

Roberta Lee "Bobbie" Tal, 75, of Shady Point, Oklahoma passed away Tuesday, June 15, 2010 in Poteau, OK. Roberta was born in Sterling, Colorado on March 3, 1935 to Robert Willis & Martha Mae (Skillen) Graham. Roberta was a member of First Step of Faith Church in Poteau, OK. She was a professional hair dresser & worked in home health. She was a great animal lover. Survivors include her son and daughter in law, Marty & Donna McClain of Oklahoma City, OK; sister & brother in law, Sandy & Don Artdro of Victoria, TX; sister in law, Onice McClain of Shady Point, OK; cousin, Georgana Cearley of Duncan, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Memorial services will be held 11 am, Saturday, June 19, 2010 at First Step of Faith Church, Poteau, OK with Bro. Leon Glenn officiating. Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, Oklahoma

Carl E. "Coxie" McCaughey

Carl E. “Coxie” McCaughey 69, of Poteau, OK passed away Saturday, June 12, 2010 in Ft. Smith, AR. Coxie was preceded in death by his daughter, Tina Leietta Murray; mother, Oma Jundy; father, CarlWayne McCaughey; & sister, Shirley May Russell. Carl was born in Payette, Idaho on October 17, 1940 where he lived until the age of two years. He then moved to Missouri and enjoyed his school days in Butler and made many friends over those years. He spoke of them often and never forgot; you lived in his heart always. Carl & Zerilda traveled to Boise, Idaho where they managed a mountain lodge for several months, then back to Branson and Stockton, Missouri where Carl worked in the rock quarries. They then moved back to Butler and worked at the quarry at LaCyne, KS. They moved to Gallup and Grants, N.M. in the late ‘70’s’ where Carl worked in the uranium mines. They moved to Trona, CA to work at the power plant. They moved back to Poteau in 1991. Carl was employed at AES until he retired in 2006. Through two triple-bypass surgeries and a stroke he didn’t slow down too much. He was so energetic; he always had to be busy. Carl loved deer hunting and bass fishing and. in the later years, golf was his passion and he played every chance he got. He was happy and out-going and always loved a good joke and liked to play them on others, too. Carl could find something good in every person he met and he always met them with a handshake and a smile which said, “Welcome to my world”. He will be deeply missed by his many friends and family members. Services will be held 10 am, Friday, June 18 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel - Butler, MO. Interment will be in Virgil City Cemetery, Virgil City, MO

Jerry Dow Eatmon

Jerry Dow Eatmon, 73, of Bokoshe, Oklahoma passed away on Friday, June 10, 2010 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Jerry was born on October 29, 1936 in Williams, Oklahoma to John & Annadel (Anderson) Eatmon. He was an auto repair/auto body man. He was preceded in death by a son, Jerry Dean Eatmon; his parents; a brother Perry Eatmon, & 2 sisters, Lucille Jackson & Tem Predore. Jerry is survived by his wife Velta Eatmon of Bokoshe, OK; a daughter & son in law, Raylene & Wayne Wedge of Bokoshe, OK; 3 grandchildren, Angelena Wedge Silos of Sallisaw, OK; Wayne Wedge Jr. of Tulsa, OK; & Selena Zimmerman of Bokoshe, OK; 4 great grandchildren; 2 sisters Opal Bowers of Buck Creek, OK & Ocie Hale of Spiro, OK; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones and many beloved friends. Funeral services for Jerry were held at 10 am Monday, June 14, 2010 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, Oklahoma with the Reverend Brian Fout & Wayne Wedge officiating. Interment followed the services in Shady Point Cemetery, Shady Point, OK with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, Oklahoma. Pallbearers were Rickie, Perry, & Ricky Hale, Jimmy Call, Jeremy Emmert, & Ulises Silos.

George Edward "Booger" Bailey

George Edward “Booger” Bailey, 82 of Heavener, Oklahoma passed away on Friday, June 10, 2010 in Poteau, OK. He was born on June 16, 1927 in McCurtain, OK to Fred Alexander & Artie Malicie (Nixon) Bailey. He was a rock quarry manager. Booger is preceded in death by 2 wives, Anna Jean Bailey & Ruby Bailey; a daughter, Vickie Cox; a grandson, Michael Keeney; his parents; 2 brothers & 4 sisters. Booger is survived by a daughter, Georgeanna Bailey of Panama, OK; 5 sons & daughters in law, Eddie & Susan Bailey of Atoka, OK; Johnnie Bailey of Cowlington, OK; David & Sherry Bailey & Carl & Glenda Bailey all of Panama, OK; & Steve Bailey of Atoka, OK; a son in law, Bill Cox; 16 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones and many beloved friends. Funeral services for Booger were held at 2:00 pm Monday, June 14, 2010 at First Assembly of God Church in Panama, OK with the Reverend Brian Smith & the Reverend Jimmy D. Cook officiating. Interment followed the services in Milton Cemetery, Milton, OK with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were his grandsons, Jordan, Johnathan, Carl, & Derek Bailey, Johnny Smith & Matt Weaver.

