Arlon L. "Buck" Lockaby

Arlon L. “Buck” Lockaby, 77, of  Cameron, OK passed away Saturday, March 30, 2013 in Cameron, OK.  Arlon was born May 29, 1935 in Norman, OK to Lotis Rue & Laura M. (McMillin) Lockaby.  He was retired from AES.  He attended Panama First Baptist Church.   Buck was a farmer, He was a Godly man, loving his family and friends, loving to all.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ruby Lockaby; brothers, Troy and Alton Lockaby; son, Douglas Lockaby.

Survivors include his sister, Inora Pierce of Panama, OK;  son, Michael Lockaby of Ripley, MS; grandchildren, Danny Lockaby of Killeen, TX, Laura House, Kali Beason, Bryan Lockaby of Panama, OK, RyAnne Riggs of Monroe, OK, Ashley Ballard of Heavener, OK, Jeremiah & Katie Lockaby of Ripley, MS; 9 great grandchildren; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends.

Services will be 10 am, Friday, April 5, 2013 at the First Baptist Church in Panama, OK with Rev.  Jim Cook & Rev. Larry Harris officiating.  Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Panama.

Mildred Buttress

 Mildred S. Buttress, 99, of Poteau, OK passed away Saturday, March 30, 2013 in Poteau.  Mildred was born September 8, 1913 in Cameron, OK to Guy & Arra (Brassfield) Buttress.  She was  retired from the Muskogee Veterans Admin. where she worked in medical records.   She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Poteau.  Mildred was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Jackie Gene Buttress.

 She is survived by several nieces and nephews.

 Services will be 11 am, Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at the First Baptist Church in Poteau, OK with Rev. Phil McGehee officiating.  Interment will follow in Greenhill Cemetery, Cameron, OK.

Donations may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund.

The family will be at the funeral home on Monday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Medora Lee Allen

  Medora Lee Allen, 83, formerly of Pocola, OK passed away Wednesday, March 27, 2013, in Ft. Worth, Texas.  Medora was born in Cedars, Oklahoma on November 19, 1929, to Sterling and Mariah Beachem.  She graduated from Lincoln High School in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and continued her education at Langston University.   She was married to Richard K. Allen for over sixty-three years.   

   She served as church clerk of Union Baptist Church for over fifty years and was a deaconess.  She was a founding member of the LeFlore County Branch of the NAACP and Golden Heritage Life Member.  She was a charter member of the Willie Mae Myers Court 77 HOJ, and past PMAGM.  She was also a member of  Eastern Star.  She was a teacher and later the director of the Pocola Head Start program. 

    She is survived by her husband Richard Allen, Sr., and five children Sharon, Richard, Jr., Randy, Sue and Bernard; nine grandchildren, Antoine, Kenneth, Shannon M., Joshua, Shannon S., Asante, Mary, Maria, and Jabari; six great-grandchildren, sisters Lula, Elzora, Barbara; and a host of other relatives and friends.  Services will be 11 am, Saturday, March 30, 2013 at Union Baptist Church in Pocola, OK.    The family will be at the funeral home in Pocola, OK on Friday evening from 6-7:30 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Marian Baker

   Marian  E. Baker,  age 99,  passed away on March  24,  2013, after a long illness. She  had  been a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic  Parish for 77 years .She moved to Poteau , OK from Kansas City in 1935 with her late  husband Dr. Wilbur K. Baker DDS, and their one year old son, Kermit .  She has 5 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
     There were only 7 Catholics in the parish when Marian arrived in Poteau  She quickly started wearing many  “hats”. She became the parish organist—playing for all Sunday masses, weddings, and funerals etc.  In addition,  Marian became the choir director and also for many years organized a children’s choir.  In addition, she became the bookkeeper  and treasurer for 3 parishes ,Poteau, Stigler ,and Spiro. This also involved counting all collections, making bank deposits, and paying all bills. She did this by hand for 50 years and then learned to use a computer.   Over the years Marian helped  purchase , prepare, and  serve the food for all the funeral dinners.
During her 77 years of parish service, Marian had  worked with 18 different Priests who were fresh out of the seminary. She helped them become seasoned pastors.   Marian was very sociable and had never met a stranger. She had the ability to make all visitors and parishioners feel welcome and comfortable. She had  been called the “matriarch” of the parish.    At age 86 Marian survived colon cancer which involved surgery and chemotherapy. She slowed down and by age 92 stopped doing bookkeeping –treasurer for 3 parishes.
In 2008 Marian Baker was honored by being named  as the “ Woman of Achievement” 
in  the entire  Diocese  of  Tulsa      

