Marvin R. Sanders

Marvin Ray Sanders, 86, of LeFlore, OK passed away Sunday, May 29, 2011 in Glenpool, OK. Marvin was born in Fanshawe, OK on December 16, 1924 to Snowden & Addy (Thurman) Sanders. He was a correction officer at the Jim Hamilton Correctional Center and retired Dec. 31, 1988. He was a veteran of the US Army serving in WWII where he received a Liberation Ribbon with Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal & Occupation Medal. He was preceded in death by wife, Lottie Bea; his parents; brother, Eldred & Sister, Juanita. Survivors include his daughter & son-in-law, Sandra & Kenneth McCool of Bixby, OK; grandson, Allen McCool of Tulsa, OK; granddaughters, Dee Dee Laymon of Cameron, OK, Kennetha & Eric Gillespie of Bixby, OK; great grandsons, Duane & Darren Bryant & Brett Laymon; great granddaughters, Amanda Laymon & Erica Gillespie; sisters, Lueta Brandt of California & Snodine Hale of Spiro, OK; brothers, Orval Sanders of California & Dale Sanders of Poteau, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Thursday, June 2, 2011 graveside at LeFlore Cemetery, LeFlore, OK with Rev. Charles Caughern officiating. Interment will follow. The family will be at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 6-8 to visit with relatives & friends. Honorary pallbearers will be Kenneth McCool, Allen McCool, Duane Bryant, Darren Bryant & Brett Laymon.

Dianna F. Ragland

Dianna F. Ragland, 65, of Pocola, OK passed away Saturday, May 28, 2011 in Pocola. Dianna was born in Red Oak, OK on March 16, 1946 to Jefferson F. & Teresa (Owen) Ragland. She was a clerk. Dianna was a member of the First Baptist Church in Albion, OK. She lived in Albion for most of her life. Survivors include 2 brothers, Jefferson F. Jr. & Hattie Ragland of Electra, TX, Randy & Kathy Ragland of Pocola, OK; 3 nephews, Willard J. Ragland, Albert R. Ragland & Randy Ray Ragland Jr. Services will be 2 pm, Tuesday, May 31, 2011 graveside at Red Oak Cemetery, Red Oak, OK with Rev. Johnny Montgomery officiating. Interment will follow under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home in Pocola, OK

Dudley Lee "Duck" Martin

Dudley Lee “Duck” Martin, 64, of Wister, OK passed away Sunday, May 29, 2011 at his home in Wister, OK. Duck was born February 25, 1947 in Batesville, AR to Jesse Fred & Emma Eunice (Baldwin) Martin. He was self-employed in construction. Duck was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Marion “Sooner” Martin & Burrus “Poose” Martin. Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Margrete of the home; 4 daughters & sons-in-law, Debbie & Derek Brewer of Wister, OK, Kim Newell of Ft. Smith, AR, Jamie & Rodney Nobles of Wister, OK, Jackie & Tody Perez of Wister, OK; Special Children, Ronald & Cathy Robertson of Cameron, OK, J.K. & Margie Rowzee of Corpus Christi, TX, Jack & Courtney Word of Summerfield, OK, Amanda & John McAlester of Summerfield, OK, Faye Beason of Heavener, OK; 12 grandchildren, Aaron & Alyssa Brewer of Wister, OK, Aleisha “Montana” Brewer of Wister, OK, Stephanie Greenwade of Ada, OK, Christopher Greenwade of Ft. Smith, AR, Macy Nobles, Maddy Nobles, Kaiden Jackson & Preston Perez of Wister, Tanner McAlester, Gunnar McAlester, Addley McAlester & Case Word, all of Summerfield; 3 Sisters & brother-in-law, Nancy Martin, Retta & Tommy Baker of Wister, Pat Anderson of Heavener, OK; brother & sister-in-law, Thad & Mary Martin of Wister; Sister-in-law, Linda Martin of Wister; mother & father-in-law, Don & Aline Smith of Arkoma, OK, Special Brother, Bob Oliver; Uncle Farland “Sandy” Baldwin of Broken Arrow, OK; Great Granddaughter to be, Baby Bella; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at the Wister High School Cafetorium with Rev. PJ Atkinson & Rev. Clyde Steelman officiating. Pallbearers will be Dwight Lowe, Toby Mead, Gary Mead, Rick Ford, Chad Bridges, Brian McKinney; honorary pallbearers will be Bob Oliver, W.A. Busby, Sam Walden, Bill Scott, Stevie Walden, Dr. Scott Clark, Mauel Swift, Lamar Ford, Dave Monks. The family will be at the funeral home on Monday evening from 6-8 to visit with relatives & friends.

Oleta McMillin

Oleta McMillin, 71, of Poteau, OK passed away Saturday, May 28, 2011 in Poteau. Oleta was born June 30, 1939 in Big Cedar, OK to Rich & Lela (Fortner) Haney. She was a homemaker. Oleta was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Linda & Wanda. Survivors include her husband of 52 years, Charles of the home; 4 daughters, & sons-in-law, Maria & Keith Davis of Gilmore, OK, Lisa & Paul Kelley of Lone Oak, TX, Charlene McMillin of Poteau, OK, Carla & Max Dunigan of Bristow, OK; Grandchildren, Brandon & Kristie Davis, Brandy Davis, Brett Kelley, Heath Kelley, Ashley Dunigan, & Dexter Dunigan; 2 great grandchildren, Alyssa & Kaley; sister & brother in law, Joe & Loretta Turner of Monroe, OK and brother & sister in law, Clarence & Betty Haney of Poteau, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment will follow in Vaughn Cemetery, Gilmore, OK. Pallbearers will be Rodney Hemphill, Mark McMillin, Brad McMillin, Weylin Groome, Billy Jack Smith & Steve Turner. The family will be at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 6-8 to visit with relatives & friends.

Bob Blake

Bobby Beale Blake, 75, of Poteau, OK passed away Wednesday, May 25, 2011 in Fort Smith, AR. Bob was born in Oklahoma City, OK on August 8, 1935 to Floyd & Clema (Howerton) Blake. He was a purchasing agent for Johnson Controls. He was a veteran of the US Air Force having served 4 ½ years. Bob was a longtime faithful member of the South Broadway Church of Christ in Poteau where he served as Deacon, song leader and Bible Class Teacher. He was a member of the Poteau Kiwanis Club & served as its treasurer for many years. Bob was a wonderful husband, father & grandfather, affectionately called “GrandBob”. He enjoyed fishing & spending time with friends & family. His love & compassion for nature & animals were passed along to his children & grandchildren. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Richard “Dickie” Blake. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Margaret; daughters & son in law, Cindy & Bryan Loughmiller of Pampa, TX, Melinda Blake Leader of Poteau, OK. Four grandchildren, Adam Loughmiller, Michael Loughmiller, Lindsey Loughmiller & Emily Leader; one sister & brother in law, Dena & J.C. Williamson of Oklahoma City, OK; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends & extended family. Services will be 10:30 am, Saturday, May 28, 2011 in Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Bryan Loughmiller & Phil McGehee officiating. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau. Pallbearers will be Ken Bentley, Mike Kemp, Steve Watson, Jr. Sockey, Bill Barber & Julian Scott; honorary pallbearers will be the men of South Broadway Church of Christ.

Sheila Fay Dunigan Tolleson

Sheila Fay Dunigan Tolleson, 43, of Poteau, OK passed away Wednesday, May 18, 2011 in Poteau. Sheila was born in Poteau on May 30, 1967 to Tommy & Betty Ruth (Hodge) Dunigan. She was a homemaker. Sheila was preceded in death by her parents; & three sisters, Linda Sue Dunigan, Shirley Bennett, & Bernice Cannon. Survivors include her companion, Mike Crandell of Poteau; daughters, Brandi Tolleson of Tahlequah, OK, Brenda Gail Hackman of Poteau, OK; son, Eddie Wayne Tolleson of Poteau, OK; sisters, Patsy Lamberson of Panama, OK, Debra Beshirs of Shady Point, OK, Norma Hobbs of Poteau, OK, Brenda Moss of Shady Point, OK; brothers, Timmy Dunigan of North Carolina, Freddy Dunigan of Midland, AR, David Dunigan of Midland, AR, Ricky Dunigan of Shady Point, OK, Richard Dunigan of Texarkana, AR; 8 grandchildren; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Monday, May 23, 2011 in Evans Chapel of Memories. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK

Lona Kathryn (Ratterree) Dryden

Lona Kathryn Dryden was reunited with her heavenly family on May 18, 2011. . She was born to W.E. & Rina Jane Ratterree on September 7, 1913. She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant daughter, Nancy Carolyn Dryden, & her husband of 68 years, Charles Bailey Dryden, as well as brothers G.A. (Aud) Ratterree and John H. Ratterree. After the death of her mother, Lona Kathryn was blessed with a “second” mother, Annie Nation Ratterree, who also preceded her in death. A Poteau native, Lona Kathryn graduated from Poteau High School and Northeastern State University, continuing graduate work at the University of Oklahoma. She and Mr. Dryden were married in 1938, and the couple moved to Tulsa where they lived for 50 years. Mr. Dryden was self-employed as an accountant, while Lona Kathryn was a second grade teacher in the Tulsa Public Schools for many years. Both were very active in their church, Immanuel Baptist Church in Tulsa, until they returned to Poteau in 1998, where they affiliated with the First Baptist Church. Lona Kathryn had lived in Ellisville, Missouri, where she died, since 2008. Survivors include a son and daughter in law, David Charles & Carolyn Dryden of Ellisville, MO; two grandchildren, Paul David Dryden of Ellisville, MO & Katherine Ann Stephens of Maryland Heights, MO; a dear sister in law, Helen Ratterree of Jacksonville, FL; and sever nieces, nephews, & cousins, including several special nieces & nephews from her husband’s family, all of whom dearly loved her. Services will be 2 pm, Tuesday, May 24, 2001 at the First Baptist Church, Poteau, OK with Rev. Phil McGehee officiating. Interment will follow in Vaughn Cemetery, Gilmore, OK. Pallbearers will be Ed Abernathy, Charles Durant, Scotty McMillian, Kelly Hughes, Archie Baca & Weylin Groom

Ann Vaughan

Ann W. Vaughan, 75, of Poteau, OK passed away Friday, May 20,2011 in Poteau. Ann was a retired teacher. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill. Survivors include her sister & brother in law, Betty Marie & Joe Lineback of Tulsa, OK; nieces, Karen & John Lineback Crowder and John & Kathi Howard Lineback. Services will be 10 am, Monday, May 23, 2011 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with Rev. Dr. Greg Tener officiating. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery.

Marion Ruth Davison

Marion Ruth Davison, 75, of Hodgen, OK passed away Thursday, May 19, 2011 in Poteau, OK. Marion was born September 23, 1935 in Bridgeport, CT to Harrison & Mary (Rogue) Johnson. She was a homemaker. Marion was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Allen Johnson & sister, Dorothy Kovaloc. She was a loving wife, mother & grandmother. Survivors include her husband, Jerry of the home; daughter Sherrie & Dennis Harrison of Cameron, OK, Charlie & Leta Davison of Gans, OK; grandchildren, John Harrison, Ali Davison, Jill Harrison, Cody Davison, Kayce Davison, & Kyle Davison; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will to 10 am Saturday, May 21, 2011 at Evans Chapel of Memories – Poteau, OK with Rev. Monty Brown officiating. Interment will follow in Hodgen Cemetery, Hodgen, OK. Pallbearers John Harrison, Cody Davison, Mike Davison, Joe Davison, Dennis Harrison, & Chuck Davison.

Velta Faye Killion

Velta Faye Killion, 84, of Poteau, OK passed away Wednesday, May 18, 2011 in Spiro, OK. Velta was born November 21, 1926 in Cameron, OK to Jesse & Ora Belle (Shipman) Moon. She was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Poteau where she taught a children’s Sunday School class for many years. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, & homemaker. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Carl Killion; daughter, Sharon Lamar; 2 sisters, Bonnie Lee Goodwin & Imogene Logan; and one brother, Jesse Moon. Velta is survived by 2 sons, Jerold & wife Phyllis Killion of Spiro, OK; John & fiance’ Diane Killion of Tulsa, OK; 5 grandchildren, Crystal Stimac, Angie Neal, Carol Davison, Lori Bigley, Brent Daniel; 8 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Services will be held 2 pm, Friday, at Evans Chapel of Memories with Rev. Keith Williams and Rev. Jeff Mattox officiating. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK. Pallbearers will be Gary Newby, Jeff Calloway, David Alexander, Paul Cast, Chris James & Harry Killian.

Dr. George E. Nenstiel II

Dr. George E. Nenstiel passed away on Sunday, May 15, 2011 in Overland Park, KS after a valiant battle against lymphoma and the effects of treatments. George was born on April 20, 1931 in Belleville KS to George and Irene Nenstiel. He was a chiropractor for 53 years, 35 of them in Poteau. He was actively involved as an elder and member of the Presbyterian Church, Lions Club, Main Street Matters and the Chamber of Commerce and was a veteran of the US Army. He enjoyed ballroom dancing, reading, watching football and spending time with his family. His caring spirit and sense of humor will be greatly missed. George was preceded in death by his wife Donna, his son George (Skip) Nenstiel, his parents and a host of childhood relatives. Survivors include children Linda and Bob Dover of Lenexa, KS; Kimberly and Jesse Hurst of Cottage Hills, IL; Valerie and Charles Cook of Tulsa, OK; Cynthia Aazami of Minneola, FL; Cherie and Alan Chavis of Eagle, CO; Paul and Kristen Sample of Paris, AK; daughter-in-law Shelva Barnes of Cameron, OK; sister Lou Jane Temple of Tybee Island, GA; 15 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, 2 nephews, 1 niece, and his dog Shadow, as well as extended family and friends. Friends are invited to attend a 1:00 memorial service and reception at Poteau Presbyterian Church on Saturday, May 21. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established for Poteau Presbyterian Church.

Priscilla Sue Solomon

Priscilla Sue Solomon, 63, of Cameron, OK passed away Saturday, May 14, 2011 in Fort Smith, AR. Mrs. Solomon was born May 31, 1947 in Detroit, MI. She was a homemaker. Services for Mrs. Solomon will be all day Saturday, May 28, 2011 at 26245 Caughron Rd., (Knothole), Cameron, OK. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made at Evans & Miller Funeral Home.

Mary Elizabeth Meyer

Mary Elizabeth Meyer of Poteau, Oklahoma, born July 22, 1920 to James W. Glaves and Ruth Haydon Glaves went home to the Lord on Wednesday, May 11, 2011 in Poteau, OK. Mary was born in LaBelle, Missouri in 1920 and graduated from LaBelle High School in 1938 and later attended Quincy Beauty College in Quincy, IL. In following years her most important occupation was that of wife, mother and homemaker. Mary was married on April 5, 1942 to Charles H. Meyer of Quincy, IL., who preceded her in death in 1988. To this union were born two children; Bonnie Jean and Cheryl Ann. The family moved from LaBelle to Poteau, OK in 1954. Mary will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend dearly loved and missed by her family and numerous friends. Mary was a member of the First Christian Church of Poteau for 50 plus years where she served in the church as the CYF (Christian Youth Fellowship) leader for six years, Christian Women’s Fellowship member and officer and as a Deaconess. Mary was also a member of the LaBelle, Missouri Order of the Eastern Star #316 for 50 plus years where she served as Worthy Matron. Preceding her in death was her husband Charles Meyer, her parents James William and Ruth Glaves, her brothers: James (Jim) and Haydon, and her Great Granddaughter Brittani Johnson. In her death she leaves behind her two children; Bonnie Johnson and husband, Basker of Broken Arrow, OK; Cheryl McKendrick of Poteau: Grandchildren, William Johnson, Elizabeth Johnson Conrad, Charles McKendrick, and Amanda McKendrick Lacewell; Great Grandchildren: Ashley Johnson, Andrew Abbott Conrad, Matthew McKendrick, Baylor and Finley Lacewell; two cousins, three nieces and one nephew and many loving friends. Services will be held at First Christian Church of Poteau, OK on Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 2:30 p.m. Interment will be at LaBelle, Missouri Cemetery following a graveside service. Pallbearers at Poteau are: Terry Amend, Paul Collins, Joe Means, Lloyd Ivy, Jeff Shockley, and Jim Dunn. Honorary pallbearers are: Dick Winters, Riley Smith, Lloyd Dobbins, Bill Peters & Neville Brehm.

Mildred M. Strickland

Mildred Maxine Strickland, 85, of Dover, OK passed away Monday, May 2011 in Dover. Mildred was born in Gowen, OK of September 25, 1925 to Ambrose Louis Sr. & Marie Adelaide (Querva) Capell. She was a homemaker. Mildred was preceded in death by her parents; 2 brothers & 4 sisters. Survivors include her husband, Warren Strickland of the home; stepson, Richard Strickland of Cameron, LA; sisters, Mary Jacobs of Del City, OK and Mary Ann Barr of Choctaw, OK; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 10 am, Thursday, May 12, 2011 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment will follow in Shady Point Cemetery, Shady Point, OK. Pallbearers will be her nephews.

Delbert Leon Archey

Delbert Leon Archey, 64, of Shady Point, OK passed away Sunday, May 8, 2011 in Fayetteville, AR. Delbert was born September 12, 1946 in Cameron, OK to Edward & Dora Claudia (Hilburn) Archey. He retired after 40 years at Whirlpool. He was a veteran of the US Army. Delbert loved to fish. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Rita Jean Archey; sisters, Elcie Hale, Foy Brown; brothers, Jim, Robert, Jiggs, George, Bill & Roy Archey. Survivors include his wife, Teresa (Jeanie) of the home; son & daughter in law, Kirk & Kim Archey of Shady Point, OK; 2 daughters & son in law, Shila & James Waddle of Shady Point, OK, Shea Archey of Poteau, OK; 1 stepdaughter, Tonya Whitecotton of Wagoner, OK; stepson, Tim Neal of Wagoner, OK; 11 grandchildren, Caleb, Kris, Alisha, Kyndal, Breanna, Skye, Brittany, Savanna, Gracie, Kalli, Ava; great grandson, Gunner; brothers, Ray Archey of Shady Point, OK, Buck Archey of Cameron, OK; sisters, Francis Loomis of Cameron, OK, Lois Brown of Congerville, IL. Services will be 2 pm, Friday, May 13, 2011 at the Knothole Cemetery Pavilion, Cameron, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment will follow. Pallbearers will be Bruce Thompson, Caleb Archey, Alex Bryce, Jim Archey, Lynsey Hale, Carl Wilson. Honorary pallbearers will be Loyd Estes & Jim Kersh. The family will be at the funeral home on Thursday evening between 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends.