Thursday, June 28, 2012

"Jerry" Miller

     Maxine Geraldine “Jerry” Miller of  Monroe, OK passed away Thursday, June 28, 2012 in Poteau, OK.  Jerry was born December 30, 1919 in Roswell, NM to  Tom & Leona (Anderson) Fortner.   She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Paul X. Miller; sister, Clara Murphee; brothers, V.I. Fortner, Ed Fortner
     Survivors include her daughter, Bettie Grissom of Houston, TX; son, Paulx Jr. & wife, Laura (Sandy) Miller of Monroe, OK; granddaughters, Tina Whiteford & husband Jim of Houston, TX, Jerri Coker of Monroe, OK, Larissa Miller of Pocola, OK; great granddaughters, Jordan Wilburn and Lari Coker of Monroe, OK, Emily Whiteford, Nicole Whiteford of Houston, TX; sister, Wanda Phillips of Howe, OK; brother, T.C. Fortner & wife, Doris of Monroe, OK; sister in law & husband, Ruth & Hugh Gardenhire of Monroe, OK; numerous nieces & nephews; great nieces & great nephews; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends.
      Services will be 10 am Saturday, June 30, 2012 at Monroe Baptist Church, Monroe, OK  with Rev. Garry Haskins officiating.  Interment will be at Monroe Cemetery, Monroe, OK.    Pallbearers will be Billy Phillips, Cory Phillips, Rick Wilson, Larry Gardenhire, M.L. Reed, & Danny Wann.  Honorary pallbearers will be the Men of Monroe First Baptist Church.
            The family will be at the funeral home on Friday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Dr. Robert L. Hampton

Dr. Robert Lee Hampton was born on January 16, 1930 to Roy and Winnifred (Sory) Hampton in Dallas, Tx.  He grew up in Texas with two sisters, one brother, and one half-brother.  When he was 14 years old, his mother died of tetanus and the family was devastated.  However, they pulled together, accepted more responsibility, and remained loving and caring individuals.  Dr. Hampton excelled in school; he won the Dallas County spelling bee.  From an early age, he had a love for dogs, horses, and humans.  This continued throughout his life.  He considered veterinary medicine and the ministry during his higher education, but found that being a doctor of humans suited him.  He graduated from SMU with a B.S. in Biology.  At Southwestern Medical School, he met and married Veronica Nell (Carter) Hampton while she was a nursing student.  They married June 6, 1957 and were married for 54 years.  Veronica simply made life FUN.  Robert and Veronica had 3 children, Daniel, Samuel, and Debbie.  They lived in Mt. Edgecumbe, Alaska for a number of years while Dr. Hampton worked for the Public Health Service of the U.S. government.  While there, he established the Church of Christ and built the church building with help from friends.  In Alaska, Dr. Hampton received many commendations for "willingness, efficiency, and teamwork in tackling tough assignments."  He was "particularly commended for the effective and diplomatic manner" in which problems were solved.  His "many extra hours and efforts exerted" as well as "uncomplainingly" assuming extra duties were noted and rewarded. 
     Dr. Hampton accomplished a medical doctor residency in San Francisco, and a surgical residency in Sacramento, California.  After that, he moved his family to Talihina where he worked at the Indian Hospital for 3 years as Chief of Surgery.  He started private practice in Poteau, Ok. with Drs. Lowery, Powell, Cunningham, and Winters in 1970.  He practiced medicine for 38 years with 25 years in Poteau. 
    Dr. Hampton was truly a man for all seasons.  He believed in working hard and doing his best.  If he spent his time learning about something, he worked at it until her perfected it.  He was one of the old-style family doctors, a farmer, rancher, carpenter, welder, horse trainer, veterinarian, rabbit hunter, beagle breeder, builder, heavy equipment operator, repairman, mechanic, counselor, preacher, teacher, singer, song leader, hunter, fisherman, pilot, and a good friend.
    To the community he was honest, ethical, moral, kind and somewhat quiet.  He was generous to a fault.  He performed in several Carl Albert Junior College musicals, usually with his wife, and was an avid supporter of their basketball team. 
    To his patients he was a perfectionist.  He went the extra mile to listen to their ailments, effected the best resolution, and honed his skills to produce  the least visible scars and the most relief.  He loved the people of LeFlore County.
    To his church family he was a leader, always kind and patient.  He was an elder, deacon, song leader, preacher, counselor, and teacher at the Poteau Church of Christ.  He did everything as if for the Lord.  He raised his children to have a strong work ethic and a higher sense of morality and fairness than the world exhibited.  He exemplified what it is to live a Godly life.  Whenever possible he showed, rather than told, because he knew the power of a good example. 
     To his close friends he was willing to hunt, fish, run dogs, barbecue, tell stories, relax, eat, work, pull pranks, or listen to problems.  He would drop everything and help whenever needed. 
      To his family he was hard-working, tenacious, a perfectionist, kind, loving, and long-suffering.  He attended track meets, basketball games, scout campouts, band and chorus concerts, and honor banquets despite his busy schedule.  He was quiet, patient, meticulous, and worthy of respect.  He was determined to succeed.  He was a good mix of gentleness and dependability, but could be firm when firmness was required.  He was what a friend, father, brother, uncle, and husband should be.
     Dr. Hampton was a faithful child of God and believed in Jesus.  He was a wonderful person, and excellent surgeon, a good friend, a loving husband, and a father who was worthy of respect.  He will be greatly missed.     
    He is survived by his sons, Dan Hampton & Sam Hampton; daughter, Debbie Hampton; and sister, Patsy Burke.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Veronica; parents, Roy & Winnifred (Sory) Hampton; brother, Don Hampton; and sister, Jan Hackett.
    Memorial services will be 10 AM, Saturday, July 7, 2012 at Poteau Church of Christ with Don Cherry officiating.

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Roberta Adams


Roberta Adams, 87, of Poteau, OK passed away Saturday, June 23, 2012 in Poteau.  Roberta was born August 25, 1924 in Poteau, OK to Byron & Ersy (Oliver) Plummer.  She was a homemaker.  Roberta was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Denver Adams; grandson, Keith Spangler and her brothers & sisters.

Survivors include son & daughter in law, Larry & Mattie Adams of Poteau; daughters & sons in law, Connie & Paul Spangler, Linda & Dean Garrison of Poteau, OK; grandchildren, Heith Williams,  Deana Donathan,  Jeana Heist & P.D. Spangler; 9 great grandchildren; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends.

Services will be 2 pm, Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at the Southside Baptist Church, Poteau, OK with Rev. Dale Rogers & Rev. Monty Thompson officiating.  Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau.   Pallbearers will be Jim Waddle, Pete Heist, Caleb Martin, Heith Williams, P.D. Spangler & Kerry Plummer.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

John Schleupner


John Schleupner, 64, of Poteau, OK passed away Monday, June 18, 2012 in Poteau.  John was born September 21, 1947 in New Jersey.  He worked at OK Foods, Inc. in Ft. Smith, AR as Director of Quality Assurance since 1993.

Survivors include his mother, Lillian Schleupner of Springfield, NJ; brother & sister in law, Warren  & Eleanor Schleupner of Mocksville, NC; their two children, Heather Schleupner of Mocksville, NC and son, James Wallace of Chicago, IL; uncle, George Ilg of NJ; aunt, Maria Franzo of NJ; cousins, Andy & Jeannie Schleupner of NJ; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends.

Memorial service will be 2 pm, Friday, June 22, 2012 at Evans Chapel of Memories with Chris Hyndman officiating.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
 

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Garon Mead


Garon Donavan Mead, 30,  of Hodgen, OK  passed away Sunday, June 17, 2012 in Heavener, OK.  Garon was born November 21, 1981 in Tulsa, OK to Tommy Joe & Deborah Jean Mead.  Garon was a pipeline welder.  Garon was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Ada Jones; paternal grandparents, Jack & Verlon Mead; uncles, Johnny and  Bob Allen Jones.

Survivors include his daughters, Alexis & Cierra; son, Kody Shayne Mead; parents, Tommy & Deborah Mead of Hodgen; sister, Kimberly Whiteis of Hodgen; brother, T.J. Mead of Morris, OK; 2 nephews, Kyler Donovan & Koby Lane; special companion, his dog, “Sis”; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends.

Services will be  11 am, Friday, June 22, 2012 at  Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK           Interment  will be in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau.    The family will be at the funeral home from 6-8 pm, Thursday evening to visit with relatives & friends.

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Beverly Peters


Beverly Ann “Momo” Peters, 77, of Poteau, OK passed away Saturday, June 16, 2012 in Poteau.  Beverly was born in Poteau on August 25, 1934 to Amos & Pearl (Bridges) Rowley.  She was a member of First Baptist Church in Poteau.  She was owner of Randco Tool & Mold.  Beverly was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bob “Odie” Peters; son, Randy Peters; and brother, Donald Amos Rowley.

