Joey Kelly

Joey Kelly of Fort Smith, Arkansas entered into rest on Wednesday, September 23, 2009 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Joey was born in Williams, Oklahoma to Harold & Betty (Darneal) Kelly. He was a member of Cavanaugh Free Will Baptist Church and was maintenance manager at Rheem Manufacturing where he retired after 33 years. Joey’s father, Harold Kelly & a brother, Glenn Kelly preceded him in death. Joey is survived by his wife, Kay Kelly of the home; a daughter & son in law, Kristi & Dave Hill of Fort Smith, AR; a granddaughter, Ashlee; his mother, Betty Detamore of Spiro, OK; a sister, Susie Kelly of Spiro, OK; special nieces & nephews, Kellie, Susan, , Jackie, Shauna, Karen, Rita, Katherine, Brandon, Marty & Mark; numerous other relatives & loved ones & many beloved friends. Funeral services for Joey were held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, September 26, 2009 at Evans Memorial Chapel in Pocola, Oklahoma with the Reverend Jimmy D. Cook officiating. Interment followed the services at Greenhill Cemetery in Cameron, OK with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Pocola, Oklahoma. Pallbearers were Harry Killian, Scott Killian, Michael Killian, Douglas Killian, Jerry Murray, & Allan Jackson.

John "Pete" Richardson

John Pete Richardson, 61, of Pocola, Oklahoma passed away on Thursday, September 17, 2009 in Pocola, OK. Pete was born on January 15, 1948 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Owen & Sylvia (Thomas) Richardson. Pete served for 6 years in the US Marine Corps, leaving as an E-5 Sgt. . He was an auto repairer/ rebuilder. Pete is preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Larry Don Richardson. Pete is survived by his wife, Sandra Tippitt of the home; a son, Eric Richardson of Ontario, CA; 2 daughters, Gina Conyers of Huntington Beach, CA & Amy Schmidt of Rialto, CA; 5 grandchildren, Taylor, Kiera, Alex, Dylan, & Joshua; 2 step grandchildren, Brandon Schmidt & Lauren Schmidt; 2 brothers, Barry Richardson of Hackett, AR & Bill Richardson of Spiro, OK; a sister, Janet Grahl of Fort Smith, AR; numerous other relatives and loved ones and many beloved friends. Funeral services for Pete were held at 11:00 am Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at Evans Memorial Chapel in Pocola, OK with the Reverend Jimmy D. Cook officiating. Interment followed the services at 1:00 pm at Fort Smith National Cemetery in Fort Smith, AR with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Pocola, OK

Patsy Lee Wolfe

Patsy Lee Wolfe, 66, of Poteau, OK passed away Sunday, September 20, 2009 in Poteau. Patsy was born in Poteau on July 6, 1943, to William & Claircy Clark. She was a nurse's aide. She was preceded in death by her parents and an infant brother. Survivors include her daughter, Patti Wilson of Statum, GA; sons, Michael Seymour of Cameron, OK and Johnny Seymour of Van Buren, AR; 4 sisters, Mary Jones of Greenwood, AR, Jane Caldwell and Sherry Ford of Poteau, OK and Frankie Humphries of Cameron, OK; 1 brother, James Clark of Keota, OK; grandchildren, Michael William Seymour, Montoya D. Seymour, Mason Lee Seymour, Claircy, Tristan and Stephanie numerous nieces and nephews other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be hel 2 pm, Tuesday, September 22, 2009 in Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with the Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Burial will follow in Greenhill Cemetery in Cameron, OK. Pallbearers will be Billy Humphries, Timothy Humphries, Jerry Humphries, Jason Clark, Michael Seymour and Mason Seymour.

FORREST L. SHANKLE

Forrest L. Shankle, 56, of Poteau, OK passed away Friday, September 11, 2009 in Poteau. He was born July 2, 1953 in Poteau, OK to Paul & Derotha Shankle who preceded him in death. He was also preceded by brother, Gary Shankle. Forrest was the CEO of Select Homes Inc.. Survivors include his wife Jean-Anne of the home; son & daughter in law, Jay Shankle & Jennifer Boman of Poteau, OK; daughter, Devin Shipman and Sean Covey of Monroe, OK; stepson, Lance Owen of Tulsa, OK; grandchildren, Brooklyn Shipman of Monroe, OK, Jadyn Boman of Poteau, OK, Andruw Covey of Monroe, OK, Jaxyn Shankle of Poteau, OK, McKenna Covey of Howe, OK; brothers, Robert & wife, Connie Shankle of Monroe, OK, Dennis Shankle of Monroe, OK; nieces & nephews, Kim Smahay (husband Jerry) of Collierville, TN, Katie Pierce of Poteau, OK, Trevor & Kayleigh Shankle of Monroe, OK; brothers and sisters in law, Bill & Brenda Pierce of Poteau, OK, Linda & Gary Winton of Cookson, OK; mother and father in law, Bill J. & Louise Pierce; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services 4 pm, Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with Rev. Phil McGehee officiating. The family will visit with friends and relatives after the service from 4:30 - 6:30 at Glenn Thompson's Hangar at Poteau Airport.

