Larry Leon "Doc" Watson

Larry Leon "Doc" Watson, 56, of Shady Point, OK passed away on Thursday, August 6, 2009 in Russellville, AR. Larry was born on March 1, 1953 in Poteau, OK to Leon & Eva Nell (Wiles) Watson. Larry was a member of the Assembly of God Church. He was a devoted agriculture teacher at Poteau High School for 28 years. He was a member of the LeFlore County Fair Board, the LeFlore County Cattlemen’s Association, and many other associations. Larry’s passion in life was his son, grandson, & his family and his hobbies were ranching and listening to bluegrass music. Larry’s parents preceded him in death. Larry is survived by his son & daughter in law, Jonathan & Julie Watson & his grandson Parker, all of Havana, AR; uncles and aunts, Frank & Bert Wiles & Robert & Elinor Pierce all of Shady Point, OK, & Vera Watson of Poteau, OK; numerous cousins, other relatives & loved ones and many beloved friends and former students. Memorial services for Larry were held at 10:00 am, Saturday, August 15, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with the Reverend Jimmy D. Cook officiating. Burial followed at a later date in Oakland Cemetery of Poteau with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Stephen Fruen, Randy Akins, Billy Thompson, Phil Hamlin, Jason Easley, Jeff Jensen, Everett Seagraves, & Greg Qualls. Honorary pallbearers were Bruce Thompson, Skip Baxter, Todd Peters, Wayne Jones, & Buzz Curry.

Charley James Sexton

Charley James Sexton, 86, of Poteau OK passed away Friday, August 7, 2009. Charley was born in Ozark, AR on April 16, 1923 to Lonnie & Eunice (Thompson) Sexton. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, James Cecil Sexton amd grandson, Jeremy Sexton. Charley was a veteran of the US Air Force. Survivors include his wife, Lydia Sexton of the home; 3 sons, Jimmy Sexton of Poteau, OK, Larry Sexton of Fort Worth, TX, Charles R. Sexton of Weatherford, TX; 9 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; 6 great great grandchildren; 2 sisters, Pauline Walters of Shady Point, OK, & Wanda Marshall of Howe, OK; brother, Walter Gipson of Howe, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services 2 pm, Tuesday, August 11, 2009 at Poteau Valley Baptist Church, Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Parsley officiating. Burial in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK. Pallbearers: Doyle Akers, Keith Sexton, Michael Clark & Clendon Bollinger.

John Kelvin Smith

John Kelvin Smith, 45, passed away Friday, August 7, 2009 in Tulsa, OK. John was born in Poteau, OK on May 2, 1964 to Billy Jack SR. & Betty (Bandy) Smith. John worked for KCS Railroad as an engineer. He enjoyed life. John was preceded in death by his father; and a great uncle, Shorty Smith. Survivors include his mother, Betty Smith of Poteau, OK; sister & brother in law, Regina & Steve Peck of Poteau, OK, brother & sister in law, Billy Jack & Ramona Smith of Poteau, OK. 1 niece & 4 nephews, Kinsey Peck, Conner Peck, Jacob Smtih, Joshua Smith & Dalton Smith; 3 uncles & aunts, W.R. 'Babe' & Pat Smith, Lee Roy & Gayle Bandy & Howard Bandy; aunts, Jeanette Chronister& Viola Connelly; great aunt, Wanda Smith; other relaitves & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services: 10 am, Tuesday, August 11, 2009 at Southside Baptist Church in Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment in Monroe Cemetery, Monroe, OK. Pallbearers John Perry, Hadley Chronister, Howard Bandy Jr, Stephen Bandy, Randy Frizzell, Patrick House, Jimmy Roberts & Jose' Chavez. Honorary pallbearers Harry Shanahan, Larry Poe, James Lynch, T.W. Emerson, Tom White, Steve Watson, Don McMillin, "Hoot" Jackson, Tommy Robertson & Jimbo Holstead.

Earl Leon Weatherford

A celebration of life for Earl Leon Weatherford, age 78, of Poteau, Oklahoma who died Thursday, August 6, 2009 in Poteau, was held Monday, August 10, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK. Earl was born March 4, 1931 in Howe, Oklahoma. Earl was an only child, reared by his grandparents, William & Delta McCormick of Howe, Oklahoma. Earl was preceded in death by his grandparents, his mother, Vera McCormick, his father, Wayne Weatherford, and his first wife, Josephine Weatherford. Earl was a member of Howe First Baptist Church and was retired from American Airlines in Tulsa, OK. He loved attending LeFlore Baptist Men’s Brotherhood, loved to tell others about the Lord. Earl also loved listening to good gospel music and country music. He loved roses, having lots of rosebushes at his home in Poteau. Survivors are his loving wife, Iris Weatherford of the home; a daughter, Earlene LaBass of Tulsa, OK; 2 granddaughters, Karri LaBass-Polson of Stillwater, OK & Kimberly LaBass-Carter of Tulsa, OK; 1 great granddaughter, Kennedy Polson of Stillwater, OK; a stepdaughter, Joni Humphries of Broken Arrow, OK; a stepson, Dr. John Stewart II of Tulsa, OK, a brother in law, Kenneth Austin of Marlow, OK; a stepbrother, Gene Goodin of Jefferson, OR; 3 step grandchildren, a host of cousins, other relatives, loved ones, & friends. Earl loved music and video music. The Celebration of Life honored Earl’s life with the music and video music he loved.

Betty Ann Perry

Betty Ann Perry, 65, of Poteau, OK passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2009 in Poteau, OK. Betty was born on October 5, 1943 in Hammond, IN to JC & Lavisa (Howery) Hicks. She was of the Pentecostal faith. Betty attended school at Cameron, OK where she played basketball, after her graduation, she attended Southeastern State University where she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree, then attended Northeastern State University where she obtained her Master’s Degree. Betty taught for 1 year at Midland, Arkansas. She then began teaching at Cameron Public Schools where she taught for 26 years before her retirement. Betty was a wonderful, loving wife, mother, & grandmother. Betty’s parents and a sister, Rita Blair preceded her in death. Betty is survived by her husband, Warren Perry of the home; 2 daughters & a son in law, Annette Haneline & Marla & Curtis Corcoran; 3 grandsons, Brad Bunch; BJ Haneline & Tyler Haneline; 2 granddaughters, Hailey & Holli Corcoran; 3 brothers & sisters in law, Jay & Lilly Hicks of Cameron, OK, John & Roseann Hicks of Collierville, TN, & Jerry Hicks of Cameron, OK; a brother in law, Leroy Blair of Poteau, OK; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones and many beloved friends. Funeral services for Betty were held at 2:00 pm Monday, August 10, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with the Reverend Jeff Jensen officiating. Interment followed the services in Oakland Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Brad Bunch, BJ Haneline, Tyler Haneline, Steve Hicks, Brian Hicks, Levi Jensen, & Kevin Morris.

Margie L. (Phillips) Duncan

Margie L. (Phillips) Duncan, 86, of Spiro, OK passed away on August 4, 2009 in Spiro. Margie was born on April 23, 1923 in Bokoshe, OK to Lee E. & Cordelia (Cole) Phillips. She was a dispatcher for a private security firm until her retirement. Margie’s parents and 7 siblings precede her in death. Margie is survived by a daughter, Sunny Ross of Spiro, OK; a grandson & his wife, Adam & Kerry Ross of Houston, Texas; a great grandson on the way; a sister, Delores Tobey of Spiro, OK; numerous nieces, & nephews, many friends & BOWLING BUDDIES. Funeral services for Margie were held at 2:00 pm Saturday, August 8, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with the Reverend Jimmy D. Cook officiating. Interment followed the services in Oakland Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK.

Gerald Carlyle Lang

Gerald Carlyle Lang, 90, of Poteau, OK passed away on August 3, 2009 in Poteau. Gerald was born on April 19, 1919 in Jamestown, New York to William & Mable (Harrison) Lang. Gerald as a World War II veteran, serving in the US Army and a metal estimator until his retirement He was a member of 1st Assembly of God Church in Poteau. He is preceded in death by his wife, Leona on January 22, 2002 and his parents. Gerald is survived by a son & daughter in law, Kevin & Jean Lang of Spiro, OK; a grandson, Paul Bosley of Spiro, OK; 2 granddaughters, Sheila Taylor of Jacksonville, AR & Theresa Webster of Spiro, OK; a stepdaughter, Jesse Milburn of Shady Point, OK; 3 step granddaughters, Shannon Helstein & Angelina Milburn both of Shady Point, K & Dawn Dexter of Warwick, RI; 9 step great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; numerous other relatives & loved ones & many beloved friends. Funeral services for Gerald were held at 10:00 am, Saturday, August 8, 2009 at First Assembly of God Church in Poteau, OK with the Reverend Keith Williams officiating. Interment followed the services with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK.

Iva Nell Phillips

Iva Nell Phillips, 69, of Summerfield, OK passed away on Saturday, August 1, 2009 in Summfield, OK. Iva Nell was born on October 14, 1939 in Tuskahoma, OK to B. C. & Mae (Adams) Carpenter. She was a waitress and general laborer. Her parents; a grandson, Alan Loomis; her brother, Richard Carpenter; and a nephew Donald Carpenter precede her in death. Iva Nell is survived by her husband, August Phillips, Sr.; a daughter & son in law, Debbie & Clay Cruse of Heavener, OK; 2 sons & daughter in law, Jerry & Bobby Loomis of Glendale & James Loomis of Summerfield; 5 sisters, Retha Dehart of Barling, AR; Iva Brown of Aledo, TX; Goldie Hollan of Reichert, OK; Janice Talbert & Cheryl Kuhn, both of Little Rock, AR; a brother & sister in law, Alton & Kathy Carpenter of Summerfield, OK; a sister in law, Beulah Carpenter of Summerfield, OK; numerous other relatives & loved ones and many beloved friends. Graveside memorial services for Iva Nell were held at 10:00 am Tuesday, August 4, 2009 at Summerfield Cemetery Pavilion with the Reverend Oscar Aguero officiating. Interment of her ashes following the services with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK

Ruthie "Kay" Marsh

Kay Marsh, 58, of Poteau, OK passed away Thursday, July 30, 2009 in Fort Smith, AR. Kay was born June 3, 1951 in Spiro, OK to Lee & Polly (Sutton) Williams. Kay was a homemaker. She attended First Church of the Nazarene in Poteau, OK. She had served proudly on the Poteau City Council for 15 years; was President of the Band Boosters & Quarter Note Club, a home room mother a number of times; a member of the women's ministry at the Nazarene Church and a long time supported of Poteau Pirate Football and other activities. Survivors include her husband, Jim Marsh of the home; 2 sons and daughter in law, Jay Marsh of Bixby, OK, Joey & Kasey Marsh of Poteau, OK; 2 daughters & sons in law, Jennifer & Eric Lamb of Poteau, OK, Jill & Michael Moss of Poteau, OK; sister & brother in law, Ruby & Carl Zinn of Amity, AR; brother & sister in law, Tommy & Darlene Williams of Rogers, AR; 7 grandchildren, Krisie Moss, Abbi Marsh, Tori Marsh, Mason Marsh, James Moss, Brendon Marsh, & Amelia Moss. Services will be 2 pm, Sunday, August 2, 2009 at First church of the Nazarene in Poteau, OK with Rev. David Gordon & Rev. Richard Dickinson officiating. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK. Pallbearers: Jonathan Clark, John Boevers, Louis Gill, Paul Quirk, Mark Pollard, Jeff Shockley, Podie Meeks, Danny Holdman, & Robert Swinford. Honorary pallbearers: Poteau Police Department. The family will be at the funeral home from 6-8 pm, Saturday, August 1, 2009 to visit with relatives & friends.

Lathaniel Fowler, Sr.

Lathaniel Fowler, Sr. 74 passed away on July 28, 2009 at his home in Rock Island, OK following a lengthy illness. Lathaniel was born on January 28, 1935 in Fort Smith, AR to Robert L. & Charlcie (Wade) Fowler. He was a member of Pocola Christian Fellowship, a graduate of Fort Smith High School, an Air Force veteran and a retired Civil Service employee. His parents preceded him in death. Lathaniel is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Shirley (Muncy) Fowler of the home; 2 daughters & sons in law, Lisa & D.A. Myers III of Butler, MO and Gayla S. & Roger Blair of Rock Island, OK; a son, Lathaniel Fowler Jr. of Rock Island, OK; a grandson & his wife, Troy & Maria Greenwell of Belton, MO; 2 granddaughters & their husbands, Trisha & Jerald Ferguson of Belton, MO & Sebrina & Billy Park of Sasebo, Japan; 11 great grandchildren; 2 brothers, Wilson W. Fowler of Rock Island, OK and Robert R. Fowler of Fort Smith, AR; a sister and brother in law, Iris & Davey Lee Sumners of Fort Smith, AR; numerous other relatives & loved ones and many beloved friends. Funeral services for Lathaniel were held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, August 1, 2009 at Evans Memorial Chapel in Pocola, OK with the Reverend Eldon Burnett officiating. Interment followed the services in Mt. Cemetery, Hackett, AR with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Pocola. Pallbearers were Jim Holt, Bob Pyatt, Brent Pyatt, & David Holt.

Jeremy Dale Sexton

Jeremy Dale Sexton, 36 of Fayetteville, AR passed away on July 20, 2009 in Fayetteville. Jeremy was born on March 21, 1973to Larry & Deborah (Rohrbach) Sexton. He was a talented artist who loved to draw. He also loved cooking & listening to rock and heavy metal music. Jeremy is survived by his mother, Deborah Rohrbach of Atlantic Beach, FL; his father, Larry Gene Sexton of Euless, TX; a brother, Joshua McKinley Clark of Fort Worth, TX; his paternal grandparents, Lydia & Charles Sexton of Poteau, OK; his maternal grandfather, Frank E. Rohrbach of Huntsville, TX; a number of aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and loved ones and many beloved friends. Memorial services for Jeremy were held at 1:00 pm Thursday, July 30, 2009 at Oakland Cemetery Pavilion in Poteau, Oklahoma with the Reverend Jim Parsley & Harrell Vise officiating. Interment followed the services with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK.

William Darrell Roland

William Darrell Roland, 67, of Shady Point, OK passed away Thursday, July 23, 2009 in Oklahoma City, OK. He was born March 30, 1942, in Papaw Central, OK to Freddy & Mildred (Kenney) Roland. Darrell was a member of Shady Point Assembly of God Church; a veteran of the US Army and retired from Whirlpool Corporation. He loved fishing, watching ballgames, and spending time with his family and friends. Survivors include his wife, Sue Roland of the home; son and daughter in law, Darrell Wayne & Mindy Roland of Shady Point, OK; daughters, Donita McMullen & Stephanie Harris; 3 grandchildren; brother & sister in law, D.D. & Linda Roland of Vinita, OK; sister & brother in law, Pat & Eddie Finney of Booneville, AR; mother & stepfather, Mildred & Wayne Ferguson of Muldrow, OK; parents in law, Eugene Allen & Billie Jean Logan of Shady Point, OK; brother in law & sister in law, Jerry & Peggy Logan of Keota, OK; special aunt, Cille Williams of Shady Point, OK; special cousins, Joe & Ruth Davison; special friends, Joey & Tim Gish; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services: 2 pm, Monday, July 27,2009 at First Assembly of God Church - Shady Point, OK with Rev. Joe Owen & Rev. Mike Bunch officiating. Burial in Shady Point Cemetery. Pallbearers: Nick AShby, Josh Massey, Derrick Herrington, Cody Holt, John Davison & Dustin Reddin.

ZOLLEN LEE TUCKER JR.

Zollen Lee Tucker Jr., 43, of Columbus, Ohio formerly of Panama, OK passed away on Sunday July 19, 2009 in Columbus, OH. He was born August 29, 1965 in Los Angeles, CA to Zollen Lee & Peggy G. Harold Tucker Sr. Zollen was a member of the American Legion and a disabled veteran of the US Army & he later joined the US Air Guard. He loved riding motorcycles. He was preceded in death by his mother, Peggy Gustafson and his father, Zollen Tucker Sr. Survivors include his stepmother, Marlene Tucker of Alma, AR; stepfather, Walter Gustafson of Panama, OK; brother Tim Tucker of Panama, OK; sisters, Christina AJohnston of Lavaca, AR, Terry Thompson of Greenwood, AR, Sharlene Johnson of Ft. Smith, AR; Nancy Tew of Alma, AR; sons, Michael Tucker of Altus, OK, Zollen Lee Tucker III of Cheyenne, WY; daughter, Michylea Tucker of Cheyenne, WY; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services: 10 am, Saturday, July 25, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories - Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Burial in New Hope Cemetery - Spiro, OK.

SYDNA CHARLENE CARR

Sydna Charlene Carr, 72, of Poteau, OK passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2009 in Ft. Smith, AR. She was born December 31, 1936, in Talihina, OK to Bill & Lois (Wall) Palmer. Charlene was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Leno Carr; son, Charles William Carr; and her parents. She liked to go fishing, sewing, and singing (in Choctaw. Survivors include her son, Matthew Carr of the home; 2 daughters, Christine Durant of Pocola, OK and Stephenie Carr of the home; granddaughter, Crystal Sampley of Ft. Smith, AR; great grandchildren, Ethat Selph and Charla Selph of Ft. Smith, AR; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services: 10 am, Saturday, July 25, 2009 at First Step of Faith, Poteau, OK with Rev. Leon Glenn officiating. Burial in Fairhill(Knothole) Cemetery- Cameron, OK.