     She  is survived  by  a son, Dr. W. Kermit Baker II MD of Fayetteville AR,    a niece,  Barbara Lasta  of K.C.  MO. a nephew, William Hansen  of  K.C. KS.,  5 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren.
        Services ---a funeral Mass will be held at  Immaculate Conception Church  in Poteau, Okla.  at  11  AM  on Monday, April 1,  2013. 
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In  lieu  of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to a memorial at the Immaculate  Conception Church,  PO Box 237, Poteau, OK  74953.
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Rosie Miller

 Rosie Lee Miller, 69, of  Wister, OK passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2013.  Rosie was born July 16, 1943 in Heavener, OK  to Oda & Roxie (Davis) Woodral.  She is preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Phyllis Ann Agee; sister, Dorothy Underwood, and loving companion, Bob Oliver.

Rosie was married in 1958.  During that marriage she gave birth to 5 daughters.  She is survived by four of her daughters and their families, Brenda K. Yates and husband Fred of Hinton, OK, Connie Jean Elder & companion Brad Elder of Hinton, OK,  Vicky Wright and Debra Loomis and their families.  Rosie loved life.  She enjoyed fishing, quilting, but most of all her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  They are Marcus Caldwell and wife, Lindsey of Hinton, OK and their children Dakin, Brilee, Hannah and Sarah.  Sarah and Jesse Schimmel of Hinton, OK and their children Bailee & Eli, Kyle Caldwell of Hinton, OK.  She is also survived by a brother and 3 sisters, Henrietta Underwood, Pauline Smallwood, Shirley Smallwood and Buddy Orval Woodral.

Services were  2 pm Saturday, March 23, 2013 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK.   Interment  followed  in Hontubby Cemetery.

Shirley Harper

Shirley Ann Harper, 72, of Shady Point, OK passed away Friday, March 22, 2013 in Fort Smith, AR.  Shirley was born March 11, 1941 in Parthenon, AR to Cyril P. & Flora (Wilson) Toney.  She worked in the nursing home.  Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Paul Harper, and brother, James Toney.  She was a good cook.  Shirley was a Baptist.

Survivors include her brother, John Toney of Calhoun, OK; sister & brother in law, Linda & Jerry Loudermilk of Calhoun, OK; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends.

Services will be 10 am Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK, with Rev. Garry Haskins officiating.  Interment will follow in Shady Point Cemetery, Shady Point, OK.  Pallbearers will be James Loudermilk, Jason Loudermilk, Charlie Toney, Dexter Haskins, Dylan Brown, & Rob Seale. 

The family will be at the funeral home on Monday evening from 5-7 pm to visit with relatives and friends.

Vivian Fern Kitchens

Vivian Fern Kitchens “Mammaw”, 84, of Arkoma, OK passed away Thursday, March 21, 2013 in Ft. Smith, AR after a courageous battle with  pulmonary fibrosis.  Vivian was born April 18, 1928 in Summerfield, OK to Urba & Georgie (Hayes) Brown.  She was a teacher in the Greenwood School System and was retired from the Ft. Smith School System.  She loved and was very passionate about her profession and her students.  She was of the Baptist faith.  Mammaw was a generous person who loved sewing for her family and shopping with and for them.  Mammaw had style.  She was an All-State Basketball player in 1944.

Vivian was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Marie Newman, Esbia Ramsey, Leonora Hankins, Lorraine Barrick, Reba Maynor, Blue Bell, and Willie (infant sisters)

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Neil Kitchens, 3 daughters & sons in law, Janet & Walter King, Lujane & David Buttress of Arkoma, OK, Gregg & Joan Goss of Perkins, OK; 4 grandchildren, Bo and Renea Buttress of Van Buren, Jake & Ginger Goss of Little Elm, TX, Jarrod Buttress of Dickinson, TX and Jaycee & Travis Elliott of Poteau; great granddaughters, Addison Buttress & Timber Goss; sisters, Bobbie Burgess  of DeQueen, AR and Urbia Dean  & Delbert Earls of Wagoner, OK; special niece, Thersa Hankins of Wister, OK ; many nieces, nephews; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends.

