Corey McBride

 Corey McBride, 23, of Poteau, Oklahoma passed away Wednesday, June 26, 2013, in Goodland, Kansas. Corey was born May 1, 1990 in Fresno, California to Timothy & Teresa (Madron) McBride.

Survivors include his wife,  Natasha McBride of the home; Daughter, Maci McBride, Son, Adin McBride;  Parents, Timothy & Teresa (Madron) McBride; 2 Brothers,  Joseph & Nathan McBride of Panama, OK;  Maternal Grandparents, Chris & Adell Madron of  Sanger, CA;  Paternal Grandparents,  Al & Mary McBride of Panama, OK; Father-in-law & Mother-in-law John & Debbie Didway of Panama, OK ;  Brother-in-law,  Michael Didway;  Grandparents, Harold & Pat Magee, and a very special uncle Leonard Summers;  numerous other loved ones and friends.

Services will be held at 11 Am Tuesday July 2, 2013 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK.

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

Robert "Les" Mecom

Les Mecom,  61,  of Keota, OK passed away June 21, 2013. He was born May 27, 1952 in Paramount, CA to Robert P. and Josie (Guinn) Mecom.  He was raised the youngest of three siblings.  After graduating high school, he moved with his father to OK and worked with him as a carpenter.  Upon marrying, Les joined the U.S. Army, serving 20 years through the Cold War and Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm.  He was stationed around the world, to include Germany, Turkey, and S. Korea.  He retired in 1997 to OK, where he again worked with his father as a carpenter; for the Corps of Engineers as ice storm cleanup crew; and finally as a truck driver for Dill Trucking until his final retirement in 2011.

     Les is survived by his wife, Zelda, of the home; daughter, Cheryl Cushman and husband John, of Van Buren, AR; step-daughter, Jennifer Covey, of Shady Point, OK; son, Rob and wife Natalie, of Keota, OK; sister, Carol Mecom, of Spiro, OK; and six grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Josie; step-mother, Iva (Embry); son, Jeremy Covey; father, Pete; brother-in-law, Kyle McGrath; and brother-in-law and sister, Johney and Edath (Mecom) Jespersen.

    Les will be remembered as a man of great humor, always with a smile on his face, giving of his time and effort even when he couldn't give of his fortune, at a simple graveside service at 10:00 am Friday, June 28, 2013 at Cowlington Cemetery, with the Rev. Jerry Turner officiating.  Condolences may be sent to the family via Evans and Miller, Poteau.

 

The Family of Robert “Les” Mecom would like to extend their deepest gratitude to all of our family, friends, and community members for their love and support throughout the last two years.  There are simply too many to list by name.  Whether it was a helping hand or a supportive pat on the back, material or emotional, every gesture of love and friendship has been greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten.

"J." Wilbert Adams

J. Wilbert Adams, 93, of Wister, OK passed away Friday, June 21, 2013 in Belton, TX.   J. was born May 22, 1920  in  Dardanelle, AR to Robert & Bertha (Merrell) Adams.  He was the owner/operator of Wister Lumberyard.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Bobbie Adams; son, Don Adams; daughter, Betty Adams; siblings, David and Willard Adams, Lois Woods, Doris  Marler.

Survivors include his son & daughter in law, Darrell & Ginger Adams of Wister, OK; daughters & sons in law, Carolyn & Robert Gutierrez of Belton, TX, Reah & George Maynor of Wister, OK, Linda & Garry Skinner of Poteau, OK; 10 grandchildren, Kristi Hill, Kevin Adams, Jerrod Adams, Robert Gutierrez, Amanda Goude, Chris Adams, Dustin Adams, Bradley Adams, Brian Maynor & Bruce Maynor;  14 Great Grandchildren; brothers & sister in law, Loyd Adams of Oklahoma City, Danny & Pat Adams of Newcastle, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many friends.

Services will be 10 am, Monday June 24,  2013 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Brad Hill officiating.  Interment will follow in Ellis Chapel Cemetery, Wister, OK.  Pallbearers will be Christopher, Bradley, Dustin, Kevin, and Jerrod Adams, Brian & Bruce Maynor and Robert Gutierrez.

Burnice Gwin

Burnice Jeraldine Gwin, 85, of Ft. Smith, AR  (formerly of Poteau, OK) passed away Friday, June 21, 2013 in Fort Smith.  Burnice was born December 27, 1927 in Buckland, MO.  She was a nurse.  Burnice was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harold Gwin; brothers, Roy, Russell & Robert King; and sister, Ruby Vincent.

Survivors include her son & daughter in law, Ivan & Teresa Foxworthy of Ft. Smith, AR; grandchildren, Shelley & David Dennis of Poteau, OK, Frank Stockton of Ft. Smith, AR, Clint Stockton of Pocola, OK; 9 great grandchildren; other relatives & loved ones; many friends.

Services will be 3 pm, Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK with Sonny Daniels officiating.  Interment will follow.

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

You may leave an online message at evansandmillerfuneralhomes.com

The family has chosen to entrust the care of the services to

Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, OK

Mary Waits

Mary Adelene Waits, 88, of Summerfield, OK passed this life to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 19, 2013 in Pocola, OK.  Mary was born March 25, 1925 in Summerfield, OK to Loie R. &  Pearl (Rhoden)  Coleman.  She was a retired restaurant manager.  She was a member of Shepherd’s Chapel and loved the Lord.  She touched the lives of those who knew her, through her warm and caring manner, her playful wit, and smiling eyes.  She loved to travel and enjoyed people, and the experiences life had to offer.  Celebrating a life that was well lived is the best gift we can give, and do so with great honor.  Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband, E.H. Waits and 7 siblings. 

Survivors include her daughter & son in law, Adenia & O.B. Cogburn  of Red Oak, OK; sons & daughters in law, Harvey  & Terri Waits of Red Oak, Bruce & Ruth Waits of Tulsa, OK; 4 grandchildren, Beni Culver of Poteau, OK, Lance Cogburn of Jenks, OK, Karrie Vaughn of Arkoma, OK, Daniel Waits of Hayesville, KS; 14 great grandchildren; sister, Juanita Semore of Pocola, OK; other relatives, loved ones; many friends.

Services will be 4 pm, Friday, June 21, 2013 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating.  Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery.

Howard Albert Gregory

Howard Albert Gregory, 87, of Fort Smith, AR  (formerly of Poteau, OK) passed away Monday, June 17, 2013 in Fort Smith.  Howard was born April 5, 1926 in Mena, AR to Dolph & Noco (Thompson) Gregory.  He worked for the Oklahoma Penal System in Hodgen.  Howard  was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Lorena Schulte; 2 brothers, Orville & Alvie Gregory.

Survivors include his wife Lena of the home; daughter, Cheryl Dutton of Ft. Smith, AR; former Son in Law, Ray Dutton of Ft. Smith; grandsons, Ray Dutton II and Keith Dutton of Ft. Smith; brother & sister in law, Ralph & Ruby Gregory of Poteau, OK; 7 Great Grandchildren; 3 sisters in law, Irene Johnson of Ft. Gibson, OK, Lillian Folsom of Talihina, OK, Mae Moss of Birmingham, AL; caregivers, Margaret Felker, Darla McAlister, & Heather McAlister; other relatives & loved ones; many friends.

Services will be 2 pm, Thursday, June 20, 2013 at Oakland Cemetery Pavilion, Poteau with Rev. Phil McGehee officiating.  Interment will follow. 

“Daddy, my sweet Daddy, is with the Lord now.  Mom & I will miss him so very much.  The example he lived before us was amazing.  Even in death he made it as gentle as he could for us.  He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother and friends.  He never met a stanger.  He loved his church and especially the children.  He helped the ladies in the nursery for 8 years.  Whichever side needed him the most, the bed babies or the toddlers, “Pappa Howard” was on duty.  He also loved sports and  was an avid OU fan.  We will miss his winning smile the most but Thank God it’s not really goodbye.  It’s just see you later. “

Billy Don Caldwell

 

     Billy Don Caldwell, 55, of Poteau, OK passed away Wednesday, June 12, 2013 in Muskogee, OK.  Billy was born July 29, 1957 in Bokoshe, OK to Raymond Earl & Velma Mae (Fields) Caldwell.  He worked for LeFlore County District #1.  Billy was a veteran of the US Army Reserves, National Guard, and Naval Reserves.  Billy was preceded in death by his father & best friend, Larry Hugle; mother in law & father in law, Eugena & William Potter.

    Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Mary of the home; son, Earl Lee Caldwell of Poteau, OK; daughters, April Mae Caldwell of the home & Victor Beltran, Mollie Faye Miller of Shady Point; ‘adopted daughter’ Jessica Milligan; 4 ‘adopted’ grandchildren;  mother, Velma Mae of Bokoshe, OK; 2 brothers, Bruce Caldwell of Bokoshe, Robert Caldwell of Rogers, AR; 2 half brothers & 1 half sister; 3 sisters, Hazel Gillion of Bokoshe, OK, Liz Lindenau of Panama, OK, Marilyn Pierson of Bokoshe, OK; special friends, Kathy Collins of Howe, OK , Ken Whitehead of Cameron, OK, Jerry Campbell of Poteau, Jess Henry of Pocola, Royce Pinkston of Poteau & Jimmy Roberts of Spiro, OK.; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces,  great  nephews; other loved ones and friends.