Survivors include her daughter & son in law, Kay & Larry Henry of Poteau; grandchildren, Josh Henry & Vanessa Hawkins, Mark Henry, Dusty Peters; special grandchildren,  Kerry Shuck & wife, Robbie; Dr. Latasha Steel; special friend & traveling companion, Harrell Bright; special aunt of grandchildren, Becky Lafevers; special companion, PeeWee (her dog); other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends.

Services will be 10 am, Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at the First Baptist Church, Poteau, OK with Rev. Phil McGehee and Rev. Jim Cook officiating.  Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau.  Pallbearers will be Josh Henry, Mark Henry, Dusty Peters, Kerry Shuck, Rick Couri, and Bill Hoffman.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Dave Monks

Dave J. Monks, 86, of Panama, OK passed away Thursday, June 14, 2012 in Poteau, OK.  Dave was born  January 18, 1926 in Tahona, OK to Dave Sr. & Minnie H. (Robinson) Monks.  He was a homebuilder.  He was of the Baptist faith.  Dave was a WWII veteran of the US Army.  He served in the China-Burma Theater in Troop A of the 124th Cavalry Regiment which was part of the MARS Task Force during 1943-45.  He was awarded the Bronze Star and Combat Infantry Badge.  This was the last active horse cavalry in the US Army.  They opened the Burma road.   He was awarded a  LeFlore County Oklahoma Pioneer certificate being a descendant of an ancestor who resided in the LeFlore County Oklahoma area of Choctaw Nation, Indian Territory, prior to statehood.  His grandfather arrived at Skullyville in 1858.  Dave was owner & partner/developer of the ABM Addition.  He loved to hunt and fish.  It is known that he killed 29 elk.  Dave was a successful businessman and has owned 200 pieces of real estate property in LeFlore County.  He owned and operated Monks Furniture and Monks Builders.  Dave was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Alfred Monks & W.C. Monks; sister, Viola Butler; grandson, Shon Pilkington.

Survivors include his wife, Wynona of the home; 3 daughters, Tita ILiff of Datil, NM, Key Eidschun of Howe, OK, Mony Chambers of Winston-Salem, NC; stepsons, Wesley Bell of Katy, TX, Wayne Bell of Panama, OK, Michael Bell of Bokoshe, OK; stepdaughter, Teresa Hall of Panama, OK; 12 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; brothers, August Monks of Shady Point, OK, Frank Monks of Ft. Gibson, OK, sister, Lois Raymond of Spiro, OK

Services will be 10 am, Monday, June 18, 2012 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating.  Interment will follow in Shady Point Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Tex Williamson, Russ Chambers. Lee Shipman, Rick Hall, Al Monks Jr., Little Al Monks

The family will be at the funeral home on Sunday afternoon from 2-4 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Don Howard Lee


   Don Howard Lee, 72, of Wister, OK passed away Wednesday, June 13, 2012 in Wister.  Don was born November 1, 1939  in  Scurry County, TX to Charles V. & Alice (Merritt) Lee.  Don was retired from Dowell Schlumberger Oil Company.    He was a member of First Step of Faith Church in Poteau, OK since 2005.    Don was preceded in death by his parents, one brother & one sister.
   Survivors include his wife, Judy (Angel) Lee of the home;  children, Terry Lee, Tony & Nancy Lee,  Tim Lee,  Tracy & Joe Berry,  Teresa & Chris Morris all of Wister, OK; 10 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends.
  Services will be   10 a.m. Saturday, June 16, 2012    at First Step of Faith, Poteau, OK with Rev.  Leon Glenn officiating.     Interment will be in Ellis Chapel Cemetery, Wister, OK. 

Theodore Lee Hines Jr.


Theodore Lee Hines Jr., 63, of Spiro, OK passed away Sunday, June 10, 2012 in Talihina, OK.  Theodore was born October 2, 1948 in Muskogee, OK to Theodore Sr. & Margertie (Lewis) Hines.  He worked at Riverside Furniture.  Mr. Hines was a veteran of the US Army.  He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister & one brother.  Mr. Hines was raised in Spiro, OK where he and his two sisters and four brothers also went to school.  After high school Mr. Hines joined the Army and went to training camp at Fort Polk, LA and from there to Fort Riley, KS.  He was then sent to Germany.  Mr. Hines served two tours in Vietnam.

Survivors include his daughters Cecelia Hall of Wichita, KS, Angie Graham of Bakersfield, CA, Lachelle Allen of Los Angeles, CA; son, Michael Crutchfield of Ft. Smith, AR; sister, Janette Hall of Spiro, OK; brothers, Eddie Ross of Ft. Smith, AR, Ervin Johnson of Spiro, OK;  several  grandchildren other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends.

Services will be 11 am, Saturday, June 16, 2012 at the House of Restoration, Ft. Smith, AR with Rev. Tashala Devrow officiating.  Pallbearers will be Verdie Triplett, James Triplett, Ricky Triplett, James Delt, Campnella Lewis, Melvin Delt.  Interment will be in Ft. Smith National Cemetery - 10 am, Monday, June 18, 2012..

Saturday, June 9, 2012

John Jackson

John T. Jackson  of Poteau passed away Saturday, June 9, 2012 in Fort Smith, AR.  John was born January 19, 1931 in Dallas, TX to John & Lillie Mae Jackson.   He was a veteran of the US Army.  John was self-employed.   No services are scheduled at this time.

Billy V. Butler


Billy V. Butler was born October 28, 1925, to circuit preacher N.D. and Evelyn M. Butler at Octavia, OK.   He died peacefully in his sleep on Friday, June 8, 2012, at his home in Panama.

Viewing will be Tuesday, June 12, 6-8 pm at Evans Funeral Home in Poteau, and graveside services will be Wednesday at 10 am at Oakland Cemetery in Poteau, Southside Baptist  Pastor Monty Thompson officiating.

 Bill earned an associate’s degree from Poteau Community College. He was a 32nd Degree Mason through the Scottish Rite Temple in McAlester, and a past Worshipful Master at his Cameron lodge.  He was a WWII veteran.

  In 1947, Bill married Wynema Ward, daughter of Ed & Ocie Ward, of Poteau.  Wynema said he taught her to cook and she taught him to dance.  The couple had four children.

  Bill worked hard all his life.  As a child growing up in Gilmore, he chopped cotton and farmed.  He mined underground for coal in Oklahoma and Wyoming, uranium in Colorado and New Mexico, copper in Arizona, and steel in California.  He was an electrician and explosives expert in the mines.

 He worked in Air Force railyards in Arizona, drove a taxi in Kansas, farmed in Missouri, and owned and operated a service station in Wister, and a café in New Mexico.  He managed American Legion and VFW clubs in California and Oklahoma.  He drove 18-wheelers cross-country and transported veterans by van to VA medical centers.  

Bill was  preceded in death by his parents & siblings. He is survived by his children and their spouses: Floyd and Susie Butler, Shady Point; Kathlyn Moran, Wister; David and Jane Butler, Poteau, and Lisa Langston, Panama, and by his children’s mother, Wynema Butler Francis, Shady Point. 

Blessed with five living generations, Bill also leaves behind three granddaughters and seven grandsons and their spouses, many great granddaughters and great grandsons and their spouses, two great great granddaughters, one great great grandson, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Honorary pallbearers include his grandsons:  Michael Furr, David William Butler, Ricky Butler, Daniel Butler, Jerry Butler, David Loyd Butler Jr., and Jason Priest,

Bill’s wisdom, wit, laughter, love, strength, generosity, and courageous spirit, will forever be remembered and greatly missed, but he knew that it was time for him to rest, and as he put it, to wait on the Lord.


Leola Butler


Leola “Mama Lee” Nadine Butler, 87, of Spiro, OK passed away Friday, June 08, 2012, at her home in Spiro. Leola was born March 27, 1925 in Hartman, AR to Jack & Mary E. (Harris) Shelton. She was preceded in death by her parents; and husband, Eugene Butler; son, Jack Butler. Leola loved fishing, dancing, antiquing, sports (especially Oklahoma Sooners & OKC Thunder). She retired after working 28 years at Dixie Cup. She loved her church. She had four special angels from First Baptist Church that she truly appreciated and loved. Survivors include her daughter & son-in-law, Pamela & Jim King of Ft. Smith, AR; son & daughters-in-law, Rex & Monta Butler of Spiro, OK, Jeanne Butler of Ft. Smith, AR; 10 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; sisters, Dona Lois Smith of Arkoma, OK, Ruth Mann of Corpus Christi, TX; special caregivers, Lou Cribbs & numerous others; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 11 am, Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at the First Baptist Church in Spiro, OK with Rev. Darren McKnight officiating. Interment will follow in Spiro City Cemetery, Spiro, OK. Pallbearers will be Doug Harper, Curtis Grady, Jeremy Harrison, Bryson Butler, Michael King & Bruce Butler. Honorary pallbearer will be Gary Ridenour. The family will be at the First Baptist Church, Spiro, OK on Monday evening from 5-7 pm to visit with relatives &  friends.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Donny E. Pendergrass

