Harold Hansen

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

JR Upton

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

Della Juanita Edwards

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

Jerold Harris

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

Esta Alice "Shorty" Pipkins

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

Shawna Jeanette Graham Beallis

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

Alice D. Blake

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

Lawrence A. Carpenter

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

Ronald Knight

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

Shirley Jean Neff

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

Shirley Ford

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

Jesse C. Long

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

Brenda Kay Whitecotton Conway

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

Hannah Rae Lovett

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

Algra B. Tackett

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

Robert Junior Lowery

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

Rev. Billy "Bill" Marion Jones

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

Jerry Wayne Baker

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

Thomas Edward Strock

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

Kenneth Avery

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