Garland Gene "Butch" Hicks

Garland Gene Hicks, "Butch", 59 years old of Grants Pass, OR died July 21, 2010 at his home. He was born May 29, 1951 in Hinton, OK to Homer & Robbie Hicks. He was raised along with his siblings in SE Oklahoma until he was out of high school. After a short tour in the Army he worked around the country, until his travels brought him to Southern Oregon. There he me and married Patricia Han, and had three sons, William, Eugene & Larry. He worked at Roseburg Lumber for 15 years while he watched his boys turn into men & enjoyed among other things, hunting, scouting, fishing & good conversations over a fresh pot of coffee. After he was finished raising his sons, he went back to working on the road until he was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver a number of years later. His only wish was to return to the land he fell in love with to live out the remainder of his years. Five years and after many medical setbacks and a bad car wreck no one thought he could recover from; Butch beat the odds & not only recovered but lived another whole year. He passed away at his home in Grants Pass among his loving family. May he find peace & tranquility in God's loving arms. He is survived by his sons, William, Eugene, & Larry Hicks; his grandchildren, Marie Russell, Craig Russell, James Hicks, Dwayne Hicks, Lucas Hicks, & Logan Hicks; his siblings, Elton, Paul, Robert, Phillip, Pete, Thomas, Melba, Aileen & Patsy; numerous nieces, nephews, & his dear friend, Clint Williams. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Vivian and daughter, Tina. He was a man of honor with deep family values. The world is a lesser place without him. He will be loved & missed by all who knew him. [Thank you for everything, Dad} Services will be held 10 am, Saturday, July 31, 2010 at Evans Chapel of Memories with Rev. Larry Free officiating. Interment will follow in Maxey Cemetery, Wister, OK. Pallbearers will be Elton Hicks, Paul Hicks, Robert Hicks, Phillip Hicks, Thomas Hicks, & Leroy Atkinson.

Deborah Lynn Peterson

Deborah Lynn Peterson, 52, of Poteau, OK passed away Sunday, July 25, 2010 in Poteau. Deborah was born in Checotah, OK on May 22, 1958 to Henry & Wanda Mae (Park) Peterson. She was disabled. Survivors include her many friends at KiBois; special friend & roommate, Darlene Rea; and the Staff at KiBois; other relatives & friends. Services will be held 10 am, Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at the Oakland Cemetery Pavilion in Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery.

Adam Michael Denton

Adam Michael Denton, 8 days old, of Pocola, OK passed away Friday, July 23, 2010 in Little Rock, AR. He was born July 15, in Little Rock to Josephine Still & Brett Denton of Pocola, OK. Adam was preceded in death by his maternal great grandfather, Troy Still Sr., & maternal great grandmother, Paula Huerta. Survivors include his parents; maternal grandparents, Lee & Carol Still of Pocola, OK, Amelia Still of Pocola, OK; paternal grandparents, Laura & Jay Denton of Pocola, OK; maternal great grandparents, Laura Still of Pocola, Gabriel Huerta of Arusa, CA; paternal great grandparents, Aleta Kay Matlock of Pocola, OK & Tim Matlock of Pocola, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many friends. Services will be held 10 am, Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at the Woodlawn Memorial Park Chapel in Fort Smith, AR. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Park.

Clarice Jean Leonard

Clarice Jean Leonard, 74, of Poteau, OK passed away Wednesday, July 21, 2010 in Poteau, OK. Jean was born in Poteau, OK on November 20, 1935 to Wayne & Georgia (Barnes) Sinclair. She was preceded in death by her parents; 2 brothers; and 5 sisters. Jean & E.T. were married on March 17, 1956. Jean worked in education as an early childhood specialist. Survivors include her husband, E.T. Leonard of the home; daughter, Barbara J. McDaniel of Poteau, OK; son, Euel T. Leonard III of Rapid City, SD; 7 Grandchildren; 11 Great Grandchildren; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held 2 pm, Saturday, July 24, 2010 at Double Branch Baptist Church in Poteau, OK with Rev. Jerry Williams & Rev. Steven Billy officiating. Interment will follow in Vaughn Cemetery, Gilmore, OK. Pallbearers will be Jeff Callaway, Kelly Hughes, Scotty McMillin, Ken Goins, John Boevers & David Odom. Honorary pallbearers will be Martin Bosco & George Blankenship.

