Betty Gillson

Betty Gillson, 99, born June 25, 1913 went to Heaven, April 27, 2013 in Fort Smith, AR.  She had been a resident of Poteau for 70 years before moving to Ft. Smith.  She was preceded in death by her parents, John & Pearl Scovel, husband of 54 years, Dr. R.G. “Bucky” Gillson, son John Andrew Gillson, and sister, Barbara Gillson.

Left to honor her memory are her son, Robert G. “Bob” Gillson, Jr &  Carolyn, John’s wife Earlene; grandsons, Robert G. “Rob” III and  Wrenne, Andrew Bruce “Andy” and Georgia, David Pearce and Jessica; great grandchildren, Alexandra Elizabeth, Emily Ross, Daniel John and Andrew Grant Gillson.  We are so thankful for her incredible love givers at Brookfield Assisted Living and Peachtree Hospice.

A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, May 11, 2013 at the First United Methodist Church, Poteau, OK at 2 pm,.  Memorials may be given to the church she loved so much.

Shirley Ann Gill

Shirley Ann Gill, 64, of Hodgen, OK. passed away Sunday, April 28, 2013 in Howe, OK.  Shirley was born October 23, 1948 in Booneville, Arkansas to Leroy Pilcher & Ruby Mae (Halford) Davis.  She was a Housewife.  Shirley was preceded in death by her husband; Frank Gill, parents, brother; Donald Wayne Friend, and brother in law; Gerald Henry.

Survivors include her sons and daughters in law; John and Julie Gill of Hodgen, OK, Mark Gill and Lisa Conley of Wister, OK., Jerry Gill of Hodgen, OK. Two daughters; Angie Gill of Hodgen, OK, and Amber Hughlett of Heavener, OK; 3 brothers and sisters in law; Lee and Anita Davis of Redwater, TX, James “Tuffy”, and Debbie Davis of Monroe, OK, Terry and Penny Davis of Monroe, OK; Sister; Carolyn Henry of Texarkana, AR; 10 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren, numerous other nieces and nephews, Other relatives & loved ones, and many beloved friends.

Services will be held 1 pm, Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. John Butler officiating.  Interment will be in Big Cedar Cemetery. Family visitation will be held Tuesday April 30, 2013 from 6-8 pm.

Judith Ann Steelman

   Judith Ann Steelman, 35, of Heavener, OK   passed away Thursday, April 25, 2013 in Heavener, OK.   Judith was born October 31, 1977 in Tulsa, OK to Lonnie L. & Jackie E. (Jones) Steelman.  She was a factory worker for Encore.  Judith was preceded in death by her father; grandfather, Hershel Steelman and grandparents, Paul & Reba Jones.

   Survivors include her mother, Jackie Steelman of Heavener, OK;  sisters, Amy Steelman and Karen Luman of Heavener, OK; brother & sister in law, John & Kelly Steelman of Heavener, OK; nieces, Kaylea & Kaytlin; grandmother, Ruby Steelman of Heavener, OK; numerous aunts, uncles, other relatives & friends.

      Services will be 2 pm, Sunday, April 28, 2013 in Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau with Rev. Sam Dyer officiating.  Interment will follow in Hontubby Cemetery. 

Levi G. Goodman

Levi Granger Goodman, 13, of Monroe, OK passed away Sunday, April 14, 2013 in Monroe.  Levi was born July 16, 1999 in Poteau, OK  to Wendell & Connie (Irwin) Goodman.   He was a student at Monroe.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ted & Bernice Goodman of OR, Ola Couch of Bokoshe, OK, Levi & Corda Walker of Gilmore, OK.

Survivors include his parents, Wendell & Connie Goodman of Monroe, OK; sister, Casee Goodman of Wister, OK; half-sisters, Tia Hendricks of MO, Mallory Earnest of VA; grandparents, Jess & Arlene Goodman of Gilmore, OK, Haskell & Alice Irwin of Oklahoma City, OK, Pat Irwin of Bokoshe, OK; aunts & uncles, Cindy & Steve Sanders of Gilmore, OK, Sasha Goodman of Poteau, OK, Cathy Earnest of VA, Lisa & Terry Murphy of VA; niece, Jailee Romines; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends.

Services will be 2 pm, Friday, April 19, 2013 graveside at Monroe Cemetery, Monroe, OK with Rev. Jim Cook & Rev. Phil McGehee officiating.  Burial will follow.

Edward M. Knapp

   Edward “Ed” M. Knapp, 59, of Cameron, OK passed away Monday, April 15, 2013 in Cameron, OK.  Ed was born October 12, 1953 in Poughkeepsie, NY to Ethel & Elmer Knapp.  Ed was a very dedicated father, husband, and carpenter.  His entire life revolved around his family and carpentry work.

    Survivors include his wife, Mary Knapp; sons, Travis Knapp and Chris French; daughters, Susan Knapp, Tonja Cox, Jennifer Robinson, Susan & Jennifer of NY; grandchildren, Amber, Krissy,  Little Joe, Sidney, Dustin, Trevor French & Trevor Robinson; great grandchildren, Aidin and Lilly; brothers, Elmer Knapp Jr. of Clinton Corners, NY, Mike Knapp of Stanfordville, NY; sisters, Carol Knapp of Poughkeepsie, NY, Barbara Powell of Pine Plains, NY, Joyce Jeffords of Tampa, FL, Lisa Elem of Poughkeepsie, NY other relatives & loved ones.

Memorial services will be held  2 pm, Friday,  May 3,  2013 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating.

HE WILL BE CARRIED IN OUR HEARTS AND LOVED FOREVER.

Kuni Rankins

Kuni Rankins, 88, of  Poteau, OK passed away Sunday, April 14, 2013 in Blue Springs, MO.  Kuni was born March 19, 1925 in Neumarket, Germany to George & Anna (Reidl) Havis.  She was a homemaker.    She was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Poteau.  Kuni was preceded in death by her parents;  husband, Robert & one brother.

Survivors include his daughters & sons in law, Debra & Pat Cotton of Independence, MO, Robyn & Jim Little of Mt. Pleasant, TX; son & daughter in law, Michael & Jan Rankins of Palestine, TX;  7 grandchildren, Shawn, Mark, Kenneth, Amanda, Dianna,  John Wayne, Beverly; other family & friends, Aurora Rankins Cantu, Cecilia Reed, Caroline James; 10 great grandchildren.

Services will be 2 pm Thursday, April 18, 2013 at the First Baptist Church, Poteau, OK with Rev. Phil McGehee officiating.  Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau.

The family will be at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Reanus Cox

Reanus E. Cox, 87, of Panama, OK passed away April 14, 2013 in Panama.  Reanus was born January 31, 1926 in Tahona, OK to Sim & Vada (Phillips) Cox.  He was a veteran of the US Navy and was involved in the Normandy Invasion.  He was retired as the lock and dam operator for the Civil Service & also retired from being chief of Panama Fire Department.  Reanus was a member of the Moshulatubbee Masonic Lodge, Cameron, OK. 

Survivors include his sons, Keith Cox of Panama, OK, Scott Hilstrom of Tamaha, OK; stepsons, Gerald Gotes of Poteau, OK, Gary Walker of Dallas, OR; stepdaughter, Gayle James of Shady Point, OK;  10 grandchildren, Shannon & Vickie Gotes, Scottie & Kim Gotes, Heather & Jamie Stewart, Cheryl Jasso, Robyn & Jeff Brewer, Cassie James, Shaun Colwell, Sierra Hilstrom, Kendra Walker, & Lacey Walker; 18  great grandchildren, Chloe & Gavin, Jordan, Faith, Hope & Jacob, Kaylin Cardenas, Hayden McGuire, Ayriana Jasso, Isaac Martinez, Rylee & Jackson, Cole, Joy Lynn & Dalton, Gavin & Alexis, Jace; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends.

Services will be 2 pm, Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at the Panama Free Will Baptist Church, Panama, OK with Rev. David Nolen and Roger Kite officiating.  Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK.

The family will be at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 5-7 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Richard Lee "Rick" Watkins

Richard Lee “Rick” Watkins,  53,  of Howe, OK passed away Saturday, April 13, 2013 in Howe.  Rick was born August 9, 1959 in Poteau, OK to Hartford Clovis & Helen Jean (Smith) Watkins.  He was a Highway Foreman for LeFlore County.  Rick was a member of the Springhill Baptist Church.  He worked on the Baptist Association Pregnancy Center; he had served as youth minister; he was very involved in foreign & local missions. Rick was a man who loved to serve the Lord.  He was a man of many talents. He umpired baseball, softball, basketball and college games.  He loved his grandchildren; hunting, fishing and his favorite was snow skiing.  He was preceded in death by his father.

Survivors include his wife, Dava of the home; son & daughter in law, Heath & Mandy Watkins of Howe, OK; daughter, Ashlee Watkins of Calumet, OK; grandson, Jaron Watkins; granddaughter, Carly Watkins; mother, Helen Watkins of Oklahoma City; sisters, Debbie & Merwyn Davis of Hodgen, OK, Sheryl & Robbie Clayton of Jones, OK, Beverly & Tony Reynolds of Indiana; brothers, David & Michelle Watkins of Howe, OK, Daryl Watkins of Moore, OK; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives & friends.

Services will be 3 pm Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at Springhill Baptist Church in Monroe, OK with Rev. Billy Parker & Mark Cook officiating.

Minnie Pauline Ivy

    Minnie Pauline Ivy, 71, of  Jenny Lind, AR passed away Friday, April 12, 2013 in Greenwood, AR.  Minnie was born August 3, 1941 in Ft. Smith, AR to John E. & Violet (Clark) Hart.   She was a homemaker. 

    Survivors include her brothers, Gene Hart of Ft. Smith, AR, Richard Hart of Greenwood, AR, Raymond Hart of Jenny Lind, AR, Dennis Hart of Ft. Smith, AR; sisters, Arlene Vaughn, and Darlene Sosebee of Jenny Lind, AR; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends.

    Services - 2 pm, Monday, April 15, 2013 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Darrell Brown officiating.  Interment will follow in New Hope Cemetery, Spiro, OK. 

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

Frankie Lee McAllister

Frankie Lee McAllister, 44,  of Poteau, OK passed away Thursday, April 11, 2013 in Fort Smith, AR.  Frankie was born September 15, 1968 in Glendale, CA to Chuck & Glenda (Green) Walker.  She was a homemaker.  Frankie was preceded in death by her parents.

Survivors include her husband, Jake of the home; daughters, Ginger Brock, Ashley Sweeten, Glenda McAllister, Savannah McAllister; sons, Christopher Brock, Randy Smith, Scott McAllister; 3 grandchildren, Corina, Mariah and Adrianna; 2 sisters, Cinnamon Bowers of Hackett, AR, Penny Hancock of Poteau, OK; 2 brothers, Don Kinser of Greenwood, AR and Thain Galyen of Missouri; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends.  

Services will be 10 am Tuesday, April 16, 2013 graveside at Slaytonville Cemetery with Rev. Terry Cripe officiating.  The family will be at the funeral home on Monday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Jim Clifford Hurley

Jim Clifford Hurley, 65, of Pocola, OK passed away Tuesday, April 9, 2013 in Fort Smith, AR.  Jim was born December 25, 1947 in Broken Arrow, OK to J.C. & Betty (Pitson) Hurley.  He was a truck driver.  Jim operated heavy equipment and did dirt work most of his life.  His dad taught him the trade.  He started driving a truck for Walmart in 1988 which he did for 17  years.  He enjoyed fishing and playing golf.  Jim was preceded in death by his mother.

Survivors include his daughter, Lynn Salazar of Edmond, OK; son, Brian Hurley of Pocola, OK; 4 grandchildren, Adrianna Hurley, Kylie Salazar, Lynsey Salazar, Jacie Kenyon; former wife, Mary Hurley of Arkoma, OK; his father, J.C. Hurley of Sallisaw; brother, Joe Hurley of Pocola, OK; sister, Louise Philpot of Sallisaw, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends.

No services are scheduled at this time.

David Alan Reed

David Alan Reed, 62, of Jackson, MS (formerly of Poteau, OK) passed away Monday, April 8, 2013 in Jackson.  David was born November 1, 1950 in Dragerton, Utah to Carl & Jean (Stone) Reed.  David was a District Manager for Security Engineers, Inc.  He was retired from the Army National Guard.  David  belonged to the Masonic Lodge & the American Legion.  David was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Michael Reed.

Survivors include his daughters & sons in law,  Audra & Jason Langston of Kingwood, TX, Mary & Jarrod Neely of San Antonio, TX; 4 grandchildren, Cameron Neely, Chloe Langston, Carrigan Neely, & Lila Langston; brother, Carl Reed of Oklahoma City, OK, 2 sisters, Mary Mortimer of Oceanside, CA, and Linda Gayle Furr of Poteau, OK; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends.

Services will be 11 am, Thursday, April 11, 2013 at the Fort Smith National Cemetery Pavilion with his nephew, Rev. Gary Furr Jr. officiating. 

Lennie E. Delassus

Lennie Delassus, 75, of Poteau, OK passed away Monday, April 8, 2013 in Poteau.  Lennie was born in Friars Point, MS on July 26, 1937 to Linnie Miles & Willie Mae (Roam) Delassus.  He was  a veteran of the Air Force Reserve.  No services are scheduled at this time.

Charles Griffith

Charles Edward Griffith, 79, of Poteau, OK passed away Tuesday, April 9, 2013 in Fort Smith, AR.  Charles was born February 17, 1934 in  Gilmore, OK to William E. & Desie (Brown) Griffith.  He was a mechanic at McDonald Smedley Chevrolet.  Charles was preceded in death by his parents; 1 son, Ronald; 3 brothers, David Griffith,  Bill Griffith Jr., and Cotton Green; 4 sisters, Nell Davis, Thelma Samanowitz., Rhina Billy, & Betty Ward.

Survivors include his wife, Thelma of the home; son, Michael & wife Julia of Poteau, OK; 3 grandchildren, Kim, Nathan, & Jessica; 7 great grandchildren; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends.

Services will be 2 pm, Thursday, April 11, 2013 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating.  Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK.  

Kathryn Louise Carney Seyler

Kathryn Louise Seyler, 72, of Fanshawe, OK passed away Friday, April 5, 2013 in Fanshawe.  Kathryn was born February 17, 1941 in Talihina, OK to Elton L & Lizzie (Winlock) Carney.  She was a homemaker.  Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Johnny Carney, and sister, Helen Brannon.

Survivors include her husband, Omer of the home; 2 sons, Curtis & wife Jennifer Seyler and Tracy Seyler of Fanshawe, OK; 4 grandchildren, Dillan, Stephanie and Travis Seyler, Walter Dunn; 4 sisters, Doris Box and Isabell Carney of Fanshawe, OK, Mary Lou Ellenburg of Wister, OK, Patricia Standridge of Gulf Shores, MS; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends.

Services will be 10 am Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at Community of Christ Church, Fanshawe, OK with Rev. Jack Covert officiating.  Interment will follow in Fanshawe Cemetery, Fanshawe, OK.

Claud Ellen Baldwin Balentine

      Claud Ellen Baldwin Balentine, 87, of Wister, OK passed away Thursday, April 4, 2013 in Poteau.  She was born October 22, 1925 in Mansfield, AR to Claude Charles & Ellen (Rogers) Ellis.  She worked in Quality Control for Rivals in Kansas City.  She was a member of Victory Baptist Church in Howe.  She was preceded in death by her parents; 2 sisters and 5 brothers.

      Survivors include her husband, Pat Balentine; sister, Frances Gibson of Wister, OK; son Robert Ensley of Kansas City,  MO; stepson, Billy & wife Joyce Balentine of Neosho, OK; grandchildren, Jason & Britney Ensley, Stephanie Ensley, Amy Ensley; great grandchildren, Victoria, Scarlet, and Natalie; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends.

      Services held at 10 am, Monday, April 8, 2013 at the First Baptist Church in Wister, OK with Rev. PJ Atkinson and Rev. Keith Stewart officiating.  Interment will follow in Ellis Chapel Cemetery, Wister, OK.  

Karolina S. "Karola" White

Karolina S. “Karola” White, 80, of Poteau, OK passed away Wednesday, April 3, 2013 in Poteau.  Karola was born October 29, 1932 in Bamberg, Germany to Frank & Katharina Schuhmann.  She was a nurse.  Karola was preceded in death by her parents; 2 sisters, 1 brother, her husband, Tommy E. White; and one son, James White.

Survivors include her 3 sons, Russ & Vicki White, Haver C. & Jo White of Poteau, OK, Robert & Janet White of Howe, OK; special daughter, Marilyn Pledger of Poteau, OK, Daughter in Law, Daisy White of Dover, AR; a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren; special friends, Wade Burlew, Karen Saling, Tom White, Gisela Lavender, Buzz & Janell Glover; other friends & loved ones.

Services will be 10 am, Friday, April 5, 2013 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating.  Interment will follow in Vaughn Cemetery, Gilmore, OK.   Pallbearers will be David White, Tom White, Russ White, Haver White, Robert White, J.J. White, Casey White & Grant White.

After the service  there will be a meal at Double Branch Baptist Fellowship Hall.

LaRease Bryan

 LaRease Bryan, 80, of Wilburton, OK passed away Wednesday, April 3, 2013 in Wilburton.   LaRease was born February 4, 1933 in Summerfield, OK to George Rease & Oda Mae (Hankins) Barnes.  She was an office secretary.  LaRease was  preceded in death by her parents; husband Carroll Bryan; brothers, Harley, George, Troy Barnes; sister, Inez Barnes.

Survivors include her 2 daughters & sons in law,  Pam & Dale Epperson of Oklahoma City, OK, Patricia & David Donoley of Wilburton, OK; 9 grandchildren, Jordan & Christie Epperson, Justin Epperson, Jennifer Epperson, Kathryn & Jacob Story, Sarah Epperson, Natalie Epperson of Oklahoma City; Heather & Brent Williams, Chad & Maureen Donoley, Eric Donoley of Wilburton, OK;  5 great grandchildren, Emma Epperson, Brinley Epperson, Reed Williams, Wyatt Williams, Hudson Williams; brothers & sisters in law, Ray & Ilene Barnes of Gore, OK, James & Elaine Barnes of Searcy, AR;  other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends.

Services will be 2 pm, Saturday, April 6, 2013 at the First Baptist Church in Wilburton, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating.  Interment will follow in Maxey Cemetery, Wister, OK.  Pallbearers will be Dale, David, Jordan, Justin, Chad & Eric.

LaRease will lie in state at Jones-Harkins Funeral Home in Wilburton

The family will be at Jones-Harkins Funeral Home on Friday from 4-6 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Lula Mae Hood

Lula Mae Hood, 87, of Bixby OK passed away Tuesday, April 2, 2013 in Bixby.  Lula Mae was born September 20, 1925 in Picher, OK to Raymond Leander & Etta Mae (Lychliter) Fesperman.  She was an Assistant Postmaster in Bokoshe, OK.  Lula Mae was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, William Roy Hood; her parents; 3 brothers, J.W., Ira Ray, and Billy Joe Fesperman; and sister, Betty Jean Bowden.

She is survived by her 3 daughters, Carol Ann James, Wilma Nadine Tackett and Sandra Kay Sides-Ekiss all of Bixby, OK; one brother, Jesse Lee Fesperman of Houston, TX; 3 sisters in law, Trebreh Brown of Bixby, Dorthy Mos and her husband Ed of Independence, MO, and Eveleeta Hood of Tulsa, OK; 10 grandchidlren, Theresa Drennon, Traci Stamps & husband Johnny of Bixby, Kevin Tackett and his wife Angela of Edmond, OK, Kim Rayon and husband Curtis, Chris Sides, Paul Sides, Matt James, Marti Coleman and her husband David, David James & his wife Shana, Darin Sides and his wife Kim all of Bixby, OK;  19 great grandchildren, Jerry Alan Sides, Bradly Sides, DeLayne Knapp, Jamie Ballard & her husband, Casey, Maegan Dunn and her husband Josh, Robert Chandler, Kaylee Chandler, Brandon Coleman, Brianne Drennon, Cody Rayon, Ethan Rayon, Ashley Tackett, Mackenzie Tackett, Terra Murphy and her husband Corey, Austin Sides, Tyler Sides, Bailey James, Avery James, and Paisley James; 5 great great grandchildren, Elizabeth Knapp, Brody Dunn, Brooklie Dunn, Phoenix Murphy and Ryder Murphy; countless nieces, nephews, loved ones and dear friends.

Services will be 2 pm, Friday, April 5, 2013 at the Old Bokoshe Cemetery Pavilion, Bokoshe, OK with Pastor Randy Mitchell.  Interment will follow.  Pallbearers will be Kevin Tackett, Chris Sides, Paul Sides, Matt James, David James, Darin Sides.

A memorial service will be held 2 pm, Friday, April 12, 2013 at the First United Methodist Church in Bixby.

Donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church Missions  - 15502 S. Memorial, Bixby, OK  74008

Arlon L. "Buck" Lockaby

Arlon L. “Buck” Lockaby, 77, of  Cameron, OK passed away Saturday, March 30, 2013 in Cameron, OK.  Arlon was born May 29, 1935 in Norman, OK to Lotis Rue & Laura M. (McMillin) Lockaby.  He was retired from AES.  He attended Panama First Baptist Church.   Buck was a farmer, He was a Godly man, loving his family and friends, loving to all.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ruby Lockaby; brothers, Troy and Alton Lockaby; son, Douglas Lockaby.

Survivors include his sister, Inora Pierce of Panama, OK;  son, Michael Lockaby of Ripley, MS; grandchildren, Danny Lockaby of Killeen, TX, Laura House, Kali Beason, Bryan Lockaby of Panama, OK, RyAnne Riggs of Monroe, OK, Ashley Ballard of Heavener, OK, Jeremiah & Katie Lockaby of Ripley, MS; 9 great grandchildren; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends.

Services will be 10 am, Friday, April 5, 2013 at the First Baptist Church in Panama, OK with Rev.  Jim Cook & Rev. Larry Harris officiating.  Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Panama.