Services will be 10 am, Monday, March 25, 2013 at Evans Chapel of Memories with Jake Goss & Rev. Jim Cook officiating.  Interment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Fort Smith, AR. 

The family will be at the funeral home on Sunday afternoon from 2-4 pm to visit with relatives & friends.  

Lonnie Pickering

Lonnie L. Pickering, 81, of Bokoshe, OK passed away Sunday, March 17, 2013 in Ft. Smith, AR.  Lonnie was born July 12, 1931 in Cameron, OK to Floyd & Dile (Archey) Pickering.  He was a veteran of the US Army and served in Korea.  He worked for Felt Mills in Kansas City, MO.  Lonnie attended Calvary Assembly of God Church in Poteau. 

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy of the home; 4 sons & daughters in law, Ed & Ruth Pickering of Bokoshe, OK, Eric & Terry Pickering of Oklahoma City, OK, Charles & Wanda Pickering, Brian & Sheila Pickering of Wister, OK; 7 grandchildren; 2 sisters & brothers in law, Jean & Jerry Lyles of Waldron, AR, Betty & Bill Graven of CA; 1 brother & sister in law, Pat & Mollie Pickering of Kansas City, MO; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends.

Services will be 10 am, Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Lynn Bullard & Rev. Larry Strouse officiating.  Interment will follow in Fairhill/Knothole Cemetery, Cameron, OK.

The family will be at the funeral home from 6-8 pm Tuesday evening to visit with relatives & friends.

A. Aurbie Humphries

Amos “Aurbie” Humphries, 87, of  Monroe, OK passed away Friday, March 15, 2013 in Poteau.  Aurbie was born June 13, 1925 in Gilmore, OK to Samuel Green & Lillie A. (Goodin) Humphries.  He was a rancher. Aurbie was preceded in death by his wife, Jewellene (Harp) Humphries.

Survivors include his daughter & son in law, Loretha Ann (Humphries) & Roger Williams of Fanshawe, OK; sons & daughters in law, Jerry Don & Frankie Humphries of Rock Island, OK, Ronald Keith & Darla Humphries of Monroe, OK; 7 grandchildren, Billy Don, Timothy, Christie, Ryan, Rachel, Madeline & Emily; 6 great grandchildren, Alex, Samuel, Jeremy, Gunnar, Kaylee, Kinsley; sister, Shirley Reece of Monroe, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends.

Services will be 2 pm, Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook & Rev. Barry Reel officiating.  Interment will be in Vaughn Cemetery, Gilmore, OK.

Pallbearers will be Steve & Alex Humphries, Ryan Williams, Cody Martin, David Brady, & Mark McMillin.

The family will be at the funeral home on Monday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

William Webb "Bill" Langdell

    William Webb “Bill” Langdell, 59, of Poteau, OK passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2013 in Poteau.  Bill was born May 30, 1953 in Holtville, CA to Jack Sr. & Naomi (Perry) Langdell.  He was a veteran of the US Army.  He was a truck driver.  He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Chester Langdell.

  

Survivors include his sons & daughters in law, Billy Jr. & Lisa Langdell, Jeremy & Brittany Kinsey, Dustin James of Spiro, and Scott Tucker of Poteau; grandchildren, Colten, Caleb, Carlee, Kyjia, Kruze, Kamdin, Brock, Brooklynn and Melissa; great grandchildren, Audisea & Zyler;  brothers, Jack & Monty Langdell of Poteau, John Langdell & Renee Travis of Hawthorne, NV, Mickey Langdell of Poteau, Max Langdell & Misty Mitts of Poteau, Hugo Langdell of Atlanta, GA; sisters, Sharon Mack of Clovis, CA, Laverne Irvan of Poteau; special niece, Rachel Meisner of Madera, CA; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends.