Jay Perkins Dalley

Jay Perkins Dalley went to be with his precious wife Mary Benona (Bolt) Dalley on June 6, 2010 at 6:03 p.m. in Jane Phillips Memorial Hospital after a short stay. He was born in Murray Spur, Oklahoma the 3 day of May, 1919. His parents were Vilena and Henry Theodore Dalley. He graduated from high school in Spiro, Okla. in 1927 and attended Draughns Business College in Fort Smith, Ark. In 1941 he volunteered for the draft into the U.S. Army and spent six years as an enlisted man attaining the rank of Sergeant. He married Mary Benona on Dec. 22, 1942. Kathryn Gail, their only child. Upon discharge from the Army in 1945, he owned and operated a photography shop in Spiro and attended Poteau Junior College where he became Student Body president. Upon graduation from Poteau he attended Oklahoma A & M University at Stillwater, where he received a Masters Degree in Agriculture, with the intention of becoming an agriculture teacher. He was contacted by Elbert L. Costner and became the manager of the Poteau Chamber of Commerce in 1952. While with the Chamber he was responsible for many innovations in Poteau and the surrounding communities. He visited many places and attracted several businesses to relocate to the Poteau area. The Poteau Rodeo Arena was one of his pet projects and was named after him. After 19 years with the Chamber of Commerce he went to Central National Bank as a loan officer and eventually became compliance officer and in house auditor. He held those positions until retired. In 2001 they moved to Caney, Kansas to be near their daughter. Jay was preceded in death by his parents and Benona, and is survived by his daughter Kathy and her husband Bill Faulkenbeny of Caney. Two brothers Henry Dalley Jr. and wife Frances of California, Chester Dalley of Alabama. He is also survived by three grandsons, Chris Carter of Houston, Texas, Billy Faulkenbeny and Wife Marcia of Tulsa, and Bill Cullins and his wife Melinda (Allen) Cullins M.D of Coffeyville (whom he considered a special friend). Two great grandchildren Katie Carter and Jay Cameron Carter of Houston and Casey Faulkenberry of Pearl, Mississippi. Special friends also included Joe and Jeanie Engle of Houston. Will, Christi and Katie Carey of Caney and many other relatives and friends. Memorial services will be at Potts Chapel in Caney, Kansas at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 10, 2010 with the Reverend Brad Sanders of the First Christian Church officiating. JACK REDDICK FUNERAL HOME - CANEY, KS

Burrus Farland "Poose" Martin

Burrus Farland "Poose" Martin, 66, of Wister, OK passed away Saturday, June 5, 2010 in Wister. Poose was born October 7, 1943 in Wister, OK to Jesse Fred & Emma Eunice (Baldwin) Martin. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Marion Brice Martin. Poose was a veteran of the US Navy,serving for 11 years, & the Air National Guard for 16 years. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Wister, OK, where he cleaned the church, mowed, was treasurer & a Sunday School teacher for a number of years. Poose was a member of the Wister Board of Education for 20+ years. He was president of the Wister Alumni Assoc for 34 years. He was a Boy Scout Leader & a member of the American Legion. Most important of all he loved the Lord with all his heart, mind & soul. Survivors include his wife, Linda of the home; daughters, Tammy Martin of Tulsa,OK & Emma Terry of Checotah, OK; son, Robert B. Martin of Tulsa, OK; 7 grandchildren, Dalton Stout, Becca Terry, Jessica Faulkner, Grace Terry, Brice Terry, Nicolaus Martin & Samuel B. Martin; 2 brothers, Duck Martin & Thad Martin, both of Wister; 3 sisters, Nancy Martin & Retta Baker of Wister, OK, Pat Anderson of Heavener, OK; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held 2 pm, Monday, June 7, 2010 in Wister School Cafetorium, Wister, OK with Rev. Robert VanHouse and Rev. P.J. Atkinson officiating. Pallbearers will be Bryan Dodson, J.C. Ray, Mike Gragg, Tony Crockett, Ronnie Martin, Rusty Baker, Daniel Anderson. Honorary pallbearers will be Debbie Brewer, Hardy Coston, Paul Carter, Sam Walden, D.B. Lampkin, Jerry Harmon & Jerry Carpenter. Interment will be in Ft. Smith National Cemetery Ft. Smith, AR 2 pm, Wednesday, June 9, 2010.

James Edward Billy Sr.

James Edward Billy Sr., 74, of Poteau, OK passed away Friday, June 4, 2010 in Tulsa, OK. James was born July 11, 1935 in Poteau, OK to William Albert & Rina Lodell (Griffith) Billy. He was a veteran of the US Army having served in Korea. He loved to hunt, fish and go camping. He loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren. James was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters & one brother. Survivors include his wife, Patricia of the home; 3 daughters, Myrtle Ann Billy of Oklahoma, Patsy Ann Hooper of Panama, OK, Rebecca Lynn Billy of Panama, OK; 3 sons, James Edward Billy Jr. of Poteau, OK, Daniel Allen Billy of Poteau, OK, Albert Leon Billy of Panama, OK; 21 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; 11 brothers & sisters; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held 10 am, Tuesday, June 8, 2010 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment will follow in Vaughn Cemetery, Gilmore, OK. Pallbearers will be Shannon Billy Sr., Shannon Billy Jr., Douglas Crane, & Jesse Wilson.

Lila "Charlene" Shaw McBee

Lila “Charlene” Shaw McBee, 93, passed away June 4, 2010 in Tulsa, OK. Charlene was born April 28, 1917, at Poteau OK to Judge Dan & Nora Shaw (1st woman mayor of Poteau). Charlene attended Poteau High School & married her high school sweetheart, Con McBee, on June 6, 1934 & they enjoyed 48 wonderful years together on their acreage in north Poteau until Con’s death in September of 1982. Charlene was office manager for their family businesses in Poteau: McBee Electronics & McBee Surveying. After Con’s death, Charlene obtained her real estate license & worked for Branson Real Estate in Poteau as one of their top realtors before moving to Tulsa to be closer to her family. Charlene loved to read, dance, travel & spend time with her family, friends, & her cat, “Saber”. She was known for her exceptional beauty, intelligence, positive outlook & never ending smile. She was truly one of a kind & will be missed terribly by her family & friends. Charlene was preceded in death by her husband, Con McBee; daughter, Pat Wright; brothers, Dan Shaw & Roscoe Shaw; sisters, Lucille Hall, Lynn Billingsley, Myrtle McAlister & Mae Anderson; granddaughter, Lisa Wright & grandson, Michael Dowell. She is survived by 3 daughters & spouses: Connie Lee Thompson & Gene of Tulsa, OK, Kaye McBee of Jenks, OK, Kathleen McBee & Jim Waltermire of Stillwater, OK; brother, Wayne Shaw of Bakersfield, CA; & son-in-law, Jim Wright Sr. of Tulsa, OK; beloved grandchildren & spouses: Scott & Kim Thompson, Kevin & Marlene Thompson, Jim Wright Jr., Mark Chitwood, Jordana Bynum, Prentice & Les Smith, Suzanne & Ed Stanton, Brian & Diane Thompson, Alyson & Tony Lamanna as well as many great grandchildren; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. A ‘Celebration of Life’ will be held 2 pm, Tuesday, June 8, 2010 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Phil McGehee officiating. Interment following in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, OK

JERELYN CLAXTON CORR

JERELYN CLAXTON CORR, 73, OF POTEAU, OK PASSED AWAY TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 2010 IN POTEAU, OK. JERE WAS BORN & RAISED IN NORMAN, OK WHERE SHE GRADUATED FROM NORMAN HIGH SCHOOL IN 1954. HER PARENTS WERE CARL & BESS CLAXTON. JERE GRADUATED FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA IN 1958 WITH A B.S. DEGREE IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION AND FROM NORTHEASTERN STATE UNIVERSITY IN 1980 WITH A M.Ed. IN READING. SHE RETIRED FROM TEACHING IN 1993 HAVING TAUGHT ONE YEAR IN HAWAII, THIRTEEN IN NORMAN AND SEVENTEEN IN POTEAU. DURING HER CAREER SHE TAUGHT ALL GRADES K-6, READING LAB IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND 8TH GRADE READING. JERE IS A CHRISTIAN AND WAS A MEMBER OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF POTEAU WHERE SHE TAUGHT PRE-SCHOOL SUNDAY SCHOOL SOME TWENTY YEARS, JUNIOR HIGH & SENIOR HIGH TRAINING UNION AND WAS A MEMBER OF THE ALMA JOHNSON SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS. MRS. CORR WAS A MEMBER AND LONG-TIME TREASURER OF TWENTIETH CENTURY CLUB, A MEMBER OF DELTA KAPPA GAMMA, OKLAHOMA EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, AND GAMMA PHI BETA. SHE DELIVERED MEALS ON WHEELS FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS. SHE WAS PRECEDED IN DEATH BY HER PARENTS. SURVIVORS INCLUDE HER HUSBAND OF 52 YEARS, BERT CORR OF THE HOME; DAUGHTER & SON IN LAW, CINDY & TIM HALL OF POTEAU, OK; SON & DAUGHTER IN LAW, ED & DEBRA CORR OF LEAWOOD, KS; SISTER, CARLENE HARGIS OF TUCSON, AZ; BELOVED GRANDCHILDREN, VINCENT, CORRYN & NICO HALL, ADAM ENGEL, THOMAS & ANDREA CORR; OTHER RELATIVES & LOVED ONES; MANY BELOVED FRIENDS. SERVICES WILL BE HELD 2 PM, SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 2010 AT FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF POTEAU, OK WITH REV. PHIL McGEHEE OFFICIATING. INTERMENT WILL FOLLOW IN OAKLAND CEMETERY, POTEAU. PALLBEARERS WILL BE MEMBERS OF BERT CORR’S SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS. HONORARY PALLBEARERS WILL BE THE DEACONS OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH