Stephen Mark Hall

Stephen Mark Hall, 51, of Wewoka, OK passed away Saturday, January 28, 2012 in Wewoka. Stephen was born February 18, 1960 in Oklahoma City, OK to Floyd Harold & Mary Anne (Perkins) Hall. Stephen was a self-employed painter. He was preceded in death by his father; step father, James K. Carr; sister, Kathryn Anne Hall Green; grandparents, Arch & Myrtle Hall, Herman & Myrtle Perkins. Survivors include his sons, Garrett Hall and Ryan Hall of Oklahoma City, OK; 3 grandchildren, Jadan Hall, Jordan Hall, Cameron Hall; mother & step father, Mary Anne & Steve Mendoza of Howe, OK; brother, Floyd & Cindy Hall of Wewoka, OK; step sisters, Loretta Edwards, Lavada & Mel White, Wannetta & Randy Kohl all of Oklahoma City, OK; step brothers, Jerry & Cherri Carr of Nashville, TN, Bobby Joe Mendoza of Fayetteville, TN; numerous cousins, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Memorial services will be 2 pm Saturday, February 4, 2012 at the First Assembly of God Church in Howe, OK with Rev. Jack Barron officiating.

William E. Whitton

William E. Whitton, 56, of Howe, OK passed away Friday, January 20, 2012 in Fort Smith, AR. William was born June 6, 1955 in Sebastopol, CA to Robert Easco & H. Lorraine (Smith) Whitton. He was a recycling engineer. William would give you the shirt off his back. He helped many in the community. You could not help but love him. Survivors include his brothers, Lloyd Whitton, Thomas D. Wright & Joseph L. Wright; sister, Alma V. Wright; half brother, Matthew Whitton; half sister, Cassie; stepmother, Cassie Whitton; nieces, Carolyn Thomas, Jennifer Wright; nephews, Joey Wright, Tim Wright, Billy Wright. There will be a memorial at the family home on January 28, 2012 at noon.

Herman Hollingsworth

Herman Boyd Hollingsworth, 70, of Poteau, OK passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2012 in Fort Smith, AR. Herman was born March 20, 1941 in Simms, TX to Frank James & Hattie Mae (Obneskey) Hollingsworth. He was a US Military Publication Officer. He was in the Army Reserves for eight years. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Lottie Insko, Ethel Malone; brother, J.W. Hollingsworth. Survivors include his wife, Faye of the home; son & daughter in law, Todd & Glenda Hollingsworth of Denton, TX; daughter & son-in-law, Tammy & Tim Laurence of Bixby, OK; 5 grandchildren, Nicholas, Veronica, Luke, David & Bethany; brothers, Loyd Hollingsworth of Mt. Pleasant, TX, James Hollingsworth of Simms, TX; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 10 am, Friday, January 27, 2012 at the Community Free Will Baptist Church in Pocola, OK with Rev. Carl Cheshier officiating. Interment will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery, Checotah, OK Pallbearers will be John Hendricks, Jerry Scott, Ron Cooper, Danny Browning, Ed Richeson & Michael Jones. The family will be at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Virginia Pipkin