There will be a private family service at a later date.

Therral Ray McConnell

     Therral Ray McConnell, 74, of Poteau, OK passed away Friday, March 8, 2013 in Poteau.  Therral was born October 16, 1938 in Paris, AR to Lewis & Sarah McConnell.  He owned and operated McConnell Furniture Mfg. & McConnell Construction.  He was a loving husband, Dad, Papa.  He loved life, hunting, and storytelling.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.    He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Irene; brothers, Albert & Orville. 

    Survivors include his wife of 24 years, Jeannie of the home; 3 daughters, Lee McConnell of CA, Jessica & Justin Montez, Megan McConnell & fiancé Cory Cooper; sons, Therral McConnell Jr. of CA, Jimmy Pitchford; 10 grandchildren, Sean, Tony, Dylan, Victor, Alexis, Troy, Trevor, Hunter Ray, Kaydence Shea, Brody Allen;  sister, Lorene Harkins of CA; brothers, Bud & Sharon McConnell of Poteau, OK, Glenn & Donna McConnell of Mountainburg, AR, Bill & Bonnie McConnell of Tulsa, OK, Grady & Wanda McConnell of Poteau, OK, Ed & Lola McConnell of Oklahoma City, OK, Kenny McConnell of CA; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends.

       Services will be 2 pm, Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating.  Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau.  Pallbearers will be Justin Montez, Cory Cooper, Jimmy Pitchford, Rick McConnell, Terry McConnell, Jerry McConnell.

Thelma Black Whitmore

Thelma Mae Black Whitmore, 77, of Bokoshe, OK passed away Friday, March 8, 2013 in Bokoshe.  Thelma was born August 10, 1935 in Milton, OK to Luther & Ina Grace (Painter) Nixon.  She was a homemaker and a member of New Life Church in Panama, OK.  Thelma was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Glen Black & William Whitmore; brothers, Robert, Vernon, Jodie & Jimmie; sisters, Lelia, Irene, Jeanita, & Oteka.

Survivors include her daughters Katy McDaniel & husband Larry of Lavaca, AR, Glenda Craig & husband, Dwayne of Spiro, OK; son, David Black Jr. & wife Carolyn of Shady Point, OK; grandchildren, Tony & Tory Craig & Amanda Sullivan, Jennifer & Jared Black, Amy & Peyton McDaniel; great grandchildren, Maverick & Jaimee Sullivan, Jayden, Kadon, Kiana Craig & Kinsley Dees, Blaine Black , Lauralye Smith; sisters, Dimple Rogers of Poteau, OK, Hazel Partain of Spiro, OK; brother in law, R.D. Bryant; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends.

Services will be 2 pm, Monday, March 11, 2013  at New Life Church, Panama, OK with Rev. Joe Pierce, Rev. Doug Nixon, & Rev. Brian Fout officiating. Interment will follow in Old Bokoshe Cemetery, Bokoshe, OK.   Pallbearers will be Tony Craig, Tory Craig, Jared Black, Brad Myers, Maverick Sullivan, Randy Bryant.

The family will be at the funeral home from 2-4 pm, Sunday to visit  with relatives & friends.

Wilma Jean Johnson

Wilma Jean Johnson, 80, of Panama, OK passed away Thursday, March 7, 2013 in Ft. Smith, AR.  Wilma was born January 8, 1933 in Williams, OK to Arthur & Virginia Muriel (Floyd) Hanna. She was retired from Whirlpool.  Wilma was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Johnson of Panama; 1 son, Dennis Sisco of Panama; her parents of Cameron; sister, Irene Hodges of Lenexa, KS; and brother, James Hanna of Panama; and numerous nieces & nephews.

Survivors include daughter, Joyce Pipkins of the home; 1 grandson, Stacy Pipkins of Muldrow, OK; 2 granddaughters, Charla Collins of Sallisaw, OK and Angie Perkins of Hackett, A; 2 great granddaughters, Kaylin Sisco and McKenzie Ruben of Hackett and 3 great grandsons, John Ruben of Hackett, Douglas Collins and Ruger Collins of Sallisaw; 4 brothers, Art & Evelyn Hanna, Jerry Hanna, Dewayne & Robin Hanna all of Cameron, OK, Floyd & Margie Hanna of Muldrow, OK, sister, Shirley & Cato Ramirez of Huntsville, AR.

