Kent Alan Doyle

Kent Alan Doyle, 24, of Poteau, OK passed away Tuesday, February 14, 2012 in Fort Smith, AR. Kent was born March 25, 1987 in Fort Smith, AR to Steve & Rebekah (Grose) Doyle. Kent was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Poteau. He enjoyed being with his family, taking road trips. He loved the outdoors, especially fishing. He loved watching movies and cartoons and listening to music. Kent was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Sherman Grose & Cindy Orozco and paternal grandfather, Rayford Doyle. Survivors include his father, Steve; mother, Beckie, and sister, Jennifer; maternal step grandfather, Alejandro Orozco; paternal grandmother, Thelma Doyle. Maternal family includes Sherman Grose & wife Tammy of Koger, OK, Paul Grose & wife, Shirley of Anadarko, OK. Paternal family includes Diane, John Doyle and wife, Velinda of Poteau, Gary Doyle of Tool, TX; other relatives & loved ones; great aunts and uncles, cousins & many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Friday, February 17, 2012 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau with Father Valentine officiating. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery – Poteau, OK. Pallbearers will be John Doyle Sr., John Doyle Jr., Gary Lemmons, James Lemmons, Rodney Derryberry, Eugene King, Michael Davidson, Benny Gullick. Rosary will be held 6 pm Thursday evening at Evans Chapel.

Geraldine Flanagan Hebert

Geraldine Flanagan Hebert, 89, of Poteau, OK went to be with the Lord on February 15, 2012. She has been a faithful Christian since her youth. Geraldine was born May 11, 1922 at Tarby near Poteau, OK. She was the daughter of the late Jim & Vera Flanagan, the wife of the late Harold S. Hebert, and a sister to the late James (Bubba) Flanagan. She is also preceded in death by son, Kenny Hebert. Geraldine finished elementary school at Tarby School and then went on to graduate from Poteau High School. While in high school, she was a player and co-captain on the girls’ basketball team and was a cheerleader. She enjoyed attending school sporting events and could be seen cheering for Poteau teams when her grandchildren were in high school and continued her support at such events until about five years ago. Geraldine spent most of her life living in Poteau. During the Great Depression, she traveled to California with her parents and brother, but returned to Poteau after a two month stay in California. After WWII, she lived briefly in Louisiana near her husband’s family and later lived in Stillwater, OK for two years while her husband completed his education at OSU (then Oklahoma A&M). Geraldine was a talented musician and loved to play the piano. As a young woman, she sang in the Polk Creek Quartet. During her adult years she played the piano for church services and other public gatherings. Her wonderful music will be missed by family and friends. Survivors include sons & daughters in law, Phil & Brenda Hebert, Priscilla Hebert, Jim Hebert; daughter, Carol Hebert St. John. Grandchildren & their spouses, Justin & Shea Hebert, Andy Hebert & fiancé Myrandi Woodall, Aaron & Leslie Hebert, Jennifer Hebert, Megan & Graham Dunn, Tracy & Jeremy Lamb, Heather & Kristian Roggendorf, Matthew & Sandy St. John, Jessica & Shawn Graff; 10 Great Grandchildren; sister in law, Norma Flanagan. Services will be 10 am, Friday, February 17, 2012 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook & Rev. Bryan Fouts officiating. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau. Pallbearers will be Justin, Andy, and Aaron Hebert, Graham Dunn, Jeremy Lamb & Lyndal Stewart. The family will be at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Loren Dale Mannon

Loren Dale Mannon, 59, of Poteau, OK passed away Monday, January 30, 2012 in Poteau. Loren was born July 30, 1952 in Tulsa, OK to Harold Irvin & Jean (Thompson) Mannon. He was a landscape designer. Services are pending. Memorial donations may be made to Peachtree Hospice, Poteau, OK.

Elizabeth Smedley

Edith Smedley, 83, of Poteau, OK passed away Thursday, February 9, 2012 in San Angelo, TX. Edith was born August 31, 1928 in Kansas City, MO to Charles Harper & Eula L, (Deaton) Smedley. Edith was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother & a sister. Survivors include her sister, Mercedith Greenwood of San Angelo, TX; brother & sister in law, Carl & Lenna Smedley of San Angelo, TX; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Monday, February 13, 2012 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK. Interment will follow at Vaughn Cemetery, Gilmore, OK.

Gary Hugh Hampton

Gary Hugh Hampton, 69, of Poteau, OK passed away Friday, February 10, 2012 in Fort Smith, AR. Gary was born September 27, 1942 in Monroe, OK to Hubert & Mary Hampton (Ritchie) who preceded him in death. Gary was a graduate of Monroe High School; he was a member of the Member of the Masonic Lodge. He was a fantastic sales person and could see ice water to an Eskimo. He always tried to make people smile. He owned and operated Hampton’s BBQ in Poteau. Survivors include one daughter, Tina Whiteford and husband Jim Whiteford and two granddaughters, Emily Ann Whiteford and Nicole Elizabeth Whiteford all from Houston, Texas; one brother, Durwin Lee & Betty Hampton of Poteau; one nephew. Gary was at one time married to Bettie Sue Hampton formerly of Monroe, OK, now of Houston, TX Memorial services will be 10 am, Monday, February 13, 2012 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rick Snyder officiating.

Opal May Fout

Opal May Fout, 84, of Pocola, OK (formerly of Shady Point, OK) passed away Tuesday, January 31, 2012 in Fort Smith, AR. Opal was born May 17, 1927, in Wewoka, OK to Cecil & Jewel (Nance) Lassiter. She was a homemaker. Opal was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dolin Fout; son, Andy Fout; brother, Lloyd Lassiter; and sisters, Katie Jones & Louise Varner. Survivors include one son and daughter in law, Randy Sr. & Brenda Fout of Pocola, OK; grandchildren, Randy Jr. & Cathy Fout of Rock Island, OK, Kevin Fout of Owasso, OK, Angela & Tom Shihady of Franklin, OH, Amanda Fout and Julie Fout both of Dayton, OH; 4 great grandchildren, Randy Fout III, Brooke Fout, Harlie Fout, & Tyler Shihady; daughter in law, Gerri Tucker of Shady Point,OK; brother, Cecil “Elmo” Lassiter of Grand Prairie, TX; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 10 am, Friday, February 3, 2012 at Poteau Valley Baptist Church, Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Parsley officiating. Interment will follow in Shady Point Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Kevin Fout, Randy Fout Jr., Rick Tanksley, Tom Shihady. The family will be at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 5-7 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Stephen Mark Hall

Stephen Mark Hall, 51, of Wewoka, OK passed away Saturday, January 28, 2012 in Wewoka. Stephen was born February 18, 1960 in Oklahoma City, OK to Floyd Harold & Mary Anne (Perkins) Hall. Stephen was a self-employed painter. He was preceded in death by his father; step father, James K. Carr; sister, Kathryn Anne Hall Green; grandparents, Arch & Myrtle Hall, Herman & Myrtle Perkins. Survivors include his sons, Garrett Hall and Ryan Hall of Oklahoma City, OK; 3 grandchildren, Jadan Hall, Jordan Hall, Cameron Hall; mother & step father, Mary Anne & Steve Mendoza of Howe, OK; brother, Floyd & Cindy Hall of Wewoka, OK; step sisters, Loretta Edwards, Lavada & Mel White, Wannetta & Randy Kohl all of Oklahoma City, OK; step brothers, Jerry & Cherri Carr of Nashville, TN, Bobby Joe Mendoza of Fayetteville, TN; numerous cousins, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Memorial services will be 2 pm Saturday, February 4, 2012 at the First Assembly of God Church in Howe, OK with Rev. Jack Barron officiating.

