Martin Stanley Soudbash

         Martin Stanley Soudbash, 86, of Monument, Colorado, passed from this life on Sunday, May 10, 2020 at the University of Colorado Hospital in Denver after a 45-day battle with COVID-19.  He was born in Shiraz, Iran on April 12, 1934, the only son of his parents. After finishing high school in Iran, Martin came to the United States to study at the University of Houston in Texas and soon graduated with dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Math. While in Houston, Texas, on September 2, 1961, Martin married the love of his life, Janice Worley of Poteau, Oklahoma. They enjoyed a loving relationship that grew stronger by the year, for 58 years. They had three children, a son Steve born in 1963 in Huntsville, Alabama, a daughter Suzanne born in 1966 in Melbourne, Florida, and another daughter Linda born in 1968 also in Melbourne, Florida. In that same year, on October 24, 1968, Martin became a naturalized citizen of the United States. It was a moment of great celebration as he had longed to be an American citizen and raise an American family.

          Martin began his career working for Brown Engineering at NASA in Huntsville, Alabama, and then moved on to Cape Kennedy in Florida. At NASA, Martin worked on the Saturn V Moon Rocket Program that put a man on the moon. Following the successful moon missions, Martin joined Babcock and Wilcox Engineering of Lynchburg, Virginia. While at Babcock and Wilcox, known today as BWX Technologies Inc., Martin traveled extensively to Europe designing and constructing pump equipment for Nuclear Power Plant cooling systems. In 1975 Martin and his family moved to London, England and joined Worley Engineering where he designed and oversaw the production and installation of power generation and pumping equipment on offshore oil rigs in the North Sea and in the Middle East. In 1985 Martin and his family moved to Houston, Texas, where he joined Marathon Oil Corporation. Martin enjoyed a long career with Marathon and was highly valued in the company. After beginning his retirement from Marathon Oil, he continued his work and began consulting for other companies. His engineering expertise in rotating turbine equipment was in high demand. His consulting work took him all over the world, notably to Africa and to Singapore. After Martin’s final retirement from consulting, he focused on his family. He took pride in his children and his grandchildren’s accomplishments, supporting them in their efforts to achieve their dreams. Martin was a faithful member of the Tri-Lakes Church of Christ in Monument, Colorado.

        Martin is survived by his wife Janice; his son, Steve (Karen) Soudbash of Excelsior, Minnesota; his daughters, Suzanne (Geoffrey) Richter of Boerne, Texas, and Linda (Grant) Holt of Colorado Springs, Colorado; along with five grandsons, Caleb Richter, Seth Richter, Cameron Soudbash, Stewart Soudbash and Andrew Soudbash; three granddaughters, London Richter, Micah Richter and Morrigan Holt; his sister, Farah Motalei of Napa Valley, California. He is preceded in death by his parents and one sister. Martin will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, dedicated friend, a quiet leader, the patriarch of his family, and the second father of many.

          Funeral services will be Saturday10:00am, June 6, 2020 at the Evans & Miller Funeral Home in Poteau, Oklahoma. Burial will be at the Shady Point Cemetery immediately following. A catered lunch is being provided to all members of the family, and friends alike, at the Fellowship Hall of the First Free Will Baptist Church in Poteau, Oklahoma. Pallbearers will be family members.

         For the safety and well-being of all those in attendance for the funeral service, the family would like to encourage the wearing of masks and the practice of social distancing. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Tri-Lakes Church of Christ, Mission Fund at 20450 Beacon Lite Rd., Monument, CO 80132. Or to give online, https://www.trilakeschurch.org/index.php/ministries/online-giving#

         

Jim Keisman

          James H. “Jim” Keisman, 81, of Pocola passed away May 26, 2020.  He was born July 23, 1938 at home in Huntington, AR, the sixth son of Gus & Farris (Looper) Keisman.  He attended school in Huntington and graduated from Mansfield High School in 1956.  He was married to Sherry Marie Yates on October 25, 2003 in Pocola.  Jim was retired Advertising Director for the Seminole Producer.

            Jim spent 42 years in journalism, starting in advertising sales with Fort Smith Times Record in December 1956, Natchez in 1958, and Seminole Producer in 1959.  He earned several distinguished awards in advertising and in Lions for volunteer service including the first Dr. Robert D. “Bob” McCullough Meritorious Award from Oklahoma Lions.  He was well known for his auctions and donated ‘rocks’ for Lions throughout Oklahoma.  He served Lions 57 years, and was District Governor in 1977-1978, Past President and Treasurer for OLSF, and Melvin Jones Fellow, attended 15 International conventions and 4 USA/Canada Forums.  He was a member of the Pocola Trinity Baptist Church, Pocola Lions and Lions International lifetime member, and past member of the Oklahoma Press Association.

            The hobby for which he received  great recognition was his restored parking meters which he purchased entire stocks (over 5000 meters) as nine communities removed  them from main streets throughout Oklahoma.

            Jim is survived by wife, Sherry Marie; sons, Bryan (Sherry L.) Keisman of Seminole, OK, Brent (Cindy) Keisman of McKinney, TX; brother David (Nancy) Keisman of Ft. Smith, AR; sister, Mary Etta (Dale) Morey of Glendale, AZ; stepchildren, Kathy (Dale) Jetton of Pocola, OK, Joshua (Summer) Cockburn of Heavener, OK; grandchildren, Kimberly Houck, Chris Keisman, Samantha Dunkin, Megan Cooksey, Shelby Taylor, Seth Taylor, Grace Cockburn, Slayde Cockburn, Saint Davis; great grandchildren, Kaylee Jones, Braylen Jones, Rylan Jones, Jameson Dunkin, Kenzie Houck, Aria Jane Dunkin and Noah Cooksey; brother in law, Herb (Laverne) Smotherman.  He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Caroline Smotherman; twin sons, Michael Wayne & Mark Duane Keisman; brothers, Paul & Warren Looper, Oran & Gene Keisman.

            Services will be 2 pm Friday, May 29, 2020 at Evans Memorial Chapel in Pocola, OK.  Interment will be at Heavener Memorial Park.  Pallbearers will be family.  Honorary pallbearers will be Oklahoma Lions. 

            The family will greet friends from 6-8 pm on Thursday evening at Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Pocola.

            In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to the Trinity Baptist Team Kids.

            We extend a special thank you to our Pocola Nursing Home family and Advantage Health and Hospice. ** Due to Covid please come to the viewing instead of the service to limit numbers for immediate family.

           

Leona Mae Clinton Caro Stiger

       Leona Mae Clinton Caro Stiger, 76, of Rochester, NY (formerly of Poteau, OK) passed away May 5, 2020 in NY.  Leona was born July 15, 1943 in Wister, OK to Charley & Mary (Green) Clinton.  She was a Licensed Practical Nurse.  She married Bob Caro on May 14, 1959.  She was preceded by Bob in 1989.  Leona married Bill Lancer Stiger 9/21/1990.  He also preceded her in death as well as her daughter, Bobbie Lynn Caro; one grandchild, Justin Sequichie; and brothers, Sam & Floyd Clinton.

          Survivors include her children, Chris & Tiffany Caro of Muskogee, OK, Kay & Jay Williams of Rochester, NY, Alan & Diane Stiger of Purcell, OK, Johnny Stiger of Muskogee, OK, Chris & Yolanda Stiger, Dhawn & Scott Kell all of Houston, TX; 14 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren; sister, Leta Sharp; brother, Willie Clinton; other relatives, loved ones and friends.

          Graveside services will be 1 pm, Saturday, May 30, 2020 at Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK.

Kenneth Caleb Lofthouse

           Kenneth Caleb Lofthouse, 32, a resident of Everett, WA was born October 12, 1987 in Oklahoma City, OK and departed this world May 12, 2020 in Mt. Vernon, WA. 

          Kenny was a beloved son, brother, uncle and friend.  He  had a personality that would light up the room and he gave the best rib crushing hugs.  Kenny graduated from Stanwood High School, Stanwood, WA.  He was working in the electrical trade.  Kenny dearly loved his family and friends, especially his niece and nephews.  His hobbies included playing music, video games, and drawing.  He was an extremely gifted musician.  He learned to play guitar in high school and was recruited by the music instructor to teach other students.  He also learned to play the flute in two days.  He was an immensely talented artist and his artwork was frequently shared with family and friends.  Kenny loved being out in nature and was a hippie/gypsy at heart.  Kenny was preceded in death by his infant brother, Christian David Lofthouse; grandparents, Louis & Winifred Lofthouse, Kenneth Johnson; and one cousin, Christopher Grindstaff.

          He is survived by his mother Donna Lofthouse (CA), his father William Lofthouse (WA), brothers, Joshua & Douglas; grandmother, Dorothy (Johnson) Page; niece Jade; and nephews, Cobain and Eli; aunt and uncle Diana & Bruce Grindstaff.       

          A memorial ceremony for family and friends will be held in Washington, where he was raised, after Covid-19 restrictions are relaxed.  Our beloved Kenny will be laid to rest at Oakland Cemetery in Poteau, OK.  Graveside services will be under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home.

Beverly Teague Luedke

          Beverly Teague Luedke was born June 8, 1928 in Tucson, AZ to George and Demarious (Quick) Foster.  She passed peacefully from this life May 19, 2020 at the age of 91 in Alma, AR.  She was preceded in death by her first husband and father of her children, Clayton Teague, her second husband, Dennis Luedke and her parents.

          She is survived by 3 children, Michael Teague of Alma, AR, Johnny Teague of Mounds, OK, Shirley (Frank) Wynn of Alma, AR; 3 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren.  She had a passion for life and her family.  She was one of the strongest people we knew and will be missed by many.

          The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of Alma Nursing and Rehab for the care and love during her residency.

          Memorial services will be 1 pm, Saturday, May 30, 2020 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Jim Cook officiating.