Virginia Louise Pipkin, 89, of Pocola, OK our beloved Mother & Grandmother was taken home to her Lord and Savior on Monday, January 23, 2012. Virginia was born November 12, 1922 in Fort Smith, AR to Omer Lewis & Nell Ewing (Moore) Weaver. Virginia was a homemaker. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Pocola. Virginia was a former United Methodist Lay Leader, Lay Delegate to the Oklahoma United Methodist Annual Conference for many years, a former member of the United Methodist Women, a substitute school teacher, and a Cub Scout Den Mother. Her husband Rev. Morris B. Pipkin preceded her in death, as well as one brother, Jesse Ross Weaver, two sisters, Elizabeth Christian and Patricia; and grandson, Roy Leon Walker Jr. Survivors include her daughters & sons in law, Betty Ann & Roy Walker of Pocola, OK, Jean & Charles Henderson of Bokoshe, OK, Col. Nancy Clark of Ft. Smith, AR, Karen & Major James R. Schmid of Lacey, WA; sons & daughters in law, M. Bruce Jr. & Nita Pipkin of Poteau, OK, Jonathan & Tracie Pipkin of Duncan, OK; 12 grandchildren, Dr. Mary Caroline Henderson Holmboe (Andy) of Edmond, OK, Brian Walker of Suwanee, GA, Royce Walker of Greenville, TX, Sally Henderson of Bokoshe, OK, USMC Cpt. Matthew Pipkin (Carissa) of Joshua Tree, CA, USN Lt. Cole Pipkin (Whitney) of Anacortes, WA, 1st Lt. Wesley Pipkin of El Paso, TX, Amanda Broadfoot (Danny) of Oklahoma City, OK, Winnifred Pipkin, Ross Pipkin, Theadora Pipkin all of Duncan, OK, Jonathan Schmid of Lacey, WA., and 3 great grandchildren, Juliet Holmboe of Edmond, OK, Grant Walker of GA, Mason Broadfoot of Oklahoma City, OK; 1 sister, Mable Warnock of Arkoma, OK. Services will be 2 pm, Friday, January 27, 2012 at the United Methodist Church in Pocola Interment will follow in Macedonia Cemetery, Pocola. Honorary pallbearers will be her grandsons, Brian Walker, Royce Walker, Matthew Pipkin, Cole Pipkin, Wesley Pipkin, Ross Pipkin, Jonathan Schmid. The family will be at the funeral home in Pocola on Thursday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends. Evans & Miller Funeral Home at Pocola.

Lee H Zuck

Lee H. Zuck, 89, of Poteau, OK passed away Monday, January 23, 2012 in Heavener, OK. Lee was born May 4, 1922 in Florence, KS to Arthur M. & Bertha (Poland) Zuck. Lee was a veteran of the US Marine Corp, a recipient of the Purple Heart. He was a retired Vocational Agriculture Teacher. Lee was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Belle Zuck; and grandson, Joshua Yandell. Survivors include his sons, Robby Zuck of Ponca City, OK, Rex Zuck of Poteau, OK; daughter, Elizabeth Fast of Tucson, AZ; 5 Grandchildren, Mylinda Miller, Teresa Hudlow, Robby Zuck, Scott Yandell & Kevin Zuck; 10 great grandchildren; 4 great great grandchildren; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 10 am, Friday, January 27, 2012 graveside at the Fort Smith National Cemetery, Fort Smith, AR with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment will follow. Honorary pallbearers will be Harvey Walden, Kenny Monroe, Tom Hughes, Harold Dutton, Tony Mattney, Roy Boggs, and many others not listed but remembered. The family will be at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Sonny Reed

William Haskell “Sonny” Reed Jr., 78 of Howe, OK passed away Sunday, January 22, 2012 in Fort Smith, AR. Sonny was born September 18, 1933 in Monroe, OK to William Haskell & Beulah (Cain) Reed. Sonny was a rancher. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge. He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Don Haskell. Survivors include his wife, Erma Lee Reed of the home; 1 son, Dewayne Reed of Stonewall, OK; 3 daughters, Debbie Reed of Monroe, OK, Darlene & Chuck Lavery of Kansas City, MO, Denise Reed of Howe, OK; 11 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; 2 Sisters; 6 Sisters in Law & husbands & children; numerous nieces, nephews other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Thursday, January 26, 2012 at Springhill Baptist Church, Monroe, OK with Rev. Joe Hayden Hall officiating. Interment will follow in Monroe Cemetery. Pallbearers will be his grandsons: Don Reed Jr., Tyler Reed, Wesley Reed, Joseph Brown, Cody Reed and Zachary Brown. The family will be at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Luther A. Parham

Luther A. Parham, after 87 years of full life, went to be with the Lord on January 22, 2012 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Visitation with family and friends will be on January 25th at Evans-Miller Funeral Home in Pocola, OK from 5-8 P.M. Luther and his wife Bonita were married for 69 years and raised twelve children in Poteau, Oklahoma. They owned and operated Parham Fruit Stand while supporting the family. Then moved to Fort Smith , Arkansas where he worked at Rheem Mfg until he retired. Luther was a proud man, hard worker and dedicated father and husband. He is preceded in death by two sons and a brother who died as a child. Survived by one brother Dennis Parham of Paris, Arkansas, his wife Bonita of Pocola, OK and ten of his children: Dale, Iris, Donna, Fred, Mike, Thomas, Retha , Rick, Reba, and Jerry. He has also left behind a host of grand-children and great-grandchildren.

Jane "Memaw" Lankford

Francis Jane "Memaw" Lankford, 66, of Arkoma, OK passed away Saturday, January 21, 2012 in Fort Smith, AR. Francis was born April 30, 1946 in Oxnard, CA to Claude & Ruby Mae (Hastings) Williams. She was a homemaker. Francis volunteered at Arkoma Schools and Peachtree Home Health. She was preceded in death by her parents; and sisters, Nancy Curry & Lynn Foster. Survivors include her daughter, Terry Lankford of Ft. Smith, AR; son, Archie Lankford of Arkoma, OK; 4 Grandchildren, Brandon Lankford of Arkoma; Kylie Shepard, Kira Shepard, & Kayla Shepard of Ft. Smith, AR; 3 brothers, Edward Williams of Springtown, TX, Donald Williams of Arkoma, OK, Mack Williams of Pocola, OK; 5 sisters, JoAnn Kuykendall of Pocola, OK, Betty Cook of N. Manchester, IN, Joyce Pearson of Arkoma, OK, Carol Campbell of Hartshorne, OK, Ruth Wallis of Spiro, OK; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at Evans Memorial Chapel in Pocola, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment will follow in Greenhill Cemetery, Cameron, OK. Pallbearers will be Dan Campbell, Robin Wallis, Wayne Harlow, Richard Wallis, Kenneth Curry, Rodney Wallis, Mike Lambert. The family will be at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 5-7 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Zerilda J. McCaughey

Zerilda J. McCaughey, 71, of Poteau, OK passed away Thursday, January 19, 2012 in Ft. Smith, AR. Zerilda was born July 11, 1940 in Monticello, MO to Emmett Hayden & Clara May (Porter) Crain. She was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Carl McCaughey; daughter, Tina L. Murray; 9 brothers & sisters. Survivors include her stepdaughter, Deana Kay Cottle of Kingman, AZ; 4 grandsons, Sam Murray, Patrick Murray, Brock Cottle, Garrett Cottle; 2 granddaughters, Fawn Higgins, Chesnee Cottle; brother, Lloyd Crain and 5 great grandchildren; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Tuesday, January 24, 2012 graveside at Virgil City Cemetery, Virgil City, MO.

Bonnie Marie King

http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif Bonnie Marie King, 87, of Poteau, OK passed away Friday, January 20, 2012 in Poteau. Bonnie was born in Poteau, OK on December 22, 1924 to Claude & Nellie A. (Pendergrass) Johnson. She was preceded in death by her father, Claude Johnson; mother, Nellie Johnson and step father, Claude Oliver; husband, Henry “J.R.” King; and best friend, Mary Tiffee. Survivors include her son & daughter in law, Jimmy & Nancy King of Poteau, OK; granddaughters, Jamie Rowland, Emilee King & Natalee King all of Poteau; 2 great grandsons; Jaxon King & Gavin Rowland; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 10 am, Monday, January 23, 2012 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery. Pallbearers will be John Paul Wilson, Connor Gilstrap, Jack Colwell, Nate Warren, James Mathis & Bruce Thompson. The family will be at the funeral home from 4-6 pm Sunday to visit with relatives and friends.

Otis Cleo Ritter

Otis Cleo Ritter, 70, of Cameron, OK passed away Thursday, January 19, 2012 in Ft. Smith, AR. Cleo was born November 4, 1941 at #10/Howe, OK to Will & Lula (Dodd) Ritter. He was a retired truck driver. Cleo was a member of the Southside Baptist Church in Poteau. He was an avid coon hunter, he loved animals, especially his horse, “Zipper”. Cleo was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Short, Raymond, Frank, Bill & Willard Ritter; 3 sisters, Savola Wise, Viola Ritter and an infant girl. Survivors include his wife, Paula of the home; sisters, Marcella Waymire of Poteau, Faye Humphries of Monroe, OK, Jean & Truman Hill of Howe, OK; special pets, Patty & Penny of the home; sister in law, Regina & Donald Mings of Talihina, OK; mother in law, Marie Ganote of Talihina, OK; brother in law, Ted & Darlene Ganote of Tulsa, OK; numerous nieces & nephews; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Sunday, January 22, 2012 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment will follow in Springhill Cemetery, Howe, OK. Pallbearers will be his nephews, Bradley Hill, Bentley Hill, Keith Mings, Greg Mings, Josh Thomas and Jake Thomas.

Leonard Thomas Shropshire

Leonard Thomas Shropshire, 81, of Poteau, OK passed away Friday, January 20, 2012 in Fort Smith, AR. Leonard was born November 4, 1930 in Yuma, AZ to Thomas I. & Mary Ann (Short) Shropshire. He worked in the oil field. Leonard was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Geneva Shrophire; 1 brother, 1 sister, daughter, Kathy Shropshire and son, Brandon Ellison. Survivors include his sons, Billy Shropshire of Wister, OK, Melvin Shropshire of Midland, TX; daughter, Debra Kay Hopkins of Kermit, TX; 15 Grandchildren; 1 sister, Novella Russell of Hobbs, NM; numerous great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were at 2 pm, Tuesday, January 24, 2012, graveside at Kermit Cemetery, Kermit, TX with Bro. Ken Sisco officiating. Interment followed under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, OK

Troy Leon Loggains

Troy Leon Loggains, 86, of Poteau, OK passed away Thursday, January 19, 2012 in Poteau. Troy was born January 7, 1926 in Claremore, OK to Jesse Cleveland & Ella Izora (Belote) Loggains. He was an x-ray and lab technician. Troy was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Vivian; sisters, Opal Barnes & Cleo Gregory; brothers, Roy & Everett Loggains. Survivors include his daughter & son-in-law, Debbie & Bob Almon of Poteau, OK; sons & daughters-in-law, Travis & Faye Loggains of Poteau, Darrel & Julie Loggains of Hoover, AL; 6 grandchildren, Gary Loggains, Todd Loggains, Sharla Gaither, Chad Loggains, Kelli McNees & Christie Taylor; 5 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; sister, Lois Moore of Charleston, AR; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 10 am, Saturday, January 21, 2012 graveside at Vaughn Cemetery in Gilmore, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment will follow.

Harold Hansen

Harold Lee Hansen Sr., 85, of Spiro, OK passed away Thursday, January 19, 2012 in Poteau. Harold was born December 26, 1926 in Sidney, Montana to Andrew & Julia Mae (Blassingame) Hansen. He was a veteran of the US Army and served in WWII. He worked as a painter for Arkansas Valley Steel. Harold was preceded in death by his parents, one brother & one sister. Survivors include his wife, Dora of the home; sons & daughters in law, Harold Lee & Debbie Hansen of West Virginia, Randall & Vickie Hansen of Poteau; daughters & sons in law, Julia Burdett of Parkerburg, W.VA, Diana & Ron Duckworth of Mineral Wells, W.VA., Pamela & Mike Lockhart of Heavener, OK, Magdalana Hastings of Poteau, OK; brother, Ivan & wife, Jeannie of Cleveland, TX; sister, Grace Silte of Washington; numerous grand, great and great great grandchildren; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Saturday, January 21, 2012 at Evans Chapel of Memories with Rev. Donnie Wagner & Rev. Deward Gunter officiating. Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Panama, OK. Pallbearers will be Gabriel Lockhart, Josh Mantooth, Marvin Trout, Butch Thompson, Charlie Bruce, Jessie Wilsie, Charles Bailey.

JR Upton

Arthur Daniel “JR” Upton, 61, of Panama, OK passed away Thursday, January 12, 2012 in Panama, OK. JR was born March 30, 1950 in Wister, OK to Arthur Daniel Sr. & Mildred (Morgan) Upton. He was a veteran of the US Army. JR was a heavy equipment operator for the coal mines. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Gwen Upton; sisters, Hazel Ochinero & Kat Skelton; brother, Arnold Upton; great great niece, Faith Lee Enkoff. Survivors include his daughter, Jennifer Bohannon of Panama, OK; son, Trey Upton of Alva, OK; grandson, Shane Bohannon of Panama, OK; brother, Danny Upton of Spiro, OK; sister, Linda Koteras of Buffalo, NY; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Monday, January 16, 2012 graveside at Fairview Cemetery, Panama, OK with Rev. Wayne Wedge officiating. Interment will follow. Pallbearers will be Dustin Armstrong, Manuel Upton, Daniel Upton, Bethel Bates, Wayne Wedge, Cody Skelton. Honorary pallbearers will be Gary Skelton, Jim Wedge & Chad Upton. The family will be at the funeral home on Sunday afternoon from 2-4 pm to visit with friends & relatives

Della Juanita Edwards

Della Juanita Edwards, 92, of Bokoshe, OK passed away Thursday, January 12, 2012 in Poteau, OK. Della was born October 14, 1919 in Mena, AR to Isaac Newton & Lucrecia Wiles. She was a homemaker. Della was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jasper Edwards Sr.; sons, Jasper Edwards Jr. and Robert Edwards; daughter, Laura Jean Edwards and several siblings. Survivors include daughters & sons-in-law, Wanda Edwards of Dallas, TX, Anna & Bill Tackett of Milton, OK, Joy & Elmer Willhite of Jenny Lind, AR; sons, Leo “JC” Edwards of Bullock, NC, Bobby Edwards of Bokoshe, OK; 28 Grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; sister, Martha Williams of Quinton, OK. Services will be 10 am, Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at the Solid Rock Pentecostal Church, Panama, OK with Rev. Lynn Bullard & Rev. Tim Painter. Interment will follow in Massey Cemetery near Blocker, OK. Pallbearers will be Chris Bush, Justin Price, Chad Price, Bobby Edwards Jr., Mark Hatcher, Jasper Lee Chronister, Tommy Shaw, Charles Shaw. The family will be at the funeral home on Monday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Jerold Harris

Jerold Dean Harris, 80, of Poteau, OK passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2012 in Poteau, OK. Jerold was born November 28, 1931 in Gilmore, OK to Elmer O. “Buck” & Oma G. (Ivy) Harris. Jerold was a veteran of the US Army. He was a machinist. Survivors include his wife, Sada Lou of the home; sons & daughters in law, Jerold Wayne & Paulla Harris of Hays, KS, John Charles Harris of Poteau, OK, Corey & Christina Harris of Poteau; daughter & son in law, Theresa Lou Todd & Kenny Hess of Poteau, OK; twin sister, Verlene Keck of Cameron, OK; 6 grandchildren, Scotty, A.J., Christopher, Valerie, Michelle, Peanut; 7 step grandchildren; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 10 am, Friday, January 13, 2012 in Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment will be in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau. Pallbearers will be Jerold Wayne, John, Corey, Scotty Harris, John Hunter, & Raymond Brasher.

Esta Alice "Shorty" Pipkins

Esta Alice “Shorty” Pipkins, 95, of Pocola, OK passed away Sunday, January 8, 2012 in Fort Smith, AR. Shorty was born June 21, 1916 in Pocola, OK to John Eric & Gaitha (Tucker) Gregory. She was a homemaker and of the Baptist Faith. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Andy; 2 sisters; 2 brothers; and two grandsons. Survivors include her daughters, Mary Welker and Melba Large of Spiro, OK, Linda Oehlschlager of Poteau, OK; 7 sons, Tom Pipkins, Aaron Pipkins of Pocola, OK, Gary Pipkins of Spiro, OK, Paul David Pipkins of Big Cedar, OK, Roy Daniel Pipkins of Hackett, AR, Kenny Eugene Pipkins of Spiro, OK, Gerald Don Pipkins of Pocola, OK; 3 generations of grandchildren; numerous nieces & nephews; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at the First Baptist Church in Pocola, OK. Interment will follow in Macedonia Cemetery. Pallbearers will be her sons. The family will be at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Shawna Jeanette Graham Beallis

Shawna Jeanette Graham Beallis, 34, of Fort Smith, AR passed away Thursday, January 5, 2012 in Fort Smith. Shawna was born August 9, 1977 in Big Springs, TX to Lucky George & Teresa Cay (Davis) Graham. She was a Licensed Practical Nurse. Shawna was a loving mother, precious daughter and sister. She always had fun living life. Survivors include her daughter, Bella Grace Graham of the home; husband, Dr. Randy Beallis of the home; stepchildren, Melissa Beallis, Ryan Beallis, Emily Beallis all of Ft. Smith, AR; her parents, Lucky & Teresa Graham of Poteau, OK; sister & brother in law, Heather & Jose Chavez of Poteau, OK; brother, Michael Shane Barden of Midland, TX; 4 nephews, Reese, Samuel, Derek, & Mac; 3 nieces, Whitney, Adaesha & Tanner; grandmother, Veda Davis of Poteau, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at the First Baptist Church in Poteau, OK with Rev. Stefan Reed & Rev. Stephanie Reed officiating. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau. Pallbearers will be Niki Dehart, Rachel Kardokus, Tracy Morgan, Mandy Morrison & Whitney Chavez. The family will be at the funeral home on Monday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends. Contributions may be placed in Bella’s name at the Community State Bank, Poteau, OK.

Alice D. Blake

Alice D. Blake, 91, of Shady Point, OK passed away Wednesday, January 4, 2012 in Fort Smith, AR. Alice was born June 5, 1920 in Mason, OK to Henry & Hazel (Jones) Snyder. She was a homemaker. Alice was a member of the Presbyterian Church. Survivors include her husband, Vernon of the home; son, Roger A. Blake of Ponder, TX; sister, Dixie Preddy of Tulsa, OK; brother, Roy Snyder of Tulsa, OK; daughter-in-law, Sherry Blake of Shady Point, OK; 8 grandchildren, Andrea Salsbury, Jason Blake, Sabrina Erwin, Zach Horton, Lucy Horton, Patience Knotts, Phoenix Horton, and Grant Horton; 1 great granddaughter, Carmen Salsbury. Services are pending.

Lawrence A. Carpenter

Lawrence A. Carpenter, age 93, died on Saturday, December 31, 2011. He is survivors include two brothers, Ray of Corralitas, CA and Oliver Jr. of Carrollton, TX; two sisters, Mrs. Jeanne Nelson of Spokane, WA and Mrs. Betty Nordheim of Bemidji, MN; one daughter, Mrs. Jeanne Raines of McCurtain, OK; two grandchildren, Mrs. Kellye Jelemensky of Flint, MI and Steven Mahanay of Berryville, AR; three great-grandchildren, Mrs. Gabrielle Weston of Grand Blanc, MI, Aaron Jelemensky and Rebecca Jelemensky of Flint, MI; and one great-great granddaughter, Anna Weston of Grand Blanc, MI. His wife, Polly, and his brother Kenneth of Duluth preceded him in death. He also leaves behind all his friends at Slim’s in Bemidji who were a large part of his life. Mr. Carpenter was born May 8, 1918, in Bemidji, MI, of Oliver and Mabel Carpenter. He grew up in Duluth, MN and graduated in 1936 from Central High School there. Mr. Carpenter entered Federal civil service in 1938, as a CAF-2 clerk-stenographer with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in South St. Paul, MN, soon transferred to the Federal Prison Service and ultimately retired in 1976 from a GS-18 presidential appointment, endorsed by Senators Bentsen and Tower and confirmed by the Senate, to the U.S. Parole Board. During his federal career he served in a number of capacities in various federal prisons, including assignments as executive assistant to the Director of the U.S. Bureau of Prisons in Washington, DC, and warden of the federal prisons at Texarkana and Seagoville, TX; later was national chief of the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration program of grants, program planning, and technical assistance to state and local jails, prisons, parole and probation; and wound up his federal career as a parole board member. He also worked for a year for the Texas Rehabilitation Commission and two years for the Governor’s Criminal Justice Council. In the latter capacity, at the request of the White House, he also served as director of the National Conference on Corrections called by President Nixon, and then as staff director of the Corrections Task Force of the National Advisory Commission on Criminal Justice Standards and Goals. Following retirement in 1976, at the top rank in the federal classified civil service, he and his wife moved to Corpus Christi, and for a time he was a correctional consultant to a number of states, counties and localities, also serving as an expert witness in court cases involving correctional agencies. In WWII, he was drafted into the U.S. Army on March 1, 1942 and assigned to the 31st Infantry Division at Camp Bowie, TX, where he received his basic training, was promoted to sergeant upon the completion of this training, and a few weeks later to master sergeant. Later in 1942 he was commissioned in the U.S. Army Air Force. He served overseas in the Southwest Pacific as an area controller with the 1st Fighter Control Squadron. En route overseas his troopship was torpedoed and sunk by a Japanese submarine off the Fiji Islands, with heavy loss of life. Subsequently he participated in five D-day island landings, three with the U.S. Army Air Force and two on detached service with the U.S. Navy. When the Korean War began he was recalled to active duty, and in view of his background in the federal prison service, was assigned to the Corrections Division, Air Provost Marshal Directorate, Hq USAF, Washington, DC. His role there in the development of Air Force correctional policy, and the establishment of a pilot program for the salvage of court-martialed and sentenced airmen, at Amarillo AFB, TX, was recognized at length in an historical document published by the U.S. Air Force in 1987. After the Korean War, while working at night and weekends as a guard supervisor at the federal prison in Seagoville, TX, he enrolled at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, and attended classes during the daytime. He carried more than the usual number of classes, which enabled him to graduate in 2-1/2 years. In getting his B.A., he earned a 4.0 scholastic record, Highest Honors, Phi Beta Kappa (jr. year), Departmental Distinction and assorted other recognition. Mr. Carpenter was cremated, and at his request, there will be no funeral, no services, no donations, no memorial, and no flowers.

Ronald Knight

Ronald Dee Knight, 71, of LeFlore, OK passed away Tuesday, January 3, 2012 in Poteau, OK. Ronald was born August 7, 1940 in LeFlore, OK to Willis Jesse & Leona Bivian (Mann) Knight. He was a member of the LeFlore Baptist Church. Ronald was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Willis Jr. Knight and Harold Dean Knight. Survivors include 3 sisters & brothers in law, Patricia Essman of LeFlore, OK, Barbara Imogene & Walter Solomon of Skiatook, OK, Norma Lee & Bill Smith of Ft. Worth, TX; 14 Nieces & Nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were 2 pm, Friday, January 6, 2011 at the First Baptist Church, LeFlore, OK with Rev. Bill Smith & Rev. Ron Bess officiating. Interment followed in LeFlore Cemetery. Pallbearers were Michael Warren, Johnny Warren, Haskell Allison, Fred Allison, Jimmy Dale Knight, Willis Knight & Jake Knight. Honorary pallbearers were Casey Warren, Sam Knight. Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, OK