William E. Whitton

William E. Whitton, 56, of Howe, OK passed away Friday, January 20, 2012 in Fort Smith, AR. William was born June 6, 1955 in Sebastopol, CA to Robert Easco & H. Lorraine (Smith) Whitton. He was a recycling engineer. William would give you the shirt off his back. He helped many in the community. You could not help but love him. Survivors include his brothers, Lloyd Whitton, Thomas D. Wright & Joseph L. Wright; sister, Alma V. Wright; half brother, Matthew Whitton; half sister, Cassie; stepmother, Cassie Whitton; nieces, Carolyn Thomas, Jennifer Wright; nephews, Joey Wright, Tim Wright, Billy Wright. There will be a memorial at the family home on January 28, 2012 at noon.

Herman Hollingsworth

Herman Boyd Hollingsworth, 70, of Poteau, OK passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2012 in Fort Smith, AR. Herman was born March 20, 1941 in Simms, TX to Frank James & Hattie Mae (Obneskey) Hollingsworth. He was a US Military Publication Officer. He was in the Army Reserves for eight years. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Lottie Insko, Ethel Malone; brother, J.W. Hollingsworth. Survivors include his wife, Faye of the home; son & daughter in law, Todd & Glenda Hollingsworth of Denton, TX; daughter & son-in-law, Tammy & Tim Laurence of Bixby, OK; 5 grandchildren, Nicholas, Veronica, Luke, David & Bethany; brothers, Loyd Hollingsworth of Mt. Pleasant, TX, James Hollingsworth of Simms, TX; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 10 am, Friday, January 27, 2012 at the Community Free Will Baptist Church in Pocola, OK with Rev. Carl Cheshier officiating. Interment will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery, Checotah, OK Pallbearers will be John Hendricks, Jerry Scott, Ron Cooper, Danny Browning, Ed Richeson & Michael Jones. The family will be at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Virginia Pipkin

Virginia Louise Pipkin, 89, of Pocola, OK our beloved Mother & Grandmother was taken home to her Lord and Savior on Monday, January 23, 2012. Virginia was born November 12, 1922 in Fort Smith, AR to Omer Lewis & Nell Ewing (Moore) Weaver. Virginia was a homemaker. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Pocola. Virginia was a former United Methodist Lay Leader, Lay Delegate to the Oklahoma United Methodist Annual Conference for many years, a former member of the United Methodist Women, a substitute school teacher, and a Cub Scout Den Mother. Her husband Rev. Morris B. Pipkin preceded her in death, as well as one brother, Jesse Ross Weaver, two sisters, Elizabeth Christian and Patricia; and grandson, Roy Leon Walker Jr. Survivors include her daughters & sons in law, Betty Ann & Roy Walker of Pocola, OK, Jean & Charles Henderson of Bokoshe, OK, Col. Nancy Clark of Ft. Smith, AR, Karen & Major James R. Schmid of Lacey, WA; sons & daughters in law, M. Bruce Jr. & Nita Pipkin of Poteau, OK, Jonathan & Tracie Pipkin of Duncan, OK; 12 grandchildren, Dr. Mary Caroline Henderson Holmboe (Andy) of Edmond, OK, Brian Walker of Suwanee, GA, Royce Walker of Greenville, TX, Sally Henderson of Bokoshe, OK, USMC Cpt. Matthew Pipkin (Carissa) of Joshua Tree, CA, USN Lt. Cole Pipkin (Whitney) of Anacortes, WA, 1st Lt. Wesley Pipkin of El Paso, TX, Amanda Broadfoot (Danny) of Oklahoma City, OK, Winnifred Pipkin, Ross Pipkin, Theadora Pipkin all of Duncan, OK, Jonathan Schmid of Lacey, WA., and 3 great grandchildren, Juliet Holmboe of Edmond, OK, Grant Walker of GA, Mason Broadfoot of Oklahoma City, OK; 1 sister, Mable Warnock of Arkoma, OK. Services will be 2 pm, Friday, January 27, 2012 at the United Methodist Church in Pocola Interment will follow in Macedonia Cemetery, Pocola. Honorary pallbearers will be her grandsons, Brian Walker, Royce Walker, Matthew Pipkin, Cole Pipkin, Wesley Pipkin, Ross Pipkin, Jonathan Schmid. The family will be at the funeral home in Pocola on Thursday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends. Evans & Miller Funeral Home at Pocola.

Lee H Zuck

Lee H. Zuck, 89, of Poteau, OK passed away Monday, January 23, 2012 in Heavener, OK. Lee was born May 4, 1922 in Florence, KS to Arthur M. & Bertha (Poland) Zuck. Lee was a veteran of the US Marine Corp, a recipient of the Purple Heart. He was a retired Vocational Agriculture Teacher. Lee was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Belle Zuck; and grandson, Joshua Yandell. Survivors include his sons, Robby Zuck of Ponca City, OK, Rex Zuck of Poteau, OK; daughter, Elizabeth Fast of Tucson, AZ; 5 Grandchildren, Mylinda Miller, Teresa Hudlow, Robby Zuck, Scott Yandell & Kevin Zuck; 10 great grandchildren; 4 great great grandchildren; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 10 am, Friday, January 27, 2012 graveside at the Fort Smith National Cemetery, Fort Smith, AR with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment will follow. Honorary pallbearers will be Harvey Walden, Kenny Monroe, Tom Hughes, Harold Dutton, Tony Mattney, Roy Boggs, and many others not listed but remembered. The family will be at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Sonny Reed

William Haskell “Sonny” Reed Jr., 78 of Howe, OK passed away Sunday, January 22, 2012 in Fort Smith, AR. Sonny was born September 18, 1933 in Monroe, OK to William Haskell & Beulah (Cain) Reed. Sonny was a rancher. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge. He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Don Haskell. Survivors include his wife, Erma Lee Reed of the home; 1 son, Dewayne Reed of Stonewall, OK; 3 daughters, Debbie Reed of Monroe, OK, Darlene & Chuck Lavery of Kansas City, MO, Denise Reed of Howe, OK; 11 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; 2 Sisters; 6 Sisters in Law & husbands & children; numerous nieces, nephews other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Thursday, January 26, 2012 at Springhill Baptist Church, Monroe, OK with Rev. Joe Hayden Hall officiating. Interment will follow in Monroe Cemetery. Pallbearers will be his grandsons: Don Reed Jr., Tyler Reed, Wesley Reed, Joseph Brown, Cody Reed and Zachary Brown. The family will be at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Luther A. Parham

Luther A. Parham, after 87 years of full life, went to be with the Lord on January 22, 2012 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Visitation with family and friends will be on January 25th at Evans-Miller Funeral Home in Pocola, OK from 5-8 P.M. Luther and his wife Bonita were married for 69 years and raised twelve children in Poteau, Oklahoma. They owned and operated Parham Fruit Stand while supporting the family. Then moved to Fort Smith , Arkansas where he worked at Rheem Mfg until he retired. Luther was a proud man, hard worker and dedicated father and husband. He is preceded in death by two sons and a brother who died as a child. Survived by one brother Dennis Parham of Paris, Arkansas, his wife Bonita of Pocola, OK and ten of his children: Dale, Iris, Donna, Fred, Mike, Thomas, Retha , Rick, Reba, and Jerry. He has also left behind a host of grand-children and great-grandchildren.

Jane "Memaw" Lankford

Francis Jane "Memaw" Lankford, 66, of Arkoma, OK passed away Saturday, January 21, 2012 in Fort Smith, AR. Francis was born April 30, 1946 in Oxnard, CA to Claude & Ruby Mae (Hastings) Williams. She was a homemaker. Francis volunteered at Arkoma Schools and Peachtree Home Health. She was preceded in death by her parents; and sisters, Nancy Curry & Lynn Foster. Survivors include her daughter, Terry Lankford of Ft. Smith, AR; son, Archie Lankford of Arkoma, OK; 4 Grandchildren, Brandon Lankford of Arkoma; Kylie Shepard, Kira Shepard, & Kayla Shepard of Ft. Smith, AR; 3 brothers, Edward Williams of Springtown, TX, Donald Williams of Arkoma, OK, Mack Williams of Pocola, OK; 5 sisters, JoAnn Kuykendall of Pocola, OK, Betty Cook of N. Manchester, IN, Joyce Pearson of Arkoma, OK, Carol Campbell of Hartshorne, OK, Ruth Wallis of Spiro, OK; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at Evans Memorial Chapel in Pocola, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment will follow in Greenhill Cemetery, Cameron, OK. Pallbearers will be Dan Campbell, Robin Wallis, Wayne Harlow, Richard Wallis, Kenneth Curry, Rodney Wallis, Mike Lambert. The family will be at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 5-7 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Zerilda J. McCaughey

Zerilda J. McCaughey, 71, of Poteau, OK passed away Thursday, January 19, 2012 in Ft. Smith, AR. Zerilda was born July 11, 1940 in Monticello, MO to Emmett Hayden & Clara May (Porter) Crain. She was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Carl McCaughey; daughter, Tina L. Murray; 9 brothers & sisters. Survivors include her stepdaughter, Deana Kay Cottle of Kingman, AZ; 4 grandsons, Sam Murray, Patrick Murray, Brock Cottle, Garrett Cottle; 2 granddaughters, Fawn Higgins, Chesnee Cottle; brother, Lloyd Crain and 5 great grandchildren; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Tuesday, January 24, 2012 graveside at Virgil City Cemetery, Virgil City, MO.

Bonnie Marie King

http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif Bonnie Marie King, 87, of Poteau, OK passed away Friday, January 20, 2012 in Poteau. Bonnie was born in Poteau, OK on December 22, 1924 to Claude & Nellie A. (Pendergrass) Johnson. She was preceded in death by her father, Claude Johnson; mother, Nellie Johnson and step father, Claude Oliver; husband, Henry “J.R.” King; and best friend, Mary Tiffee. Survivors include her son & daughter in law, Jimmy & Nancy King of Poteau, OK; granddaughters, Jamie Rowland, Emilee King & Natalee King all of Poteau; 2 great grandsons; Jaxon King & Gavin Rowland; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 10 am, Monday, January 23, 2012 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery. Pallbearers will be John Paul Wilson, Connor Gilstrap, Jack Colwell, Nate Warren, James Mathis & Bruce Thompson. The family will be at the funeral home from 4-6 pm Sunday to visit with relatives and friends.

Otis Cleo Ritter

Otis Cleo Ritter, 70, of Cameron, OK passed away Thursday, January 19, 2012 in Ft. Smith, AR. Cleo was born November 4, 1941 at #10/Howe, OK to Will & Lula (Dodd) Ritter. He was a retired truck driver. Cleo was a member of the Southside Baptist Church in Poteau. He was an avid coon hunter, he loved animals, especially his horse, “Zipper”. Cleo was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Short, Raymond, Frank, Bill & Willard Ritter; 3 sisters, Savola Wise, Viola Ritter and an infant girl. Survivors include his wife, Paula of the home; sisters, Marcella Waymire of Poteau, Faye Humphries of Monroe, OK, Jean & Truman Hill of Howe, OK; special pets, Patty & Penny of the home; sister in law, Regina & Donald Mings of Talihina, OK; mother in law, Marie Ganote of Talihina, OK; brother in law, Ted & Darlene Ganote of Tulsa, OK; numerous nieces & nephews; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Sunday, January 22, 2012 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment will follow in Springhill Cemetery, Howe, OK. Pallbearers will be his nephews, Bradley Hill, Bentley Hill, Keith Mings, Greg Mings, Josh Thomas and Jake Thomas.

Leonard Thomas Shropshire

Leonard Thomas Shropshire, 81, of Poteau, OK passed away Friday, January 20, 2012 in Fort Smith, AR. Leonard was born November 4, 1930 in Yuma, AZ to Thomas I. & Mary Ann (Short) Shropshire. He worked in the oil field. Leonard was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Geneva Shrophire; 1 brother, 1 sister, daughter, Kathy Shropshire and son, Brandon Ellison. Survivors include his sons, Billy Shropshire of Wister, OK, Melvin Shropshire of Midland, TX; daughter, Debra Kay Hopkins of Kermit, TX; 15 Grandchildren; 1 sister, Novella Russell of Hobbs, NM; numerous great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were at 2 pm, Tuesday, January 24, 2012, graveside at Kermit Cemetery, Kermit, TX with Bro. Ken Sisco officiating. Interment followed under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, OK

Troy Leon Loggains

Troy Leon Loggains, 86, of Poteau, OK passed away Thursday, January 19, 2012 in Poteau. Troy was born January 7, 1926 in Claremore, OK to Jesse Cleveland & Ella Izora (Belote) Loggains. He was an x-ray and lab technician. Troy was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Vivian; sisters, Opal Barnes & Cleo Gregory; brothers, Roy & Everett Loggains. Survivors include his daughter & son-in-law, Debbie & Bob Almon of Poteau, OK; sons & daughters-in-law, Travis & Faye Loggains of Poteau, Darrel & Julie Loggains of Hoover, AL; 6 grandchildren, Gary Loggains, Todd Loggains, Sharla Gaither, Chad Loggains, Kelli McNees & Christie Taylor; 5 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; sister, Lois Moore of Charleston, AR; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 10 am, Saturday, January 21, 2012 graveside at Vaughn Cemetery in Gilmore, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment will follow.

Harold Hansen

Harold Lee Hansen Sr., 85, of Spiro, OK passed away Thursday, January 19, 2012 in Poteau. Harold was born December 26, 1926 in Sidney, Montana to Andrew & Julia Mae (Blassingame) Hansen. He was a veteran of the US Army and served in WWII. He worked as a painter for Arkansas Valley Steel. Harold was preceded in death by his parents, one brother & one sister. Survivors include his wife, Dora of the home; sons & daughters in law, Harold Lee & Debbie Hansen of West Virginia, Randall & Vickie Hansen of Poteau; daughters & sons in law, Julia Burdett of Parkerburg, W.VA, Diana & Ron Duckworth of Mineral Wells, W.VA., Pamela & Mike Lockhart of Heavener, OK, Magdalana Hastings of Poteau, OK; brother, Ivan & wife, Jeannie of Cleveland, TX; sister, Grace Silte of Washington; numerous grand, great and great great grandchildren; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Saturday, January 21, 2012 at Evans Chapel of Memories with Rev. Donnie Wagner & Rev. Deward Gunter officiating. Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Panama, OK. Pallbearers will be Gabriel Lockhart, Josh Mantooth, Marvin Trout, Butch Thompson, Charlie Bruce, Jessie Wilsie, Charles Bailey.