    Services - 2 pm, Monday, June 17, 2013 at Calvary Assembly of God in Poteau, OK with Rev. Leroy Orr officiating.  Interment will follow in Greenhill Cemetery, Cameron, OK. 

Pallbearers will be Bruce Caldwell, Earl Caldwell, Kyle Pierson, Billy E. Caldwell, Greg Gillion, Josh Gillion, Ryan Ralls, Josh Caldwell, Keith Pierson, Michael Autry.  Honorary pallbearers will be  Dale Fraze,  Jimmy Roberts, Ken Whitehead, Jess Henry, Royce Pinkston, & Jerry Campbell. 

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

RICK FORD

    Rickey Alan Ford, 56, of Heavener, OK passed away Wednesday, June 12, 2013 in Muskogee, OK.  Rick was born August 12, 1956 in Poteau, OK to Eual John & Patsy Ruth (Tucker) Ford.  He and Betty Mead were married February 23, 1979.  He was Deputy Warden at Jim E. Hamilton Correctional Center since 2010.  JEHCC is a minimum security facility with over 700 offenders.  Mr. Ford was overseer of the daily operations.

    Deputy Warden Ford began his career with the department in 1983 as a correctional officer; he was promoted to Correctional Counselor in 1987; Administrative Officer in 1990; Correctional Case Manager Supervisor in 1994; in 1997 was named Assistant Training Administrator at the Center for Correctional Officer Studies in Wilburton, OK; transferred to JEHCC in July 2001 to assume the position of  Unit Manager serving until he was named Deputy Warden.

   Rick was a member of the American Correctional Assoc, Southern States Correctional Assoc, member and former President of Oklahoma Correctional Assoc.  He was active in the community; former Chairman of the Board, Vice-Chairman & Secretary of Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma; former board member and past chairman of the board for Heavener Chamber of Commerce as well as serving as President and Vice President; former Advisory Board member of Mid-America Bible College; member of Heavener Lodge No. 154 of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Bedouin Shriners AAONMS of Muskogee, OK

     Rick completed Management III, Executive Level for Administration of Jails.  He holds an Assoc. of Arts Business Admin. Degree from CASC, Poteau; BS in Business Admin. from SOSU, Durant; and completed Leadership LeFlore County in 2010.

    Rick was preceded in death by his sister, Lori Bullard; grandparents, Roy & Anna Ford, Alta Mae & Narvel Tucker; brother in law, Mike Mead; nephews, Patrick & Spencer Lynch; father in law, N.R. “Jelly” Mead.

     Survivors include his wife, Betty of the home; Son & daughter in law, John & Natalie Ford; daughter & son in law, Jenna & Joe Wiles all of Poteau; 5 grandchildren, Connor May, Kaylee May, Dylan, Jacob & Dawson Wiles; parents, Eual & Pat Ford of Wister, OK; sisters & brothers in law, Jeanne & James Lynch of  Poteau, OK, June Warren of Lakeland, FL, Patricia Deville, Phyllis & Jimmy Goodnight all of Wister; brother & sister in law, Lester & Sheryl Ford of Wister, OK; special mother in law, Betty Mead of Heavener, OK; brothers in law, Bobby Mead, Roger Mead, Gary Mead of Heavener, and Glenn Mead of Purcell, OK; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many friends.

     Services will be 10 am, Monday, June 17, 2013 at First Baptist Church, Heavener, OK with Rev. Sam Dyer officiating.  Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK.  Pallbearers will be Donnie, Roger & Bobby Mead, Joe Hemphill, Jackie Linville, Jon Pickel.  Honorary pallbearer will be Lester Ford. 

Louis Henry Carter Jr.

Louis Henry Carter Jr. -  Lake Kiowa, TX – Formerly of Poteau, OK

Louis Henry Carter, Jr. -   A committal service with full military honors at Fairview Cemetery and a memorial following at Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Chapel with Rev. Don Yeager officiating were held Friday, June 7, 2013  for  Louis Henry Carter, Jr., affectionately known as “Coach”, 71, of Lake Kiowa, TX (formerly of Poteau).

On January 29, 1942,  a boy was born in a small log cabin in Cameron, OK.  From that day, the lives of thousands would be touched over the next 71 years.

  Louis Carter, known as Coach Carter, graduated from Poteau High School and went to junior college in Poteau, OK.  He joined the National Guard, going to Officer Candidate School.  Following his training he went to Southeastern in Durant where he played football and received a degree in art.  His biggest achievement there was meeting the love of his life, Jimmye Carol Dawson.  They were married Nov. 25, 1964, moved to Gainesville in 1968, and had a daughter, Misty and son, Chad. 