Shirley Jean Neff

Shirley Jean Neff, 61, of Wister, OK passed away Monday, January 2, 2012 in Wister. Shirley was born in Poteau, OK on November 21, 1950 to Paul & Rachel (Kelley) Nichols. She was preceded in death by her mother; sister, Paulette Nichols; and husband, Joe Neff. Shirley was the family prankster, her sense of humor and practical jokes will be greatly missed. Shirley’s greatest love in life was her family; especially her grandkids. Nothing brought her greater joy that being called “Mamaw”. She was the community Mamaw. Everyone called her Mamaw. She placed cherished mementos into memory jars throughout the years as reminders of the special moments spent with loved ones. Survivors include her daughters, Marie Pitchford of Poteau, OK, Shawna Martin of Wister, OK; son, Jon Sloan of Wister, OK; 7 grandchildren, Clint Baker, Blake Neff, Bryce Martin, Wyatt Pitchford, Dawson Pitchford, Brody Martin, Sadie Sloan; brothers, Frank Nichols Sr. of Tulsa, OK, Larry Nichols of Cameron, OK; father, Paul Nichols of Gilmore, OK; extended Donaho family; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Thursday, January 5, 2012 in Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Frank Nichols Jr. officiating. Interment will be in Springhill Cemetery, Monroe, OK. Pallbearers will be Frank Nichols Jr., Tony Nichols, Ron Sloan, Jon Sloan, Brody Martin, Clint Baker. Honorary pallbearers will be Frank Nichols Sr., Bryce Martin, Duane Donaho and Curtis Martin, Corey Hill, & Kevin Sawyer The family will be at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Shirley Ford

Shirley Jean Sumpter Adams Ford, 58, of Wister, OK passed away Sunday, January 1, 2012 in Wister. Shirley was born January 17, 1953 in Fanshawe, OK to Jay & Loeta (Wilson) Sumpter. She was a homemaker. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Jackie Sumpter Lucas. Survivors include her husband, Sam Ford of the home; 6 daughters, Roxanne Adams of Ft. Smith, AR, Tina Lowry and Stephanie Adams of Wister, OK, Cathy Grace of Durant, OK, Trena Spikerman of Ft. Smith, AR, Kristie McCovey of Heavener, OK; son, Joseph Adams of Wister, OK; 16 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren; 4 brothers, Bobby Sumpter of California, Steve Sumpter of Poteau, OK, Art Sumpter of Arkansas, Rocky Sumpter of Poteau, OK; 7 sisters, Betty Harris of Sallisaw, OK, Oradell Newby of Lequire, OK, Judy Newby of Arkansas, Claudette Mann and Bonnie Ryburn both of Wister, OK, Jonell Crandell of Poteau, OK and Elanore Rollison of Cameron, OK; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at the Church of God 7th Day in Wister, OK with Rev. Jim Cook and Lamar Ford officiating. Interment will follow in Maxey Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Rocky, Art, Steve and Christopher Sumpter, Jean Ryburn and Carlos Mann. Honorary pallbearer will be Bobby Sumpter. The family will be at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 5-7 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Jesse C. Long

Jesse Carl Long,(known as Jess to his friends), 89, of Poteau, OK passed away December 13, 2011 in Fort Smith, AR. Jesse was born January 14, 1922 in Wynnewood, OK to Carl & Ethel (Fennell) Long. He was a veteran of the US Army. Jesse was a retired truck driver. He was preceded in death by three wives and his only sister, Lorraine Cerkoff. He is survived by his nieces, Charlene Wassman, Lorraine Helf and Suzanne Case, and a nephew, Robert Cerkoff, all of San Jose, California. Jesse was raised in Oklahoma and South Carolina where he spent some time working in the cotton fields. In his 20's he went to school in Chicago and later joined the Army and worked at Marshall Fields. He and his first wife Eleanor bought a home in Los Angeles, CA, where Jesse worked as a truck driver for many years. He enjoyed playing dominoes and cards with friends. Jesse's favorite activity was singing tenor with a group of singers. He was very active at the Poteau Church of Christ, and loved his church family and his Lord with all his heart. A Memorial service will be held Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 1 pm at the Poteau Church of Christ, 20690 292nd St., Poteau, OK 74953. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to "The New Building Fund" at Poteau Church of Christ.