JR Upton

Arthur Daniel “JR” Upton, 61, of Panama, OK passed away Thursday, January 12, 2012 in Panama, OK. JR was born March 30, 1950 in Wister, OK to Arthur Daniel Sr. & Mildred (Morgan) Upton. He was a veteran of the US Army. JR was a heavy equipment operator for the coal mines. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Gwen Upton; sisters, Hazel Ochinero & Kat Skelton; brother, Arnold Upton; great great niece, Faith Lee Enkoff. Survivors include his daughter, Jennifer Bohannon of Panama, OK; son, Trey Upton of Alva, OK; grandson, Shane Bohannon of Panama, OK; brother, Danny Upton of Spiro, OK; sister, Linda Koteras of Buffalo, NY; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Monday, January 16, 2012 graveside at Fairview Cemetery, Panama, OK with Rev. Wayne Wedge officiating. Interment will follow. Pallbearers will be Dustin Armstrong, Manuel Upton, Daniel Upton, Bethel Bates, Wayne Wedge, Cody Skelton. Honorary pallbearers will be Gary Skelton, Jim Wedge & Chad Upton. The family will be at the funeral home on Sunday afternoon from 2-4 pm to visit with friends & relatives

Della Juanita Edwards

Della Juanita Edwards, 92, of Bokoshe, OK passed away Thursday, January 12, 2012 in Poteau, OK. Della was born October 14, 1919 in Mena, AR to Isaac Newton & Lucrecia Wiles. She was a homemaker. Della was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jasper Edwards Sr.; sons, Jasper Edwards Jr. and Robert Edwards; daughter, Laura Jean Edwards and several siblings. Survivors include daughters & sons-in-law, Wanda Edwards of Dallas, TX, Anna & Bill Tackett of Milton, OK, Joy & Elmer Willhite of Jenny Lind, AR; sons, Leo “JC” Edwards of Bullock, NC, Bobby Edwards of Bokoshe, OK; 28 Grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; sister, Martha Williams of Quinton, OK. Services will be 10 am, Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at the Solid Rock Pentecostal Church, Panama, OK with Rev. Lynn Bullard & Rev. Tim Painter. Interment will follow in Massey Cemetery near Blocker, OK. Pallbearers will be Chris Bush, Justin Price, Chad Price, Bobby Edwards Jr., Mark Hatcher, Jasper Lee Chronister, Tommy Shaw, Charles Shaw. The family will be at the funeral home on Monday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Jerold Harris

Jerold Dean Harris, 80, of Poteau, OK passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2012 in Poteau, OK. Jerold was born November 28, 1931 in Gilmore, OK to Elmer O. “Buck” & Oma G. (Ivy) Harris. Jerold was a veteran of the US Army. He was a machinist. Survivors include his wife, Sada Lou of the home; sons & daughters in law, Jerold Wayne & Paulla Harris of Hays, KS, John Charles Harris of Poteau, OK, Corey & Christina Harris of Poteau; daughter & son in law, Theresa Lou Todd & Kenny Hess of Poteau, OK; twin sister, Verlene Keck of Cameron, OK; 6 grandchildren, Scotty, A.J., Christopher, Valerie, Michelle, Peanut; 7 step grandchildren; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 10 am, Friday, January 13, 2012 in Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment will be in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau. Pallbearers will be Jerold Wayne, John, Corey, Scotty Harris, John Hunter, & Raymond Brasher.

Esta Alice "Shorty" Pipkins

Esta Alice “Shorty” Pipkins, 95, of Pocola, OK passed away Sunday, January 8, 2012 in Fort Smith, AR. Shorty was born June 21, 1916 in Pocola, OK to John Eric & Gaitha (Tucker) Gregory. She was a homemaker and of the Baptist Faith. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Andy; 2 sisters; 2 brothers; and two grandsons. Survivors include her daughters, Mary Welker and Melba Large of Spiro, OK, Linda Oehlschlager of Poteau, OK; 7 sons, Tom Pipkins, Aaron Pipkins of Pocola, OK, Gary Pipkins of Spiro, OK, Paul David Pipkins of Big Cedar, OK, Roy Daniel Pipkins of Hackett, AR, Kenny Eugene Pipkins of Spiro, OK, Gerald Don Pipkins of Pocola, OK; 3 generations of grandchildren; numerous nieces & nephews; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at the First Baptist Church in Pocola, OK. Interment will follow in Macedonia Cemetery. Pallbearers will be her sons. The family will be at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Shawna Jeanette Graham Beallis

Shawna Jeanette Graham Beallis, 34, of Fort Smith, AR passed away Thursday, January 5, 2012 in Fort Smith. Shawna was born August 9, 1977 in Big Springs, TX to Lucky George & Teresa Cay (Davis) Graham. She was a Licensed Practical Nurse. Shawna was a loving mother, precious daughter and sister. She always had fun living life. Survivors include her daughter, Bella Grace Graham of the home; husband, Dr. Randy Beallis of the home; stepchildren, Melissa Beallis, Ryan Beallis, Emily Beallis all of Ft. Smith, AR; her parents, Lucky & Teresa Graham of Poteau, OK; sister & brother in law, Heather & Jose Chavez of Poteau, OK; brother, Michael Shane Barden of Midland, TX; 4 nephews, Reese, Samuel, Derek, & Mac; 3 nieces, Whitney, Adaesha & Tanner; grandmother, Veda Davis of Poteau, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at the First Baptist Church in Poteau, OK with Rev. Stefan Reed & Rev. Stephanie Reed officiating. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau. Pallbearers will be Niki Dehart, Rachel Kardokus, Tracy Morgan, Mandy Morrison & Whitney Chavez. The family will be at the funeral home on Monday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends. Contributions may be placed in Bella’s name at the Community State Bank, Poteau, OK.

Alice D. Blake

Alice D. Blake, 91, of Shady Point, OK passed away Wednesday, January 4, 2012 in Fort Smith, AR. Alice was born June 5, 1920 in Mason, OK to Henry & Hazel (Jones) Snyder. She was a homemaker. Alice was a member of the Presbyterian Church. Survivors include her husband, Vernon of the home; son, Roger A. Blake of Ponder, TX; sister, Dixie Preddy of Tulsa, OK; brother, Roy Snyder of Tulsa, OK; daughter-in-law, Sherry Blake of Shady Point, OK; 8 grandchildren, Andrea Salsbury, Jason Blake, Sabrina Erwin, Zach Horton, Lucy Horton, Patience Knotts, Phoenix Horton, and Grant Horton; 1 great granddaughter, Carmen Salsbury. Services are pending.

Lawrence A. Carpenter

Lawrence A. Carpenter, age 93, died on Saturday, December 31, 2011. He is survivors include two brothers, Ray of Corralitas, CA and Oliver Jr. of Carrollton, TX; two sisters, Mrs. Jeanne Nelson of Spokane, WA and Mrs. Betty Nordheim of Bemidji, MN; one daughter, Mrs. Jeanne Raines of McCurtain, OK; two grandchildren, Mrs. Kellye Jelemensky of Flint, MI and Steven Mahanay of Berryville, AR; three great-grandchildren, Mrs. Gabrielle Weston of Grand Blanc, MI, Aaron Jelemensky and Rebecca Jelemensky of Flint, MI; and one great-great granddaughter, Anna Weston of Grand Blanc, MI. His wife, Polly, and his brother Kenneth of Duluth preceded him in death. He also leaves behind all his friends at Slim’s in Bemidji who were a large part of his life. Mr. Carpenter was born May 8, 1918, in Bemidji, MI, of Oliver and Mabel Carpenter. He grew up in Duluth, MN and graduated in 1936 from Central High School there. Mr. Carpenter entered Federal civil service in 1938, as a CAF-2 clerk-stenographer with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in South St. Paul, MN, soon transferred to the Federal Prison Service and ultimately retired in 1976 from a GS-18 presidential appointment, endorsed by Senators Bentsen and Tower and confirmed by the Senate, to the U.S. Parole Board. During his federal career he served in a number of capacities in various federal prisons, including assignments as executive assistant to the Director of the U.S. Bureau of Prisons in Washington, DC, and warden of the federal prisons at Texarkana and Seagoville, TX; later was national chief of the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration program of grants, program planning, and technical assistance to state and local jails, prisons, parole and probation; and wound up his federal career as a parole board member. He also worked for a year for the Texas Rehabilitation Commission and two years for the Governor’s Criminal Justice Council. In the latter capacity, at the request of the White House, he also served as director of the National Conference on Corrections called by President Nixon, and then as staff director of the Corrections Task Force of the National Advisory Commission on Criminal Justice Standards and Goals. Following retirement in 1976, at the top rank in the federal classified civil service, he and his wife moved to Corpus Christi, and for a time he was a correctional consultant to a number of states, counties and localities, also serving as an expert witness in court cases involving correctional agencies. In WWII, he was drafted into the U.S. Army on March 1, 1942 and assigned to the 31st Infantry Division at Camp Bowie, TX, where he received his basic training, was promoted to sergeant upon the completion of this training, and a few weeks later to master sergeant. Later in 1942 he was commissioned in the U.S. Army Air Force. He served overseas in the Southwest Pacific as an area controller with the 1st Fighter Control Squadron. En route overseas his troopship was torpedoed and sunk by a Japanese submarine off the Fiji Islands, with heavy loss of life. Subsequently he participated in five D-day island landings, three with the U.S. Army Air Force and two on detached service with the U.S. Navy. When the Korean War began he was recalled to active duty, and in view of his background in the federal prison service, was assigned to the Corrections Division, Air Provost Marshal Directorate, Hq USAF, Washington, DC. His role there in the development of Air Force correctional policy, and the establishment of a pilot program for the salvage of court-martialed and sentenced airmen, at Amarillo AFB, TX, was recognized at length in an historical document published by the U.S. Air Force in 1987. After the Korean War, while working at night and weekends as a guard supervisor at the federal prison in Seagoville, TX, he enrolled at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, and attended classes during the daytime. He carried more than the usual number of classes, which enabled him to graduate in 2-1/2 years. In getting his B.A., he earned a 4.0 scholastic record, Highest Honors, Phi Beta Kappa (jr. year), Departmental Distinction and assorted other recognition. Mr. Carpenter was cremated, and at his request, there will be no funeral, no services, no donations, no memorial, and no flowers.

Ronald Knight

Ronald Dee Knight, 71, of LeFlore, OK passed away Tuesday, January 3, 2012 in Poteau, OK. Ronald was born August 7, 1940 in LeFlore, OK to Willis Jesse & Leona Bivian (Mann) Knight. He was a member of the LeFlore Baptist Church. Ronald was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Willis Jr. Knight and Harold Dean Knight. Survivors include 3 sisters & brothers in law, Patricia Essman of LeFlore, OK, Barbara Imogene & Walter Solomon of Skiatook, OK, Norma Lee & Bill Smith of Ft. Worth, TX; 14 Nieces & Nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were 2 pm, Friday, January 6, 2011 at the First Baptist Church, LeFlore, OK with Rev. Bill Smith & Rev. Ron Bess officiating. Interment followed in LeFlore Cemetery. Pallbearers were Michael Warren, Johnny Warren, Haskell Allison, Fred Allison, Jimmy Dale Knight, Willis Knight & Jake Knight. Honorary pallbearers were Casey Warren, Sam Knight. Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, OK

Shirley Jean Neff

Shirley Jean Neff, 61, of Wister, OK passed away Monday, January 2, 2012 in Wister. Shirley was born in Poteau, OK on November 21, 1950 to Paul & Rachel (Kelley) Nichols. She was preceded in death by her mother; sister, Paulette Nichols; and husband, Joe Neff. Shirley was the family prankster, her sense of humor and practical jokes will be greatly missed. Shirley’s greatest love in life was her family; especially her grandkids. Nothing brought her greater joy that being called “Mamaw”. She was the community Mamaw. Everyone called her Mamaw. She placed cherished mementos into memory jars throughout the years as reminders of the special moments spent with loved ones. Survivors include her daughters, Marie Pitchford of Poteau, OK, Shawna Martin of Wister, OK; son, Jon Sloan of Wister, OK; 7 grandchildren, Clint Baker, Blake Neff, Bryce Martin, Wyatt Pitchford, Dawson Pitchford, Brody Martin, Sadie Sloan; brothers, Frank Nichols Sr. of Tulsa, OK, Larry Nichols of Cameron, OK; father, Paul Nichols of Gilmore, OK; extended Donaho family; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Thursday, January 5, 2012 in Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Frank Nichols Jr. officiating. Interment will be in Springhill Cemetery, Monroe, OK. Pallbearers will be Frank Nichols Jr., Tony Nichols, Ron Sloan, Jon Sloan, Brody Martin, Clint Baker. Honorary pallbearers will be Frank Nichols Sr., Bryce Martin, Duane Donaho and Curtis Martin, Corey Hill, & Kevin Sawyer The family will be at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Shirley Ford

Shirley Jean Sumpter Adams Ford, 58, of Wister, OK passed away Sunday, January 1, 2012 in Wister. Shirley was born January 17, 1953 in Fanshawe, OK to Jay & Loeta (Wilson) Sumpter. She was a homemaker. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Jackie Sumpter Lucas. Survivors include her husband, Sam Ford of the home; 6 daughters, Roxanne Adams of Ft. Smith, AR, Tina Lowry and Stephanie Adams of Wister, OK, Cathy Grace of Durant, OK, Trena Spikerman of Ft. Smith, AR, Kristie McCovey of Heavener, OK; son, Joseph Adams of Wister, OK; 16 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren; 4 brothers, Bobby Sumpter of California, Steve Sumpter of Poteau, OK, Art Sumpter of Arkansas, Rocky Sumpter of Poteau, OK; 7 sisters, Betty Harris of Sallisaw, OK, Oradell Newby of Lequire, OK, Judy Newby of Arkansas, Claudette Mann and Bonnie Ryburn both of Wister, OK, Jonell Crandell of Poteau, OK and Elanore Rollison of Cameron, OK; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at the Church of God 7th Day in Wister, OK with Rev. Jim Cook and Lamar Ford officiating. Interment will follow in Maxey Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Rocky, Art, Steve and Christopher Sumpter, Jean Ryburn and Carlos Mann. Honorary pallbearer will be Bobby Sumpter. The family will be at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 5-7 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Jesse C. Long

Jesse Carl Long,(known as Jess to his friends), 89, of Poteau, OK passed away December 13, 2011 in Fort Smith, AR. Jesse was born January 14, 1922 in Wynnewood, OK to Carl & Ethel (Fennell) Long. He was a veteran of the US Army. Jesse was a retired truck driver. He was preceded in death by three wives and his only sister, Lorraine Cerkoff. He is survived by his nieces, Charlene Wassman, Lorraine Helf and Suzanne Case, and a nephew, Robert Cerkoff, all of San Jose, California. Jesse was raised in Oklahoma and South Carolina where he spent some time working in the cotton fields. In his 20's he went to school in Chicago and later joined the Army and worked at Marshall Fields. He and his first wife Eleanor bought a home in Los Angeles, CA, where Jesse worked as a truck driver for many years. He enjoyed playing dominoes and cards with friends. Jesse's favorite activity was singing tenor with a group of singers. He was very active at the Poteau Church of Christ, and loved his church family and his Lord with all his heart. A Memorial service will be held Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 1 pm at the Poteau Church of Christ, 20690 292nd St., Poteau, OK 74953. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to "The New Building Fund" at Poteau Church of Christ.

Brenda Kay Whitecotton Conway

Brenda Kay Whitecotton Conway, 62, of Keota, OK passed away, Saturday, December 31, 2011 in Fort Smith, AR. Brenda was born November 2, 1949 in Bokoshe, OK to Jake & Lawanda Whitecotton. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Thomas Joseph, Rudy Ruffus, Ronnie, Gary Don, Johnny Carl, and Andy Lee; sister, Linda Gay McKeown Survivors include her husband, Gerald Sr. of the home; son & his wife, Gerald Jr. & Teresa Conway of Bokoshe, OK; daughters & husbands, Angie & Gabe Rosa of Bokoshe, OK; Julie Conway & Thomas Truax of Keota, OK; grandchildren, Cash & Caden Waggoner, Calee Conway, Evan & Shane Rosa, Kaylee Truax; sisters, Mona & Hershel Woodside of Spiro, OK, Mary & Randy Collins of Bokoshe, OK; brothers, Jim Whitecotton, Randy Rue & Mary Whitecotton of Bokoshe, OK, Tim Whitecotton of Lexington, OK, David Whitecotton of Joplin, MO; many nieces & nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 11 am – Friday – January 6, 2012 at the Assembly of God Church in Bokoshe with Rev. Lynn Bullard officiating. Interment will be in Milton Cemetery, Milton, OK. Pallbearers will be her nephews, Aaron Woodside, Travis Whitecotton, Randy Collins Jr., Jon Howell, Tyler Whitecotton & Courtney Whitecotton. The family will be at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Hannah Rae Lovett

Hannah Rae Lovett, infant daughter of Joshua Micah and Tessa Dawn (Powell) Lovett passed away Wednesday, December 28, 2011 in McCurtain, OK. Hannah was born November 22, 2011 in Poteau, OK. She was preceded in death by her great grandmothers, Oteka Bryant & Arlene Branson and great grandfather, Bodie Powell. Survivors include her parents, Josh & Tessa Lovett of the home; brother, Rafe Lovett of the home; 3 sisters, Caitlin, Taylor and Montana Lovett of the home; maternal grandparents, Donnie Powell and Connie Powell of McCurtain, OK; paternal grandparents, Mike and Judy Lovett of Wister, OK; maternal great grandparents, Gracie Powell and R.D. Bryant of McCurtain; paternal great grandparents, Raymond and Mary Cripps of Wister, OK; aunt, Jennifer Boman of Heavener, OK; uncles, Mike Boman of Yanush, OK, Jason Boman of Alaska, Shawn Lovett of Charleston, AR; great aunts and uncles, Jeremy and Sandy Oliver of McCurtain, OK, Randy and Terri Bryant of Bokoshe, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 11 am, Friday, December 30, 2011 at New Life Church, Panama, OK with Rev. Joe Pierce officiating. Interment will follow in Milton Cemetery, Milton, OK. Pallbearers will be Mike Lovett, Donnie Powell, Rafe Lovett. Honorary pallbearers will be R.D. Bryant, Raymond Cripps. The family will be at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 5-7 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Algra B. Tackett

Algra B. Tackett, 89, of Poteau, OK passed away Monday, December 26, 2011 in Poteau. Algra was born June 2, 1922 in Berlin, OK to Doc & Margaret (Clanton) Barfield. She was a homemaker. Algra was a restaurant owner. She was a member at Latham Assembly of God Church; a charter member of the Green Country Jamboree and a member of the Red Hat Society. Algra was preceded in death by her parents, Doc & Margaret (Clanton) Barfield; husband, Arlie H. Tackett; sons, Richard & Stuart Tackett. Survivors include her daughter, Janet Jordan of Midland, AR; son, Darrell Tackett of Palm Springs, CA; 9 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, numerous great great grandchildren; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Friday, December 30, 2011 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. James Hill officiating. Interment will follow in Old Bokoshe Cemetery, Bokoshe, OK. The family will be at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Robert Junior Lowery

Robert Junior Lowery ,76, o f Pocola, OK born March 15, 1935, of Pocola passed away Friday Dec. 23, 2011, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Robert was born March 15, 1935 in Pocola, OK to Robert Washington Sr. & Eveline (Barnes) Lowery. He was retired from Whirlpool and Choctaw Casino. Robert was preceded in death by his parents Robert Washington Lowery and Eveline “Liza” Lowery. One son Robert Allen Lowery. Survivors include his wife of 56 years Edna Mae Lowery; two daughters and sons-in-law, Retha and Tom Anderson and Karen and Randy Lairamore; two sons, Shawn Lowery and wife Esther, and Shane Lowery; six grandchildren, Brent, Gerald, Nazhoni, Ayiana, and Ethan all of Pocola, and Kaitlyn of Arkoma. Also, three sisters, Maelene Goins and husband Ronald of Branson, Missouri; Linda Rogers of Yakima, Washington; and Leta Farmer of Pocola; one brother, Rayford Lowery and wife Phyllis of Pocola. Numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends, & loved ones. Services will be 2pm Tuesday December 27, 2011 at Evans Chapel in Pocola, OK with Rev. Danny Kennedy officiating. Interment will follow at the Macedonia Cemetery in Pocola, OK. Pallbearers will be: Jack Lokey, Rex Lokey, Randy Tackett, Bill McKeown, Brian Polk, and Bubba Treat. There will be a visitation on Monday 26, 2011 from 5-7pm at the funeral home.

Rev. Billy "Bill" Marion Jones

Billy “Bill” Marion Jones, 74, of Poteau, OK passed away Monday, December 19, 2011 in Fort Smith, AR. Bill was born February 3, 1937 in Houston, TX to Marion E. & Ruth (Spencer) Jones. Bill was a minister, pastor, missionary to Ivory Coast for 10 years, editor of “Heartbeat” missions magazine in Nashville, TN, President of Hillsdale Free Will Baptist College in Moore, OK for 8 years, Director of Oklahoma Missions for 2 years, he served on the Foreign Mission Board for 26 years, professor of Theology at the college, Senior Adult pastor Poteau FWB Church Preceded in death by his sisters, Cindy & husband Buddy Vance, Dale “Pudgy” Sawyer. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Joy of the home; son, Steven M. Jones of Los Angeles, CA; Brother, Jim O. Jones and wife, Wilma of College Station, TX; sister, Jane Duke and husband, Jim of Raleigh, NC; many nieces, nephews and friends. Services will be 10 am, Thursday, December 22, 2011 at the First Free Will Baptist Church in Poteau, OK with Revs. Keith Burden, Clint Morgan, Jim Cook and Barry Reel officiating. Interment will be Steep Hollow Cemetery in Bryan, TX. The family will be at the funeral home from 6-8 pm Wednesday evening to visit with relatives & friends.

Jerry Wayne Baker

Jerry Wayne Baker, 60, of Poteau, OK passed away Saturday, December 17, 2011 in Poteau. Jerry was born April 29, 1951 in Falls City, NE to LeMoyne Cecil and Anna Marie (Schlosser) Baker. He was a veteran of the US Marines serving in Vietnam. He was employed at Pansy Kidd Middle School in Poteau. Jerry loved to play with his grandchildren, do woodworking, collect coins for his children and grandchildren, and raise Rottweilers. He always worked hard for his family. He was preceded in death by his father and his grandparents. Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Carol of the home; daughters and sons-in-law, Jayla and Jim Craig, Kaycee and Jeremy Quarry of Poteau, OK; 4 grandchildren, Jessa Craig, Baleigh Quarry, Warrick Quarry and Jenci Quarry of Poteau, OK; mother, Anna Marie Baker of Oklahoma City, OK; 2 brothers, Lawrence Baker of Choctaw, OK and Charles Baker of Oklahoma City, OK; 2 sisters, Mary Ann Hansen of Spring Hill, Florida, Peggy Escritt of Bethany, OK; mother-in-law, Mildred Easton of Poteau. Services will be 2 pm, Thursday, December 22, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church in Poteau, OK with Rev. Dr. Greg Tener & Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau. Pallbearers will be Alan Hawkins, Lee LeMaster, Bud Killion, Vernon Midgley, Vance Smedley, and Tod Dershem.

Thomas Edward Strock

Thomas Edward Strock, 63 of Wister, OK passed away December 6, 2011 in Fort Smith, AR. Thomas was born November 13, 1948 in Beckley, WV to Fredrick A & Goldie J (Cox) Strock. He was a veteran of the US Army. He worked at OK Foods. Memorial Services for Thomas will be held 2 pm, Thursday, December 22, 2011 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK.

Kenneth Avery

Kenneth Dan Avery, 72, of Hackett, AR passed away Monday, December 12, 2011 in Ft. Smith, AR. Kenneth was born April 6, 1939 in Mountain Pine, AR to Jesse Leon & Mamie Francis (Radford) Avery. He was a craftsman/woodworker. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Bobby & Bill Avery. Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Loretta of the home; 3 daughters & sons in law, Pam & Melvin Satterfield of Sugarloaf Lake, AR, Patty & Mark Jones of Arkoma, OK; Jeanette & Wendell Rye of Barling, AR ; 3 granddaughters, Amber Noelle Rye, Brittaney Lauren Rye, Cristen Avery Rye of Barling, AR; sister, Shirley Johnson of Ft. Smith, AR; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Thursday, December 15, 2011 graveside at Macedonia Cemetery, Pocola, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment will follow. Pallbearers will be Melvin Satterfield, Mark Jones, Wendell Rye, Chuck Johnson, James Satterfield, Wayne Johnson.

Raymond Wilson

Raymond Wilson, 77, of Wister, OK passed away Sunday, December 11, 2011 in Fort Smith, AR. Raymond was born July 28, 1934 in Smithville, OK to Eddie & Myrl (Romine) Wilson. He was a veteran of the US Army. Raymond was a retired educator/coach. Raymond was a former board member of Wister Public Schools and Jones Academy of the Choctaw Nation. He loved hunting, fishing and the great outdoors. He was preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers & 1 sister. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Wilson of the home; daughter & son in law, Donna & Daniel Miller of Poteau, OK; son & daughter in law, Ed & Yolanda Wilson of Heavener, OK; 6 grandchildren, Tim & Michelle Miller of Fayetteville, AR, Tiffany & Randall Latham of Poteau, OK, Tearney Miller of Fayetteville, AR, Tyler Wilson of Poteau, OK, Makenzie Wilson and Makaylee Wilson of Heavener; 5 great grandchildren, Sean Miller, Jeffrey Miller, Kasen Miller, Brooklyn Latham, & Madison Latham; brother, Gerald Wilson of Quapaw, OK; 3 sisters, Edna Kent of Arkansas City, KS, Charlene Adams of Oklahoma City, OK and Earlene Factor of Broken Arrow, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 10 am, Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at the First Southern Baptist Church in Wister, OK with Rev. Keith Stewart and Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment will follow in Wister City Cemetery, Wister, OK. Pallbearers will be Leon Blake, Kelly Hughes, James McMillan, Tyler Wilson, Tim Miller, Ed Wilson, Dustin Vaughn, & Don Blake. The family will be at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Susie Gray Farmer

Susie Gray Farmer Susie Gray Farmer, 89, of Pocola, OK passed away Sunday, December 11, 2011 in Fort Smith, AR. Susie was born February 21, 1922 in Eufaula, OK to John & Lona (Pipkins) Gray. She was a retired nurse. Susie was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Pocola. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Cecil E. Farmer; daughters, Sondra & Janet; sister, Lena Karl; brothers, Henry, Paul & Robert Gray. Survivors include her grandson, Michael Seaman of Van Buren, AR; great grandson, Dylan Seaman; sister, Mildred Hamilton of Ft. Smith, AR; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 10 am, Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church in Pocola, OK with Rev. Thomas Corrigan officiating. Interment will follow in the Ft. Smith National Cemetery at 12 noon. Pallbearers will be Wayne Becker, Don Becker, William Cantrell, Jimmy Carroll, Stan Gray & Jeff Been.

Charles William Vineyard

Charles William Vineyard, 80, of Poteau, OK passed away Friday, December 9, 2011 in Spiro, OK. Charles was born August 21, 1931 in Short Mountain, OK to Louie & Evie (Jones) Vineyard. He worked at Rheem. Charles was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dora Vineyard; and brothers, Murel & Johnny Vineyard. Survivors include his 3 sons & daughter in law, Tom Vineyard, Willie Vineyard, Eric & Deana Vineyard all of Poteau, OK; 7 grandchildren, David & wife Julie Vineyard of Ft. Smith, AR, Sara Vineyard of Poteau, OK, Jason Vineyard, Jessica Vineyard of Ft. Smith, AR, Ericka Vineyard, Alyssa Vineyard, Jarrod Vineyard all of Poteau; 6 sisters & brother in law, Glenna Hinton of Poteau, Faye Brooks, Joye Anderson, Pasty & Bud Stout, Carol Kuykendall & Kay Bennett all of Spiro, OK; 2 brothers & sister in law, Roy & Elnora Vineyard of Panama, OK, Frank Vineyard of Emory, TX; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Monday, December 12, 2011 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Phil McGehee officiating. Interment will be in Vaughn Cemetery, Gilmore, OK. Honorary pallbearers will be Tom, Willie, Eric, David, Jason & Jarrod Vineyard.

Iris Eldredge

Iris Eldredge, 59, of Poteau, OK passed away Tuesday, December 6, 2011 in Poteau. Iris was born March 13, 1952 in Kansas City, MO to Jackie Dale & Norma (Guin) Gray. Iris was a cook at the LeFlore County Courthouse. Survivors include her daughters, Sheryl Eldredge & Casey Stine of Poteau, OK; brothers, Ali Hernandez of Wister, OK, Terry Smith & Michael Gray both of Poteau; granddaughters, Leondra Eldredge and Courtney Veerkamp; stepmother, Margaret Gray of Poteau, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Memorial services will be held 2 pm, Sunday, December 11, 2011 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating.

Roger Rorie

Roger Ed Rorie, 53, of Shady Point, OK passed away Wednesday, December 07, 2011 in Shady Point. Roger was born October 2, 1958 in Tulsa, OK to Dale & Wanda (Barlow) Rorie. He was a truck driver. He is preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his sister, Linda Dobson of Tulsa, OK; brother, Larry Rorie of Panama, OK; companion, Kim Creek of Shady Point, OK; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 3 pm, Saturday, December 10, 2011 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Panama, OK.

Neville Monroe Brehm

Neville Monroe Brehm, 91, of Tulsa OK, previously of Poteau OK, passed away peacefully in his home on Dec 5, 2011. He was born in Poteau, OK, on April 4, 1920, to Homer and Jeannette (Hamilton) Brehm. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Mary Marjorie Brehm, and his daughter, Beverly Ann Hesser, of Poteau. He is survived by his devoted wife Oma Wright Brehm, whom he married on January 12, 2007; two daughters, Susan Cowden and husband, Jarrett, of Santa Fe, NM and Mary Kay Higginbotham and husband, Keith, of Madison MS, and son-in-law, Dr. Ron Hesser and wife, Janice, of Poteau. Neville is also survived by seven grandchildren and their spouses: Jill and Matt Epperson, Katy TX; Hillary and Steven Grantham, Oklahoma City; Curtis and Katie Hesser, Bixby; Robyn and Adam Beauchamp, Enid; Dru and Daryn Bridwell, Tulsa; Cody and Piper Bridwell, Oklahoma City; and Bekky and Juan Salazar, Jenks; 14 great grandchildren include Erin Kate Epperson, Jarrett Luke Epperson, Macy Joe Beauchamp, Jackie Blaine Beauchamp, Caden Jon Bridwell, Camryn Lloyd Bridwell, Legend Carter Bridwell, Temple Price Bridwell, Elizabeth Ann Grantham, Allison Ray Grantham, Bailey Nelson Grantham, Kyle Brehm Hesser, Carlie Jean Hesser, and Kristen Ann Hesser; nephews, Greg & Donna Price, Jones, OK and Kevin & Shawna Price, Oklahoma City. Neville is also survived by his wife, Oma’s children and spouses, Richard and Sonnie Wright, McKinney TX; and Donna and Brant Doell, Tulsa OK. Neville graduated from Oklahoma Military Academy in Claremore OK in 1937. He attended Oklahoma A and M, and OU, and then served in the US Army Air Corps in WW II, where he was stationed in India for four years. Following his discharge in 1945, he and Marjorie lived in Oklahoma City until moving to Poteau OK in 1953. He was the owner of Poteau Steam Laundry and Cleaners. The last 10 years before retiring, he headed Poteau’s Oklahoma Employment Agency. He was very active in Poteau’s community affairs and organizations. He was awarded Poteau Citizen of the Year, Poteau Junior Businessman of the Year, and served as President of the Poteau School Board, AARP, Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club (received Rotary’s highest award, the Paul Harris Fellow Award), Poteau Chamber of Commerce, and Eastern Oklahoma Historical Society. His real passion in life was always his church, First Christian Church, Poteau, where he served on most committees, and was an Elder for years. Upon his death, he was a member of Northside Christian Church in Broken Arrow OK. Neville will long be remembered for his generosity, a friend to everyone, winning smile, his caring concern and serving spirit, and love of his family and God. Neville’s pride and joy were his three daughters, known as the “Brehm Girls”. He will forever be present in their hearts. Memorial gifts may be made to the First Christian Church Memorial Fund, PO Box 160, Poteau, OK 74953 A “Celebration of Life” Service will be held at Northside Christian Church, 1221 North Elm Place, Broken Arrow OK on Friday, December 9th at 11:00 AM with Rev. Rob Brust and Rev. Ron Hesser officiating. Visitation will be held at Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau OK, Saturday, December 10, between the hours of 10:00 and 11:00; Interment Service at 1:00 in the Oakland Cemetery, Poteau OK, Rev. Ron Hesser officiating. Family and friends are welcome to attend.

Willie Claud Willis

Willie Claud Willis, 85, of Red Oak, OK passed away Sunday, December 4, 2011 in Muskogee, OK. Willie was born September 26, 1926 in Red Oak, OK to William L. & Lillie (Blaylock) Willis. Willie was a veteran of the US Navy. He was a superintendent at the Weyerhauser Paper Plant. He was a member of the United Freewill Baptist Church in Red Oak, OK. He was preceded in death by his father; wife, Betty Lou Willis and sister, Juanita Duncan. Survivors include his daughters, Janice Dee Pressler of Phoenix, AZ, Nancy Marie Fonteyn of Red Oak, OK; mother, Lillie (104 years old); 3 brothers, Clyde Willis of Clovis, CA, Bud Willis of Visalia, CA & Bill Willis of Chowchilla, CA; 2 grandson, Harry Martin Baker, Derek Steven Fonteyn; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Friday, December 9, 2011 at United Free Will Baptist Church, in Red Oak, OK with Rev. Eugene Christenberry officiating. Pallbearers will be Everett Green, Herbert Knight, Bill Harden, Glen Newburn, Billy Gene Muse & Glen Muse. Interment will be in Red Oak Cemetery, Red Oak, OK.

Alline Mae Logan

Alline Mae Logan, 91, of Poteau, OK passed away Sunday, December 4, 2011 in Poteau. Alline was born July 17, 1920 in Barber, AR to James Daniel & Pernie (Jenkins) Hope. She was a homemaker. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Poteau. Alline was very active in the Hospital Auxiliary, the Free Christian Clinic and Meals on Wheels. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Carl Logan; 3 brothers & 1 sister; great grandson, Nicholas Benson; and daughter in law, Mary Logan. Survivors include her sons & daughter in law, Don Logan of Benton, LA, Larry & Debra Logan of Oklahoma City, OK; 6 grandchildren, Penny Logan, Shelly Logan & David Logan all of Shreveport, LA, Donnie Logan of Benton, LA, Amy Parrish of Oklahoma City, OK, Andy Logan of Piedmont, OK; 7 great grandchildren, Jazzmine Levitz, Kaylan Logan, Mary Elizabeth Logan, L.J. Benson, Logan McConnell, Jake Martin Logan, Callie Rose Logan; 3 great great grandchildren, Emma Claire Benson & twins, Harper & Gracie Benson; brother, Andrew Hoyt Hope of Tulsa, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church in Poteau, OK with Rev. Dr. Greg Tener officiating. Interment will follow in Ellis Chapel Cemetery, Wister, OK.

Johnny Hugh Akins

Johnny Hugh Akins, 68, of Bethany, OK (formerly of Wister) passed away Saturday, December 3, 2011 in Bethany. Johnny was born in Poteau, OK on August 3, 1943 to Jess Hugh & Odena Lorene (Nix) Akins. He was a carpenter. Johnny was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Bobbie Doris Whitman Akins & son, Johnny Wayne Akins. Survivors include his brothers, Jim Akins & Jess Akins of Wister, OK, Jerry Akins, Danny Shipman of Enterprise, OK; stepchildren, Don Streetman of Ft. Smith, AR, Floyd Streetman of Oklahoma City, OK, Mark Streetman of Ridge Creek, OK, Charles Perry of Antlers, OK, Rita Streetman of Ridge Creek, OK & Marquita Mitchel of Norman, OK; grandchildren, Nick Akins, McKayla Akins, & Brad Akins; numerous step grandchildren; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Wednesday – December 7, 2011 Graveside at Ellis Chapel Cemetery, Wister, OK with Rev. Bob Mason officiating. Pallbearers will be Jess Akins, Jim Akins, Danny Shipman, Lee Akins, Chris Akins, Wayne Watts.

Vivian Louise Aldred Frank Tullis

Vivian Louise Aldred Frank Tullis , 91, of Tulsa, OK (formerly of Poteau) passed away Saturday, December 3, 2011 in Tulsa. Vivian was born in Poteau, OK on March 11, 1920 to Howard Meade & Kathryn (Otey) Aldred. She was an interior decorator. She was preceded in death by her parents; 1st husband, Gatie Frank, 2nd husband, Guy Lollis, 3rd husband, Jack Tullis; daughter, Pamela Ann Frank; son, Gerald Neff;granddaughter, Jann Ethen; 3 sisters, Helen Larkin, Jeanette Fullen & Betty Baggett; Survivors include her son & daughter in law, Howard & Lynda Frank of Broken Arrow, OK; granddaughter & her husband, Leah Lyn & Gregg Graves of Jenks, OK; grandson & his wife, David Lowrey & Kim Frank of Augusta, GA; granddaughters, Lisa Leming of Poteau, OK, Christy Jones of Morris, OK; great grandchildren, Mary Lyn Graves, Gregory Lee Graves of Jenks, OK, Cameron Marie Frank of Augusta, GA, Katie Ethen & Stephen Ethen of Moore, OK, Jake, Luke, & Leah Leming of Poteau, Sarah & Aaron Jones of Morris, OK; sister, Jackie Lindstrom of Poteau, OK; daughter in law, Elizabeth Neff of Poteau, OK; other relatives & loved ones, & many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at Evans Chapel of Memories with Rev. Jim Cook officiating.

Goldie Lucille Hicks

Goldie Lucille Hicks, 93, of Wister, OK passed away Thursday, December 1, 2011 in Fort Smith, AR. Goldie was born September 20, 1918 in Hollis, OK to Benjamin & Leatha (Burgess) Jones. She was a homemaker. Goldie was a member of the Bethel Baptist Church in Wister for many years. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 29 years, Lige Jay Hicks; great granddaughter, Autumn Meeks; 1 brother & 4 sisters. Survivors include her daughter & son in law, Wanda & Don Meeks of Wister, OK; grandson & fiancé, Donald & Glenda Meeks of Wister, OK; niece, Leatha Helmer of Wagoner, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Monday, December 5, 2011 at Bethel Baptist Church in Wister, OK with Rev. Clyde Steelman officiating. Interment will follow in Ellis Chapel Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Daniel Millard, Doug Shipley, Jim Nobles, Steve Walden, Jeremy Hale, & Mark Helmer. The family will be at the funeral home on Saturday evening from 5-7 pm to visit with relatives & friends.