Services will be 2 pm, Monday, March 11, 2013 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating.  Interment will be in Greenhill Cemetery, Cameron, OK.  Pallbearers will be Rocky Hanna, Kevin Hanna, Steven Hicks, Joe Hanna, Jeff Hanna, Gary Hanna.  Honorary pallbearers will be Douglas & Ruger Collins.

The family will be at the funeral home from  6-8 pm Sunday evening to visit with relatives & friends.

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Audry Abernathy Sampson

Audry Sampson, 91, of Poteau, OK passed away Monday, March 4, 2013 in Fort Smith, AR.  Audry was born July 25, 1921 in Milton, OK to Dolar E. & Mary Elizabeth (Tolbert) Abernathy.  She was a school teacher.  Audry was preceded in death by her husband, Herman.

Survivors include her sister & brother in law, Frankie & Dwight Blankenship of Stigler, OK; brother, Ed Abernathy of Poteau; stepsons & their wives, Hershell & Nella Sampson of Sapulpa, OK, Dean & Sharon Sampson of Roland, OK; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends.

Services will be 2 pm, Wednesday, March 6, 2012 at the First Baptist Church in Poteau with Rev. Phil McGehee and Rev. Clayton Griggs officiating.  Interment will be in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau.  Pallbearers will be Carold Abernathy, Rodney Abernathy, Chris Blankenship, Gary Abernathy, Bryan Abernathy, & Brent Sterling. 

Betty Ruth McFatridge

 Betty Ruth McFatridge, 27, of Panama, OK passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2013 in Fort Smith, AR.  Betty was born April 21, 1985 in Ft. Smith, AR to Bobby & Patsy Ruth (Dunigan)  McFatridge. 

She is survived by her father, Bobby McFatridge of Tx; mother, Patsy & husband, Johnnie Lamberson of Cameron, OK; children, Jacob Spears and Aubree Spears of Cameron, OK; fiancé, Andrew Spears of Panama, OK; brothers, Bobby McFatridge Jr., Tommy Hammer, Tony Hammer of Panama, OK; sisters,  twin-Rosie McFatridge of Hartford, AR, Tammy Billy of Florida, Tina Sands of Panama, OK, Terri Hammer of Poteau, OK; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends.

Services will be 10 am, Saturday, March 9, 2013 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Bro. Frank Prater officiating.  Interment will follow in Shady Point Cemetery, Shady Point, OK.  Pallbearers will be Tommy Hammer, Tony Hammer, Bobby McFatridge Jr., Jeremy Loyd, Richard Dunigan, Kevin Lee Dunigan, Johnny Lamberson.

The family will be at the funeral home on Friday evening from 5-7 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Charlotte Gayle Stewart

Charlotte Gayle Stewart, 61, of Wister, OK passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2013 in Tulsa, OK.  Charlotte was born June 28, 1951 in Fanshawe, OK to Paul Wesley & Dorothy Lou (Byrd) Watkins.  She was a pharmacist.  Charlotte was preceded in death by her father; and grandson, Wesley Shearer of Oklahoma City.

 Survivors include her son & daughter in law, Chad & Chrissy Webb of Wister, OK; daughter & son in law, Brooke & Tony Shearer of Oklahoma City, OK; granddaughters, Gabrielle Colwell of Oklahoma City, China & Kendall Cranfield of Ft. Smith, AR, Cassie Shearer of Oklahoma City; mother, Dorothy Watkins of Poteau, OK; sisters & brothers in law, Paula & James Alfred of Tulsa, OK, Sally & Brian Vincent of Poteau, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends including the special ones who cared for her at Heavener Nursing Center.

Memorial service will be held 2 pm, Saturday, March 9, 2013 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Scott Watkins officiating.  Interment will be in Oakland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Myatonic Dystrophy Foundation.  www. myatonic.org/donate

Carl Murry

Carl Leroy Murry, 57, of Spiro, OK passed away Saturday, March 2, 2013 in Ft. Smith, AR.  Carl was born January 15, 1956 in Muskogee, OK to Earl & Anita (McCoy) Murry.  He worked in electronics.  Carl was preceded in death by his father; and his grandparents, Clyde  & Madle McCoy. 

