Ada Viola Johnson

Ada Viola Johnson, 78, of Pocola, OK passed away Tuesday, May 27, 2014 in Pocola, OK.  Ada was born October 14, 1935 in Mulberry, AR to Clifford Harley & Nellie Ira Emline (Huggins) McHone.  She was a homemaker.  Ada was a member of Christian Grove Free Will Baptist Church.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 41 years, Leroy Johnson; brother, Clifford McHone;  4 great grandchildren.  She loved to crochet, quilt, work in her flower beds & spoil her grandchildren & family.  She was a loving, caring mother & grandmother.

Survivors include her daughters & sons in law, Mary & Raymond Johnson of Cameron, OK, Elaine Reed of Pocola, OK; sons & daughters in law, Kenneth & Beverly Johnson of Pocola, OK, Rickey  & Ruth Ann Johnson of Vian, OK, Michael & Lupe Johnson of Ft. Smith, AR; 9 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; other loved ones and friends.

Services will be 2 pm, Thursday, May 29, 2014 graveside at Macedonia Cemetery, Pocola, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating.  Interment will follow.  Pallbearers will be her sons & grandsons.

Kolten Blaze Seaman

Kolten Blaze Seaman, infant son of Joseph Seaman & Natasha (Rust) Callahan went to be with Jesus on Monday, May 26, 2014 in Little Rock, AR.  Kolten is survived by his mother Natasha of Poteau, father, Joseph of Poteau; sister, Haven Callahan of Poteau; brothers, Walker & Cash Seaman of Muskogee, OK, maternal grandparents, Vernon & Ruby Midgley of Poteau, OK; paternal grandparents, Brad & Darleen Seaman of Howe, OK; other relatives & friends.

Services will be 10 am, Thursday, May 29, 2014 at Oakland Cemetery Pavilion, Poteau, OK with Rev. Don Martin officiating.  Honorary pallbearers will be Joseph Seaman, Jeff Lane & Shawn Drury.  Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery “Babyland”.

Melba Sue White

Nov 11, 1937 - May 24, 2014 EDMOND Melba Sue White, 76, died peacefully, surrounded by her family. Melba Sue was a longtime K-12 educator followed by a career at Carl Albert State College. She was born in Mineral Wells, TX to L.W. & Charlene Curfman. Her mother and sister, Pat Clarabut, survive her. Melba Sue was married September 27, 1958, to Joe E. White, who also survives her. The couple has two sons, Vance White and Joe E. White Jr. and his wife Kim. In addition, Melba Sue was a loving grandmother to Joe III, Jackson, Jade, Jule and Jilian. Melba Sue graduated in 1956 from Tom S. Lubbock High School and received a bachelor's degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University, followed by her master's degree from SWOSU. She was instrumental in beginning the Elk City Public School Kindergarten program. Upon relocating to Poteau, she began a lengthy career at Carl Albert State College. During her tenure at CASC, she assisted thousands of eastern Oklahoma high school graduates to enter college. Funeral Service will be at the Santa Fe Presbyterian Church in Edmond at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 29. Burial will be at Alex Cemetery, Alex, OK. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Carl Albert State College Development Foundation, 1507 S McKenna St, Poteau, OK 74953.

This is not the service of Evans & Miller but wanted to make you aware of this loss.

Jesse Lee Benson

Jesse Lee Benson, 70, of Heavener, OK passed away Sunday, May 25, 2014 in Tulsa, OK.  Jesse was born June 7, 1942 in Heavener, OK to Delmer Lee & Altie Mae (Woodral) Benson.  He was preceded in death by his mother; brother in law, John Hickman and numerous aunts & uncles.

Survivors include his father, Delmer Lee Benson of Heavener, OK; sisters, Virginia Hickman of Reserve, NM, Peggy & Billy Terry of Poteau, OK, Carolyn & John Evans of Heavener, OK, Janis & Dewayne Tucker of Hackett, AR, Patricia Benson of Heavener, OK; brothers, Bobby Benson, Eugene Benson bother of Heavener, OK, Kenneth & Virginia Benson of Pryor, OK; 3 aunts all of Heavener, OK; 8 nephews, 8 nieces; several great nieces, nephews, cousins, loved ones and friends.

Services will be 2 pm, Wednesday, May 28, 2014 graveside at Hontubby Cemetery, Hontubby, OK with Kenneth Benson officiating. Interment will follow.