Paul H. Wells

Paul H. Wells, 82, of Shady Point, OK passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2009 in Fort Smith, AR. He was born September 10, 1926 in Shady Point, OK to Louis Condy & Minnie Belle (Richards) Wells. Paul was a member of Calhoun Baptist Church and a bridge construction engineer. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou Wells; a son, Richard McQuain and a sister, Wilma Wells. Survivors include 4 sons, Joe Wells of Tulsa, OK, Paul R. Wells of Shady Point, OK, William C. Wells of Shady Point, OK & Henry K. Wells of Shady Point, OK; daughter, Cynthia Scott of Sugar Loaf Lake, AR; 2 sisters, Ann Lee Dean of Muskogee, OK, Donnie Sue Stubbs of Farmington, AR; 15 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services: 2 pm, Saturday, July 25, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories - Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Burial following in Shady Point Cemetery Shady Point, OK . Pallbearers, Gerald Fox, Charles Scott, Chris Armistead, David Foster, Mark Morris and Bill Hoffman

Herman "Hodo" Wylie

Herman D. “Hodo” Wylie, 82, of Wister, OK passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2009 in Summerfield, OK. He was born March 9, 1927, in Holsun Valley, OK to M.L. & Lou (Turner) Wylie. Hodo was a member & deacon of Summerfield Baptist Church and a veteran of the US Army. Survivors include his wife, Tema Wylie of the home; daughter & son in law, Kathy & Alton Carpenter of Summerfield, OK; grandchildren, Kendall & wife, Sharla Carpenter of Summerifled, OK, Raenita Carpenter of Summerfield, OK; great grandchildren, Wally Kitchel and Kagney Scarberry of Summerfield, OK; brother & sister in law, Troy & Wanda Wylie of Nevada; sister, Lucille Harris of California; special nieces & nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were held 10 am, Friday, July 24, 2009 at First Baptist Church in Summerfield, OK with the Rev. Charles Caughern officiating. Interment followed in Summerfield Cemetery, Summerfield, OK. Pallbearers: Rick Brannon, Mike Cox, Herman McGowen, Davy Owens, Davy Don Owens, Bob Lewis. Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau,

Wanda Ferguson

Wanda Faye Ferguson , 75, of Poteau, OK passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2009 in Ft. Smith, AR. Wanda was born July 6, 1934 in Heavener, OK. She was a homemaker. Her husband William Thomas Ferguson precedes her in death; as well as her sons, Patrick Ferguson, John Ferguson, Phillip Ferguson, & Thomas Ferguson. Survivors include her brother, William Maney of Cedar Lake, OK; daughters & sons in law, Jane Coleman of CA; Charlotte & Danny LaJess of AL, Kathaleen & Mark Mocekis of Eugene, OR, Kelly & Steve Forester of CA, Patricia Folwer of Arkoma, OK, Donna J. Harvell of Wister, OK; sons & daughters in law, Michael & Linda Ferguson of CA, Larry & Ellen Lord of CA, John L. Lord of Tulsa, OK, Jerry Lord of CA; 25 Grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services 2 pm, Friday, July 24, 2009 at Stapp Zoe Baptist Church in Stapp Zoe Community, OK with Rev. Bob Garrett officiating. Burial in Zoe Cemetery.

Eddie Robison

David Edward “Eddie” Robison David Edward “Eddie” Robison, 58, of Poteau, OK passed away Sunday July 19, 2009 in Oklahoma City, OK. Eddie was born in Poteau, OK on January 12, 1951 to George Thomas & Twalla Lou (Worley) Robison. Eddie was a veteran of the US Army serving as an MP. He was a tile setter & contract laborer. He was preceded in death by his father; daughter, Jeannie Noah; son in law, Joe Noah; and his grandparents, Joe & Mae Randolph, Ed & Ada Robison. Survivors include 3 sons, Phillip Smith of Okmulgee, OK, Matthew Robison & Wesley Robison of Beggs, OK; 4 daughters, Melissa Dawson & Mary Joe Davis of Okmulgee, OK, LaKota Robison & Katie Robison of Beggs, OK; mother, Twalla Robison of Poteau, OK; 5 grandchildren, Mayci Noah, David Dawson, Kiell Dawson, Riley Davis, & Logan Smootherland; brother & sister in law, Thomas & Darlene Robison of Branson, MO; companion, Thresa Carter of Okmulgee, OK; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were held 2 pm, Wednesday, July 22, 2009, at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating Interment in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, OK.

Ellen Estell Cherry

Ellen Estell Cherry, 67, of Panama, OK passed away on Monday, July 20, 2009 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Ellen was born on August 2, 1941 in Poteau, OK to Zemon Wesley & Maggie Mae (Russell) Copeland. Ellen was a home health care worker. She enjoyed Nascar races (especially the ones with Dale Earnhart) & baseball. She loved spending time with her children & grandchildren & her friends. Her husband, Wade Cherry, a twin brother, Buck Copeland; 6 other siblings, & her parents precede Ellen in death Ellen is survived by a daughter, Rhonda Thompson of Panama, OK; a son & daughter in law, Byron W. & Anita Cherry of Panama, OK; 2 stepdaughters, 9 grandchildren, Larrissa Cherry, Natasha Cherry, Bea Dawn Mize, Justin Mize, Brook Mize, Robin Cheely, Crystal Herald, & Amanda Driver; 8 great grandchildren; a sister, Eastel James of Panama, OK numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; and many beloved friends. Funeral services for Ellen were held at 10:00 am, Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with the Reverend Jimmy D. Cook officiating. Interment followed the services at Shady Point Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Howard Cagle, Jeff Cagle, Dennis James, & Austin James.

Patsy R. Hopcraft

Patsy R. Hopcraft, 80, of Poteau, OK passed away Friday, July 17, 2009 in Ft. Smith, AR. Patsy was born in Poteau, OK on May 7, 1929 to Melvin & D'olus (Taylor) Moody. She was an office manager. and member of St. Johns Episcopal Church in Ft. Smith, AR. Survivors include her husband, Calvin Hopcraft of the home; son & daughter in law, Calvin & Cory Hopcraft II of Jenks, OK; daughter, Lori Lea Hopcraft of Poteau, OK; 4 grandchildren, Taylor, Erin, Colin and Kyle; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Memorial services will be held Monday, July 27, 2009 at St. Johns Episcopal Church in Ft. Smith, AR.

C.B. Wade

C.B. Wade, 80, of Shady Point, OK passed away Friday, July 17, 2009 at his home in Shady Point. C.B. was born February 18, 1929 in Spiro, OK to Charley B. & Eliza (Carpenter) Wade, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brother W.J. Wade and sisters, Nellie Fern & Reba Moore. C.B. was a retired welder and he was a retired veteran of the US Army after some 30 years. He was a Master Sgt. He served in the Korean War. Survivors include 3 daughters, Debbie Luman of Poteau, OK, Tammie Herrington of Wister, OK and Linda Turner of Alma, AR; 4 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter; 2 sisters, Opal Sinclair of Spring Valley, CA and Jewell Pratt of Muskogee, OK; numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services 2 pm, Monday, July 20, 2009 graveside at New Hope Cemetery in Spiro, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating.

Jimmy D. Sears

Jimmy D. Sears, 37, of Bentonville, Arkansas, formerly of Poteau, Oklahoma passed away on Monday, July 13, 2009 in Joplin, MO. Jimmy was born on February 19, 1972 in Poteau, OK to Robert & Sarah (Kelley) Sears. He was a landscaper & lawn care specialist. He was good with all kids & was just a big kid himself He loved being around all kids and having fun with them. Jimmy’s parents, preceded him in death Jimmy is survived by a son, Bradley Sears & a daughter, Shelby Sears both of Prairie Grove, AR; a sister & brother in law, Annetta & Ron DeMoss of Wister, OK; 2 nieces, Lindsey & Molly; a nephew, Taylor; and a great niece Jocelyn; numerous other relatives & loved ones & many beloved friends. Graveside services for Jimmy were held at 10:00 am, Thursday, July 16, 2009 at Ellis Chapel Cemetery in Wister, 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.

A. Helen Morris

Arie Helen Morris, 87, of Poteau, Oklahoma passed away on Sunday July 12, 2009 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Helen was born on December 14, 1922 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to John & Esther (Floyd) Hoffman. Helen was a longtime resident of Poteau and a member of the First Baptist Church. Over the years, Helen was employed by Poteau Motor Company and LeFlore County Memorial Hospital where she retired after 33 years of service. She also had a tax office for 50 years. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Clyde T. Morris; and a daughter, Shirley Caldwell. Helen is survived by her daughter, Mary Helen Lucas of Poteau, OK; a son in law, Reverend Fred Caldwell of Coppell, TX; 3 granddaughters, Kari & husband Richard Riddle of Sydney, MT; Melissa & David Engle of Allen, TX; and Lacey B. Lucas of Salem, OR; a grandson, Larry B. Lucas of Tulsa, OK; 4 great grandchildren, Andrew Kindle, Katie Beth Kindle, Jordan Kindle, & Noah Engle; 2 brothers & sisters in law, Giles & Susan Helbling of Fort Smith, AR & Terry & Megdalia Helbling of Houston, TX; several nieces & nephews, other relatives & loved ones; and many beloved friends. Funeral services for Helen were held at 10:00 am, Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with the Reverend Phil McGehee officiating. Interment followed the services in Greenhill Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Larry B. Lucas II, Floyd Morris. Fred Caldwell, David Engle, Gary Rogers, & Danny Rogers.

Claud Albert Davis

Claud Albert Davis was born April 3, 1928 and departed this life on Friday, July 10, 2009. He was 81 years of age. He was preceded in death by his parents, Webster Edwin Davis & Lucy Viola Wells Barnes Davis; four brothers: Nelson, Earl, Jim Ed & Charles Davis: one sister, Inez Condra; and a son, Claud Nelson Davis. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Vilene Martin Davis of the home; two sons: Bob and wife Debbie of Pocola and Gary and wife Sharon of North Little Rock, Arkansas; a daughter Carol Ann Ford and husband Lance of Heavener; four grandchildren: Adam and Barrett Davis of North Little Rock and Julianne and Nicholas Ford of Heavener; two sisters: Wilma Coffman of Fresno, California, and Mary Florence Morgan of Shady Point; one brother, George A. Davis of Pocola; numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of beloved friends. Claud was born in Pocola and lived here all of his life. He served as a member of the first Town Council when the City of Pocola was incorporated in the early 1960’s. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Pocola, and served there as deacon, Sunday School Director, choir member and songleader for many years. Claud graduated from high school in 1948 and played baseball and basketball. He married his high school sweetheart, Vilene Martin, in 1949. They had four children, and he was very proud of his family. He worked extremely hard to make sure all of his children could get a college education, and they all became teachers. Claud loved people. He always had a smile and the ability to make friends easily. He was wonderful at telling jokes and stories. He had many friends, and he always made time to visit with them, often standing for hours in his driveway or pasture. Claud farmed and raised cattle most of his life. He especially enjoyed buying used farm equipment to repair then trade or sell. He was a good businessman, and he operated Davis Farm Equipment out of his home after work and on the weekends. Claud retired in 1983 from Motive Parts Warehouse, where he worked for 32 years as a parts manager. Claud enjoyed music, especially country and gospel. He had a beautiful tenor voice and sang solos at his church. He always sang from the heart, and he loved to hear other people that sang that way also. Most of all, Claud loved his family. He was a devoted son, brother, father, and Papa. Despite living with Alzheimer’s Disease in his final years, he was still able to bring joy to all of us. The Davis family is especially grateful for all the friends and relatives who have expressed their concern through cards, flowers, phone calls, visits, and prayers. They would also like to thank the staffs of Pocola Nursing Center and Advantage Home Health and Hospice for taking such good care of Claud in his last months. Pallbearers will be Eddie Coleman, Jim Davis, Kevin Hesslen, Jimmy Dean Pipkins, Phil Smith, Larry Sockey, & grandsons, Adam & Barrett Davis Services will be held at 10:00 am Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at First Baptist Church of Pocola.

Walter Franklin Montgomery

Walter Franklin Montgomery, 64, of Sallisaw, OK passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2009 in Sallisaw. Walter was born on November 1, 1944 in Walls, OK to Jim & Vera (Battles) Montgomery. He was a member of Hodgen First Baptist Church and a house mover. Walter is survived by2 sons and daughters in law, Dewayne & Kalley Montgomery of Sallisaw, OK & Jeff & Rhonda Montgomery of Heavener, OK; a daughter & son in law, Alisha & Tommy Fisk of Spiro, OK; 6 grandchildren, Tyler Montgomery, John Fisk, Destiny Phillips, Dakota Montgomery, Jeffery Montgomery, & Walter Franklin Montgomery; numerous other relatives & loved ones & many friends. Funeral services for Walter were held at 10:00 am Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with Steve Ellison officiating. Interment followed the services at Greenhill Cemetery in Cameron, OK with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Ron Cauthen, Tommy Fisk, Kevin Holt, Bradley Montgomery, Roy Dale Thompson, & Kevin Holt, Jr. Honorary pallbearers were Billy Jack Holt & Tyler Montgomery.

Dorothy L. Hastings

Dorothy L. “Granny Dorothy” Hastings, 79, of Poteau, OK passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2009 in Poteau. Dorothy was born on February 3, 1930 in Okemah, OK to W. T. & Fannie (Cornell) Nicholson. She was a Nurse Aide at Spiro Nursing Home for a number of years and a homemaker. Dorothy is preceded in death by a son, Steve O. Hastings, the father of her children, Frank Hastings; 2 sisters, 4 brothers, and her parents, W.T. Nicholson & Fannie (Cornel) Banson. Dorothy is survived by a son, Terry Hastings of Poteau, OK, a daughter, Tina Stanley of Poteau, OK; a daughter in law, Debra Hastings of Poteau, OK, a son in law, Donny Stanley of Red Oak, OK, special daughter, Dee Pierce of Fort Smith, AR; 4 granddaughters, April Hastings, Sabrina Williams, Nena Hastings, & Tammy Hastings, 6 grandsons, B.J. Hastings, Terry Loyle Hastings, Franky Hastings, Jacob Bennett, Brandon Stanley, & Jeff Loyd; great grandchildren, Scooter Hastings, Stevie Hastings, & many more too numerous to mention; other relatives & loved ones and many beloved friends. Funeral services for Dorothy were held at 2:00 pm, Monday, July 13, 2009 at First Free Will Baptist Church in Poteau, OK with the Reverend Junior Phillips & the Reverend Jimmy D. Cook officiating. Interment followed the services in Oakland Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Don Stanley, Tommy Hayes, Eric Blaylock, Robert Calvin, Billy Cripps, & Daniel Sweeten.

Andy Covey

Andrew Alan “Andy” Covey, 38 of Towanda, KS passed away on July 6 in Wichita, KS. Andy was born on January 25, 1971 in Calhoun, OK to Jimmy & Patsy (Thompson) Covey. He was a truck driver for Hogoboom Oilfield Trucking Inc. Andy’s father, Carl Jimmy Covey, a brother, Carl Jimmy Covey, Jr, and his maternal and paternal grandparents precede him in death. Andy had a love for his daughters, family, friends, and anyone around him. He will be missed by many family and friends. Andy is survived by 3 daughters, Amanda, Kimberly, & Kasyl Covey all of the home; his mother Patsy Covey of Panama, OK; 4 sisters & brothers in law, Lois & Gerald Gotes of Poteau, OK, Judy & Jackie Harris of Shady Point, OK, Carolyn & Steve Sumpter of Poteau, OK & Janie & Tim Davis of Heavener, OK; 4 brothers & sisters in law, Bobby and Tammy Covey of Washington, NC, Jimmy & Tammy Covey of Shady Point, OK, Ronnie & Margaret Covey of Poteau, OK & David & Dina Covey of Hot Springs, AR; 22 nieces & nephews, 11 great nieces & nephews, 1 uncle, Charley Covey of Shady Point, OK; 1 aunt Ila Faye Thompson of Panama, OK; numerous cousins other relatives & loved ones, & many friends. Funeral services for Andy were held at 2 pm, Friday, July 10, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with the Reverend Jimmy D. Cook officiating. Interment followed the services in Shady Point Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were his brother & nephews, Bobby Covey, Jimmy Covey, Ronnie Covey, David Covey, Jackie Wayne Harris, CJ Covey, Chris Covey, Eric Covey, Brent Covey, & Dusty Harris. Honorary pallbearers were nephews Bobby Covey Jr., Steven Covey, Daniel Taylor, Paul Moss, Austin, Noah, & Jacob Davis.

Christopher Justin Bryan

Christopher Justin Bryan, 20, of Pocola, OK passed away July 4, 2009 in Fort Smith, AR. He was born July 7, 1988 in Indio, CA to Shannon & Karen {Reichard} Bryan. Christopher was a shift manager at Quiznos. He graduated from Pocola High School in 2006 but his true home was his birthplace California where he had trained in Soo Bak Do Karate and was a baseball and football star when he was younger. He was an avid skateboarder and loved music and being with his friends. He was kind, funny, charming, and had a way of making everyone he was around laugh and smile. He had too many friends to count and loved his friends and family very much and will be missed tremendously. Survivors include his mother, Karen Bryan of Pocola, OK and father, Shannon Bryan of Banning, CA; sisters, Megan Allen of Roland Ok and Erin Bryan of Pocola, OK; stepfather, David Arteaga of Thousand Palms, CA; nephew, Christian and neices, Rayanne & Mikayla; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services 10 am, Friday, July 10, 2009 at Evans Memorial Chapel in Pocola, OK with Eddie Blankenship officiating. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Ft. Smith, AR. Pallbearers will be James Cohee, Nyles Ferden, Jonathan Allen, Joey Tudor, Christopher Ryan Thomas, David Herdison, Greg Howell, & Trent Embry. The family will be at the funeral home from 6-8 pm, Thursday evening to visit with relatives & friends.

Dessie Owen

Dessie Owen, 105, of Spiro, OK passed away Monday, July 6, 2009 in Fort Smith, AR. She was born August 16, 1903 in Poker Bend, Indian Territory, OK. She was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Madison & Ida Lee ( Brown) Taylor; husband Jessie "Bob" Owen and son, Edward Madison Owen. Survivors include 2 daughters and son in law, Lois Baxter of Spiro, OK, Doris & Wayne McWaters of Shady Point, OK; sons, Albert Owen and Jesse Owen of Shady Point, OK; 11 Grandchildren; 20 Great Grandchildren; 16 Great Great Grandchildren; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services 11 am, Saturday, July 11, 2009 - Graveside at New Hope Cemetery in Spiro, OK with Rev. James Hill officiating. The family will be at the funeral home from 5-7 pm Friday evening to visit with relatives & friends.

Sibyle Caldwell Clayton Ollie passed to her heavenly home on July 2, 2009 after a brief illness. Sibyle was born February 6, 1920 in Poteau, OK to Fannie Emaline Bone & John Edward Caldwell. She was the eleventh child of twelve. She graduated from Poteau High School in 1938 and married her sweetheart and best friend, James Fred Clayton, on May 28, 1938. She began working with him in the Clayton grocery store, which she did off and on for a number of years. They later moved to El Paso, TX where she worked for the Department of Defense at Ft. Bliss and retired in 1990. After losing her sweetheart Fred in 1979, Sibyle remained in El Paso where she participated in many organizations over the years and was always active in a Baptist church wherever she lived. During the 1980’s she was active in the American Business Women’s Association of El Paso, TX and was named Woman of the Year. In August 1991 she moved to Spiro, OK and married her long-time friend, J.D. Ollie. Sibyle enjoyed playing bridge, sewing, and cooking. Her Cinnamon Rolls were the best! She was most recently a member of First Baptist Church of Poteau and remained a lifetime member of the Order of Eastern Star in Spiro, OK. Sibyle was preceded in death by her parents, her husband James Fred Clayton in 1979 and James David (J.D.) Ollie in 1992, brothers Clyde, Jerry, Cecil, Henry, Jack, and Joe Caldwell, sisters, Lenora Bolding, Mollie Bennett, Fern Hargrove, baby girl Caldwell, and one great grandchildren, Aaron Bailey Atchley. She is survived by one son James Fred Clayton II and wife Elizabeth of Anthony, NM and one daughter Carol Havill and husband Dean of Sarcoxie, MO; seven granddaughters, Phoebe Havill of Richardson, TX, Polly Anna Oliver and husband Kent and family of Elizabeth, CO, Penny Moore and husband Douglas and family of Sarcoxie, MO, Danielle Wills and family of Lakewood, OH, DeAnna Hlousek and husband Brian and family of Springfield, MO, JO Kruzel and husband Bob and family of Grapevine, TX, and Keri Dawn Atchley and husband John and family of Grand Prairie, TX; one sister, Eva Kirk Jensen of North Carolina and one sister-in-law, Lee Oma Caldwell of Hugo, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were held 11 am, Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at First Baptist Church, Poteau, OK with Rev. Phil McGehee officiating. Interment followed in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau with pallbearers John Atchley, Doug Moore, Kent Oliver, & Tyler Oliver. Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, OK

T.J. Dodd

T.J. Dodd, 77, of Pocola, OK passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 in Fort Smith, AR. T.J. was born on August 25, 1931 in Doddville, MS to Austain & Claudia (Willaby) Dodd. He was a veteran of the US Army and retired from Whirlpool Corporation. T.J. is survived by his wife, Ina Sue Dodd of the home, 4 daughters, Dorothy Dodd of West Monroe, LA, Linda Gail Dodd of Shreveport, LA, Robin & Kenny Alston of Inola, OK & Valerie & Burl Lafferty of Panama, OK; a son & daughter in law, T.J. & Jennifer Dodd of Pocola, OK; 2 stepbrothers & sisters in law, Woodrow & Linda Dilly of Lafayette, LA & A.J. & Marina Dilly of Monroe, LA;3 stepsisters & brother in law, Bertha & Ray Seals of Beaumont, TX, Inez Griffis & Mary Ann Graves, both of Lafayette, LA, 2 sisters in law, Helen Dodd of Jefferson, TX & Frances Dodd of Las Vegas, NV; 16 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; numerous other relatives & loved ones & many beloved friends. Funeral services for T.J. were held at 10:00 am, Monday, July 6, 2009 at Evans Memorial Chapel in Pocola, OK with interment following the services at Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Fort Smith, AR. Pallbearers were Burl Lafferty, Kenny Alston, Jeramy Finney, Michael Waterbury, Leon Alston, & Wesley Smith.

Jeanne Ballew

Jeanne Ballew, 76, of Wister, OK passed away Saturday, June 27, 2009 in Ft. Smith, AR. She was born August 27, 1932 in Wister, OK to William L. Sr. & Ora [Little] Free. Mrs. Ballew was a member of the First baptist Church in Wister, OK. She was retired from Wister Public Schools after teaching for 25 years. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Geneva Johnson & Brothers, Bill & Nim Free. Survivors include her husband, Wayne Ballew of the home; 2 sons, Gary Ballew of Ft. Smith, AR. Kendall and wife Sherry Ballew of Poteau, OK; granddaughter, Brianne Ballew of Midwest City, OK; sister, Louise Hornbuckle of Wister, OK; brothers, Bob Free of Poteau, OK and Tommy "Buddy" Free of Torrance, CA; numerous nieces, nephews, other realtives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services 2:00 pm, Wednesday July 1, 2009 at Wister First Baptist Church - Wister, OK - Rev. Keith Stewart officiating. Interment in Ellis Chapel Cemetery, Wister,. Pallbearers: Steve Tiffee, Sam Walden, Jesse Akins, Donnie DeWitt, Jared DeWitt and Wayne Woodall.

VIDA ELLEN WRIGHT

Vida Ellen Wright was born on November 24, 1917, to Zeoda May North and Ralph Melvin Fenderson, from pioneer families who made land runs into Oklahoma Territory. Born in Prague, OK she was raised in the nearby oil fields (Lyonsville, & Bryant) where her father worked. She was the third of four children, the other three being boys: Eldon, Lowell, & Enos. After the sudden death of her Father, when she was six, the family remained in the oil fields, as Vida's mother ruggedly struggled to provide and care for the five of them by running a boarding house and farming. In 1926 her mother met and married, O.M. Lindhorst and the two pooled their assets and ran a ten cent store in Henryetta, OK. Later Mr. Lindhorst adopted the four children and they moved to Chandler, Lincoln County, OK, and again operated a dime store. During this happy time of Vida's life, she enjoyed drawing, painting, writing, and working in the dime store. She was an excellent student and was salutatorian of her Chandler High School class. She attended Junior college and Oklahoma A & M and worked as a Lincoln County court reporter. In 1939, she married John Cecil Wright, also of Chandler. They were in the pharmacy/drugstore business there, and then after WWII, in Tulsa. In 1949 Vida and John moved to Poteau, OK, established and operated Wright's Drugstore for 33 years. They raised their three children and were involved in the community and Poteau's First Methodist Church. Vida was particularly active in Sunday School, the women's church groups, vacation bible school, the ESA sorority, the EOMC auxiliary, their children's school activities, AFS, and she also worked in the drugstore. She enjoyed homemaking, especially cooking and sewing. After selling the store, John and Vida had ten years of retirement together before John's passing. Vida remained in the family home on Amos Street in Poteau for about twelve years before moving to Norman, due to ill health associated with a series of mini-strokes, so as to be near relatives. She lived in the Rivermont Assisted Living Facility and was an inspiration for her courage, good humor and non-complaining attitude, though blind and affected by memory short-term loss for most of her last 5 years. She established her own identity at Rivermont, becoming well respected and appreciated for her spelling, grammar, biblical knowledge as well as her witty one-liners and enjoyed participating in the activities there. Passing on before her have been her husband of 53 years, Mother and Father, Step parents, brothers, and many aunts, uncles and cousins, as well as friends and neighbors. Survivors include her daughter, Cecilia Ellen Abrams; Son, John Albert Wright (Sallie) Daughter, Rebecca Jane Pulliam; granddaughter, Leslie Abrams Field (Warren); Grandson, Eric Christian Abrams; granddaughter, Jessianne Ashley Wright; grandchildren, Aspen, Autumn, Wildflower, Ocean, Mountain, Echo, and Willow Pulliam; great grandchildren, Brittany Gaddis, Finn and Harrison Field, & Pulliam great grandchildren; AFS Family; Juan and Abigail Solarzano; there are also many cousins and in-laws, as well as her many, many fine friends. Services 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at the Poteau First United Methodist Church. Interment in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK.

Lori L. Bullard

Lori L. Bullard, 43, of Wister, OK passed away Friday, June 26, 2009 in Fort Smith, AR. Lori was born November 9, 1965 in Poteau, OK to Eual & & Pat R. (Tucker) Ford. Lori was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Wister. She managed the cafeteria at Fanshawe and Wister Schools until she retired six years ago. She was a wonderful wife, daughter, mother, and sister. Survivors include her husband, Danny Bullard of the home; daughter & son in law, Elysia B. & Eric Dolph of Wister, OK; son and daughter in law, Christopher W. & Courtney Bullard of Monroe, OK; parents, Eual & Pat Ford of Wister, OK; mother and father in law, Bill & Faye Bullard of Fanshawe, OK; 4 sisters and brothers in law, Jeanne & James Lynch of Poteau, OK, June Warren of Mulberry, FL, Patricia Deville of Wister, OK, Phyllis & Jimmy Goodnight of Wister, OK; 2 brothers & sisters in law, Rick & Betty Ford of Heavener, OK, Lester & Sheryl Ford of Wister, OK; future grandson, Chasen Macrae Bullard; special grandmother to Jerret and Kimberlyn Carpenter of Wister, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services: 10 am, Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at Bethel Baptist Church in Wister, OK with Rev. Clyde Steelman officiating. Burial following in Ellis Chapel Cemetery, Wister, OK. Pallbearers: Chuck Lewis, Mike Woodal, Michael Gibson, Lester Ford, Rick Ford, Bill Cotner, John Warren, John Allen Ford. Honorary pallbearers, James Lynch, Jimmy Goodnight, Buddy Bullard, Jackie Farrar, & John Godwin.

Wanda Lee Mitchell Barnes

Wanda Lee (Mitchell) Barnes, 75, of Monroe, OK passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 in Fort Smith, AR. Wanda was born on September 3, 1933 in Monroe, OK to James C. & Ira (Gregory) Mitchell. Wanda loved all children and was a friend to everyone. Her husband, John H. Barnes; a sister & brother in law, Pervie & Jiggs Daniel, a brother, J.C. Mitchell, & her parents precede Wanda in death. Wanda is survived by 2 daughters & a son in law, Danna Barnes of the home & Donna & Rocco LaRosa of Monroe, OK; 2 grandchildren, John Michael & Beth LaRosa of Monroe, OK & Mandy & John Mitchell of Poteau, OK; 3 great grandsons, Mason & Caden Mitchell of Poteau, OK & Ashton Bailey of Monroe, OK; a sister, Retha Barnes of Hartford, AR; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones & many beloved friends. Funeral services for Wanda were held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, June 27, 2009 at Monroe Baptist Church in Monroe, OK with the Reverend Tommy Harris officiating. Interment followed the services in Monroe Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Jared Wood, Jim Daniel, Bo Daniel, Tyler Barnes, Butch Miller, & Todd Mead.

Earlene Ross

Earlene Ross, 76, of Cameron, OK was born on February 21, 1933 in Cameron, OK to Melvin &I Eunice (Ray) Hughes. Earlene was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Cameron; a clerk, and a homemaker. Earlene’s parents and a sister, Melvadene Hughes precede her in death. Earlene is survived by her beloved husband, Oran Ross of the home; a daughter & son in law, Lea & Jim Ridenour of Cameron, OK; a son, Byron Ross of Cameron, OK; her grandchildren, Ross Ridenour, John Ridenour, Sara & Craig Barnett, & Bryan & Angila Montgomery; a great granddaughter, Ashley Montgomery; a brother Billy Ray Hughes of Santa Clarita, CA; numerous other relatives & loved ones, and many beloved friends. Funeral services for Earlene were held at 10:00 am, Saturday, June 27, 2009 at First United Methodist Church of Cameron with the Reverend Gary Withrow officiating. Interment followed the services in Greenhill Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were her grandsons, Ross Ridenour, John Ridenour, Bryan Montgomery, & Craig Barnett.

Debora Maria Smith

Debora Maria Smith, 51, of Wister, OK lost her battle with cancer on June 25, 2009 in Wister, OK and went to Heaven for a joyous reunion with her loved ones that preceded her. Debora was born on May 16, 1958 in Holdenville, OK to Jerry & Lottie JoAnn (Dobbins) Williams. She was a legal secretary and a homemaker. She married the love of her life, Rex Smith on May 28, 1976 and they shared 33 wonderful years. Debora’s grandson was the light of her life and she loved flowers & gardening. Deborah is survived by her husband, Rex Smith of the home; 2 daughters, Nicole Smith of the home along with her fiancé’ Cory Ray, and Krista & her husband Daniel Free of Bates, AR; a grandson, Colton Free of Bates, AR; her parents, James & JoAnn Williams of Henryetta, OK; a sister & brother in law, Brenda & Randy Luellen; a special aunt Linda Collette of Henryetta, OK; special best friends, Phyllis Harris & Kathy Quirk; numerous other relatives & loved ones & many beloved friends. Funeral services for Debora were held at 10:00 am Monday, June 29, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with Larry Free & Joe Hayden Hall officiating. Interment followed the services at 3:00 pm, at Senora Cemetery in Henryetta. OK with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Josh Free, Floyd Smith, Cory Ray, Daniel Free, Caleb Free, Bud Morgan, Jake Donaho, Kerry Jackson, & Frank Smith. Honorary pallbearers were Randy Luellen, Carroll Kellogg, & Kendal Repass.

Margie Bernice Wiles

Margie Bernice Wiles, 83, of Cameron, OK passed away on June 26, 2009 in Poteau, OK. Margie was born on April 16, 1926 in Bokoshe, OK to John R. & Virgle Zozella Barnes. She was a homemaker. Margie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Willie Harold Wiles; a daughter, Sharon Dillon, her parents, John R. & Virgle Zozella Barnes; 3 brothers, Art, Olens, & Carl Barnes & a sister Betty Russell. Margie is survived by 2 daughters & sons in law, Joyce & Joe Farrar of Cameron, OK & Sherril & David Faulkenberry of Shady Point, OK; a son in law, Wayne Dillon of Longtown, OK; a brother, Isaac Barnes of Spiro, OK; a sister Lois Smith of Shady Point, OK; 8 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; numerous other relatives & loved ones; and many beloved friends. Funeral services for Margie were held at 10:00 am, Monday. June 29, 2009 at Shady Point Assembly of God Church in Shady Point with the Krystal Dillon & Kendall Dillon officiating. Interment followed the services at Fairview Cemetery in Panama, OK with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Benny Farrar, Jackie Farrar, Kendall Dillon, Brandon Faulkenberry, Jamie Farrar, & Josh Farrar.

Bessie Green

Bessie Green, 90, of Monroe. OK passed away on Monday, June 22, 2009 in Poteau, OK. Bessie was born on August 27, 1918 in Durant, OK to Wade Francis & Evie (Waldrop) Jones. She was a homemaker. Bessie is preceded in death by 3 husbands, Loyd Keeney, Joe Vermillion, & Lloyd Green; a son, Charles Keeney; 6 brothers, Travis Jones, Wade Jones Jr., Walter Jones, Tommy Jones, Bobby Jones, & Jimmy Jones; and her parents. Bessie is survived by 2 daughters, Virginia Sanders & Linda Smith both of Monroe, OK; 3 sons, Thurman “Tex” Keeney of Cedar Edge, CO, Marvin Keeney of Spiro, OK & William “Bill” Keeney of Heavener, OK; 16 grandchildren; a number of great grandchildren & great great grandchildren; 2 sisters, Katherine Dugger of Monroe, OK & Ella Mae Hardin of Weatherford, TX; a number of nieces & nephews, other relatives & loved ones & many beloved friends. Funeral services for Bessie were held at 2:00 pm, Friday, June 26, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with the Reverend Jimmy D. Cook officiating. Interment followed the services at Monroe Cemetery in Monroe, OK with arrangements under the directions of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Faye Johnson, Rusty Frizzell, Dustin Wade, Evie Wade, Don Conner, & Karen Masini.

Sue Earls

Sue (McBride) Earls, 62, of Pocola, Oklahoma passed away Wednesday, June 17, 2009 in Fort Smith, AR. Sue was born January 11, 1947 in Fort Smith to Arley Wallace & Sally Elizabeth [Matthews] Neighbors. She worked in food service for Fort Smith Public Schools for 30 ½ years. She was a member of Bluff Avenue Baptist church in Fort Smith, AR. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Ronnie McBride, brother, Jerry Neighbors, father, Arley Neighbors. Survivors include her husband, Owen T. Earls of the home; daughter & son in law, Cindy & Jody Grizzle of Pocola, OK; son & daughter in law, Kevin & Lisa McBride of Owasso, OK; 5 grandchildren, Matthew Grizzle, Cailin Grizzle, Adam McBride, Jett McBride, & Jacob McBride; Mother, Sally Neighbors of Uniontown, AR; 3 sisters & brothers in law, Ruthie & Charles Smith of Gore, OK, Mary & Jay Armer of Rudy, AR, Tami & Jerry Willson of McAlester, OK; 2 brothers & sisters in law, Arley & Sue Neighbors of Knobnoster, MO, Roy & Betty Neighbors of Muldrow, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends Services were held 10 am, Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at Bluff Avenue Baptist Church in Fort Smith, AR with Bro. Robert Berry & Bro. Shane Waldrop officiating. Interment followed in New Hope Cemetery in Spiro, OK Pallbearers were Jeff Neighbors, Shaun Smith, Jerry Willson, Jay Armer, Larry Cole, Truman Crawford, Matt Duke & Paul Miller Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Pocola, OK

Philip E. Casteel

Philip E. Casteel, 44, of Ft. Smith, AR passed away Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at his home in Ft. Smith. Philip was born in Yuba City, CA on July 29, 1964 to Philip Sr. & Leona M. [Fryhover] Casteel. He was a roofing contractor. Philip was preceded in death by his father; stepfathers, Michael Sweeney & Virgil Wayne Thompson; brother in law, David Turk. Survivors include his sons, Jason Scott & Chaunte Casteel, Joseph Scott Casteel, Jerami Scott & Megan Casteel all of Heavener, OK; mother, Leona May Thompson of Monroe, OK; 3 sisters, Liz & Mark Collins of Heavener, OK, Tina Marie & Donald Sanders of Howe, OK, Malinda Sweeney of Monroe, OK; 11 grandchildren; nieces & nephews, Angela Ritter, Aurora Ritter, Ashley Collins, Taylor Collins, Christopher Williams, Delilah Williams, John Jones, Donnie, Derek, & Dakota Sanders; special uncle, Karl Skinner, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services 2 pm, Thursday, June 25, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with Bill Willis and Jim Cook officiating. Interment in Monroe Cemetery, Monroe, OK. Pallbearers: Jason, Joseph & Jerami Casteel, Timothy Eugene & Karl Skinner, Clifford Lee Ellis, Sgt. Christopher Williams, Jeff Walker, Sean Haaser, Neal Martin.

Alfred A. Monks

Alfred A. Monks, 80, of Spiro, OK passed away Friday, June 19, 2009 in Poteau, OK. Al was born in Tahona, OK on November 3, 1928 to Dave & Minnie [Robinson] Monks. He attended the First Baptist Church in Panama, OK. He was a veteran of the US Army having served during WWII. Survivors include his wife, Janice of the home; daughters, Debbie Janway of Heavener, OK & Jennifer Maddox of Ft. Smith, AR; 3 sons, Jeff Jacobs of Spiro, OK, Ronnie Monks of Alma, OK and Al Monks of Panama, OK; 11 Grandchildren, Little Al, Sissy, Misty, Jason, Jeffrey, Jeremy, Kevin, Jason, Natasha, Matthew and Johnny; numerous great grandchildren; sister, Lois Raymond of Spiro, OK; brothers, Dave Monks of Panama, OK, August Monks of Shady Point, OK, Frank Monks of Ft. Gibson, OK; Services 2 pm, Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at First Baptist Church in Panama, OK with Rev. Jim Cook & Rev. Larry Harris officiating. Interment will be Fairview Cemetery Panama, OK.

Juanita Davis

JUANITA DAVIS, 90, OF OKEMAH, OK PASSED AWAY FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2009 IN OKEMAH. SURVIVORS include DAUGHTER, FREIDA JO & DON HUTTON OF ROGERS, AR SONS LEO & MARY DAVIS OF WALLS, OK, DALE & SARA DAVIS OF OKEMAH, OK; 11 GRANDCHILDREN; 29 GREAT GRANDCHILDREN; 14 GREAT GREAT GRANDCHILDREN; 2 SISTERS CARMELITA & PAUL ASKEW OF RED OAK, OK, DAPHNE & EUEL MARTIN OF RED OAK, OK; NUMEROUS NIECES AND NEPHEWS Other Relatives & Loved Ones; A Host of Beloved Friends JUANITA WAS BORN AUGUST 3, 1918 IN BRAZIL STATION, OK TO TOMMY AND MAGGIE (TUBBS) SIDES. AT THE EARLY AGE OF 16, JUANITA MET AND MARRIED ELVIN DAVIS OF DOG CREEK. THEY MADE THEIR HOME IN DIFFERENT PLACESS, WHILE ELVIN WORKED FOR THE FRISCO RAILROAD, BEFORE FINALLY SETTLING DOWN IN OKEMAH. JUANITA WAS A DEVOTED WIFE, LOVING MOTHER AND GRANDMOTHER, WHO THOROUGHLY ENJOYED HER FAMILY AND WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. SHE LOVED TO COOK. EVEN DURING THE WAR, WHEN STRANGERS SHOWED UP AT THE DOOR SHE WOULD INSIST THEY HAVE A MEAL BEFORE THEY GOT BACK ON THEIR WAY. SHE LOVED TO TRAVEL. THEY TOOK A FAMILY TRIP TO ARIZONA . IN 1968, A WISH OF SEEING THE GRAND OLE OPRY WAS GRANTED BY A CAMPING TRIP ACROSS TENNESSEE, GEORGIA AND NORTH CAROLINA. JUANITY ENJOYED THE LIGHTS AND SHOWS OF LAS VEGAS, BRANSON, AND THE BEAUTY OF HAWAII. GET TOGETHERS WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS ALWAYS MADE JUANITA SMILE, OR JUST WATCHING EVERYONE PLAYING CARDS, OR ELVIN AND DALE PLAYING GUITAR AND EVERYONE JOINING IN SINGING ALONG. SHE COULD GROW A BEAUTIFUL GARDEN, MADE THE BEST CHOW CHOW AND BREAD AND BUTTER PICKLES – EVEN IF ELVIN SAID SHE DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO DRIVE THE TRACTOR VERY WELL. JUANITA WAS A LONG TIME MEMBER OF THE OKEMAH CHURCH OF CHRIST, AND MORE RECENTLY THE CORMWELL CHURCH OF CHRIST. SHE WAS PRECEDED IN DEATH BY HER PARENTS, HUSBAND OF 58 YEARS, ELVIN DAVIS; DAUGHTER, SHELBIE JEAN DAVIS ROSS; GRANDSON, BRIAN ROSS AND 6 BROTHERS, WARREN, RED, GRANVIL, DARREL, BURNIS AND OSSIE. PALLBEARERS WILL BE GRANDSONS, DEXTER ROSS, DANIEL DAVIS, KRIS DAVIS, JOHN HUTTON, ISAAC HUTTON AND RANDY BEEBE. HONORARY PALLBEARERS WILL BE GRANDSONS, MIKE HUTTON, PAT HUTTON, LOREN DAVIS AND LONG TIME FRIEND, DENTON FOX. SERVICES WILL BE MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2009 AT 2 PM, AT POTEAU CHURCH OF CHRIST, POTEAU OK WITH JAMES BRANSCUM OFFICIATING. INTERMENT FOLLOWING IN DOG CREEK CEMETERY, DOG CREEK COMMUNITY, OK

Al Rogers

Al Rogers was born in Cedars, OK. He was the son of Willie Bedell Carter & Lewis Rogers. He was a graduate of Douglass High School in Spiro, Oklahoma. He attended Union Baptist Church and was a member of a quartet called Union Star Quartet along with Nathaniel Woods, Earl Eugene Cummins, Tim Edward Cummings, and Robert McClish. They traveled throughout the surrounding area singing gospel music. He served his country in the US Army from 1953 to 1955. In 1957, he entered the vows of Holy Matrimony with Ruby Jean Crutchfield. To this union, one son and two daughters were born. In 1982, he rededicated is life to the Lord at Macedonia Temple Church of God in Christ where he received the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues. He was ordained Deacon on December 10, 2004. He also served faithfully as assistant Sunday School Superintendent until his health failed. He went home to be with his Lord on Wednesday, June 10, 2009. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Ruby Jean Rogers of the home; one son Allen Ray Rogers Sr. & his wife Kellie ; 2 daughters, Yvonne Rogers & Rechelle Rogers; 8 grandchildren, Twynette Dixon, Shameka & Latoya Brown, Allen Ray Rogers, Jr., Michael Lewis Rogers, Vanessa, David, & Daniel Myers.; 2 great grandchildren Shatoya Brown & Elijah Ray Rogers; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, relatives & extended family and friends. Burial followed the services at Ft. Smith National Cemetery in Fort Smith, AR with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Joe Massey, James Kursh, Duane Figgers, EJ McCurtain, Michael Crutchfield, & Larry Roberts. Flower girls were Kim Olive, Theresa Lawrence, Lajuanna Taylor, & Yolanda Sellers.

Jane K. Otto

Jane K. Otto, 83, of Poteau, OK passed away on Friday, June 12, 2009 in Fort Smith, AR. Jane was born on Decembe3r 4, 1925 in Alexandria, Virginia to William A. & Mary (Thornton) King. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and a retired member of the CIA. Jane is preceded in death by her husband, Lee M. Otto; a sister, Ruth King, & her parents. Jane is survived by a grandson, Greg Phillips & his wife Michelle of Poteau, OK; 5 great grandchildren, Michael Humphrey, Michael Phillips, Jonathan Phillips, Meagan Phillips, & Breanna Humphrey; numerous other relatives & loved ones & a host of beloved friends. Funeral mass for Jane were held at 2:00 pm Monday, June 15, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with Father Valentine officiating. Interment followed the service in Oakland Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK.

Heath Travis Lomon

Heath Travis Lomon, 37, of Cameron, OK passed away Monday, June 1, 2009 in the Williams Community, OK. Heath was born August 3, 1971 in Fort Smith, AR. He was self-employed. Heath was an avid baseball fan having played high school baseball with Cameron High School Championship teams. He especially enjoyed watching major league teams on which his former American Legion teammates played. His caring for livestock belonging to him & his dad was a special interest. It thrilled him immensely to find new additions to the herd. He had a special bond with his canine companion, Rusty who accompanied him on daily livestock rounds. Heath is preceded in death by his grandparents, G.T. Lomon, Jim Archey and Erma Archey. He is survived by his mother, Carlon Lomon of Cameron, OK; father, Jackie Lomon of Cameron, OK; grandmother, Dorothy Lomon of Williams Community, OK; 2 aunts, 1 uncle, several cousins; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services 2 pm Monday in Evans Chapel of Memories with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment in Greenhill Cemetery, Cameron, OK. Pallbearers: Kevin Lomon, Craig Gibson, Mark Gray,John Boggs, Bryce Archey & Kendall Lomon. Honorary pallbearers, Cliff Caughron, Gary Seaton, Mick Caughron & Jimmie Archey.

Ewing Waymire Sr.

Ewing Waymire Sr., 84, of Poteau, OK passed away Wednesday, June 3, 2009 in Poteau. He was born in the Independence Community (near Heavener) Oklahoma on April 15, 1925 to Calvin & Mary (Fortner) Waymire. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Poteau. Ewing worked for the Ford Motor Company for more than 25 years. He was a veteran of WWII having served as a SeaBee in the US Navy. Ewing and Marcella (Ritter) were married August 25, 1950. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bobby Junior Waymire & son in law, John DeLude. Survivors include his wife, Marcella of the home; daughter, Derotha DeLude of Poteau, OK, son, Ewing Jr. & Susie Waymire of Poteau, OK; grandchildren, Christy & Jon Hamlin, Terre & Chad Braun; great grandchildren, Joshua & Caleb Hamlin, Cede & Katy Braun; sisters, Ruby Jewel Wyse of Denton, TX, Edna Lou Walkup of Howe, OK, Anna Rowena Usrey of Mesquite, TX, Marcella Faye Bush of Mesquite, TX, Odella Mae Guinn of Mesquite, TX, Wanda Lee Loras of Quinlan, TX brothers, Vester Leon “Beck” Waymire of Mabank, TX, Jasper Eugene Waymire of Poteau, OK, Jimmy Oderral Waymire of Mabank, TX; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were held 2 pm, Friday, June 5, 2009 at the First Baptist Church in Poteau, OK with Rev. Harold McConnell & Rev. Clyde Usrey officiating. Interment followed in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau. Pallbearers were Gary Wayne Waymire, Roger Waymire, Michael Ritter, Bentley Hill, Steve Humphries. Honorary pallbearers were Charlie Cox, Bradley Hill, Rodney Waymire, & Donnie Waymire. Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, Oklahoma

Jim Meek

James D. “Jim” Meek, 81, of Poteau, OK passed away on June 1, 2009 in Poteau, OK. He was born in Fort Smith, AR on January 14, 1928. Jim was a veteran of the US Navy. He was preceded in death by his parents, James D. & Dewanda (Van Dyke) Meek Sr. Survivors include his wife June of the home; son, Jeff & wife Angela Meek of Shady Point, OK; grandsons, Colt Sanders, Ty Sanders; great granddaughter, Baley Sanders; sister, Carolyn & Dell Nelson; brother, Roger & Georgia Meek all of Ft Smith, AR; several nieces & nephews; other relatives & loved ones; and many beloved friends. Funeral services for Jim were held at 10:00 am, Thursday, June 4, 2009 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with the Elder Chip Hinds officiating. Interment followed the services at Old Bokoshe Cemetery, Bokoshe, OK with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Stan Yerton, Caleb Yerton, Jim Green, Roger Meek Jr., Dean Wein, Kristopher Wein. Honorary pallbearers were David Green, Stephen Meek, Philip Meek and Jesse Howe.

Jesse Boyd Loomis

Jesse Boyd Loomis, 64, of Wister, OK passed away Sunday, May 31, 2009 in Poteau, OK. He was born January 1, 1945 to Ernest & Jewel Ruth (Merryman) Loomis in LeFlore (Bengal), OK. Jesse was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Kevin Loomis, grandson, Michael Rice, great grandson, Matthew Rice, nephew, Mikey McDaniel; sister, Bernadean McDaniel & brothers, Alvin Prewitt, Alfred Cooksey & Delbert Loomis. Jesse was a veteran of the US Air Force. He loved hunting, fishing, and riding horses. He loved the outdoors. Survivors include his wife, Beverly Jane Loomis of the home; 4 sons, Joe Rice, Larry & wife Beverly Loomis, Jeff & wife Debbie Loomis all of Wister, OK, Charlie Ralls of Poteau, OK; daughter & partner, Rebecca Loomis & Michael Fisher of Wister, OK; 13 Grandchildren, Anthony Loomis, Jesse Loomis, Jamie Rice, Hannah Miller, Dustin Rice, Shandee Rice, Michael Oliver, Chantillie Oliver, Hank Miller, Michaela Ralls, Hunter Miller, Jocie Rice, & Dylan Shanks; Great Grandchildren, Trey Knight, Blessed Rice, Michael Rice Jr., Serenity Rice, Gabin Rice, and Dallas Rice; brothers, Jack Loomis of Williams, OK, Billy Loomis of Tulsa, OK, Larry “Bear” Loomis of Wister, OK, Tommy Cooksey of Pennsylvania; sister, Ruth Brown of Ft. Worth, TX; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services were held 2 pm, Thursday, June 4, 2009 at the First Assembly of God Church in Wister, OK with Rev. Frankie Harris & Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment followed in Ellis Chapel Cemetery, Wister, OK. Pallbearers were Larry, Anthony, Jeff Loomis, Joe Rice, Charlie Loomis, Charlie Ralls, Stanley & Steve Jenkins. Honorary Pallbearers were Jack, Billy, & Bear Loomis, Tommy Cooksey, Ronald, Keith. Jerry, Jamie, Brad, Chris, & Jesse Loomis, & Don Armstrong

Mary M. Pickle

Mary M. Pickle, 78, of Poteau, OK passed away Saturday, May 30, 2009 at her home in Poteau. She was born June 23, 1930 to Wilson S. & Lois Agnes (Ford) Flanary. Mary was preceded in death by her mother, Lois A. Flanary Faires & father, Wilson S. Flanary; brother, Virgil L. Flanary & sister, Lora B. McDaniel and her husband, Herbert Norman Pickle. Mary served on the county election board; she was a member of the Democratic Women; worked for 32 years for Alltel; delivered meals on wheels for the Nutrition Center. She was a member of Southside Baptist church where she served in many capacities: going on missionary trips to Mexico & other places; assisting in the nursery; keeping children for parents during visitation; working in Vacation Bible School; serving on the food committee; going on many trips with Senior Adults; she bowled with the Women's bowling league. She was always the first to volunteer for any job. Mary was fair and honest. She laughed often and loved the grandkids, no one will ever be able to cook like her!! She was a wonderful granny and a die hard gardener and awesome cook. She is survived by her daughter& son in law, Norma & Chip Sutton of Glenpool, OK; sons & daughters in law, James & Judy Pickle of Paola, OK, Steve & Teresa Pickleof Poteau, OK; 9 grandchildren & 5 great grandchildren; brothers & sisters in law, Larry J. & Joan Flanary of Fayetteville, AR;, Bill & Mary Kay Flanary of Kingsland, TX, Mary Gail Flanary of Grand Pairie, TX; sisters & brothers in law, Bonnie Gipson of Springdale, AR, Diana & Jim Parnell of Flowery Branch, GA, & Eva & Randall Smith of Sherman, TX, & Paul McDaniel of Poyen, AR. Services: 2 pm, Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at Southside Baptist Church with Rev. Bentley Hill and Rev. Dale Rogers officiating. Interment in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK. Pallbearers will be Jerry Gregg, Dexter Haskins, Aud Balentine, Monte Thompson, Glendon Chester, & Bill Seale.