Survivors include his wife, Tiffany of the home; 2 sons, Anthony Lee Murry of  Roland, OK, Joshua Roy Murry of Bates, AR; 5 grandchildren, Ellie, Sophi, Kenzie, Rebel & Layla Murry; 5 brothers, Dale Murry, Aaron Holderbee, Larry, Ricky & Steve Murry; 2 sisters, Lisa,  Sherry, and Cathy; his mother, Anita Holderbee of Buffalo Valley, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends.

 Services will be 2 pm, Thursday, March 7, 2013 graveside at Tuskahoma Cemetery, Tuskahoma, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating.  Interment will follow.

Ben Montoya

 Benjamin Lawrence Montoya, 92, of Poteau, OK passed away Sunday, March 3, 2013 in Poteau.  Ben was born February 6, 1921 in Colorado Springs, CO, the 7^th son of Thomas Daniel & Mary Louisa (Gutierrez) Montoya.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers.    As an infant Ben moved to Ventura, CA where he attended grade school, high school and college.  During WWII he worked in the CCC and in an airplane factory in Los Angeles.  There he met and married Wilma Gardenia Sparks in 1945.  To this marriage was born two children, Mary Amelia and Benjamin Lawrence Jr.  Wilma preceded Ben in death in 1960.  In 1966 Ben met and married Shirley Rae Morgan.  Shirley came into this marriage with two children, Zenda Diane & Carlton Ray.  Ben adopted and loved them as his own.  Ben retired from Meade Containers in Ft. Smith, AR.  HE also spent most of his life serving as a minister in the Church of Christ.  He served the Heavener Church of Christ for 20 years. 

Ben leaves behind his wife Shirley of the home; daughters, Mary Amelia Waddell and husband John of Curryville, MO, Zenda Adams of Poteau, OK and two sons, Benjamin Lawrence and wife Dani of Poteau and Carlton of Poteau.  He leaves 5 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.  Ben loved his family, traveling and serving his savior.  He was loved and respected by brothers-in-law, sisters in law, nieces, nephews and many friends.  He will be greatly missed. 

A memorial service will be held 2 pm, Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau with brother in law, Franklin Morgan of Greenville, TX officiating, assisted by Bro. Don Cherry. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Maverick Nixon Benefit at the Poteau Church of Christ.

Virgil "Bill" Cody

Virgil E. “Bill” Cody, 71, of  Bokoshe, OK passed away Saturday, March 2, 2013 in Bokoshe.  Bill was born July 21, 1941 in Culter, IN to Amos & Ora (Gibson) Cody.  Bill served his country proudly in the US Army for 10 years with 4 tours overseas duty in addition to 3 tours in Vietnam.  After retiring from the military he became a chicken farmer and raised exotic animals.  Later in life he became an over the road truck driver with his wife.  Bill came back to the Lord in 2007 and has been faithful to attend God’s house ever since.  He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Ruth Frazier, Gertrude Bowlin; brothers, Robert Parks, Ernest Cody, Orvil Cody; grandchild, Josh Owenby; great grandchild, Brecken Owenby. 

Survivors include his wife, Trudy of the home; daughter & son in law, Carla & Buddy Owenby of Rock Island, OK; sons, Virgil “Leebo”  & Tammy Cody of Newport, TN, Clay Cody and David Burch of Tulsa, OK, Gary & Dorothy Cody of Keota, OK; sister, Margaret Stanley of VA; brother, Jerry Bowlin of Newport, TN; 7 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren; other sisters in law and brothers in law; extra special friends.

Services will be 10 am, March 6, 2013 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Leon Glen and Rev. Bill Sanders officiating.  Interment will follow in Ellis Chapel Cemetery, Wister, OK.  Pallbearers will be Heath Shores, Juston Shores, David Burch, Michael Herriman, Jerry Hensley, Justin Montgomery.