James C. Glasgow Jr.

James Carnell Glasgow Jr. 66, of Poteau, OK passed away Tuesday, July 20, 2010 in Poteau. James was born in Hinton, OK on April 27, 1944 to James C. Sr. & Edith (Bergeron) Glasgow. He was a veteran of the US Air Force. He worked for seismograph - oil company - GEO.SSC. He was preceded in death by his father, James Sr. & brother Joseph. Survivors include 3 daughters, Christina Ann Parker of Glenwood, AR, Kathryn Marie Riley of Swansea, SC, Heather Dawn Glasgow of Ft. Smith, AR; mother, Edith Wash of Poteau, OK; 7 grandchildren; sister & brother in law, Betty & Bill Howse of Wanette, OK; brother & sister in law, Andy & Toni Glasgow of Slidell, LA; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held 10 am, Friday, July 23, 2010 in Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Bill Howse officiating. Interment will follow at a later date in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK.

Wynema R. Medley

Wynema R. Medley, 68, of McAlester, OK (formerly of Poteau) passed away Tuesday, July 20, 2010 in McAlester, OK. Wynema was born in Poteau, OK on September 2, 1941 to John & Emma Rice. She was a hospital monitor tech. Wynema worked at the Poteau hospital for 36 years. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Johnny Harold Rice; 2sisters & brother in law, Mary Lou Seymore, Donna & Carl Latta; & her husband, Paul Medley. Survivors include he daughter, Deborah Medley of Sapulpa, OK; sons, John Medley of Sapulpa, OK & Eddie Medley of Springfield, MO; 8 grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; 1 step-great grandchild; 2 sisters & brother in law, Shirley & Tommy Brannon of Haywood, OK, Molly Harrison of Keystone Heights, FL; 1 brother & sister in law, Bill & Jean Rice of Cameron, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Friday, July 23, 2010 at the Oakland Cemetery Pavilion, Poteau, Ok with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau.

Nan Whitehead-Maxwell

Nan Whitehead-Maxwell, 60, of Bokoshe, OK passed away Monday, July 19, 2010 in Ft. Smith, AR. Nan was born June 27, 1950 in Dayton, OH to Dallas Lee & Julia Mae (Sexton) Blaylock. She was a registered nurse. Nan was preceded in death by her parents; 2nd husband, Hubert Whitehead; 1st husband, Stanley Dow; son, Johnny Whitehead; and 3 step grandchildren. Special thanks to Sheila Marts & Linda McAlvain. Survivors include her husband, Eldon Maxwell of the home; daughters & sons in law, Sandy Whitehead of Ohio, Tracy & Tim Morrow of Osceola, IN, Kelly Saltsman & Karl Hedberg of Mishawaka, IN, Julie & Rick Phillips of Monterey, TN; son & daughter in law, Hubert & Tammy Whitehead of Niles, MI; 14 grandchildren, Ashley Holmes, Jonathan Holmes, Dayna Curry, Brittany Morrow, Travis Morrow, Adam Saltsman, Aaron Saltsman, Levi Phillips, Alyssa Phillips, Shelby Whitehead, Haley Whitehead, Maranda Whitehead, DAlton Moyer, Triston Whitehead; mother in law, Carol Maxwell of Bokoshe, OK; stepchildren, Pamela Sanders, Larry Maxwell, Jamie Lynn Ducat, Betty Griego, Floyd Lay, Smanatha Lynn Owens, Avis; 12 step grandchildren; 2 step great grandchildren; special friend, Mark Saltsman; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held 2 pm, Thursday, July 22, 2010 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Lynn Bullard officiating. Graveside services will be held 2 pm, Saturday, July 24, 2010 at Smellage Cemetery in Baxter, TN. Pallbearers will be Adam Saltsman, Aaron Saltsman, Travis Morrow, Hubert Whitehead, Karl Hedberg, & Tim Morrow. The family will be at the funeral home from 6-8 Wednesday evening to visit with friends & family and they will be meeting at Nan's residence after the services on Thursday.

Alice L. Needham

Alice L. Needham, 87, of Pocola, OK passed away Sunday, July 18, 2010 in Pocola. Alice was born in Greenwood, AR on April 6, 1923 to Lemon & Mary Mae (Spradlin) Berry. She was a homemaker. Alice was preceded in death by her parents; husband, C.W. Bill Needham; son, Bobby Needham; and brother, John T. Berry. Survivors include 2 sons & daughters in law, Charles & Linda Needham of Ft. Smith, AR, Bill & Ruby Needham of Pocola, OK, Anna Needham of Pocola, OK; 15 Grandchildren; 23 Great Grandchildren; 2 Great Great Grandchildren; numerous nieces & nephews; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Funeral services will be held 10 am, Wednesday, July 21, 2010 in Evans Memorial Chapel in Pocola, OK with Rev. Richard Maness officiating. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Ft. Smith, AR. Pallbearers will be Billy, Gary, Gregg & Larry Needham, C.J. Dunn & Steven Neal. Honorary pallbearers will be David Joe Needham, Marshall Needham & George Needham. We the family would like to thank Judy Carter of Encompass Home Health & Peachtree Hospice for the care they provided to our mother. She will be greatly missed.

Sandy D. White

Sandy D. White, 61, of Wister, OK passed away Friday, July 16, 2010 in Fort Smith, AR. Sandy was born in Poteau, OK on September 3, 1948 to Rubin Louis & Mary Alice "Polly" (Hines) White. He was a pipe fitter. He was preceded in death by his parents;and brother, Neal White. Survivors include 2 brothers, Robert C. White of San Marcos, TX and Ronald L. White of Greenbrier, AR; sister, Mary Judith Ann Logan of Pocola, OK; numerous nieces & nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held 2 pm, Tuesday, July 20, 2010 in Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment will follow in Summerfield Cemetery, Summerfield, OK. The family will be at the funeral home from 5-7 Monday evening to visit with relatives & friends.

Margaret Marie Davidson Mattox

Margaret Marie Davidson Mattox, 66, of Poteau, OK passed away Friday, July 16, 2010 in Muskogee, OK. Margaret was born October 5, 1943 in Howe, OK. Margaret was a hairdresser. She loved God and loved fishing. She was a good cook and loved spending time with the grandchildren & great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry D. Davidson Sr; a brother & her parents. Survivors include her sons, Mace Earl (Rick) Davidson & wife Barbara of Poteau, OK, Jerry Denzel Davidson Jr., of Poteau, OK, Calvin Coleman Billy of Poteau, OK, William Albert Billy III of Poteau, OK, Terry Edwin Billy of Tulsa, OK; grandchildren, Destinie & husband Kyle Kitchens, Jessica Hamm, Matthew Davidson, Kara Davison, Jennifer Billy, Carrie Jo Billy, Justin & wife Jessica Montez, Betty Turner, Joshua Turner, Lena & Stephany Billy & Ashley Davidson; 6 great grandchildren, Candalynn, Jillian, Trevor, Courtney, Troy, Hunter, Angelique & Joslyn; sister, Sharon Hano of Poteau, OK; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were held 2 pm, Monday, July 19, 2010 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook & Aud Balentine officiating. Interment followed in Howe Cemetery, Howe, OK. Pallbearers were Jerry Davidson, Rick Davidson, Billy Billy, Kyle Kitchens, Justin Montez, Calvin Billy & Billy Cook.

A.C. "Buck" Nickles

A.C. "Buck" Nickles, 87, of Poteau, OK passed away Saturday, July 17, 2010 in Poteau. Buck was born in Rock Island, OK on August 22, 1922 to Jackson & Myrtle (Phillips) Nickles. He did backhoe and dozer work. Buck attended the First church of the Nazarene in Poteau. If there ever was a marriage made in Heaven it was Buck & Elly's. They enjoyed the simple life and each other. A perfect day for them was sitting on their front porch in their rocking chairs visiting with each other, or on the lake running their trot lines. Buck was loved and admired by those who knew him. He was a family man whom by the life he led, set the bar high for his children and grandchildren to follow. A light went out in our world on July 17, 2010 but came on in Heaven. We love and miss you! Buck was preceded in death by one son, Sam Nickles, 1 great granddaughter, Alexis Thornton, 1 great grandson, Hunter Goines, 3 brothers, William, Clarence, & Melvin Nickles and 1 sister, Lois Jenson. Survivors include his loving wife and best friend of 62 years, Elly Nickles of the home; children he adored, Ken & Kay Nickles of Burleson, TX, Suzy & Dexter Haskins of Poteau, OK, Debbie & Robert Goines of Poteau, OK, Tami Summers of Ozark, AR; special daughter in law, Jo Nickles of Shady Point, OK; 13 grandchildren, Samantha Zearley, Brian Nickles, Stefanie Baldwin, Staci Thornton, Krista Porter, Stephen Nickles, Amy Haskins, Melanie Cooper, Ashleigh Haskins, Angie Coker, Scott Goines, Hannah Conner, Ryan Conner; 22 great grandchildren many loving nieces and nephews; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 10 am, Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook & Pastor Ed Hunsaker of First Church of the Nazarene officiating. Interment will follow in Greenhill Cemetery, Cameron, OK. Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Sterling Zearley, Brian Nickles, Scott Goines, Austin Zearley, Ryan Conner & Hunter Zearley.

Linda Gay McKeown

Linda Gay McKeown, 56, of Pocola, OK passed away Wednesday, July 14, 2010 in Pocola. Linda was born in Bokoshe, OK on August 24, 1953 to J.C. & Lawanda (Sinclair) Whitecotton. She was preceded in death by her parents; & brothers, Rudy Rufus, Thomas Joe, Ronnie Charles, Gary Don, Joh Carl & Andy Lee Whitecotton. Linda Gay was a homemaker. Survivors include her husband, Jack of the home; daughter, Cindy McKeown of Kinta, OK; sons, Jack McKeown III of Pocola, OK, Billy McKeown of Ft. Smith, AR; grandchildren, Destine Gene Moore, Jessica Emily McKeown, Kailee Don McKeown, Montana Rain Bishop, Dakota Dawn Bishop, Katlen Gail Bishop; sisters, Brenda & Jerry Conway of Keota, OK, Mona & Hershel Woodside of Spiro, OK, Mary & Randy Collins of Bokoshe, OK; brothers, Tim Whitecotton of McAlester, OK, James Clay Whitecotton of Bokoshe, OK, David Whitecotton of Joplin, MO, Randy Rue & Mary Whitecotton of Bokoshe, OK; numerous nieces & nephews; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 10 am, Saturday, July 17, 2010 at Greenhill Cemetery Pavilion in Cameron, OK with Rev. Jack Covey officiating. Interment following in Greenhill Cemetery, Cameron, OK. Pallbearers will be Gary Satterfield, Johnny Satterfield, Alvin Satterfield, Mike Pipkins, Hershel Woodside, Randy Whitecotton, & Vince O'Connell. The family will be at the funeral home in Pocola on Friday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with friends and relatives.

Tommy Carl Breshears

Tommy Carl Breshears, 61, of Poteau, OK passed away Monday, July 12, 2010 in Poteau, OK. Tommy was born June 4, 1949 ub Haskell, OK. He was a truck driver; a veteran of the US Marine Corps serving in Vietnam. He was preceded in death by brother, Michael Breshears & his parents. Survivors include his daughters, Jennifer Breshears of Neola, UT, Amanda & Duane Patchen of Johnstown, OH; brothers, Delain & wife Mandy Breshears of Piedmont, OK, Steven & Misty Breshears of Eufaula, OK; 3 sisters, Kay Davis of Anthem, AZ, Kellie & Jack Lane of Checotah, OK, Sallie Walts of Oklahoma City, OK; best friend, Buck, his horse; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held 2 pm, Friday, July 16, 2010 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Jimmy D. Cook officiating. Pallbearers will be Delain Breshears, Mark Breshears, Tom Lannigan, Robert Rector, Bud Breshears, & Ray Scroggins.

Zella Mae Keifer

Zella Mae Keifer, 87, of Wister, OK passed away Monday, July 12, 2010 in Wister. Zella was born in Cameron, OK on September 21, 1922 to Marion Lon & Nora (Shipman) Hilburn. She was a seamstress. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carlton Keifer; her parents; & brothers, Clarence Hilburn & Jess Hilburn. Survivors include her daughters, Shirley Ann Valdivia of Sallisaw, OK, Teresa Carllene Boyer of Wilburton, OK; grandchildren, Lonnie Childers of Poteau, OK, Elecca Maxwell of Sallisaw, OK, Michael Lockaby of Ripley, MS, Sonya Cole of Roland, OK, Timothy Karl of Poteau, OK; great grandchildren, Ashley Lockaby, Jeremiah Lockaby, Katie Lockaby, Brookelan Ables, Zeth Grindle, Ransom May, Addison Cole, & Cadence Cole; sisters, Louise Dolph of Wister, OK, Alice Oldham of Chandler, OK; dear friend, Audra Roe of Wister, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held 10 am, Thursday, July 15, 2010 at Oakland Cemetery Pavilion with Rev. Clyde Steelman officiating. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau.

Bud H. Doussett

Bud H. Doussett, 85, of Bokoshe, OK passed away Monday, July 12, 2010 in Ft. Smith, AR. Bud was born May 11, 1925 in Noble, OK to Clyde & Maude (Humbred) Doussett. He was a veteran of the US Army serving in WWII. He was a member of IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers). He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife, Gladys Doussett of the home; daughter, Teresa Doussett of Concord, CA; son, Richard Doussett of Vashon Island, WA; 4 grandchildren; sisters, Jean Walker of Grants Pass, OR, Janice Lawson of Yucaipa, CA, Ruth Seccombe of Big Ford, Montana, Margie Crum of Grants Pass, OR, Mae Sparks of Peyson, AZ; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held 10 am, Saturday, July 17, 2010 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment will follow at 3 pm in Fairview Cemetery, Maguire, OK (Noble, OK)

Lucille Loveon Dickson Osborn

Lucille Loveon Dickson Osborn, 68, of Ft. Smith, AR (formerly of Poteau, OK) passed away Monday, July 12, 2010 in Ft. Smith, AR. Lucille was born May 21, 1942 in Brinkley, AR to James Franklin & Eunice (Halpain) Dickson, who preceded her in death. Lucille was a nurse. Survivors include 2 daughters, Carmalisa Leader & husband, Jason of Tahlequah, OK, Regenia Hilton & husband, Zack of Ft. Smith, AR; 1 son, James Ollie Banda & wife, Libby of Poteau, OK; 9 grandchildren, Justin Leader, Chloe Banda, Cody Leader, Forrest Banda, Lake Banda, Tristan Leader, Joey Hilton, Hannah Hilton, Hailey Leader; 2 brothers, Paul Dickson of Poteau, OK, Donald Dickson of Shady Point, OK; sister, Dorothy Helton of Foyil, OK; Beloved Dog, Tico; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Memorial Services will be held 10 am, Friday, July 16, 2010 at Evans Chapel of Memories - Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment will be at Mt. View/Glendale Cemetery, Wister, OK. Visitation will be Monday evening July 12 from 6-8 pm. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Humane Society.