Charles David Beam

Charles David Beam, 70, of Bokoshe, OK passed away Thursday, September 10, 2009 in Bokoshe. Charles was born in Fort Smith, AR on February 3, 1939, to Closan & Helen (Cox) Beam. He was retired from Baldor. He loved to hunt, fish, pull practical jokes & pranks. He loved his family, kids, grand & great grandkids. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Bessie Moore, his father, brother, Lewis Beam and granddaughter, Talisha Beam. He was a veteran of the US Navy. Survivors include his wife Shirley of the home; 3 daughters & sons in law, Connie & Lee Hilton, Tammy Beam, & Wendy & Ron Darneal all of Bokoshe, OK; sons & daughters in law, Daniel & Tonia Beam, David & Marcela Beam of Bokoshe, OK, Gary & Sarah Beam of Cushing, OK; 20 Grandchildren, 2 Step Grandchildren, 3 Great Grandchildren, 5 Step Great Grandchildren; mother, Helen Cox, Brothers, Johnnie Beam, Eugene Beam, Jimmy Beam of Pocola, OK, sisters, Virginia Burr of Bakersfield, CA, Helen Marie Halbrook of Trinity, AL; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were held 2 pm, Tuesday, September 15, 2009 in Evans Chapel of Memories- Poteau, OK with Rev. Steve Adams officiating. Interment followed in Beam Family Cemetery, Bokoshe, OK. Pallbearers were James Moss, Keith Beam, Mike Beam, Robert Gillooley, Mike Gillooley, & Thomas Gillooley. Honorary pallbearers were his grandchildren and Jeff Lovell. Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, Oklahoma.

Jerry Nelson Jenson

Jerry Nelson Jenson, 76, of Poteau, OK passed away Tuesday, September 8, 2009 in Houston, TX. Jerry was the son of Hansford & Lela (Vann) Jenson. He was raised in the Pleasant Valley area and graduated from Poteau High School in 1949. He attended Poteau Junior College and joined the Oklahoma Army National Guard. As a part of the 45th Infantry, he was deployed to Korea in 1951 as a sergeant and received a battlefield commission as a Lieutenant. He was awarded three purple hearts. Upon return from Korea, Jerry graduated from Abilene Christian University and married the former Patsy Stephens of Temple, Texas. They had six children. He returned for a short time to Poteau where he helped operate his parents' furniture business. In 1956, Jerry joined the predecessor organization of the Drug Enforcement Administration. He was first stationed in San Antonio, TX, but was soon transferred to New York City. For the next 25 years, with short stints at the New York State Crime Commission and the Federal Highways Dept., Jerry served the DEA in positions ranging from a Special Agent investigating drug cases on the streets of New York City to the Deputy Administrator of the agency in Washington, DC. He served as the Regional Director in New Orleans, Chicago, and Los Angeles and as the Director of Training at the DEA training facility in Brunswick, GA. Jerry moved to Jacksonville, FL in 1984. Until retirement he worked as an investigator for the state of Florida. He married the former Susan Mole in 1988 and they have one son, Andrew Jenson. In 2001, Jerry, Susan and Andrew moved to Poteau. Jerry was a member of the First Christian Church, the Poteau Kiwanis Club, Poteau Main Street Matters, and served on the Board of Directors of the Poteau Chamber of Commerce. Through his adult life, Jerry was a member of several veterans organizations including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans and the American Legion. He was a lifetime member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Jerry N. Nelson Jr. Jerry is survived by his wife, Susan, six children, 10 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Nora Faye Lum, her husband Tommy Lum and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jerry's children are: Sheree Crowell & Bill of Longmont CO and children Danielle and Carlos Marin and Hailey; Melissa Jenson and Michael Kenny of Los Angeles and children Jeffery and Thomas; Leslie & Tony Zeppieri of Carson City, NV and son Anthony Jr.; Jeffery & Aracely Jenson of Los Angeles, CA and children Brian, Leslie; and Michael; Judith Jenson of Brunswick, AR and children Stephanie and Ashley; and Andrew Jenson of Wister. Funeral services will be held at the First Christian Church of Poteau on Monday, September 14 at 10 am, with Rev. Dennis Jones and Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Pallbearers will be Jeff Shockley, Jim Akagi, Randy Lum, B.J. Smith, Charlie Horsely and Randy Bridgman.

Gail D. Williams

Gail D. Williams, 51, of Pocola, OK passed away Monday, September 7, 2009 in Fort Smith, AR. Gail was born August 15, 1958 in Sacramento, CA to Duane & Linda Rose (Woods) Colwell. She worked at Bost Center for Human Development. Survivors include her husband James “Buster” Williams of the home; daughter, Jenifer D. Proffitt Grantham of Ft. Smith, AR; son, James Robbie Williams of Ft. Smith, AR; 4 Grandchildren, Sierra, Erin, Randy & Faith; sister, Jacqueline Brunger of Atwater, CA; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were held 11 am, Friday, September 11, 2009 at the Ft. Smith National Cemetery, Ft, Smith, AR with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment followed. Pallbearers were Bobby Williams Jr., Jimmy Dale Williams, Andrew Plowman, Chris Salmons, Tony Williams Jr., Johnathan Bowen & Larry Williams. Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Pocola, Oklahoma

Addie Edna Collier

Addie Collier, 73, of Poteau, OK passed away Tuesday, September 8, 2009 in Ft. Smith, AR. Addie was born October 9, 1935 in Hatfield, AR to James T. & Edna (Minor) Slote. She was a homemaker; of the Assembly of God faith. She was preceded in death by her husband, Buford and her parents. Survivors include her daughters and son in law, Lynn Collier of Las Vegas, NV, Lisa & Mick Jordan of Ft. Smith, AR; Sons, Buddy Collier of Las Vegas, NV, David Collier of Poteau, OK, sister, Linda Burns of Van Buren, AR; 7 Granddaughters, 1 step granddaughter, 1 step grandson; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services: 10 am, Saturday, September 12, 2009 at the Oakland Cemetery Pavilion in Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment following in Oakland Cemetery.

Dusty Nichole Loggains

Dusty Nichole Loggains, 36, of Poteau, OK passed away on Thursday, September 3, 2009 in Hodgen, Oklahoma. Dusty was born on April 20, 1973 in Shreveport, LA to Tommy Ray & Sherry (Lessor) Haynes. She was a home health worker. Dusty’s grandparents, Farris & Frances Haynes preceded her in death. Dusty is survived by her husband, Todd Loggains of the home; 2 daughters, Amber Bandy & Ashlee Bandy of Poteau, OK; stepdaughter, Melissa Brooke Loggains of Poteau, OK; her father, Tommy Ray Haynes of Heavener, OK; her mother, Sherry Lucas of Abrams, WI; her brother, Rusty Haynes of Heavener, OK; a nephew, Eric Haynes of Heavener, OK; her father in law & mother in law, Travis & Faye Loggains of Poteau, OK; numerous other relatives & loved ones & many beloved friends. Graveside services for Dusty were held at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at Vaughn Cemetery in Gilmore, OK with the Reverend Jimmy D. Cook officiating. Interment followed the services with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Lance Hart, Justin Montez, Bobby Fields, R.J. Smith, Stephen Bandy, Lee Roy Bandy, & Brandon Mathews.

Alford Steve Nichols

Alford “Steve” Nichols, 60, of Poteau, OK passed away on Saturday, September 5, 2009. Steve was born on November 21, 1948 in Albion, OK to Edward & Mozelle (Spicer) Nichols. Steve was an auto mechanic. He worked for Spider Webb for 20 years. He loved working on cars & helping everyone with their car problems. Steve was preceded in death by his father; his stepfather, Lester Hicks Marshall; & 2 brothers, Geary Marshall & James Marshall. Steve is survived by his wife Alberta Nichols of the home; 2 sons & a daughter in law, Jason Nichols & Louis & Marina Nichols, all of Poteau; a granddaughter, Jasmine Nichols of Tulsa, OK; his mother, Mozelle Marshall of Poteau, OK; 5 brothers, Dewayne Nichols of California, Troy Nichols of Sperry, OK, Lester Marshall of North Carolina, Freddie Marshall of South Carolina, & Raymond Marshall of Alabama; numerous other relatives & loved ones and many beloved friends. Memorial services for Steve were held at 10:00 am Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with the Reverend Jimmy D. Cook officiating. Honorary pallbearers were Joe Hancock, Jared Dewitt, James Dale McAlester, & Wade Burlew. Arrangements were under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK.

Dusty Nichole Loggains

Dusty Nichole Loggains, 36, of Poteau, OK passed away Thusday - September 3, 2009 in Hodgen, OK. Dusty was born April 20, 1973 in Shreveport, LA to Tommy Ray & Sherry (Lessor) Haynes. She worked for Home Health. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Farris & Frances Haynes. Survivors include her husband, Todd Loggains of the home; 2 daughters, Amber Bandy of Poteau, OK and Ashlee Bandy of Poteau, OK; 1 brother, Rusty Haynes of Heavener, OK; nephew, Eric Haynes of Heavener, OK; father, Tommy Ray Haynes of Heavener, OK; mother Sherry Lucas of Abrams, Wisconsin; stepdaughter, Melissa Brooke Loggains of Poteau, OK; father in law and mother in law, Travis and Faye Loggains of Poteau, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held 2 pm, Wednesday, September 9, 2009 graveside at Vaughn Cemetery in Monroe, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment will follow. Pallbearers will be Lance Hart, Travis Loggains, Justin Montez, R.J. Smith, Stephen Bandy and Lee Roy Bandy.

Elmer Edward Emmert

Elmer Edward Emmert, 87, of Poteau, OK passed away Thursday, September 3, 2009 in Poteau. He was born in Fort Smith, AR to John B. & Minnie (Stock) Emmert. Elmer was a member of Double Branch Baptist Church. He worked for Coca Cola Bottling Company. He loved to do ceramics and paint pigs and dwarfs. Elmer was preceded in death by his son, Frank Emmert. Survivors include his wife, Linda Roam Emmert of the home; brother and sister in law, Arthur "Chubby" & Lee Roa Emmert of Rudy, AR; niece Leotta Ponder and nephews, Jeremy Emmert, Charles "Chuck" Emmert and Harry Aldinger. Services will be 2 pm, Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at Oakland Cemetery Pavilion, Poteau, OK with Rev. Sonny Daniels, Lynn Bullard and Steven Billy officiating. Interment following with members of DAV # 63 serving as pallbearers.

Alford "Steve" Nichols

Steve Nichols, 60, of Poteau, OK passed away Saturday, September 5, 2009 in Poteau. Steve was born in Albion, OK on November 21, 1948 to Edward & Mozelle (Spicer) Nichols. He was preceded in death by his father; stepfather, Lester Hicks Marshall and brothers, Geary Marshall & James Marshall. Steve worked as an auto mechanic for Spider Webb Motors for some 20 years. He loved to work on cars and help everyone with their car problems. Survivors include his wife, Alberta Nichols of the home; 2 sons, Jason Nichols of Poteau, OK;Louis and Marina Nichols of Poteau, OK; granddaughter, Jasmine Nichols of Tulsa, OK; mother, Mozelle Marshall of Poteau, OK; 5 brothers, Dewayne Nichols of California, Troy Nichols of Sperry, OK, Lester Marshall of North Carolina, Freddie Marshall of South Carolina, Raymond Marshall of Alabama; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 10 am, Wednesday - September 9, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Pallbearers will be Joe Hancock, Jared DeWitt, James Dale McAlester, & Wade Burlew.

Peggy Ann Taylor Gilmore

Peggy Ann (Taylor) Gilmore of Tahlequah, OK passed away on Thursday, September 3, 2009 in Tulsa, OK. Peggy was born on September 20, 1938 in El Reno, OK to Robert L. “Sarge” & Cleoria M. (Eason) Taylor. She was a retired military wife, a wonderful, loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, & friend. She loved spending time with all her family and friends. Peggy is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, a stepmother, and a number of siblings. Peggy is survived by 3 daughters & sons in law, Lugrace & Ihab Shalabi of Tahlequah, OK; Tresma & Bill Scullawi of Salina, OK, & Tarina & James Pace of Tulsa, OK; a son Ronald Lee Stephen Gilmore & his partner Steve Buscemi of Los Angeles, CA; 8 grandchildren, Ronald Parris, Cleoria Parris, Casandra Gilmore, Shelby Scullawi, William Scullawi, Billy Scullawi, Patrick Pace, & Ariella Pace; 6 sisters, Ruby Mae Tupen of Sacramento, CA, Beverly Dearman of Sand Springs, OK, Janice Burton of Poway, CA, Aline Taylor Linson of Panama, OK, Tressa Taylor Moore of Pocola, OK & Mary Taylor of Panama, OK; 3 brothers, Robert C. Taylor & Harry Taylor of Panama, OK & Charles Taylor of Pocola, OK; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones and many beloved friends. Funeral services for Peggy were held at 10:00 am, Monday, September 7, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with Mikal Parris 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 Ihab Shalabi, Bill Scullawi, James Pace, Ronn Parris, Daniel Taylor, & Steve Buscemi.

Ellis Wayne Short

Ellis Wayne Short, 67, of Poteau, OK passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2009 at his home in Poteau, Oklahoma. Wayne was born on July 26, 1942 in Ranger, TX to Henry Thurman & Alma Lucille (Payne) Short. He attended Church of God 7th Day in Wister, OK & was an architectural designer, designing many homes & offices in Tulsa, Poteau, and around the country before retiring in 2007. He was a charter member and the first president of Oklahoma Institute of Building Design. Wayne also loved ministering to people, especially to children. He founded New Life Ministries & New Life Publications, offering gospel literature at no charge or at printing cost. He wrote several booklets, treatises, and tracts, including “In Defense of the KJV.” His parents & a daughter, Elizabeth Montgomery precedes Wayne in death. Wayne is survived by his wife, Janet (Troxell) Short of the home; 2 sons, Clifford A. Short of Tahlequah, OK & William P. Short of Tulsa, OK; 2 daughters, Rebecca V. Wright & Sharla Maben, both of Tahlequah, OK; a stepdaughter & son in law, Laura & Patrick Ng; 22 grandchildren, 1 great granddaughter, 2 sisters, Belinda Filkins of Connecticut & Fayla Gooch of Oklahoma City, OK; a brother, Stanley A. Short of Glenpool, OK; numerous other relatives & loved ones and many beloved friends. Funeral services for Wayne were held at 2:00 pm Monday, September 7, 2009 at Church of God 7th day in Wister, OK with Elder Chip Hinds 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 Hank Wright, Jesse Merchant, Richard Baker, Keith Bynum, Axel Valle, & Scot Knight. Honorary pallbearers were Lee Thompson, Chuck Evans & Billy Woodral.

Bobby Wayne Needham

Bobby Wayne Needham, 66, of Pocola, OK passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2009 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Bobby was born on December 13, 1942 in Greenwood, Arkansas to Charles William “Bill” & Alice (Berry) Needham. He was a self employed auto paint and body man. His father preceded him in death. Bobby is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Anna Marie Needham of the home; 2 sons & daughter in law, Larry Needham & George W. & Amy Needham, all of Pocola, OK; his mother, Alice Needham of Pocola, OK; 2 brothers & sisters in law, Charles & Linda Needham of Fort Smith, AR & Bud & Ruby Needham of Pocola, OK; a sister in law, Lorene Petit of Bunch, OK; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones and many beloved friends. Funeral services for Bobby were held at 2:00 pm Saturday, September 5, 2009 at Evans Memorial Chapel in Pocola, OK with Reverend Clifford Myers officiating. Interment followed the services in Macedonia Cemetery, Pocola, OK with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Pocola, OK. Pallbearers were Dusty Cox, Jimmy Cox, Welton Brown, Manuel Braiser, Genaro Cabrera, Ron England, Allen Berryhill, Don Wilkinson, & Ray Rivera.

Ella Jane Reaves

Ella Jane Reaves, 67, of Pocola, Oklahoma passed from this life to Heaven after a long, courageous fight with cancer. She was born on October 28, 1941 in Pocola, OK to P.W. & Francis (Cruson) Gray. Ella Jane was an elementary school teacher, beginning her career in education at Jefferson Davis Elementary in Oklahoma City in 1962, taught at Raymond F. Orr in Fort Smith, AR & retired from Poteau Elementary in 2003. She was a member of Pocola United Methodist Church. Ella Jane will be remembered for her elegant, classy style, her fun and witty humor, and most of all her deepest love and affection for her family. Her daily presence in their lives will be greatly missed. She will be remembered as a kind, loving wife, mother, daughter, Memee & friend. She was preceded in death by her father, PW Gray. Ella Jane is survived by her beloved husband, George Reaves of the home; a son & daughter in law, Britt & Jaymi Reaves of Pocola, OK; two grandchildren, Hayden & Alyssa Reaves, her mother Francis Gray, and many family members & friends. A celebration of Ella Jane’s life was held at 10:00 am Saturday, September 5, 2009 at Evans Memorial Chapel in Pocola, OK with the Reverend Jimmy D. Cook officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Pocola, OK.