Shirley Anderson Autry

Shirley Anderson Autry, 74, of Spiro, OK passed away Friday, March 1, 2013 in Ft. Smith, AR.  Shirley was born March 22, 1938 in Poker Bend, OK to Harve & Rose (Shoup) Anderson.  She was a homemaker.  Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Emma Lawrence.

Survivors include her husband, Bill Autry of the home; 3 daughters & sons in law, Mona Lynn Autry of Stillwater, OK & Steve Grimes of Oklahoma City, OK, Donna Gail & Mike Faucher of Van Buren, AR, Angela Ann & Darrell Timmons of Spiro, OK; 5 grandchildren, Aaron, Steven, Michelle, Morgan, Shane; 2 sisters & brothers in law, Jean & Willie Potts of Shady Point, OK, Bonnie & Garland Turano of Sulphur, LA; 4 lifelong friends, Patricia Bell, Joy Kinsey, Gatha Tobler, & Nellie Bray; nieces, Judy Wench, Linda Lawrence, Annie Jones, & Toni Marberry; nephews, Michael Turano, Gary Potts, Joe Potts, Royce Lawrence & Bob Lawrence.

Services will be 2 pm Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook & Rev. Eddie Blankenship officiating.  Interment will follow in Spiro City Garden of Memories, Spiro, OK.  Pallbearers will be Bob Stewart, Jim Mixon, Richard Carr, Bill Turner, Henry Tobler, & Gary Potts.

Donations may be made to the Oklahoma Baptist Children’s Home or the American Kidney Fund.

Ida Reed

Ida Reed - Services tentatively 10 am Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Jan Adam Will

Jan Adam Will, 72, of Poteau, OK passed away Wednesday, February 27, 2013 in Poteau.  Jan was born April 12, 1940 in Milwaukee, WI to Gustive & Olive Loretta (Smith) Will.  He was a veteran of the US Army.  Jan was a plastics/engineer.  He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Poteau.  Jan was preceded in death by his parents & 2 sisters.

Survivors include his wife, Nancy of the home; daughter, Brandi Weaver of Wichita, KS; sons Jamie A. & Terri Will of Virginia Beach, VA, Cannon Kress of Poteau, OK; 2 grandchildren, Shelby Bri-Anne, Christopher Alexander; brother Joel T. & Judy Will of Menomonee Falls, WI; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends.

Services will be 2 pm, Monday, March 4, 2013 at the First Baptist Church, Poteau, OK with Rev. Phil McGehee officiating.  Interment will be in Ft Smith National Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Joe Blair, Robert Hicks, Cannon Kress, Lynn Drury, Jon Pickle and Jerry Draper.

Donations may be made to First Baptist Church Building Fund.

The family  will be at the funeral home on Sunday afternoon from 2-4 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Lloyd Hale

Lloyd Hale, 81 of Panama, OK passed away Thursday, February 28, 2013 in  Ft. Smith, AR.  Lloyd was born April 3, 1931 in Bokoshe, OK to James W. & Mollie (Poteet) Hale.  He was a veteran of the US Army serving Korea.  Lloyd was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Loretta; sister, Berniece; and brothers, Haskell & Mousey.

Survivors include his daughters & son in law, Susie Hale of Panama, OK, Tammy & Don Frayne of Eufaula, OK; sons & daughters in law, Mickey & Sherry Hale, Billy & Sandy Hale, Jimmy & Kim Hale all of Panama, OK, Shawn Hale of the home; 15 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren; 3 sisters, Imogene & Jack Harris of Panama, OK,  Evalene Minor of Shady Point, OK, Marie & Allen Real of Panama, OK; 3 brothers, Kenneth Hale of Panama, OK, Carl Hale, Cotton & Snodine Hale of Spiro, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends.

 Services will be 2 pm, Monday, March 4, 2013 at the First Assembly of God Church in Panama, OK with Rev.  Brian Smith officiating & Rev. Victor Sweet.  Interment will follow in New Hope Cemetery, Spiro, OK.  Pallbearers will be his grandsons,  Scotty Harrison, B.J. Hale, Brandon Hale, Gordon Frayne, Lloyd Frayne, Dalton Wilson, Harlan Hale, Darren Hale.

The family will be at the funeral home on Sunday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends.