David Alejandro Hernandez

David Alejandro Hernandez of Wister, OK passed away Wednesday, August 25, 2010 in Oklahoma City, OK. David was born Wednesday, August 25, 2010 in Oklahoma City to Lucio & Rosemary Jean (Cobb) Hernandez Cruz of Wister, OK. Survivors include his parents; grandparents, David Cobb of Poteau, OK, Linda Cobb of Sayre, OK; great grandparents, Edward & Betty Cobb of Poteau, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. David was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Alejandro Hernandez & Rosa Cruz Garcia of Mexico. Services will be held 10 am, Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at the Oakland Cemetery Pavilion, Poteau, OK with Father Valentine officiating. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK.

Jacky Lawton Cooper

Jacky Lawton Cooper, 65, of Poteau, OK passed away Saturday, August 28, 2010, in Fort Smith, AR. Jacky was born October 26, 1944 in Poteau, OK to Lawton R. & Edna (Jenson) Cooper. Jacky was self-employed, retired. He was a veteran of the US Army. He attended Solid Rock Church in Panama, OK. He loved to hunt, fish, being outdoors, and especially anything to do with guns. Survivors include his wife, Cheryl of the home; 2 sons, Jeff & Holly Cooper of Poteau, OK, Chad Cooper of Calhoun, OK; 3 granddaughters, Kaitlin, Skylar, & Kennedi; 1 great granddaughter, Zaidi Grace; 2 sisters, Shirley Cooper of Hodgen, OK, Susie McConnell of Hot Springs, AR; 1 brother, B.T. & Shari Cooper of Shady Point, OK; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held 10 am, Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Johnny Cheek. Pallbearers will be Brad Hall, Ken Foster, Larry Hall, Ronnie Handy, Rodney Shepard.

Robert G. "Bob" Heinrich

Robert G. "Bob" Heinrich, 72, of Shady Point, OK passed away Thursday, August 26, 2010 in Muskogee, OK. Bob was born in Kingston, NY on October 22, 1937 to Carl & Irene (Dailey) Heinrich. Bob was in law enforcement. He retired from the military after 27 plus years serving with the US Army in Korea and Viet Nam. He was a member of Southside Baptist Church in Poteau, OK. Survivors include his wife, Linda of the home; daughter, Janey Barnes of Godley, TX; sons, Shane Johnston of Belleview, FL & Alton Johnston of Palmyra, VA; 8 grandchildren; and 1 great grandchild; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held 2 pm, Monday, August 30, 2010 graveside at Shady Point Cemetery, Shady Point, OK with Rev. Monty Thompson officiating. Interment will follow in Shady Point Cemetery.

Steven Dale Tackett

Steven Dale Tackett, 47, of Panama, OK passed away Wednesday, August 25, 2010 in Fort Smith, AR. Steven was born August 6, 1963 in Poteau, OK to Clifford & Patsy Sue (Kilgore) Tackett. He was a well driller/mechanic. He was preceded in death by his father; a brother, Randall Tackett; the mother of his children, Neva Tackett. Survivors include 2 sons, Christopher Ray Tackett of Panama, OK, Jason Leigh Tackett of Heavener, OK; 2 grandchildren, Rumor Nicole Tackett & Avery Langston Tackett; mother, Pat Tackett of Panama, OK; sisters, Vickey Damato of Spiro, OK & Lea Ann Lowry of Panama, OK; brother, Paul Allen Tackett of Bokoshe, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2:30 pm, Saturday, August 28, 2010 in Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Brian Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Old Bokoshe Cemetery, Bokoshe, OK. Pallbearers will be Larry Martin, Harvey Geizer, Randall Foster, Roy Stimac, Gerald McRay, David Real. Honorary pallbearers will be all his many friends.

William "Everett" Seagraves

William Everett Seagraves, 47, of Shady Point, OK passed away after a long and courageous battle with leukemia. Everett was born in Talihina, OK on December 27, 1962 to William "Bill" & Mary Seagraves. He was a rancher. He loved life, taking care of the ranch, riding horses, riding his Harley, but most of all he loved playing with his grandchildren. He will be sorely missed. Everett is a member of Calvary Assembly of God Church in Poteau, the Oklahoma Farriers Assoc., & he served as a Ranger in the Army Airborne Division. He as preceded in death by his father; and a sister Helen Newman. Survivors include his wife Sabra, who was always by his side; daughter, Tiffany Seagraves of Siloam Springs, AR; son, William Seagraves of Keota, OK; Stepson, Tony Scyrkels of Shady Point, OK; mother, Mary Kelly of Poteau, OK; brothers & wives, Monroe Seagraves & friend Linda Willhite of Heavener, OK, Lester & Jenise Seagraves of Poteau, OK, Earl & Teresa Seagraves of Spiro, OK; 3 grandchildren, Ethan & Aidan Scyrkels of Shady Point, OK; Keelyn Seagraves of Siloam Springs, AR; several nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services for Everett will be 11 am Friday, August 27, 2010 at the Calvary Assembly of God Church in Poteau, OK with Rev. Lynn Bullard officiating. Pallbearers will be Monroe, Lester & Earl Seagraves, David Easley, Stan Stone, Stanley Odom, Todd Peters & Max Carver.

Paula J. Graham

Paula J. Graham, 64, of Heavener, OK passed away Tuesday, August 25, 2010 in Poteau, OK. Paula was born June 15, 1946 in Jackson, MS to Henry T. & Elba (Ardis) Rogers. Paula was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Martha Rogers Thorpe. Survivors include her husband, James of the home;3 sons & daughters in law, Roger & Mary Wooten of Lavaca, AR, Greg Wooten of Ft. Smith, AR, Jeremy & Desiree Wooten of Ft. Smith, AR; 1 daughter & son in law, Tracy & Larry Wilburn of Ft. Smith, AR; 4 stepsons & wives, Jeff & Jessica Graham of Grove, OK, Jason & Kim Graham of Poteau, OK, Clifford Graham of Poteau, OK, James & Rachel Graham of Heavener, OK; 2 brothers & sisters in law, Gary & Paula Rogers of Spiro, OK, Val & Janice Rogers of Cameron, OK; 1 sister & brother in law, Glynda & Jeff McDaniel of Poteau, OK; 7 Grandchildren; 1 Great Grandchild; 8 Step Grandchildren; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held 2 pm, Friday, August 27, 2010 at Evans Chapel of Memories - Poteau, OK with Scott Martin & Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment will follow in Page Cemetery, Page, OK. Pallbearers will be Jason Rogers, Nik McDaniel, Nate McDaniel, Nyles McDaniel, & Jason Tyler Graham. Honorary Pallbearer will be Clifford Graham. The family will be at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with family and friends.

Lois Louise King

Lois Louise King, 95, of Muldrow, OK passed away Monday, August 16, 2010 in Muldrow, OK. Lois was born August 26, 1914 in Camden, AR. Lois was of the Methodist faith. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alec "Raymond" King in 1997; her parents, Robert Fairfield & Dixie Mae (Blaine) Russ; an infant daughter, Patsy Raye King, & a brother, Herbert Russ. Lois was a wife, mother, sister, aunt & friend. She was content and happy being a mother which she always said was her greatest job. One of the family's greatest memories was of her singing "You Are My Sunshine". She was a great cook, especially her okra which was the best ever. Survivors include her 4 daughters, Nancy Justice, Dixie King, Marsha King, & Stephanie Poling; 4 grandchildren, Jordan Harger, Kristi Justice, Carson & Dana McLemurray; 7 great grandchildren, Jessica, Jonathan, Matthew, Robert, Joseph & Kent; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 11 am, Saturday, August 28, 2010 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment will follow in Shady Point Cemetery, Shady Point, OK. Pallbearers will be Carson McKlemurray, Danny Poling, Jordan Harger, Larry Roper & Justin Bray.

Terry Joe Traw

Terry Joe Traw, 58, of Poteau, OK passed away Sunday, August 15, 2010 in Poteau. Terry was born in Poteau on April 30, 1952 to John Joe & Cleo Francis (Richardson) Traw. He was preceded in death by his parents, maternal grandparents, Luth & Beulah Richardson; & his paternal grandparents, Alf & Nora Traw. Terry was a factory worker and also worked for the US Postal Service. Survivors include his wife, Donna Traw of the home; 2 sons, Randy Traw & Rick Griffin, both of Poteau, OK; daughter, Chrissy Traw of Howe, OK; sisters & brothers in law, Barbara & Jim Silva of Vincenes, IN, Betty & Bernie Fairchild of Odessa, MO; 2 grandchildren, Faith Griffin & Danny Traw; special friend, Bob Plummer; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held 11 am, Thursday, August 19, 2010 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK. Pallbearers will be Steve Guilbeaux, Jeff Caldwell, Eric Meadors, Joe Powers, & Michael Grier. The family will be at the funeral home from 6-8 pm, Wednesday evening to visit with relatives & friends.

Diana Lynn (Baker) Dameron

Diana Lynn (Baker) Dameron, 59, of Poteau, OK passed away Monday, August 16, 2010 in Fort Smith, AR. Diana was born April 25, 1951, in Poteau, OK to Marlton "Bill" & Naomi Ruth (Thornburg)Baker. She was a Child Development Specialist with the Child Support System. She was preceded in death by her parents and 1 brother, Gary Baker. Survivors include her daughter, Christy Krebbs of Poteau, OK; son & daughter in law, Brian & Misty Dameron of Rogers, AR; 6 grandchildren, Cody Brown, Niklas Rose, Trey Krebbs, Blake Dameron, Keelan Dameron, & Parrish Dameron; sister, Cyndi Baker Burke of Panama, OK; brother & sister in law, Mark & Bonnie Baker of Colorado; nieces & nephews, Candice Padamadan of Ohio, Nathan Burke of Ohio, Josh Baker of California (USMC), Lynsay Baker of Texas; special loved ones, Kara Hammons, Colby Garrett, John Garrett, Jared Garrett, Kathy Garrett, Rob Lambert; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services for Diana will be held 10 am, Friday, August 20, 2010 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment will be in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK. Honorary pallbearers will be Cody Brown, Niklas Rose, Keelan Dameron, & Trey Krebbs. The family will be at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 5-7pm.

Patsy Raye Gibson

Patsy Raye Gibson, 78, of Howe, OK passed away Saturday, August 14, 2010 in Fort Smith, AR. Patsy was born January 12, 1932 in Zoe, OK to Albert S. & Anna (Metcalf) Lockhart. She was a store Manager(retired) homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clayton Gibson; daughter, Rhonda Henson; brothers, Travis & Grady Lockhart. Survivors include 2 sons & daughters in law, Gary U. & Lynn Gibson of Poteau, OK, David & Beverly Gibson of Spiro, OK; 5 grandchildren, Christi Lopez, Cheri Radwick, Gary M. Gibson, Johannah Anderson, & Shawnna Gibson; 6 great grandchildren, Makailyn Gibson, Madilyn Lopez, Marc Lopez, George M. Espinel, Lynsey Espinel, Cody Anderson; brothers, Loren Lockhart of Mustang, OK, Lynn Lockhart of Poteau, OK; sister, Geraldine McGee of Clovis, CA; other relatives & loved ones; a host of beloved friends. Services will be held 2 pm, Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Roger Mattox & Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment following in Heavener Memorial Park Cemetery, Heavener, OK. Pallbearers will be George M. Espinel, Jacob Anderson, Justin McCullah, Travis "Tab" Lockhart Jr., Mark Lockhart, & Britt Lockhart. Honorary pallbearers will be Gary M. Gibson & Patrick McGee. The family will be at the funeral home from 6-8 pm, Monday evening to visit with relatives & friends.

Ramona M. Billings

Ramona M. Billings, 76 of LeFlore, OK passed away on Monday, August 9, 2010 in LeFlore. Ramona was born on February 13, 1934 in Summerfield, OK to John & Ellen (Smith) Fulks. She was a cook at LeFlore Public Schools until her retirement. Ramona married Raydean Billings on May 28, 1953. Raydean preceded her in death on March 29, 2008. She is also preceded in death by a brother, Johnny Wayne Fulks; sisters, Virginia Tilly, Alta Gwin, Hazel Yandell, & Geneva Davis & her parents. Ramona is survived by 2 sons & daughter in law, Paul Billings, Clyde & Karen Billings all of LeFlore, OK; 5 grandchildren, Shawn & wife Amber Billings, Brent Billings, Andrea & husband Steven Rowton, Linda & husband Lester Stepp; 7 great grandchildren, Ethan Billings, Caden Rowton, Coley Grace Rowton, Greenlee Stepp, Kayleigh Helms, Adriana Billings & Colton Billings; 2 brothers & sisters in law, Jerry & Cheri Fulks of Talihina, OK, Derrall & Editha Fulks of Cashion, OK; 2 sisters & brothers in law, Diane & Clyde Chambers of Annacoco, LA & Edith & Calvin Nelson of Las Vegas, NV; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were held 10 am, Thursday, August 12, 2010 at Summerfield Baptist Church in Summerfield, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment followed in Summerfield Cemetery. Pallbearers were Shawn & Brent Billings, Steven Rowton, Lester Stepp, Casey WArren & Johnny Warren. Honorary pallbearers were Kenny Monroe, Harvey Walden, Frank Carpenter,John Ward, Mark Warren & J.W. Willard

Carl Ralph Anthony Earls

Carl Ralph Anthony "Buzzard" Earls, 53, formerly of Poteau, passed away August 10, 2010 in San Antonio, TX. He was born October 17, 1956 in Paragould, AR. He is survived by a son; two daughters; a sister and brother in law, Kathy & husband Eric Frey of Howe, OK; 3 brothers, Larry & wife Laurie of Illinois, Jerry & wife Darlene of Missouri and Gary Truelove of Poteau, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Memorial services were conducted 2 pm, Sunday, August 15, 2010, at Oakland Cemetery Pavilion in Poteau.

Betty Jean Dewitt

Betty Jean Dewitt, 69, 0f Cameron, OK passed away on Sunday, August 8, 2010 in Cameron. Betty was born on March 9, 1941 in Williams, Oklahoma to Lonnie Dave & Myrtle Neoma (Ward) Dewitt. She was a homemaker. Betty is survived by her companion, E.G. Falkner of the home; a daughter & son in law, Paula & Clifford Dewitt; 4 sons & daughters in law, Joe & Christina Edwards, Wendell & Astrid Edwards, Nathan & Cindi Self, & Kelly & Sherry Self; 5 sisters Oleda Helton, Lucille Dees, Doris & husband George Thomas, Nadine Edwards, & Polly Dewitt; brother & sister in law, Donnie & Carol Dewitt; 14 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews; other relatives & loved ones; & many beloved friends. Funeral services for Betty were held at 10:00 am Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with the Reverend Jimmy D. Cook officiating. Interment followed the services in Fairview Cemetery in Panama, OK with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK.

Louie Steven Taylor

Louie Steven Taylor, 84, of Poteau, OK passed away on Tuesday, August 10, 2010. Louie was born on July 26, 1926 in Little Kansas, OK to Nathan & Clara (Ridenoure) Taylor. He was a construction Electrician for NECA & IBEW until his retirement. He served and worshipped at Poteau Church of Christ. He had served as the mayor of Howe, OK and loved those in and around the Howe area wholeheartedly. Louie is survived by his beloved wife, Catherine “Ms. Cathy” Taylor of the home; 2 daughters & sons in law Karen & Gary Johnson of Fort Gibson, OK & Shirley & Don Martin of Poteau, OK; the mother of his children, Pauline Forrester of Poteau, OK; 4 grandchildren Steve Martin & his wife Amy of Nixa, MO, Garydon Taylor of Muskogee, OK,, Lauren & her husband Ryan Holderby of Fort Gibson, OK, & Ross Johnson & wife Amber of Muskogee, OK; 5 great grandsons Abe, Gid, & Si Martin & Jaiden & Tyson Johnson; 4 stepchildren, Steve & wife Anita, Candy & husband Dale, Roger & wife Caralene, & Beth & husband Dana; 5 step grandchildren Kamie, Joshua, Julian, Samatha, & Madison; 2 step great grandsons Kolby & Dillon Taylor; 2 sisters in law, Helen Taylor of Shady Point, OK & Oleta Taylor of Arkansas; numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of other friends & loved ones. Graveside services for Louie were held at 10:00 am Thursday, August 12, 2010 at Fairview Cemetery in Panama, OK with Dr. Steve Martin, Brother Don Cherry, Brother Lynn Bullard officiating. Pallbearers were Don Martin, Garydon Taylor, Ross Johnson, Ryan Holderby, Gary Johnson, & Bobby Martin. Honorary pallbearers will be his brothers & sisters of Poteau Church of Christ. Arrangements are under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK.

Bobbie Ann (Ross) Mitchell

Bobbie was born to Margertie Ross on February 27, 1957 in Fort Coffee, Oklahoma. She was called home to glory on Tuesday, August 10, 2010. Bobbie turned her life over to Christ at an early age and attended Mt. Triumph Missionary Baptist Church. She graduated high school at Spiro High School in 1975. She was a long time employee of Whirlpool Corporation until her health failed. She enjoyed cooking and spending time with her grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her mother, Margertie Ross & a brother, Nolia White, Jr. Bobbie leaves to cherish her memory 5 children; 4 sons, Keniko, Tamaras, A.D. & Dominique Logan and a daughter Kaniesha Logan, all of Fort Smith, Arkansas; 10 grandchildren; 3 brothers, Theodore Hines of Talihina, Oklahoma, Eddie Ross of Fort Smith, Arkansas, & Ervin Johnson of Spiro, Oklahoma & a sister Janette Hall of Spiro, Oklahoma; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones and a host of beloved friends. Homegoing celebration for Bobbie was held at 11:00 am Saturday, August 14, 2010 at House of Restoration in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Interment followed the services in Fort Coffee Cemetery, Fort Coffee, Oklahoma with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Pocola, Oklahoma. Flower bearers were Pam Medlock,Tae Baldwin, & Linda Shropshire. Casket bearers were Vincent Logan; Artez, Lamar Delt, Calvin Edwards, David Smith, & Chris Johnson.

Vernon Carl Mackey

Vernon Carl Mackey, 70, of Cameron, OK passed away Thursday, August 5, 2010 in Fort Smith, AR. Vernon was born in Monroe, OK on December 17, 1939 to Russell & Cora (Solomon) Mackey. He was disabled. Vernon was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Fatima Stroud; sister, Betty Jo Durant & brother, James Mackey. Survivors include his wife, Barbara of the home; 1 daughter, Judith Ann Swindell of Cameron, OK, 5 Grandchildren, Alisha Berryhill, Ashley Stroud, Rebecca Pearcy, Gary Stroud, Wayne Swindell II; 9 great grandchildren, Dylan, Skyleigh, Autumn, Kaylee, Mara, Charles, Violet, Niklas, Jeremy; 1 brother, Don Mackey of Shady Point, OK; 2 sisters, Bernice Kilpatrick of Tulsa, OK, Agness Kersh of Poteau, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 10 am, Monday, August 9, 2010 at Liberty Hill Baptist Church in Cameron, OK with Rev. Jackie Edwards & Rev. Travis Cook officiating. Interment will follow in Slaytonville Cemetery, Slaytonville, OK. Pallbearers will be Wayne Swindell, Keith Mackey, Brian Kersh, Kenny Lister, Dirk Gaither, Gary Stroud. Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Nichols and Danny Campbell. The family will be at the funeral home on Sunday afternoon from 2-4 pm to visit with friends and relatives.

Dale Debbs Warren

Dale D. Warren, 75, of Shady Point, OK passed away Thursday, August 5, 2010 in Ft. Smith, AR. Dale was born April 13, 1935 in Broken Bow, OK to Joseph & Vinnie (Goodman) Warren. Dale worked in the saw mill. Dale was a member of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, a devout Christian who love God & loved his church. He was a veteran of the US Marines. Dale was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include 2 daughters, Abbi Gail Tucker of Battiest, OK, Amy Parsons of Battiest, OK; 1 son, Jonathan Warren of Shady Point, OK; 6 grandchildren, Billy Dale Williams, Dakota Williams, Logan Williams, Andrew Warren, Vallie Parsons, & Tana Parsons; 2 brothers, Big Boy Warren of Eufaula, OK, Roy Fortune of Broken Bow, OK; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held 2 pm, Monday, August 9, 2010 at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Bethel, OK with Rev. Lee Storm & Rev. Archie Phillips officiating. Interment will follow in Bethel Cemetery, Bethel, OK. Pallbearers will be Jonathan Warren, Amy Parsons, Mark Richard, Jerry Weeks, Randall Williams, Kent Parsons & Jason Richard. Honorary pallbearers will be Big Boy Warren & Roy Fortune. The family will be at the funeral home on Sunday afternoon from 2-4 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Arthur "Art" VanVeKoven

