John Byour

John Byous, 55,  of Poteau, OK went out on his own terms Thursday, May 30, 2019.  After years of fighting heart disease he refused to endure a life of needles, probes, and ER visits.  He was a proud veteran of the California National Guard and the Army Reserves who held the rank of Staff Sergeant.  John was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde & Martha (Covey) Byous; and brother Jerry Byous. 

He leaves his wife, Lisa Byous; sister, Joyce Byous Hair of Poteau; brother, Jim Byous of Savannah, GA;  sister in law, Becky Byous; numerous nieces, grand-nieces and nephews in Oklahoma & Georgia.

Memorial services will be held at 10 am, Monday, June 3, 2019 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK  with Jim Cook officiating.

Ruth Horton

Ruth Waynette Horton, 102, of Poteau, OK passed away Thursday, May 30, 2019 in Poteau.  Ruth was born August 4, 1916, in Mansfield, AR to James E. & Roma (Taylor) Patterson.  Ruth was a teacher for many years having taught in Poteau Schools, Gary, Indiana & Carl Albert State College. Ruth was a longtime member of  First Baptist Church in Poteau.   She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, E. Minor Horton; sister,  Orpha Patterson Hill & brother in law, Delbert Hill; and her special dog, Missy.

She is survived by her caregivers, Bradley & Kristi Hill, Pat Hall, Kayla Benefield, Loretta Price & Mary Lou Ellenburg; other relatives & loved ones.

Services will be 10 am, Saturday, June 1, 2019 at First Baptist Church, Poteau, OK with Bradley Hill officiating.  Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be  Brad Hill, Chad Jackson,  Robert Rockman, Jerry Castillo, Truman Hill, Jim Marsh

Michael Flynn Russell

Michael Flynn Russell, 72, of Poteau, OK passed away Tuesday, May 28, 2019 in Ft. Smith, AR.  Mike was born June 11, 1946 in Independence, KS to Dennis Flynn & Norma Jean (Schnedler) Russell.  He was a banker.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Denise of the home; daughters, Krista Russell of Poteau, OK, Shelly Russell of Van Buren, AR; son, Greg Russell of Poteau, OK; grandchildren, Stephanie Barnes & Tyler Russell of Poteau; other relatives, loved ones and friends.

No services are scheduled at this time.

William "Sparky" Quarry

William Edgar “Sparky” Quarry, 71, of  Poteau, OK passed away Tuesday, May 28, 2019 in Poteau.  William was born January 21, 1948 in Ft Smith, AR to John Edgar & Blannie (Beatty) Quarry.  He was a veteran of the US Army.  His greatest attributes were his honesty & loyalty; he was known to be a man of his word.  Through his exemplary work ethic and complete trustworthiness he built relationships that lasted decades.  He was preceded in death his parents; and sisters, Ruby Golden & Eula Coleman.

Survivors include his wife, Gwinda of the home; daughters, Leslie & David Hill of Poteau, OK, Melanie & Dennis Thomas of Monroe, OK, Kathleen & Vernon Midgley of Poteau, OK, Emily Quarry of the home; sons, Johnathan Quarry of Houston, TX, Jeremy & Kaycee Quarry of Poteau, OK; sister,Barbara Minard, Fayetteville, AR;  13 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; other relatives, loved ones and friends.

Services will be 2 pm, Friday, May 31, 2019 at Ellis Chapel Church in Wister, OK with Joshua Midgley officiating.  Interment will follow at Ellis Chapel Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Dennis Thomas, Vernon Midgley, Gene Christenberry, Rick Fleenor, Robert Jackson and David Hill.

The family will be at the funeral home on Thursday from 6-8 pm to visit with family and friends.

Jim Kersh

Jimmy Allen Kersh, 73, of Shady Point, OK passed away Saturday, May 25, 2019 in Shady Point.  Jim was born April 24, 1946 in Shady Point to Allen & Lorene (Morris) Kersh.  Jim loved spending time with family and his church family.  He spent most of his life working on old cars.  He worked for the LeFlore County D.A.’s office for many years.  He attended Calhoun Baptist Church.  Jim was preceded in death by his parents and son, Shawn Kersh.

Survivors include his wife Diana; son & daughter in law, Kevin & Nyomi Kersh of Jewell, IA; daughter, Jennifer Renteria of Shady Point, OK; daughter in law, Karin Kersh of Inverness, FL; grandchildren, Jordan, Camrin, Brycen Kersh of FL, Jace & Jaylind Renteria of Shady Point, Dylan & McKenzie Kersh of  IA;  siblings & spouses, Rufus & Agnes Kersh of Poteau, OK, Dolphis & Evalyn Fout, Frank & Bert Wiles of Shady Point, Leon & Jean Garner of Broken Arrow, Evert & Dephnia Stacy of Poteau, Howard & Patsy Kersh of Rock Island, Larry & Debra Kersh of Hugo, Wayne & Paulette Kersh of Monroe; other relatives, loved ones and friends.

Services will be 2 pm, Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Jim Cook & Brant Toney officiating.  Interment will follow at Shady Point Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Chad Cooper, Wendall Giles, Wade Burlew, Bryce Holt Kyle Holt, Zac Buchert.  Honorary pallbearers will be Chesley Weaver, Wayne, Howard, Rufus & Larry Kersh, Leo Ritter.

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