Margaret Ann Drake

Margaret Ann Drake, 70, of Poteau, OK passed away on Thursday, January 21, 2010 in Pocola, Oklahoma. Margaret was born on June 5, 1939 in Monroe, Oklahoma to Troy & Flora Bell (Barnes) Mahorney. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, & homemaker. Her husband, Leon Drake; her parents, & 2 brothers, Troy & Chad Mahorney precede her in death. Margaret is survived by a son & daughter in law, Charles & Missy Drake of Howe, OK; 3 daughters & sons in law, Susie & Charlie McCoy of Poteau, OK, Donna Carden Eller & Sandy & Tim Crase all of Panama, OK; a brother, John Henry Mahorney of Helena, OK; 3 sisters, Sue Dildine of Owasso, OK, Sallie Bush of Bentonville, AR, Barbara Alusi of Atlanta, GA; 10 grandchildren, Hayley, Torey, Jeff, Aaron, Chris, Jon, Jordan, Jason, Tyler, & Kali; 5 great grandchildren, Brett, Trinity, Colton, Cassie, & Avery; 1 great granddaughter on the way; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; and many beloved friends. Funeral services for Margaret were held at 10:00 am, Saturday, January 23, 2010 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with the Reverend Jimmy D. Cook officiating. Interment followed the services in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Jeff, Chris, & Aaron McCoy, Brad Royston, Jon & Jordan Carden. Honorary pallbearers were Jason & Tyler Crase.

James Park Kidd

James Park Kidd, 92, longtime resident of Poteau, OK passed away on Thursday, January 14, 2010 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. James was born on January 19, 1917 in Poteau, Oklahoma to Robert Lee Sr. & Ruby Park Kidd. He graduated from Poteau High School in 1935. He attended Arkansas University for one year, then transferred and graduated from Oklahoma University in 1940, after which he worked at Lockheed Aircraft in Burbank, California. After Pearl Harbor, he was drafted in the Army as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Field Artillery. From North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France and Germany was the job and he served honorably until the War was over. He achieved the rank of Captain, and after 16 years in the Army Reserve; he received the rank of Major. After the war he returned to California and after a year and a half moved back to Poteau to go in business with his brother. He and his brother had the Poteau News & LeFlore County Sun from 1947-1979. He lived in Poteau until his health forced him and Martha to move to Broken Arrow in 2003 and he has missed Poteau every single day. Jim is preceded in death by his parents; a son William Lewis Kidd; & 2 brothers, Robert Lee Kidd Jr. & Edward Burton Kidd. Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Martha Kidd of the home; 2 sons & daughters in law, Jim II & Karen Kidd of Tulsa, OK & Vic & Teresa Kidd of Houston, TX; a daughter & son in law, Martha Anne & Randy Blakestad of Lufkin, TX; 9 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; numerous other relatives & loved ones & many beloved friends. Funeral services for Jim were held at 1:00 pm Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at First United Methodist Church of Poteau, OK with the Reverend Greg Tener officiating. Interment followed the services in Oakland Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK.

Alfred Barnes

Alfred C. Barnes, 84, of Hartford, Arkansas passed away Saturday, January 16, 2010 in Hartford. Alfred was born on May 13, 1925 in Howe, OK to Clyde M. & Eurania (Kiefer) Barnes. Alfred was a construction worker. He was a veteran of the US Army. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Charles & Monroe Barnes. Survivors include his sisters, Florence Seely of Mansfield, AR, Juanita Buckman of Plainview, AR, & Edith Burrows of Mansfield, AR; brothers, A.C. Barnes of Hartford, AR, Clarence Barnes of Wichita, KS and Dean Barnes of Hartford, AR; numerous nieces & nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were held 10 am, Monday, January 18, 2010 at James Fork Baptist Church in Hartford, AR with Rev. Charles Whedbee officiating. Interment followed in Memorial Park Cemetery, Hartford, Arkansas, under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, OK.

William Dan " Bill" Minor

Bill Minor, 63, of Poteau, OK passed away Wednesday, January 13, 2010 in Poteau. He was born in Poteau on March 14, 1946 to Muriel A. & Gertrude (Shamblin) Minor. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Bob & Buford Collier. Bill is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; and many beloved friends. Graveside services will be held 2 pm, Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at Oakland Cemetery with Rev. Clyde Hess officiating.

Teresa Ann (Sanders) Gober

Teresa Ann Gober, 55, of Monroe, OK passed away Friday, January 15, 2010 in Monroe. Teresa was born April 10, 1954 to Roy & Mary Sanders in Poteau, OK. She was a homemaker. She was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Poteau. Teresa was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry D. Gober on May 1, 2007. She loved music and singing. Survivors include 2 daughters & son in law, Tina Shepard of Shady Point, OK, Tammy & Darin Giesler of Monroe, OK; parents, Roy & Mary Sanders of Monroe, OK, 6 Grandchildren, Zachary, Kyle, Blake, Alyssa, Caleb & Jenna; sisters & brother in law, Beverly & Charles Courtade of Comstock Park,MI, Mary Merkling of Wister, OK; brothers & sisters in law, Roy Jr. & Cherry Sanders of Maumalle, AR, Ray & Joanna Sanders of Seattle, WA, John & Leigh Sanders of Spiro, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held 2 pm, Monday, January 18, 2010 at Trinity Baptist Church, Poteau, OK with Rev. Leroy Billy officiating. Interment will follow in Monroe Cemetery, Monroe, OK.

Richard Goines

Richard Goines, 88, of Panama, OK passed away on Thursday, January 14, 2010 in Poteau, OK. Richard was born on January 25, 1921 in Panama, OK to Stirl & Claudie (Kilgore) Goines. He was of the Assembly of God faith & was a farmer & factory worker. Richard’s wife, Doyce Goines; sisters Mildred Grissom, Opal Starr, & Jewel Phelps; brothers, Jessie, Freddie, Andrew, Johnny, & Leroy Goines preceded him in death. Richard is survived by 4 sisters & brothers in law, Rachel & Bill Holstead of Shady Point, OK, Lou Cravens, Phyllis & J.P. Moody, & Shirley & Jerry Bunch, all of Spiro, OK; 4 brothers & sisters in law, Doyle Goines of Spiro, OK; Edward & Trudy Goines of Quinnland, TX, Luther Goines of Mesquite, TX, & Amos & Pat Goines of Bridgeport, TX; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones and many beloved friends. Funeral services for Richard were held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, January 16, 2010 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with the Reverend Frankie Harris officiating. Interment followed the services in Fairview Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Troy Rowland, Ernest Smalley, Jimmy Bunch, Charles Bunch, Charles Loomis, Kenny Dehart, Gene Skelton, & John Harris

Evelyn Grace White

Evelyn Grace White, 98, of Poteau, OK passed away on Sunday, January 10, 2010 in Poteau. Evelyn was born on June 21, 1911 in Killen, AL to Frank C. & Anna (Heinrick) Peck. She was the 14th of 14 children born to her parents. Evelyn was a member of First United Methodist Church of Poteau & a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her parents, 9 brothers, 4 sisters, and her beloved husband of 47 years, Grady Otis White. Evelyn married Otis White on December 25, 1937. They lived in Tennessee until 1943 when they moved to Cleveland, Ohio. Evelyn worked for Fisher Body in air ducts of the B-29 bombers. Later, they moved to California and got jobs working in the shipyards. Evelyn was hired as a drill press operator (Rosie the Riveter). In 1945 they returned to Poteau where they operated a farm/cattle operation until Otis passed away in 1984. Evelyn continued to live on the farm until 2007 when ill health forced her to move into an assisted living center in Poteau. At the age of 93, Evelyn flew to Richmond, CA where she received a certificate of appreciation from the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Society. Music was always a very important part of Evelyn’s life. She was a faithful member of her church choir until December 20, 2009. At the age of 95, an anthem was written in her honor with her years of service to God through her ministry of music in mind by Dallas composer, Gregory Ayers. Evelyn was known to say, “I do not regret anything I’ve done and I am glad that I got to experience everything I did. I’m fortunate and God has blessed me tremendously.” Evelyn is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; her friends & church family. Funeral services for Evelyn were held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, January 14, 2010 at First United Methodist Church of Poteau, OK with the Reverend Greg Tener officiating. Interment followed the services in Oakland Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Kyle Hardaway, Jeff Mixon, Steve Clark, Richard Peck, Johnny Baker, & Toby Culver.

Faye Essman

Faye Essman, 85, of Tulsa, Oklahoma (formerly of Poteau, OK) passed away Thursday, January 7, 2010 in Tulsa. Faye was born in Page, OK on February 14, 1924 to Tom & Ethel (Glaze) Graham. Faye was a member of Southside Baptist Church in Poteau, OK. She was a good Christian lady who lived a good life and was very active in helping her neighbors in ways such as serving them meals and looking after them. She helped win many to the Lord. Survivors include her son, Earl Kinas of Tulsa, OK; sister, Reba Skinner of Seattle, WA; brother, Dale Graham of Tulsa, OK; 9 Grandchildren; 19 Great Grandchildren; 2 Great Great Grandchildren; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were held 2 pm, Saturday, January 9, 2010 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, Ok with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment followed in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK.

Kenny Dean Hebert

Kenny Dean Hebert, 66, of Poteau, OK passed away January 5, 2010 in Ft. Smith, AR. He was born October 23, 1954 in Poteau to Harold & Geraldine (Flanagan) Hebert. Kenny was a member of Victory Worship Center of Spiro, OK. He was a beloved husband & an excellent & caring father who raised his children with love & knowledge. He was a generous son & brother & a greatly anticipated grandpa. He opened many young minds at Carl Albert State College as an educator. He opened many hearts to the Lord through his work at the church & as a Sunday School teacher. Kenny was a Sooner fan in the best & worst of times. Kenny was a Good Shepherd to his flock in more ways than one. He was active in the Eagle Scouts & 4H members; an avid FFA supporter; had received several professorship awards at CASC; & was a Deacon of Assemblies of God for many years. He went home to be with his Lord & Savior & family members. He was preceded in death by his father & a brother in law, Phillip McDonald. Survivors include his beloved wife of 35 years & 11 months, Priscilla Hebert of the home; son, Andy Hebert of the home; daughter & son in law, Tracy Hebert Lamb & Jeremy Lamb of Poteau, OK; mother, Geraldine Hebert of the home; sister, Carol St. John of Arlington, VA; brothers & sister in law, Jim Hebert of Poteau, OK, Phillip & Brenda Hebert of Poteau, OK; father in law & mother in law, Arthur E. & Juanita McDonald of Ft. Smith, AR ; brothers in law & sisters in law, Gary & Jeanne McDonald of Barling, AR, Tanya & Gene Young of Ft. Smith, AR, Clyde & Barbara McDonald of Sugarloaf, AR, Danny & Karen McDonald of Alma, AR; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were held 2 pm, Friday, January 8, 2010 at Victory Worship Center, Spiro, OK with Rev. Brian Fout, Rev. Steve Hughes, & Rev. Clyde McDonald officiating. Interment followed in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Jerry Holton, Steve Hughes, Rob Wylie, Danny Wann, Jeremy Lamb & Eric Lamb. Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, OK

Elizabeth A. Heavener

Elizabeth A. Heavener, 66, of Shady Point, OK passed away Sunday, January 3, 2010 in Poteau, OK. She was born March 30, 1943 in Booneville, AR to Robert & Addie (Beshears) Anderson. Liz was a retail clerk. Survivors include her daughter & son in law, Chantay & Hoss Deleplank of Shady Point, OK; son, Roy Heavener of Shady Point, OK; 4 grandsons, Beau, Jason, Wyatt & Spud; 1 great grandson, Nathion; 2 sisters, Betty Wade and Merle Smith, both of Shady Point, OK; brother, Bob Anderson of Owasso, OK; special niece, Tammie Hetherington; special friends at Tote-A-Poke; other relatives & Loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were held 2 pm, Thursday, January 7, 2010 at the First Assembly of God Church in Shady Point, OK with Rev. Mike Bunch & Rev. Joe Owen officiating. Interment followed in Shady Point Cemetery, Shady Point, OK. Pallbearers were Michael Jackson, Mark Jiminez, Rick Etmire, Donnie Williams, Robert Wright, & Matthew White. Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, OK

Charles Bruce Smith, Jr.

Charles Bruce Smith, Jr. 62 of Muldrow, OK passed away on Friday, January 1, 2010 in Muldrow. Charles was born on August 21, 1947 in Helena, AR to Charles B. Smith Jr. & Edna Earl (Sanders) Smith. Charles was a Baptist & a veteran of the US Army serving in Vietnam where he earned 2 Purple Heart Medals, the Bronze Star, & the Medal of Valor. Charles was a war hero. He served as Chief of Police at Howe, OK Charles’s wife Dina Smith; his mother Edna Smith, & a brother Earl Smith all preceded him in death. Charles is survived by his 2 daughters Joanie Roberts of Van Buren, AR & Carol Bell of Poteau, OK; 3 sons, Jeremy Smith of Lavaca, AR, Joseph Smith of Hackett, AR, & Charlie Hewett of Pocola, OK; 2 stepsons Steven Goins of Fort Smith, AR & Bryan Goins of Roland, OK; a stepdaughter Tina Muise of Muldrow, OK; 19 grandchildren; a sister Brenda Wagley of Poteau, OK; his father, Charles B. Smith Sr. of Shady Point, OK; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones and many beloved friends. Funeral services for Charles were held at 12:30 pm, Thursday, January 7, 2010 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with Brother Terry Hurt officiating. Interment followed the services at 2:00 pm at Fort Smith National Cemetery in Fort Smith, AR with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Jay Muise, Bryan & Steven Goins, Bobby Whitaker, John Hallman, Ron Wagley, James Villegas, Craig Olienyk. Honorary pallbearers were Jeremy & Joseph Smith.

Steven L. Tomblinson

Steven L. Tomblinson, 58, of Poteau, OK passed away January 1, 2010 in Wichita, KS. Steven was born in Oklahoma City, OK on February 18, 1951. He was a general laborer. He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Ruby Tomblinson; brother, Dewayne Tomblinson; and sister, Susan Coffey. Survivors include his daughter & son in law, Stephanie & Roy Lowe of Poteau, OK; 5 sons & daughters in law, Phillip & Nancy Tomblinson of Muskogee, OK, Robert & Lisa Tomblinson of Poteau, OK, Steven & Shelly Tomblinson of Muskogee, OK, Jesse Tomblinson of Muskogee, OK, Michael Tomblinson of Muskogee, OK; 19 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; mother Wanda McIntyre of Poteau, OK; brothers, Tommy & wife Dawn Tomblinson of Poteau, OK, David & wife Michelle Fredrickson of Hodgen, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 1 pm, Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at the First Church of the Nazarene in Wister, OK with Rev. Jack Covey officiating. Interment will follow in Ellis Chapel Cemetery - Wister, OK. Pallbearers will be Phillip, Robert, Steven, Mike & Tommy Tomblinson and Roy Lowe.

Sarah Jane Pope

Sarah Jane Pope, 95, of Bokoshe, Oklahoma passed away on Sunday, December 20, 2009 in Spiro, Oklahoma. Sarah was born on September 26, 1914 in Sparta, Tennessee to Beecher & Maridan (Selby) Kinnard. Sarah was a Free Will Baptist & a cook. She was a loving caregiver who loved cooking and going to auctions. Sarah is survived by a son & daughter in law Wesley & Shannon Pope; her grandchildren, Lisa & Standly Casey, Chase & Megan Pope, Royce & Sharla Bilyeu, Brian & Brandy Bilyeu, & Kevin Bilyeu; 8 great grandchildren; numerous other relatives & loved ones and many beloved friends. Memorial services for Sarah were held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, December 31, 2009 at Vineyard Community Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas with Kevin Beck officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK.

Matthew Llane Slone

Matthew Llane Slone, 36 of Cushing, OK formerly of Wister, OK passed away on Sunday December 20, 2009 in Oklahoma City, OK. Matthew was an oilfield worker. Matthew is survived by a daughter Casey Llane Slone of Sayre, OK; a son Trevor James Slone of Slater, MO; his parents, Arnold & Betty Slone of Talihina, OK; 2 sisters Paula Mize of Springdale, AR & Amanda Akins of Poteau, OK; 3 brothers Thomas Slone of Red Oak, OK, Randy Slone of Albany, OR, & Paul Slone of Poteau,OK; numerous other relatives & loved ones and many beloved friends. Funeral services are pending under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK.

Earl W. Crowder

Earl W. Crowder, 82, of Red Oak, OK passed away Friday, December 25, 2009 in Talihina, OK. Earl was born in Hughes, OK on August 20, 1927 to Robert & Fannie (Hardin) Crowder. Earl attended school in Hughes & Fanshawe, He married Bertha Herrington on January 26, 1979 in Reno, NV. He was a veteran of the US Air Force attaining the rank of Staff Sgt. during WW II before his discharge on August 12, 1949. He joined the Sailor’s Union of the Pacific on December 2, 1975. He loved reading, ballgames, & helping his family & friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Bruce Crowder; and brothers Herbert & Derl (twin). Survivors include his wife Bertha Crowder of the home; daughter & son in law, Belinda & Randy Lame of Ceres, CA; son & daughter in law, Warren & Brooke Crowder of Fanshawe, OK, sister & brother in law, Martha & Sam Valdez of San Leondro, CA; brother & sister in law, Jim & Helen Noah of Tracy, CA; grandchildren & great grandchildren; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were held 2 pm, Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment followed in Red Oak Cemetery, Red Oak, OK, under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, OK

Rosie Lee Thomas

Rosie Lee Thomas, 79, of Poteau, OK passed away Friday, December 25, 2009 in Ft. Smith, AR. Rosie was born July 31, 1930 in Kinta, OK to Walter & Lula (Canida) Upton. She was a dietician. Rosie was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Sylvester & Franklin Upton; 2 great grandsons, Zach Kincaid & Payden Grayson; and a son in law, James Grayson. Survivors include her daughters & son in law, Linda Grayson of Pocola, OK, Melissa & Stan Stone of Poteau, OK; grandchildren, Carl & Joanie Grayson, Tina & Chris Blevins, Jerry Grayson, Michael Grayson, Brandon Stone, Justin Stone; great grandchildren, Dustin Dollar, Kayla Dollar, Layne Blevins, Keelyn Grayson, Jordyn Kennison; great great grandson, Dalton Dollar; 4 sisters, Hazel Daniels & Edna Valentine of CA, Rachel Leivas & Frankie Sittner of OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were held 2 pm, Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at Maxey Cemetery Pavilion, Wister, OK with Rev. Jim Cook & Rev. Junior Phillips officiating. Interment followed in Maxey Cemetery with her grandsons serving as pallbearers. Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, OK The family will be at the funeral home from 6-8 on Monday evening to visit with relatives & friends.

Ellen Crawford Tiffee

Ellen Crawford Tiffee, 87, of Poteau, OK (recently of Fayetteville, AR) passed away December 24, 2009 in Springdale, AR. She was born June 4, 1922 in Monroe, OK to Hubert B. & Elva Lou (Lowrance) Crawford. Ellen was a charter member of Friendship Baptist Fellowship in Rock Island, OK. She was a secretary for LeFlore County Farm Bureau for years. She married Harlan Tiffee Sr. on March 1, 1944. Ellen’s husband of 65 years, Harlan Tiffee Sr. & her parents preceded her in death. Survivors include her son & daughter in law, Harlan Jr. & Lucille Tiffee of Fayetteville, AR; grandsons and their wives, Kelly & Pam Tiffee, Kevin & Hillaree Tiffee of Ft. Smith, AR; 5 precious great granddaughters, Chanley, Kaylee, Andee, Ellie & Toree; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held 10 am, Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at Friendship Baptist Fellowship in Rock Island, OK. Burial following in Springhill Cemetery, Monroe, OK. Pallbearers will be Truman Hill, Brad Hill, Charles Johnson, Bob McGough, Rex Ragon, & Kenneth Self. Arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, OK In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made in Ellen's honor to the Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Rd., Springdale, AR 72762 or to the Friendship Baptist Fellowship, PO Box 583, Pocola, OK 74902

Robert W. Sisson

Robert W. Sisson, 63, of Wister, OK passed away Wednesday, December 23, 2009 in Poteau, OK. He was born September 10, 1946 in New Orleans, LA to Robert & Margie Sisson Robert was a foster parent for 12 years. He fostered 72 children; one special foster child Gena Jones & her daughter Glenda of Tulsa. He was married to Glenda M. Sisson for 32 years. He had a very special friend, Rev. Lee Vaughn. Robert was an oil field worker. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert & Margie Sisson; father & mother in law, O.C. & Mildred Sampson; brothers in law, Virgil & James Sampson; brother Chance West & daughters in law, Sherry Langston & Errica Sisson. Survivors include his wife, Glenda W. Sisson of the home; daughters & sons in law, Tammy & Wally Lambert of Oklahoma City, OK, Teresa & Earl Seagraves of Spiro, OK, Diane & Kevin Yarbrough of Greenbriar, AR; sons & daughters in law, David & Mary Langston of Madill, OK, Russell Broussard of Howe, OK, Bobby Sisson and Brian Sisson of S. Carolina; Glenn Sisson of Wister, OK, Cody Shipman & Jessica Whitlow of Oklahoma City, OK; Godson, Mitch Sampson of Poteau, OK, Sister & brother in law, Candy & Dickie Welch of Oklahoma City, OK, Brother, Dennis Johnon of Ardmore, OK; 36 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; special sister & her husband, Elaine & Cliff Midgley; special grandson, Heith Sulivant; special friend, Trish Hildebrant; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were held 2 pm, Monday, December 28, 2009 at Mt. View Baptist Church in Glendale, OK with Rev. P.J. Atkinson & Rev. Tim Trent officiating. Special Speaker, Pat Gowdy. Interment followed in Mt. View Cemetery. Pallbearers were George Midgley, Lance Midgley, Jason Sampson, John Sampson, Ronnie Vance, Danny Sampson, Phil Migues Jr. & Matt Sanders.

Donald Ray Moore

Donald R. Moore Donald Ray Moore, 72, of Poteau, OK passed away Wednesday, December 23, 2009 in Ft. Smith, AR. Donald was born November 25, 1937 in Paris, AR to Jessie & Rosie Lucille (Scrivener) Moore. He was a set up man at Whirlpool. He was a veteran of the US Air Force and the Air National Guard. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, David Moore. Survivors include his wife, Doris Moore, of the home; daughters & sons in law, Debra & Kenneth Taylor, Leisha & Jerry Beale of Poteau, OK; Son & daughter in law, Donald R. Jr. & Ruth Moore of Ft. Smith, AR; Grandchildren, Jerry Dale Beale Jr., Sheri & James Pinkston, Raymond Plant, John Beale, & Dakota Moore; great grandchild, Jason Pinkston; brothers & sisters in law, Kenneth Moore, Phillip & Pam Moore, Ronnie & Dorothy Moore; sisters & brothers in law, Martha & Junior Hilliard, Mary Jean Owens, Marilyn & Raymond Palmer, Donna Kay Green; 26 nieces & nephews; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were held 10 am, Monday, December 28, 2009 with Rev. Howard Cox officiating. Interment followed in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Jerry Beale Jr., John Paul Beale, Raymond Plant, James Pinkston, Jerry Beale and Kenneth Taylor. Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, OK.

Joe Paul Hemphill

Joe Paul Hemphill, 83, of Poteau, OK passed away Monday, December 21, 2009. He was born in Monroe, OK September 6, 1926 to Joseph Braxton & Bertha (Cagle) Hemphill. Joe Paul was a member of Southside Baptist Church of Poteau, OK. He was a veteran of the US Navy and a longtime administrator until his retirement. Hemphill's list of accomplishments, memberships and awards is quite extensive. They include: Served 19 years on the Board of Directors of KI BOIS Community Action Foundation; Served 10 years on KEDDO (Kiamichi Economic Development District of Oklahoma) Board of Directors; Served 20 years as a member of the Oklahoma Education Association; Served 10 years on Higher Education Alumni Council; Member Howe Masonic Lodge - Master Mason; 32nd Degree Mason - McAlester Consistory Served 37 years as member of Poteau Chamber of Commerce. During that time he served on the Board of Directors, served as Board President and was Executive Director for two years; Received Poteau Chamber of Commerce President's Award in 1983. Named 1984 Poteau Man of the Year; First building at CASC was named Hemphill Hall after his retirement in 1988 following 20 years of service to the college; while as CASC he served as a teacher, first Dean, Athletic Director, Vice President for Student Affairs and Vice President for Academic Affairs; Served 20 years as member of Poteau Rotary Club. Served on Board of Directors and President. Received the Paul Harris Fellow Award in 1987; Served 22 years as Poteau City Councilman; Served as Chairman of the LeFlore County Democrat Party from 1965 until 1967; Served as campaign chairman in LeFlore County for Governor Raymond Gary, Governor David Hall and Governor David Walters; Served 10 years as board member of Poteau Summer Youth program; Managed Poteau Summer Youth Program for two years; Member LeFlore County Historical Society; Served 20 years as chairman of the LeFlore County Heart Fund Drive; Served 20 years as Poteau Community Chest Board Chairman; Inducted into Oklahoma Girls Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1992; Received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in 1998 Received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Carl Albert State College in 2000; Received Alumni Award from Monroe School in 2002 Appointed by Governor David Walters to a nine year term on the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges in 1991 Received Poteau Daily News Lifetime Contribution Award 2003; Received CASC Development Foundation Board of Trustees Award Also listed among his accomplishments was having his picture taken with First Lady Hillary Clinton with she and President Bill Clinton visited with the Murrah Building bombing victim families on April 4, 1996;Although he lived and served in Poteau, Monroe was always home to Hemphill Survivors include his wife, Wilma of the home; daughter & son in law, Suanna & Charlie Rust of Poteau, OK, sons & daughters in law, Joe & Kaye Hemphill of Durant, OK, Rodney & Kim Hemphill of Poteau, OK, Roger & Toni Hemphill of Clayton, OK; 13 Grandchildren; 13 Great Grandchildren; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were held 2 pm, Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at Bob Lee Kidd Civic Center, Poteau, OK with Rev. Monty Thompson & Rev. Garry Haskins. Interment followed in Monroe Cemetery, Monroe, OK Pallbearers were his grandchildren. Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, OK