During his service in the military, he went into the Army Reserves and achieved the rank of Lt. Col.    He spent his summers at Fort Chaffee where in 1975 and 1980 he was in charge of housing and care for the SE Asia refugees and Cuban exiles.  After this he was assigned to FEMA.  His last active duty was in 1990, during Desert Storm, followed by his retirement after 33 years.

 

From 1968-2000, Louis was well known at Gainesville High School.  He coached football, basketball and golf for his first seven years.  After that he continued to teach art and coach golf.  Louis’s best stories usually came from some of Gainesville’s ex-students and athletes.  Even though he retired in 2000, he never stopped teacher or coaching those of all ages.

Mr. Carter passed away Monday, June 3, 2013.

 Louis is survived by his wife, Jimmye Carter; daughter & son in law, Misty & James Shepard; brother, Roy Robertson; sisters, Verna Ward & Erma Crowder; grandchildren, Kym Carter, Keela Carter & Brady Shepard. 

 He is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Robertson; father, Louis H. Carter Sr.; brother, Jerry Robertson; and son, Chad Carter.   

You may leave an online message at evansandmillerfuneralhomes.com

Lt. Col. (RET) Peggy J. Frye

Lieutenant Colonel (RET) Peggy Jean Frye, 72, of Pocola, OK passed away Tuesday, June 11, 2013 in Fort Smith, AR.  Peggy was born November 16, 1940 in Yoestown, AR to Leonard & May Dell (Spradley) Gregory.  Peggy was a member of Cornerstone Free Will Baptist Church of Roland, OK.  Peggy graduated from Van Buren High School in 1959; Sparks School of Nursing R.N. Program in 1962; completed her BSN in 1987 from Saint Joseph’s College.  She retired as Nursing Coordinator at LeFlore County Health Dept.  

Peggy received her commission in 1974 United States Air Force – Nurse Corp.  She was the first female in the 188^th Tactical Fighter Group to be promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.  She served 23 years with the 188^th Medical Squadron.  

 Peggy was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles Oliver Frye III; son, Michael Kelly Frye; 2 brothers, and 1 sister.

Survivors include her son Charles “Sonny” Frye and wife Debbie of Pocola, OK; grandson, Scott & wife Tabitha Frye; great granddaughter, Brooklyn of Poteau, OK; granddaughter, Amanda Lively & husband Blair of Fort Smith, AR; 5 sisters & 7 brothers; other relatives, loved ones, and friends.

Services will be 10 am, Friday, June 14, 2013 at Ft. Smith National Cemetery, Ft. Smith, AR with Rev. Carl Cheshier officiating.  Interment will follow with full military honors.

David Waterhouse

David Paul Waterhouse, 60, of Spiro, OK passed away Thursday, May 30, 2013 in Fort Smith, AR.  David was born June 26, 1952 in Glendale, CA to Ray & Jean (Hall) Waterhouse.  He was employed by PSC Fabricators for 12 years.  David was preceded in death by his great nephew, Brecken Owenby.

Survivors include his wife, Tammy of the home; daughter & son in law, Jessica & Ryan Hatcher of Perkins, OK; son, Josh Nooner of Stillwater, OK; grandsons, Elijah & Joseph; his parents, Ray & Jean Waterhouse of Alma, AR; sister, Sharon Ducat of Alma, AR; niece, Annie Owenby & Dan Parsons of Pocola, OK; nephew, Jason Ducat of Los Angeles, CA; great nephews & niece, Titan McCoy, Sam Owenby, Lela Gavel; other relatives, loved ones & friends.

Memorial Services will be 2 pm, Monday, June 3, 2013 at Fuel Church, Spiro, OK with Rev. Shane Waldrop officiating.

Imogean Loggains

Imogean Loggains, 87, of  Wister, OK passed away Saturday, June 1, 2013 in Poteau, OK.  Imogean was born January 30, 1926 in Howe, OK to Joe & Jimmie (Hoskins) Kirkley.  She was a member of Trinity Baptist Church, Poteau.  She was retired from C.R. Anthony.  Imogean was preceded in death by her husband, Roy; her parents, Jimmie Kirkley Loggains & Joe Kirkley; 3 brothers, 2 sisters; great granddaughter, Saylor Martine.

Survivors include her sons & daughters in law,  Roy & Anna Loggains of Poteau, OK Dale & Joann Loggains of Wister, OK; 5 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; sister & brother in law, Charline & Ray Baggs of Poteau, OK; brother, Jim Kirkley of  Palm Bay, FL; numerous nieces & nephews; other relatives, loved ones and friends.

Services will be 2 pm, Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Bryan Fout officiating.  Interment will follow in Vaughn Cemetery, Gilmore, OK.   Pallbearers will be Dustin, Joey & Jody Loggains, Bill Thompson, Travis Loggains & Bud Barnes.