"Arthur “Art” VanVekoven, 84, passed away peacefully at his home in Poteau, Oklahoma on August 4, 2010, after his courageous battle with lung cancer. Born July 5th, 1926 in Westville, IL, Art was one of six children of Jewish immigrants Jean Francois VanVeKoven and Alice Marie (Laurent) VanVeKoven of Charleroi, Belgium. On January 5, 1945 Art enlisted in the US Army in Chicago, IL. In June of 1945, Art was transferred to Company C of the 640th Tank Destroyer Battalion on Leyte in the Philippine Islands. While awaiting deployment for the invasion of Japan, his unit fought in several skirmishes on the islands of Leyte and Mindanao; the United States dropped the Atomic Bomb on Hiroshima, Japan on August 6, 1945 and on Nagasaki, Japan on August 9, 1945 which resulted in the Japanese unconditional surrender. Although the Japanese had surrendered, the 640th Tank Destroyer Battalion was required to continue fighting in skirmishes against the Japanese who had not heard that the war had ended. After WW-II, Art received an honorable discharge from the Army, obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Saint Leo University, Saint Leo, Florida and his Master of Arts Degree from Central Michigan University, Troy, Michigan. His career with the United States Federal Government spanned thirty-two years and incorporated positions as an Industrial Engineer Branch Chief, Maintenance Manager as well as an Information systems Management and Logistics Engineering Division Chief. After retiring from the Federal Government, he worked as an Information systems design and program manger for the State of Oklahoma Tax Commission, taught Computer Science at Carl Albert Junior College in Poteau, Oklahoma and worked as a case manager for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services in Poteau, OK. Art was a loving husband, father, and loyal friend. He was known for his easy, calm demeanor, quick wit and mischievous sense of humor. He enjoyed his life and lived it to the fullest for his family, not out of obligation, but out of love. He was happiest when he was with his wife and sons and when he was hunting, fishing or camping. He took pleasure in growing a vegetable garden each year. He played the accordion, piano, and harmonica, tinkered with small engines, held an amateur radio license, built several homes, rode ATV’s, boated, hiked, he was a spelunker, past Commander of American Legion Post 288 in Panama, OK, Lead Deacon at the Calvary Baptist Church in Las Cruces, NM and enjoyed researching and studying the Holy Bible. He was unselfish and always willing to help anyone in need. He loved God and Jesus Christ and taught his sons and foster children that God is the answer to all that we encounter in life. There are not enough words to describe how great a man Art was. He will be missed by all of his family and friends who loved him. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jean, Amiable, and Frank VanVeKoven as well as his sister, Helen (VanVeKoven) Wright, his daughter, Lana Faye (VanVeKoven) Morris, grandson, Jacob Allen VanVekoven and granddaughter, Jennifer Lynn (VanVeKoven) Hamilton. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Lula Faye (Green) VanVeKoven of the home, three sons, William “Junior“ of Poteau, Gary of Des Moines, IA and Kenneth of McAlester, OK, brother George VanVeKoven of Wilmington Beach, NC, nine grandchildren, three great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and foster children. Special thanks to Pastor Jackie Edwards and wife Peggy, ladies at Pleasant Valley Free Will Baptist Church, Charlotte LeBouef, Pocola, OK, Glory Young, Wister, OK, EOMC Home Health nurses Wilma, Debra and Gerald and Professional Home Hospice nurse Noreen." Funeral services will be held 11 am, Saturday, August 7, 2010 at Pleasant Valley Free Will Baptist Church in Poteau, OK with Rev. Jackie Edwards officiating. Interment will follow in Greenhill Cemetery, Cameron, OK. Pallbearers will be Robert VanVeKoven, Timothy VanVeKoven, Aaron VanVeKoven, and A.J. Hanna

Reba Bates Fitzpatrick

Reba Bates Fitzpatrick, 58, of Panama, OK passed away Sunday, August 1, 2010 in Ft. Smith, AR. Reba was born February 9, 1952 in Poteau, OK to Bethel & Faye (Boyd) Bates. She was a hairdresser. Reba was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Dena Smith. Survivors include her husband, Steven Fitzpatrick of the home; son, Matthew Schmidt of Greenwood, AR; 2 daughters, Kim & husband Shawn Dodson of Greenwood, AR, Veronica Bates of Cameron, OK; 10 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; 3 sisters, "June" Turner of Spiro, OK, Stella Tayrien of Stillwater, OK, Rachel Bates of Shattuck, OK; 3 brothers, Butch Bates of Panama, OK, Joe Ollar of Cameron, OK, Bethel Bates of Panama, OK; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held 10 am, Thursday, August 5, 2010 at the First Assembly of God Church in Panama, OK with Gary Ridenour officiating. Interment will follow at noon at the Fort Smith National Cemetery, Ft. Smith, AR. Pallbearers will be Randall Pierce, Ryan Dodson, Heath Bates, Jason Horst, Burt Tayrien, Steven Goins, Brian Goins, & the men of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Spiro Chapter. The family will be at the Spiro Fraternal Order of the Eagles hall from 6-8 Wednesday evening.