Phillip Gamble

Philip Grant Gamble, 78, of  Poteau, OK passed away May 19, 2014.  Philip was born February 22, 1936 in Vallejo, CA to Cecil Foster & Mabel Catherine (Knutte) Gamble.  He was a veteran of the US Navy.
Services are pending.

Bill Beason

Billy Joe Beason Sr., 81,  of Wister, OK went to be with his Lord & Savior Wednesday, May 21, 2014 in Wister. Bill was born May 27, 1932 in Wister to Cecil and Lacy (Hill) Beason.  He was a retired carpenter.  Bill was a member and deacon of the First Southern Baptist Church in Wister.  He and Patricia Ann Powell were married on July 2, 1955.   Bill was a veteran of the US Army. He was preceded in death by his wife, Pat on January 12, 2014; his parents, one brother, Elt Beason and one sister, Wanda Burkhead.

Survivors include his sons, Billy Joe Beason Jr. & wife Darlene,  Ricky Beason,  Steven Beason  all of Wister; daughters, Sherri Smith & husband Jeff of  Poteau, Traci Bethell, Kelly Turnipseed & husband Shain of Wister; ;  sister, Betty Abel; brother, Charles Beason; brothers in law, Jim Powell, Jack Powell;  13 Grandchildren, Rusty, Gary, John, Chris, Jennifer, Lacy, Katy, Tyler, Devin, Cody, Daniel, Colby, Easton; 9 great grandchildren, Mackensie, Brayli, Paityn, Taryn, Preslei, Tucker, Cayden, Kinlee, Scarlett; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends.

Services will be  10 am, Saturday, May 24, 2014 at First Baptist Church in Wister, OK with Rev. Keith Stewart officiating.  Interment will follow in Glendale/Mt. View Cemetery. 

Pallbearers will be Rusty, Gary, John, Chris Beason, Cody & Daniel Kimble, Colby Turnipseed; Honorary pallbearers will be Colton Woolbright, Jesse Hammons,  T.W. Emerson, Jesse Akins, Carrol Vaughn, Larry Meeh, Mike Turnipseed.

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

Wanda Lee Phillips

Wanda Lee Phillips, 83, of Howe, OK passed away Friday, May 16, 2014 in Howe.  Wanda was born November 9, 1930 in Monroe, OK to Thomas & Leona (Anderson) Fortner.  She ran a convenience store.  Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Charlie; great granddaughter, Kristen Lovell and her siblings.

Survivors include her daughters, Linda Hall & Karen Vandagriff of Howe, OK; son, Billy Phillips  of Moore, OK; 6 grandchildren, Heather Johnson of Ft. Smith, AR, Chris Lovell of Gilmore, OK, Niels Johnson of Ft. Smith, AR, Nigel Johnson of Lawton, OK, Cory Phillips & Lee Ann Phillips of Norman, OK; 11 Great Grandchildren, 2 Great Great Grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives & friends.

Services will be 10 am, Monday, at First Baptist Church, Monroe, OK with Rev. Jim Cook & Rev. Chris Lovell officiating.  Interment will follow in Monroe Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Jake Lovell, Cory Phillips, Lee Ann Phillips, Paul X Miller, Michael Campbell, Chris Lovell.

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

Carolyn Douglas

Carolyn Lou Ann Douglas, 43, of Spiro, OK went to be with her Lord & Savior Wednesday, May 14, 2014 in Spiro.  Carolyn was born January 18, 1971 in Ft. Smith, AR to Jimmy Odell & Betty Lee (Curry) Douglas.  She was a registered nurse.  Carolyn loved nursing, her nieces & nephews, family, cooking and shopping.  Carolyn was preceded in death by her grandparents, Carl & Bonnie Dean, R.B. Douglas, Pat & Andy Newman; brothers, Carl & Robert; aunt, Kim Fulmer; uncles, Steven & Bruce Douglas.

Survivors include her parents, Jimmy & Betty Douglas of Spiro, OK; brothers & sister in law, Jimmy Jr. & Mandy Douglas, Chris Douglas all of Spiro, OK, Jimmy Don Risner of Mansfield, AR; sister & brother in law, Danielle & John Bell of Pocola, OK; nieces & nephews, Halley & Gracey Bell, Brandon , Blaise, Braylee, Braxton Douglas; great nephews, Landon & Bentley Douglas, Jeremy Risner; aunt, Shirley Douglas of Pocola, Cousins, Alma Trent of Keota, Ryan Trent of Pocola, Johnny Maloney, Christine, Allison & Aaron Maloney of Keota, Michelle & Kurt Brown, Shannon & Steven Brown, Allie Fountain, Laurie Douglas, Chevy Phipps, Dalton, Cindy, & Michael Douglas, Darrell McCarson, Curtis, Bryden & Brad Douglas, Dee Dee & Miranda Morman, Rachel, Eric, Daniel, Catlin, Jesse & Adam Douglas, Bruce Fulmer of Fayetteville, Randy Fulmer of Charleston, AR; other loved ones & friends.

Services will be 2 pm, Monday, May 19, 2014 at Evans Memorial Chapel, Pocola, OK with Rev. Matt Duke & Jason Waymire officiating.  Interment will be in Macedonia Cemetery, Pocola.  Pallbearers will be Scott Graham, Toby Amos, Bobby & Alden Henson, Jeff Fox, Tony Williams, Kenny Garner.  Honorary pallbearers will be Jeff Smith, Charlie Halley, Aaron Jeffcoat, Darrell McCarson, John Bell.

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

Betty Sue Beshers Featherston

 Betty Sue Beshers Featherston was born June 11, 1954, to Tommy Newton Beshers and Stella (Stephens) Beshers in the small town of Tahona, Oklahoma. She was the 8th child and the 4th girl. She attended Panama Schools and made many a lifetime friend. She passed from this life on May 13, 2014 in Ft. Smith, AR after a sudden illness.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband William T. Featherston II, sister Wanda Lee English and brothers Harvey and Leon Beshers.

She is survived by her 3 daughters Kelly Holson and husband Michael of Waynoka, OK, Carla Featherston of Hodgen, OK and Lori Jimenez and husband Florencio of Heavener, OK. She is also survived by her 5 grandchildren who she called her pride and joy, McKenna, McKayla, Maegan, Taitum and Brianna. They believed she hung the moon and they were her stars. She is also survived by her brothers Charles Beshers with wife Mary Ann of Panama Ok, Eugene Beshers with wife Jeanette of DeKalb TX, and brother in law Odell English of Jenny Lind, AR. Sisters Barbara Davis with husband Johnny, of Sheridan, AR and Brenda Newby with husband Taylor of Poteau, OK. Numerous special nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her long time best friend Peggy Pendergrass. They sure kept the phone lines hot bragging about their grandkids.

Services will be at 2 pm, Friday, May 16, 2014 at  Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating.

Carlon Sue Lomon

Carlon Sue Lomon, 62, of Cameron, OK passed away Monday, May 12, 2014 in Cameron.  Carlon was born February 24, 1952 in Cameron, OK to Jim & Erma Mae (Goodwin) Archey.  She was retired from Alltel.  Carlon was preceded in death by her parents; son, Heath Lomon.

Survivors include her brother & sister in law, Jimmie K. & Lynda Archey of Cameron, OK; sister & brother in law, Melba & Mike Caughron of Richmond, TX; father of her son, Jackie Lomon of Cameron, OK; numerous aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins & friends.

Memorial services will be 2 pm, Thursday, May 15, 2014 at the Fairhill/Knothole Cemetery Pavilion with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. 

Contributions may be made to the Poteau Pound Pups; call 918-471-8514 for info.

George Rice Jr.

George Rice Jr., 84, of Oklahoma City, OK passed away peacefully surrounded by his family May 6, 2014.  George was born December 16, 1929 in LeFlore County, OK to George Addison & Nancy (Gabbard) Rice.  He was a veteran of the US Navy.  George worked in logistics for General Dynamics Corp. retiring in 1991 after 35 years.  George was a member of the Southpark Baptist Church, OKC where he served as a deacon and was in the Promise Keepers Volunteer group.  He was a beloved husband, father, grand and great grandfather, uncle & friend.   He was preceded in death by his parents; 1 sister, 5 brothers; son, George Michael Rice; daughter, Cynthia Gaye Rice.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years 10 months, Martha (Baldwin) Rice of the home;

Daughter, Treva Kay Rice of St. Louis, MO; granddaughter, Treva Cynthia Rice; great granddaughters, Meagan & Maya Gramlin; other relatives, loved ones & many friends.

Services will be 2 pm, Monday, May 12, 2014 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Pastor Pete Dominguez & Rev. Jim Cook officiating.  Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK.

The family will be at the funeral home on Sunday from 4-6 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Sylvia Marie (Shannon) Loucks

Sylvia Marie (Shannon) Loucks, 100, of Poteau, OK passed away Wednesday, May 7, 2014 in Poteau.  Sylvia was born January 5, 1914 in Stilwell, OK to John W.  & Nina Ann (Hughes) Shannon.    Sylvia was married for 52 years to Vernon Loucks. She graduated from high school in 1929 at the age of 15.  After attending business college she worked as a bookkeeper  until the 1980’s, only taking off a few years until her daughters were in school.  Sylvia was a devout Christian woman who was very active in the First Christian Church.  She was a wonderful, loving wife, mother & grandmother.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Vernon; sisters, Annetta Auffet & husband Bill; Tommie Taylor & husband Kenneth; brother in law, Robert Pishel, Sr.

She is survived by daughters & sons in law, Pamela Sue & Terry Mullins of Poteau, Mary Ann & Freddy McCroskey of Oklahoma City; grandchildren, Alfred & Shelley Trotter of Poteau, Aundrea & Andrew Barnhart of Yukon, OK, Teresa Trotter & Brad Riemenschneider of Litchfield, IL, Angie & Bruce Watkins, Michelle Caldwell & Beau Wilkins, all of McAlester, OK; great grandchildren, Robert & Shelby Trotter, Parker Barnhart, Madison & Gavin Watkins, Austyn & Ryan Wolf, Drake Wilkins; sister, Velma Pishel; other relatives, loved ones & friends.

Services will be 10 am, Monday, May 12, 2014 at the First Christian Church in Poteau, OK with Gary Vancil officiating.  Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau.  Pallbearers will be Jim Dunn, Steve Cherry, Robert Trotter, Al Trotter, Charlie McCroskey and Andy Barnhart.

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

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the First Christian Church Memorial Fund, Poteau. 

C.J. Tull

C.J. Tull, 83, of Denison, TX (formerly of Poteau, OK) passed away Monday, May 5, 2014 in Denison.  CJ was born March 1, 1931 in Shady Point, OK. 
Services will be 11 am, Friday, May 9, 2014  at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating.  Interment will follow in Shady Point Cemetery, Shady Point, OK.

Vilene M. Davis

Vilene M. Davis, 82, of Pocola, OK passed away Monday, May 5, 2014 in Ft. Smith, AR.  Vilene was born May 7, 1931 in Murry Spur, OK to Malty Bob & Julia (Stanfill) Martin.  Vilene graduated from Pocola High School in 1949 where she was an outstanding basketball player.  She turned down an offer to play for the All-American Redheads traveling team to marry her high school sweetheart, Claud Davis. They were married for 59 years before Claud passed away in 2009.  She graduated from Carl Albert & Northeastern State University with degrees in English and Library Science in 1968.   She taught at Pocola High School  for 31 years and sponsored many student organizations, including student council and National Honor Society.  Vilene loved her school and kept records of its history.  She also loved her church home, First Baptist in Pocola and served faithfully as pianist, Sunday School teacher and volunteered as needed.  She enjoyed her Sunday School class and rarely missed being there. Vilene was proudest of her children, all four of whom followed in her footsteps becoming lifelong educators.  The family would like to thank her special caregivers: Lou, Susie, Kim, Leah, Grace & Peachtree Hospice.   She was preceded in death by her husband, Claud; her parents; son, Nelson Davis; 2 brothers & 3 sisters.

Survivors include her sons & daughters in law, Bob & Debbie Davis of Pocola, OK,  Gary & Sharon Davis of North Little Rock, AR; daughter & son in law, Carol Ann & Lance Ford of Heavener, OK; 4 grandchildren, Adam Davis of Maumelle, AR, Barrett & Janell Davis of N. Little Rock, AR, Julianne Ford & Nicholas Ford of Heavener, OK; great granddaughter, Olivia Davis; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, loved ones & friends.

Services will be 10 am Friday, May 9, 2014 at First Baptist Church in Pocola, OK  with Dr. Daniel Clark officiating.  Interment will follow in Macedonia Cemetery, Pocola, OK.  Pallbearers will be Eddie Coleman, Larry Sockey, Adam Davis, Barrett Davis, Nicholas Ford, George A. Davis.

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

Philip Ray Kinnamon

Philip Ray Kinnamon, 71, of Ft. Smith, AR passed away Monday, May  5, 2014 in Ft. Smith.  Philip was born September 26, 1942 in Wichita, KS to Kenneth Henrick & Alma Mearl (Cunningham) Kinnamon.  He was a computer programmer.  Philip attended Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Barling, AR.  He was preceded in death by his parents & brothers, Marcus & Terry.

