Elton E. "Buck" Richardson

Elton E. "Buck" Richardson, 72, of Panama,OK passed away Thursday, December 30, 2010 in Ft. Smith, AR. Buck was born in Buck Creek, OK on July 3, 1938 to Eddie & Ruth (Lloyd) Richardson. He was a heavy equipment operator. He served in the Korean War as Navy Flight Engineer. Buck was preceded in death by his wife, Clara & daughter, Veta Richardson. Survivors include daughter, Teresa Wright of Ft. Smith, AR; 4 sons, Elton Ray Richardson of Ft. Smith, AR, Tony Richardson of Okmulgee, OK, Gerald Imhauser of Kansas City, KS, & Mike Killion of Panama, OK; sister, Merle Christenberry of Panama, OK; brother, Don Richardson of Bebee, OK; 17 Grandchildren, Nikki Perritt, Katlin Richardson, Easton Richardson, Sean Wright, Jeffery Wright, Amanda LaRue, Kathy Wilks, Karen Plemmons, Anthony Richardson, Adam Richardson, Heaven Richardson, Bethany Richardson, Christina Richardson, Noah Richardson, Cody Richardson, Charles Lee Sullivan, Jerry Dewayne Johnson; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held 2 pm Saturday, January 1, 2011 at the Old Bokoshe Cemetery Pavilion with Rev. Glendle Black officiating. Interment will follow in Old Bokoshe Cemetery. The family will be at the funeral home on Friday evening from 5-7 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Ennis Anthony "Tony" Silva

Tony Silva, 45, of Panama, OK passed away Tuesday, December 28, 2010 in Panama. Tony was born in Mountainview, CA on March 26, 1965 to Willie & Marla Kay (Butcholz) Silva. He was preceded in death by his mother. Tony was a truck driver. Survivors include his wife, Kelly Burns of thehome; 1 daughter, Viola Silva of Santa Maria, C; 3 grandchildren; 2 sisters, Debbie Garcia of Panama, OK & Glenda Kay McGuire of Santa Maria, CA; brother, Willie Silva Jr. and father, Willie Silva Sr. of Santa Maria, CA. Family services will be held at a later date

Deborah Denise Lale

Deborah Denise Lale, 58, of Hackett, AR passed away Wednesday, December 29, 2010, in Spiro, OK. Deborah was born May 28, 1952 to Thomas E. & Ada Kathleen "Katie" (Stafford) Hall. Deborah loved music, dancing, reading an crocheting. she loved helping people-anyone/anytime. She was a special education teacher. She had 25+ years in hearing and sight evaluation and was a Braille translator. She was a big Arkansas Razorback fan. She was preceded in death by her father; husband, Brent Lale; and a brother, John Hall. Survivors include her 3 sons, Chris Coyle of Poteau, OK, Robbie Gooch of Glendale, AZ, Matt Gooch of Hackett, AR; 3 Grandchildren; 1 Great Granddaughter; mother, Katie Hall of Spiro, OK; sisters, Teresa Valentic of San Antonio, TX, Beth Beckel of Mena, AR, Mariana Birchell of Oklahoma City, OK, Major Jeanine Hatfield of US Air Force Base, Phoenix, AZ, & Lisa Cook of Glendale, AZ; 2 brothers, Arthur Polo of Mannford OK and TJ Hall of Spiro, OK; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Memorial services will be held 2 pm Friday, December 31, 2010 at Evangel Temple in Fort Smith, AR with Rev. Don Hutchings officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be the BACA Brothers (Bikers Against Child Abuse) In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.

Oteka Faye Bryant

Oteka Faye Bryant, 73, of McCurtain, OK passed away Sunday, December 26, 2010 in Oklahoma City, OK. Oteka was born in Milton, OK on May 4, 1937 to Luther & Grace (Painter) Nixon. She owned and operated a cafe. She enjoyed doing ceramics and baking. She lived for her kids, grandkids and great grandkids. She was very much involved in their lives. Oteka was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Leila Daughtery, Irene Pryor and Jeanita Knapp; brothers, Bob, Vernon, Jody & Jimmy Nixon. Survivors include her husband, R.D. Bryant of the home; son & daughter in law, Randy & Terry Bryant of Bokoshe, OK; daughters & sons in law, Connie & James Bardin of MIlton, OK, Sandy & Jeremy Oliver of Milton, OK; grandchildren, Rodney Bryant, Tessa Lovett, Summer Oliver & Skyler Oliver; 5 great grandchildren; sisters, Hazel Partain of Spiro, OK, Dimple Rogers of Poteau, OK, & Thelma Whitmore of Bokoshe, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held 2 pm, Friday, December 31, 2010 at the McCurtain Assembly of God Church, McCurtain, OK with Rev. Joe Pierce & Rev. Bob Wingo officiating. Interment will follow in Milton Cemetery, Milton, OK. Pallbearers will be Larry Culwell, Jim Langeland, Tim Watts, Jerry Dill, George Bowden & Junior Bowden. Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Henderson, Bill Tackett, R.C. Culwell & Jim Watts. The family will be at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Marilyn Ruth Oakes

Marilyn Ruth Oakes, 60, of Poteau, OK passed away Sunday, December 26, 2010 in Poteau. Marilyn was born in Fresno, CA on July 25, 1950 to Bill & Nettie (Collins) Couch. She was a custodian at Poteau Public Schools. Marilyn was preceded in death by a son, Tommy Lee Oakes; brother, Bruce Couch & her parents. Survivors include her husband, Tom of the home; daughter, Tracy Acton of Arkoma, OK; son, Randy Oakes of Poteau, OK; 3 grandchildren, Dayne Young, Kasi Reese & Matthew Eidschun; 4 great grandchildren, Karli Albert, Kara Albert, John "Brother" Albert & Jordan Young; 3 sisters, Peggy Bell & Linda Himes both of Poteau, OK, Tammy Duncan of Monroe, OK; brother, Terry Couch of Poteau, OK; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Thursday, December 30, 2010 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau. Pallbearers will be Terry Couch, Randy Oakes, Dayne Young, Matthew Eidschun, Dustin Bell & Danny Gullick. The family will be at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 5-7 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Earl Gene Gray

Earl Gene Gray, 77, of Poteau, OK passed away Wednesday, December 22, 2010 in Poteau. Earl was born July 24, 1933 in Poteau, OK to Leonard & Lavada (Clark) Gray. He was a proud veteran of the US Air Force. Earl was self-employed. He is survived by 4 daughters, Karen Cutlip of North Carolina, Earlene Kloiber of Oklahoma City, OK, Kathy Gray of Ada, OK, & Brenda Gillum of Stillwater, OK; brother, Carl Gray of Poteau, OK, sister, Emily Johnson of Poteau, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. No services are scheduled at this time.

Virginia Lee Grow

Virginia Lee Grow, 73, of Arkoma, OK passed away Wednesday, December 22, 2010 in Tahlequah, OK. Virginia was born August 4, 1937 in Marked Tree, AR to Shelby & Susie (Beck) Adams. She was a nurse's aide, a member of the Church of Christ. She loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren & loved doing crossword puzzles. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Harry Grow; 1 grandson, 2 sisters, 5 brothers & 2 great grandchildren. Survivors include 6 daughters, Darlene Grow of Arkoma, OK, Diane Carter of Ft. Smith, AR, Susie White of Poteau, OK, Laura White & Evelyn White of Cameron, OK, Kellie Adams of Poteau, OK; 11 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, 1 brother, Bruce Adams of California; 1 sister, Verda Stanberry of Konawa, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held 2 pm, Monday, December 27, 2010 graveside at Greenhill Cemetery, Cameron, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment will follow. Pallbearers will be Charles White, Jim White, Billy Washburn, David Washburn, Robert Washburn, & Ronnie Washburn. The family will be at the funeral home on Sunday from 2-4 to visit with friends & relatives.

John "Greyson" Hunt

John "Greyson" Hunt, 16, of Poteau, OK passed away Friday, December 17, 2010 in Wister, OK. Greyson was born June 17, 1994 to John Michael & Kelly Dawn (Clinton) Hunt in Duncan, OK. Greyson loved hunting and playing football. He was employed by Maria's. Survivors include his parents, Kelly & Michael Hunt of Poteau, OK; brother, Clayton Hunt of the home; paternal grandparents, Carolyn Baetz of Poteau, OK, Johnny & Pat Hunt of Poteau, OK; great grandmother, Ella Burden of Poteau, OK; maternal grandparents, Freda & Shad Pyland of Muskogee, OK; great grandmother, Opal Allison of Poteau, OK; special cousins, James Clinton & Rebecca Hamlin; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held 2 pm, Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at Immanuel Baptist Church, Poteau, OK with Rev. Roger Mattox officiating. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau,OK. Pallbearers will be Zack Liles, Jacob Marvin, Jared Demery, Jesse Woodson, Marshal Jones, James Clinton, Fernando Guiterrez & Rob Smiljcic. The family will be at the funeral home from 5-7 pm Monday evening to visit with relatives & friends.

Mary Margaret Maden

Mary Margaret Maden, 86, of Pocola, OK passed away Thursday, December 16, 2010 in Poteau, OK. Mary was born November 20, 1924 in Shelbyville, Indiana to William Joseph & Helen (Metz) Weintraut. She was a homemaker & retired from Pocola Nursing Center. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Matthew Maden; child, Kenneth Maden & Alexius Williams; granddaughter, Shanna Short; and great grandchildren, Jacob Maden Jr., Kara Lyn Maden. Survivors include 4 daughters, Karen Pirker of Hackett, AR, Elizabeth Prall of Lakeland, FL, Mary Jackson of Ft. Smith, AR, Kathy Skelton of Pocola, OK; 3 sons & daughters in law, Larry & Phyllis Maden of Ft. Smith, AR, Terry & Dorothy Maden of Colfax, Iowa, Anthony Maden of Pocola, OK; 25 grandchildren, 48 great grandchildren, 13 great great grandchildren; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held 2 pm, Monday, December 20, 2010 in Evans Memorial Chapel in Pocola, OK with Rev. Roger Myers officiating. Interment will follow in Macedonia Cemetery, Pocola, OK. Pallbearers will be James Jackson, Jacob Maden, Eddie Lovell, Terry Prall, Danny Stouffer & Texas Prall. Honorary pallbearers will be Joshua Maden, Mark Lovell & Colt Prall. The family will be at the funeral home on Sunday afternoon from 2-4 pm to visit with family & friends.

Mattie Shaw Loudermilk

Mattie Shaw Loudermilk of OKC and long time past resident of Spiro, OK left this life on December 16, 2010 after a brief stay at Integris Hospice House of Oklahoma County, Oklahoma City. She was born July 7, 1924 at Byers, OK. Her spirit joins that of her Parents George and Cressie Shaw, Husband James G. Loudermilk of 45 years, Brothers Allen J. Shaw, Herman R. Shaw, and Sister Doris Shaw, all of whom predeceased her. Mattie is survived by her Daughters Margaret Kemp and husband Douglas of Norman, Linda Jones and husband Danny of OKC, 3 Grandchildren; Michelle Jerner, Melissa Crabtree, and Kevin Jones, 5 Great Grandchildren; Tyler, Mariah, Cooper, Mattie and Mia. Graveside service with the Rev. Jim Cook officiating December 18, 2010 at 1:00 at Macedonia Cemetery, Pocola, OK . Evans Miller Funeral Home Poteau, OK

Amanda Lewis

Amanda Lewis, 88, of Spiro, OK passed away Wednesday, December 15, 2010 in Pocola. Amanda was born July 9, 1922 in Braden, OK to Willie & Fredrica (Burris) Blocker. She was a housekeeper/homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Willie Lewis; parents; 2 sisters, Ona Mae & Louise, 2 brothers R.L. & Henry, 1 infant son, and 2 granddaughters, Diana Steele & Dian Crutchfield. Survivors include her daughters, Nadine Ruff of Ft. Coffee, OK, Ollie Jean Lewis of Ft. Coffee, Freddie Ann Minner of Ft. Coffee, & Peggy Lewis of Tulsa, OK; sons, Epluribus Lewis of Ada, OK, Lonnie Lewis of Ft. Coffee, OK, Vernon Lewis of Ft. Coffee, OK, Ronnie Joe Lewis of Atlanta, GA, Jerry Lewis of Owasso, OK, Rochelle Lewis of Bakersfield, California, & Dewayne Lewis of Spiro, OK; 21 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; 2 sisters, Gladys Eaves of Ft. Coffee, OK & Pearlie Fleming of Tulsa, OK; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held 1 pm, Thursday, December 23, 2010 at Mt. Triumph Baptist Church in Ft. Coffee, OK with Elder Dennis Ruff officiating. Interment will follow in Ft. Coffee Cemetery.

Irvin Lee Benson

Irvin Lee Benson, 42, of Heavener, OK passed away Friday, December 10, 2010 in Bentonville, AR. Irvin was born June 20, 1968 in Poteau, OK to James Irvin & Lillian Mildred (Woodral) Benson. He was a truck driver. He loved to work cows, just working period, hunting and fishing. He was preceded in death by his mother. Survivors include his wife, Carolyn of the home; 1 son & daughter in law, Justin & Moriah Benson of Poteau, OK; 1 daughter, Monica Benson of Nashville, TN; father, James Benson of Hodgen, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held 11 am, Tuesday, December 14, 2010 at the First Baptist Church in Heavener, OK with Rev. Sam Dyer officiating. Interment will follow in Hontubby Cemetery, Hontubby, OK. Pallbearers will be Mike Andrews, Darrel Roberts, Michael Joe Thurman, Tim Stacy, Carroll LeFlore, James Martin. The family will be at the funeral home on Monday evening from 5-7 pm to visit with friends & relatives.

John Lionel Slagle Jr.

John Lionel Slagle Jr. 60, of Poteau, OK passed away Thursday, December 9, 2010 in Poteau. He was born May 16, 1950 in Springer, NM to Jack Lionel Slagle Jr. & Clara Ophelia Lopez Slagle. He was an engineer and served in the US Army for 25 years. Services are pending at this time.

Jack L. Martin

Jack L. Martin, 82, of Poteau, OK passed away Thursday, December 9, 2010 in Poteau, OK. Jack was born October 2, 1928 in Utopia, TX to Abe (H.H.) & Gertrude Ansley Martin. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, William Warren Martin & Hughey Martin; sisterse, Ima Inez Lindsey, Vina Lee Matthews & Bertice Higgs. He worked for the railroad. Survivors include one son, James Martin; numerous nieces & nephews; special friends, The Reed Family; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held 2 pm, Tuesday, December 14, 2010 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment will follow in the Reed Family Cemetery in Monroe, OK. Pallbearers will be Donnie Reed Jr., Cody Reed, Tyler Reed, Dewayne Reed, Wes Reed & Sonny Reed. Honorary pallbearer will be Chris Adams. The family will be at the funeral home on Monday evening from 5-7 pm to visit with friends & relatives.

Shirley Allene Benefield

Shirley Allene Benefield, 65, of Heavener, OK passed away Thursday, December 9, 2010 in Poteau, OK. Shirley was born in Baxter Spring, KS on January 17, 1945 to Roy Roosevelt & Effie Melveda (Sutterfield) Branscum. She was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, J.C. Benefield & her parents. Survivors include 2 sons & daughters in law, Victor & Myria (Miller) Hanson, Bruce & Gina (Moon) Hanson, all of Heavener, OK; 6 Grandchildren, Steven Benefield of Heavener, OK, Misty & Darrel James Benefield of Poteau, OK, Robert Hanson of Oklahoma City, OK, Jacob Hanson, Michael Lee Hanson, Tasha Marie Hanson all of Heavener, OK, Nikkie Hanson of Texas, Bruce Wayne Hanson of Corpus Christi, TX; 1 great granddaughter, Danika Wallace of Poteau, OK; 3 brothers & sisters in law, Gene Henry of Heavener, OK, Alvin & Claudiette Branscum of Whitesboro, OK, Doug & Jackie Branscum of Poteau, OK, 3 sisters & brother in law, Ella Mae Yandell, Virginia Howard, Helen & Troy Maloy all of Heavener, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held 10 am, Saturday, December 11, 2010 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with Rev. Alvin Branscum officiating. Interment will follow in Hontubby Cemetery, Hontubby, OK. Pallbearers will be Mark Branscum, Michael Branscum, Steve Wallen, Buddy Howard Jr., Steven Branscum, Rick Roop & James Smith. The family will be at the funeral home on Friday evening from 5-7 pm to visit with friends & relatives.

James Ray Fruen Sr.

James Ray Fruen Sr., 60, of Wister, OK passed away Saturday, December 4, 2010 in Fort Smith, AR. James was born in Bates, AR on February 10, 1950 to Grady & Minnie Mae (Ralls) Fruen. James was a member of the First Christian Church in Poteau. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Peggy Mae Summers & a brother, Ed Fruen. He worked for Littlefield Propane Company and was a golf course greens keeper. Survivors include his wife, Becky Fruen of the home; children, James Fruen Jr of Wister, OK, Stephen Fruen & wife Sky of Poteau, OK, Sam & husband Orbie Fitzer of Rock Island, OK (Stephen & Sam are twins), Brandon Fruen & wife Tarah of Cameron, OK; 7 grandchildren, Sydney Fruen, Syler Fruen, Cody Fitzer, Braden Fitzer, Shelby Fitzer, Ry Fruen & Tru Fruen; brother, Jack Fruen of Heavener, OK; 2 sisters & brothers in law, Georgia & Ken Aeverman of Maumelle, AR, Linda & Harold Cox of Cameron, OK; special friends, Willie & Lynnell Carshall of Wister, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Tuesday, December 7, 2010, graveside at Ellis Chapel Cemetery, Wister, OK with Rev. Dennis Jones officiating. Interment will follow. Pallbearers will be James Fruen Jr., Stephen Fruen, Brandon Fruen, Orbie Fitzer, Willie Carshall & Darrell English.

Floy Mae "Gert" Barkley

Floy Mae “Gert” Barkley, 84, 0f Poteau, OK passed away Saturday, December 4, 2010. Gert was born November 25, 1926 in Cougar, OK to Frank & Dora (Chitwood) Phillips. She was a homemaker. She was a member of Jesus Name Assembly in Panama, OK. She was preceded in death by her husband, Boss Barkley; her parents, brothers & sisters, LeRoy, Marion, Joe, George, Wylie, Mary & Betty; & son in law, Derrel Nelson. Survivors include daughters & son in law, Barsa & Glenn Akers, Ruby Nelson; son & daughter in law, Marion & Viola Barkley; sister & brother in law, Artie & Bob Deleplank; 4 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were held 11 am, Monday, December 6, 2010 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with Rev. Harold Thompson officiating. Interment followed in Brazil Cemetery, Shady Point, OK. Pallbearers were Mark Akers, Michael Akers, Manuel Battles, David Cormany, Bobby Deleplank, Hoss Deleplank, Ronnie Lamar, & Harold Thompson. Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, OK.

Clifford Hollis Boevers

Clifford Hollis Boevers, 88, of Poteau, OK passed away Thursday, December 2, 2010 in Poteau. Clifford was born February 1, 1922 in Union City, OK to John W. & Lena (Patzack) Boevers. Clifford was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Ft. Smith, AR & of the Rural Electric Assoc. of Oklahoma. He enjoyed farming, horses, traveling, cruises, gardening, woodworking and listening to religious music & country-western music. He always tried to be honest & do the right thing. He always had a smile & a hearty handshake to all. Clifford was preceded in death by his wives, Irene Reneau Boevers & Helen Lee Noble Boevers; son, David Ray Boevers; brothers, Walt, Lawrence, Roy, Cloyce, & Leonard; & his parents. Survivors include his son & daughter in law, John & Frances Boevers of Poteau, OK; daughters & sons in law, Wilma Jean & Eddie Reichert of Vian, OK, Helen Ruth & Blaine Jackson of Bentonville, AR; stepdaughter & son in law, Carolyn Jean & Steve Whitney of Krebs, OK; grandsons, Nick Boevers of Poteau, OK, David Boevers Jr. of Austin, TX, Blaine Alex Jackson & Aaron Scott Jackson, both of Bentonville, AR; granddaughters, Kristin Reichert Rathmell of Bentonville, AR, Ginger Boevers of Poteau, OK, & Allison of Bryan, TX; stepgranddaughter, Mitsy Whitney of Tulsa, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were held 3 pm, Saturday December 4, 2010 at the Oakland Cemetery Pavilion in Poteau, OK with Rev. Eddie Reichert officiating. Interment followed.

Violet Mable Heath Roberts- Eastling

On the sunrise morning of November 30, 2010, Violet Mable Heath Roberts-Eastling departed this life in Sparks Regional Medical Center. She was born July 18, 1939 to R.G. Heath & Evelyn Fuhr Heath in Poteau, OK. She later settled in Pocola, OK with her family. Violet Mable Heath Roberts-Eastling is preceded in death by both of her parents, and husbands, Rubin Roberts and James Eastling. Violet was a member of Union Missionary Baptist Church and Central Wayland District. She was a devoted member and held many different offices in both locations. Later in life she joined the Friendship Chapter #30 – Moffett, OK of the Eastern Stars of Oklahoma, where she served as the Worthy Matron for a number of years. In 2003 she retired from Fort Smith Public School System where she served for over 30 years. She leaves to cherish one daughter, Carolyn Rena Dawson & husband Bobby of Ft. Smith, AR; 4 Stepdaughters, Shannon Patrick of Conway, AR, Clara Duckworth-Banks & husband Oscar of Ft. Smith, AR, Rosa Lee Batten of Newport New, VA and Paula Eastling of Shawnee, OK. She also leaves, 3 sons, Larry E. Roberts & Gaylord (Pete) Roberts both of Pocola, OK and Charles Guillory of Maryland. As a loving sister she departs her 4 loving siblings, sisters – Charlotte Jones, Caletha Lee & Marva Norwood; brother, R.G. Heath. Nanny also leaves her love with 22 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and her 2 adopted step great grandchildren as sons. A very special and loving host of brothers in law, sisters in law, nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held 11 am, Tuesday, December 7, 2010 at Union Missionary Baptist Church in Pocola, OK with Rev. Marvin Thompson officiating. Interment will follow at 1 pm in Ft. Smith National Cemetery, Fort Smith, AR. The family will be at the funeral home in Pocola on Monday evening from 5-7 pm to visit with friends & relatives.