Donny E. Pendergrass, 42, of Cameron, OK passed away Monday June 4, 2012 in Cameron. Donny was born September 15, 1969 in Ft. Smith, AR to William “Buck” & Kathy (Mills) Pendergrass. He was a mechanic at Adams Recovery in Cameron, OK. He was preceded in death by his brother in law, Paul “Butch” Dora; and aunt, Lynn Mills. Donny loved to fish. He loved his grandchildren. Survivors include his loving wife, Sandy of the home; daughter, Shandie Pendergrass of Spiro, OK; 3 sons, Jodie Allen Watkins and Taylor Cox of the home, Tyler Cox of Bokoshe, OK; 2 brothers, Mark & Tina Pendergrass of Spiro, OK, Robert Pendergrass of Poteau; 3 sisters, Angie & Shane Cox of Poteau, OK, Christina & Dewey Fountain of Rock Island, OK, Tonya Dora of Fort Smith, AR; 5 grandchildren; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends & loved ones. Services will be 10 am, Saturday, June 9, 2012 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment will follow in Greenhill Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Timmy Adams, Eric Sowell, Rodney Bailey, Aaron Bailey, Robert McEnturff, Shawn Cox. Honorary pallbearers will be Shane Cox and Jodie Watkins. The family will be at the funeral home on Friday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends. Contributions may be made at Community State Bank to Sandy Pendergrass.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Kathryn Elaine Crouch

Kathryn Elaine Crouch 82, of Monroe, OK passed away Tuesday, June 05, 2012 in Fort Smith, AR. She was a homemaker. She passed away on her mother’s birthday. She liked to write and was a published poet. Kathryn loved to read the Bible; watch sunrises, sunsets, and watch the moon rise. Her pet peeve was picking up trash along the roadway. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. William Haskell & Beulah Emma (Cain) Reed; husband, James Delbert Crouch; grandson, Ryan Crouch; and brother, Sonny Reed. Survivors include her daughter & spouse, Kathy & George Woods; sons & spouses, Jim & Mattie Crouch, Danny & Sonia Crouch, Rickey & Shirley Crouch all of Monroe, OK; 11 grandchildren, Leiah Beames, Pamela Leatherwood, Sunshine Pate, Josh Enger, William Enger, Jacob Enger, Daniel Crouch, Casey Crouch, Rebecca Black, Mathew Crouch, Luke Crouch; 17 great grandchildren and 2 on the way; sister, Melba Carter of Harrah, OK; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Thursday, June 7, 2012 at Springhill Baptist Church, Monroe, OK, with Rev. Joe Hayden Hall & Rev. Billy Parker officiating. Interment will be at Monroe Cemetery, Monroe, OK. Pallbearers will be Josh Enger, William Enger, Jacob Enger, Daniel Crouch, Casey Crouch, & Matthew Crouch. Honorary pallbearers will be Luke Crouch, Chad Beames, Mike Pate, and James Black. The family will be at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Monday, June 4, 2012

Ray McCoin

Ray McCoin, 92, of Pocola, OK passed away Monday, June 4, 2012 in Pocola, OK. Ray was born in Dunklin County, MO on August 30, 1919 to Richard & Flossie (Poe) McCoin. Ray was a car salesman and mechanic. He was preceded in death by his wife, Frieda and sister, Maggie Williams. He loved to golf, travel and drive around. He was a car salesman for years. Survivors include his daughters, Brenda Tackett and Patricia Mahar of Panama, OK; son, Michael McCoin of Greenwood, AR; 7 grandchildren, Richard Tackett of Spiro, OK, Brian Tackett, Shannon Morrison, Tanya Newnam, Tamara Tackett all of Panama, OK, Stephanie McCoin, Adam McCoin of Stigler, OK; numerous great and great great grandchildren; brother, Don McCoin of Missouri; sisters, Norma Carrel of Missouri, Daisy Ray of Mississippi, Ruth Strickland of California, Berenice Densford of Arizona, Maxine Citta of Nebraska; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 11 am, Tuesday, June 5, 2012 graveside at New Hope Cemetery in Spiro, OK with Rev. Brian Fout officiating. Interment will follow. Honorary pallbearers will be Sean Morrison, Joe Tackett, Josh Tackett, Blake Tackett, Dereck Landrum.