Survivors include his wife, Nickie Kinnamon of the home; daughter, De Anice Newman of Poteau, OK; son, Philip Alan Kinnamon of Irving, TX; stepson, James William Cox of New Orleans, LA; 3 grandchildren, Brooke Hayley Cox, David Newman & Jacob Kinnamon; sister & brother in law, Leanora & Clark Umfleet of Harlowton, MT; brothers & sisters in law, Kenneth Jr. & Ruth Kinnamon of Rogers, AR, James & Marilyn Kinnamon of Yukon, OK; other relatives, loved ones & friends.

Rosary will be Thursday evening at 7 pm in Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK

Mass will be held at 3 pm, Friday, May 9, 2014 at Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1301 Frank St, Barling, AR. with Fr. Henry B. Mischkowiuski officiating.

Shirley White

Shirley Jacqueline White, 74, of Spiro, OK passed away Friday, April 25, 2014 in Fort Smith, AR.  Shirley was born August 4, 1939 in Rock Springs, WY to Milton M.  & Fleeta L. (Morelock) Claxton.  She was an interior designer & owner of Village Flowers & Gifts in Panama,OK.  Shirley attended Victory Worship Center. She was a member of Silver Haired Legislature; lifetime member of VFW Aux. #4884, Past President of Eagles #3860, member of the Red Hat Society, American Legion – Bokoshe, Order of the Eastern Star, and LeFlore County Election Board.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Roy White Sr.; Grandson, Jonah White and special pup, Sparky.

Survivors include her husband, John Quakenbush of the home; daughters & sons in law, Vicki & Russ White of Poteau, OK, Kim & Jeff Pyles of Mansfield, AR; son & daughter in law, Roy & Angela White of Galveston, TX; 9 grandchildren, H.J. Pierce, Brittany & Cody Ward, Jacob, Jordan, Bethany, Tiffany White, Kaylie Pyles, Teresa Dacus, Lisa McAnelley; 5 Great Grandchildren, Aden Wheat, Cadian Ward, Ashley & Deidra McAnelley, & Michael Dacus; lifelong friends, Trudy Mosbech, Janice Thompson, Reba Roland; special companions (dogs) Buddy & Mike.

Services will be 2 pm, Tuesday, April 29, 2014 at Victory Worship Center, Spiro, OK with Rev. Bryan Fout officiating.  Interment will follow in Shady Point Cemetery, Shady Point, OK. Pallbearers will be Members of The Black Widows Motorcycle Club.

Anna Sanders

Anna Jane Sanders, 68, of Poteau, OK passed away Wednesday, April 30, 2014  in Fort Smith, AR.  Anna was born December 16, 1945  in Ft. Smith, AR to George W. & Irene Elmira (Bowden) Sanders.  She was a Home Health Care Provider.  Anna was preceded  in death by her parents; sister, Reba F. Williams; brother, Tilton W. Sanders; nephews, Billy Lofton & Daniel Childress; niece, Teresa Gober.

Survivors include her companion Wesley McKinney of Monroe, OK; son & daughter in law, Keith Allen  & Amy Childress; daughter & son in law, Reba & Greg Francis all of Monroe, OK; 7 grandchildren, Jerrid & Jordan Francis of Mansfield, AR, Aaron Francis of Monroe, OK, Derek Francis of Poteau, OK, Destiny Francis, Dylan Francis, Kellie Childress & Dillon Childress of Monroe, OK; great grandchildren, Brody Francis of Lawton, OK, Myla Francis of Mansfield, AR; brothers & sisters in law, Roy & Mary Sanders of Poteau, OK, John W. & Virginia Sanders of Monroe, OK; sisters, Edith I. Urchison of Gravette, AR, Mary L. & Bob Acker, Georgia Sue Childress of Monroe, OK; special friend, Will Grice & his children; dog, Rusty; nieces and nephews, other relatives, loved ones and friends.

Services will be at 1 pm, Monday, May 5, 2014  at Springhill Baptist Church, Monroe, OK with Rev. Rick Snyder & Rev. Jim Cook officiating.  Interment will follow in Monroe Cemetery, Monroe, OK.  Pallbearers will be Jerrid & Aaron Francis, Luci Morrison, Karen Masini, George “Sonny” Urchison, Benny Williams Jr.  Honorary pallbearers will be Daren Davis, Chad Musgrove and Cody Reed.