Jasper "Buck" Edward Williams

Jasper "Buck" Edward Williams, 76, of Wister, OK went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 10, 2010 in Fort Smith, AR. Jasper was born June `10, 1934 in Cheyenne, OK to Noa & Lola Bell (Doster) Williams. He is reunited with his parents, 2 brothers & 1 sister. He was known as "Grandpa" to his grandchildren. He is loved and will be daerly missed by all who knew him. Jasper was a house mover. Survivors include his loving wife of 56 years, Ollie of the home; 4 daughters & their husbands, Rutha Joy & Allen Jones of Bakersfield, CA, Peggy Sue & Steve Ross of Bakersfield, CA, Stephony Morse of Wister, OK, Andora & Jackie Hooser of Lamont, CA; 4 sons & their wives, Clifton & Estey Williams, Joseph & Patty Williams, Jasper Jr. & Sky Williams, all of Wister, OK, Richard & Linda Baker of Hontubbi, OK; 16 Grandchildren; 27 Great Grandchildren; 6 Great Great Grandchildren; 3 sisters, Ethel Turner of Bakersfield, CA, Minnie Bell Edwards of Freemont, NE, Mary Coles of Apple Valley, CA; 1 brother, Clyde Williams of Perryville, AR; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. There will be viewing at the funeral home on Monday and Tuesday, July 12 and 13. The family will have a private service at a later date.

Donald L. West

Donald L. West, 75, of Stapp, OK passed away Saturday, July 10, 2010 in Poteau, OK. Donald was born in Spiro, OK on May 23, 1935 to Sundrae (Dink) & Christeen (Permenter) West. He was an avid hunter & fisherman. He loved playing music. Donald worked in auto body repair and he was a veteran of the US Army. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Gerald Wayne Fox & Burness Lee Fox; and sister, Jimmie Lou Holly. Survivors include his daughter, Bridget Evans of Stapp, OK, son, Donald West Jr. of Poteau, OK, grandchildren, Donald West III of Talihina, OK, Laura Suggs of Van Buren, AR, April Richie, Melanie Underwood, & Jason West all of Heavener, OK; 14 Great Grandchildren; brother, R.B. West & Sisters, Connie, Ladonna, & Carolyn; former wife, Patsy West; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held 2 pm, Wednesday, July 14, 2010 graveside at Zoe Cemetery, Zoe, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment will follow in Zoe Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Donald West III, Shannon Suggs, Carl West, & Jason West.

Lola Dean Kimbrell

Lola Dean Kimbrell, 59, of Howe, Oklahoma passed away on Wednesday, July 7, 2010 in Poteau, OK. Lola was born on March 13, 1951 to Orbra & Alta (Jarvis) Kimbrell. She was a homemaker. Lola’s parents & 2 brothers Jimmy Kimbrell & Johnny Kimbrell preceded her in death. Lola is survived by her brother, Gary Kimbrell of Manor, Texas; numerous other relatives & loved ones and many beloved friends. Graveside services for Lola were held at 10:00 am, Saturday, July 10, 2010 at Ellis Chapel Cemetery in Wister, OK with the Reverend Jimmy D. Cook officiating. Interment followed the services in Ellis Chapel Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK.

Mary Jo Henson

Mary Jo Henson, 88, of Poteau, OK passed away Friday, July 9, 2010 in Poteau. Mary Jo was born in Poteau on January 4, 1922 to Joseph Edwin & Helen Keller Connelly. Mary Jo was a long standing member of the First Baptist Church of Poteau, OK & she taught Sunday School for many years. Mary Jo taught school for 38 years; 24 years in Muskogee County and 14 in LeFlore County. She was very respected and admired teacher and was presented the Foundation of Excellence Teacher of the Year Award. She was a devoted wife, daughter, sister, and aunt. She served as a caregiver for many years for her loved ones who preceded her in death. Mary Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Edwin Connelly & Helen Keller (Newman) Connelly Chaffin; her husband, A.J. Henson; stepfather, Perry Chaffin; siblings, Betty, Patricia, & Harrell Connelly, Patsy Branscum, Margaret (Puddin’) Campbell. She will be greatly missed. Survivors include her brother, James (Jake) & wife Reba Connelly of Fayetteville, AR; many loving nieces & nephews; great nieces & great nephews; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held 3 pm, Sunday, July 11, 2010 at First Baptist Church in Poteau, OK with Rev. Phil McGehee officiating. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Campbell Riggs, John Henson, Brian Henson, Kyle Allison, Jim Connelly, & Clint Blackwood, Joe White, Scotty White,. Honorary pallbearers will be Gary Bratton, Scotty Bratton, Haskell “Duke” Dunn, Waylon Groom, Dr. Bert Corr, and Doug Binns, Harrell Bright, & Joe John Harrison.

Hazel Belle Dechow

Hazel Belle Dechow, 97, of Poteau, OK passed away Thursday, July 8, 2010 in Tulsa, OK. Hazel was born December 12, 1912 in Letcher, South Dakota to Frederick & Myrtle (Green) Schley. She was a retired cook at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD. Hazel was preceded in death by her husband, Ruford Dechow; son, Donald Dechow Sr; grandson, Timothy Dechow; son in law, Joe Roberts; 8 sisters & 1 brother; & her parents. Survivors include her daughters, Shirley Hahn & husband Maynard of Howard, SD, Nancy Roberts of New Castle, IN; daughter in law, Joy Dechow of Poteau, OK; 9 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, 9 great great grandchildren; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held 1 pm, Monday, July 12, 2010 in Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Eddy Morton officiating. Vocalist will be April Chronister. Interment will follow in Roselawn Cemetery, Fort Smith, AR. Pallbearers will be Donald Dechow Jr., Raymond Hahn, Jerry Chronister, & Duke Rawls. Honorary pallbearers will be Paul Coffey, Darrin Fox & Chad Dechow. The family will be at the funeral home from 5-7 Sunday to visit with relatives & friends.

Wayne Ballew

Wayne Ballew, 84, of Wister, OK passed away Saturday, July 3, 2010 in Poteau, OK. Wayne was born on September 22, 1925 in Caddo, OK to Ray & Bonnie (Howard) Ballew. Wayne was a member of First Baptist Church of Wister for 60 years. He was a veteran of World War II & taught school for 38 ½ years in Wister, OK where he retired as school superintendent. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanne Ballew on June 27, 2009 & his parents. Survivors include his sons & daughter in law, Gary Ballew of Ft. Smith, AR, Kendall & Sherry Ballew of Poteau, OK; granddaughter, Brianne Ballew of Midwest City, OK; sisters, Valdean McMichael of Caddo, OK, Oleen Phipps of Caddo, OK; brother, Roy Ballew of Ft. Worth, TX; sister in law, Louise Hornbuckle of Wister, OK; brothers in law, Bob Free of Poteau, OK; Tommy “Buddy” Free of Torrance, CA; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held 10 am, Tuesday, July 6, 2010 at First Baptist Church, Wister, OK with Rev. Keith Stewart & Rev. Don Taylor officiating. Interment following in Ellis Chapel Cemetery, Wister, OK. Pallbearers: Larry Free, Jared DeWitt, Wayne Woodall, Jesse Akins, Sam Walden, Steve Walden. Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, OK

Rose Mary Carlton

Rose Mary Carlton, 60, of Panama, OK passed away Thursday, July 1, 2010 in Panama, OK. Rose Mary was born November 22, 1949 in Oklahoma City, OK to Forest H. & Mary L. (Conner) Carlton. She was a nurses aide. She was preceded in death by her parents, & husband, Cleve May. Survivors include one son, George H. Blankenship of Ada, OK; sister, Shirley & Randy Anderegg of Tulsa, OK; nieces, Stefanie Butts of Tulsa, OK, Theresa Tinker of Pocahontas, IL; nephew, David Anderegg of Tulsa, OK; special friends, Jerry & Bernice Ammons of Panama, OK; numerous friends and extended family. Services will be held 2 pm, Tuesday, July 6, 2010 with Rev. Tim Painter officiating. Interment will follow in New Hope Cemetery, Spiro, OK. Pallbearers will be Johnny Martin, R.D. Wagley, Tex Williamson, James Martin, Wayne Smith, Mark Walls. Honorary pallbearer will be Ron Eatmon Sr.