copied with permission from
The Shawnee News-Star
215 N. Bell
Shawnee, OK 74801

submitted by Kay Sugg Best

published Dec. 15, 2004

Donna Pearl Rivers Black

Donna Pearl Rivers Black, 69, of Seminole died Friday, Dec. 10, at a Seminole care center.
Service will be 1 p.m. Friday at Swearingen Funeral Home with the Rev. Antwan D. Hart officiating.

Burial will be at Westwood Cemetery, Wewoka, under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.

Lela M. Cooper

Longtime Seminole resident Lela M. Cooper, 91, died Sunday, Dec. 12, at a Roland nursing home.

Service will be 1 p.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church chapel with the Rev. Tommy Clark officiating.

Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.

Melanie G. Lytle
Pawnee resident Melanie G. Lytle, 47, died Monday, Dec. 13, in Pawnee.

She was born Sept. 20, 1957, in Borger, Texas, to Carl L. and Gladys V. (Johnston) Lytle.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Darrel Lytle; sister, Debbie Lytle; nephew, Hunter Skelnik; and niece, Samantha Sanchez.

Survivors include daughter, Mackenzie Lytle of Shawnee; son, Scott Lytle of Yale; two grandsons, Malique and Iverson; one granddaughter, Morgan; four brothers, Ronald Lytle of Los Lumas, N.M., C.L. Lytle of Pawnee, Larry Lytle and Billy Lytle, both of Mansfield, Texas; five sisters, Haroldine "Sissy" Blair of Pawnee, June Thomas of Tulsa, Marilyn Thompson of Pawnee, Melissa Kane of Quinlan, Texas, and Penny Gore of Drumright; and other relatives and friends.

Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Poteet Funeral Chapel, Pawnee, with the Rev. Cecil Riding officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery of Pawnee.

Helen Marie Stiffler

Former Nash resident Helen Marie Stiffler, 78, died Friday, Dec. 10, in a Fayette, Mo., care center.
She was born Aug. 6, 1926, to Ira and Mabel Mae MaComb Parris in the Johnson community near Shawnee.

She attended elementary school at Johnson Elementary and graduated from Earlsboro High School.

On June 17, 1953, she married Kenneth (Cotton) Stiffler in Shawnee. She moved to Nash in 1963 and later moved to Columbia, Mo. in 1999.

She attended and was a member of Eagle Grove Assembly of God Church near Nash.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Stiffler, on Oct. 10, 1971; her parents, one brother and one sister.

Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Keitha and Kim Dale of Jet and Koleen and Bobby Keathley of Columbia, Mo.; four grandchildren; and four sisters, Lucille Lynch of Dallas, Irene Belyeu of Spencer, Lena Mae Parris of Oklahoma City and Edith Reavis of Sequim, Wash.

Service will be 9:30 a.m. today at the Nash Christian Church with the Rev. Earl West and the Rev. John Newland officiating. Burial will be 4 p.m. in Garden Grove Cemetery near Prague under the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home.

A remembrance celebration will be held at Johnson Church of God following the burial. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice through the funeral home.

published Dec. 16, 2004

Bessie Mae Hamilton Pults Lindsey Landis

Former Shawnee and Tecumseh resident Bessie Mae Hamilton Pults Lindsey Landis died Friday, Nov. 26, in Oklahoma City at the age of 91.
She was born Feb. 28, 1913, in Sulphur to Clyde Gilespie Hamilton and Nellie Mae Wilson Hamilton.

She married Virgil Troy Pults in June 1935. They made their home in Shawnee and later on a Tecumseh farm. After his death, she married Alfred E. Lindsay in 1962. They moved to Albuquerque, N. M. In May 1963, he was killed in a plane crash in the Sandia Mountains east of Albuquerque. In November 1965 she married W. Calvin Landis. They were married 37 years and made their home in Albuquerque, N.M.

She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Albuquerque, N.M., where she sang in the choir and was active in United Methodist Women.

Since August 2003 she resided at Epworth Villa Living Center in Oklahoma City.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde Gilespie Hamilton and Nellie Mae Hamilton Bacon; stepfather, Ward Bacon; husbands Virgil Troy Pults, Alfred E. Lindsey and W. Calvin Landis; a daughter, Mary Wanda Wicker; two sisters and a brother.

Survivors include her son, Troy Pults and his wife, Phyllis, their children Teresa Pults Franklin and husband Randy, John Thomas Pults, all of Yukon, Allison Elaine Pults of Auburn, Ga.; her daughter, Reba Renner and husband Rich, and their children, Joshua Scott and Christopher Eric Renner, all of Bremerton, Wash.; Calvin Landis, Jr. of Martinez, Calif.; Dr. Kerby Landis of Lincoln, Calif.; Donna K. Clayton of Glendale, Ariz.; grandchildren, Chris Wicker of Reno, Nev., Linda Thorpe of Elizabeth, Colo., Randy Wicker of Highlands Ranch, Colo., and Rick Wicker of Denver, Colo.; numerous great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Tecumseh Cemetery with the Rev. Dean Miller officiating.

Memorials may be made to Broadway United Methodist Church in Tecumseh

Twyla Mae Kinnett

Meeker resident Twyla Mae Kinnett, 94, died Tuesday, Dec. 14, in Shawnee.

She was born July 23, 1910, in Crescent to Jack Webb and Martha Bingham-Webb.

She was a member of the Meeker First Baptist Church, the Meeker senior citizens and a 10-year member of the Winkler County Ladies Auxiliary. She also served ten years as president of Winkler County American Cancer Society in Kermitt, Texas.

She married Amos Kinnett May 29, 1927, at Kickapoo Indian Mission in McLoud. They moved to Meeker in 1969 from Kermitt, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers, Ralph Webb, William "Ted" Webb, and Jack Webb; sisters, Joan Risher, and Nina Lowe; son-in-law, Brandy Gouker; and step-granddaughter, Glenna Moore.

Survivors include her daughters and son-in-law, Delores Gouker, and Georgia and Harley Miller all of Lake Eufaula; son and daughter-in-law, Dan and Linda Kinnett of Lake Eufaula; sister, Edna Sears of Las Vegas, Nev.; two brothers, Bernard Webb of Meeker, and Frank Webb of Tecumseh; ten grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and eight great great-grandchildren.

The family will receive guests 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Gaskill Funeral Home.

Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Friday at New Hope Cemetery with the Rev. Joe Jones and the Rev. Glen Walters officiating.

Following the funeral, there will be a gospel singing celebration at the Meeker First Baptist Church.

Ruth Lee Bolton

Seminole resident Ruth Lee (Gibbs) Bolton, 95, died Tuesday, Dec. 14, in Seminole.

Service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Doyle Long officiating. Burial will be at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in Seminole.

Swearingen Funeral Home is directing arrangements.

published Dec. 17, 2004

Howard A. Cunningham

Shawnee resident Howard A. Cunningham, 94, died Monday, Dec. 13, at his home.
He was born July 22, 1910, in Cedar Glades, Ark., to James D. and Sally (Ray) Cunningham.

He was a retired lumberyard employee of Buford White Lumber Co. He had also worked for Taylor, Stewart, McKee and Bison Lumber Companies.

He was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church and the T'N'T Group at Immanuel.

He married Bernice Deason on Aug. 4, 1929, in Shawnee.

Survivors include his wife, Bernice D. Cunningham of the home; son and daughter-in-law, J.D. and Donna Cunningham of Shawnee; five grandsons and their wives, Jim and Kathy Cunningham of Carrollton, Texas, Jon and Brenda Cunningham of Stillwater, Jay and Teri Cunningham of Edmond, Joe and Kelli Cunningham of Newcastle, and Jeff and Vickie Carr of Germantown, Tenn.; sister, Margaret Johnson of Tecumseh; brother, Ray Cunningham of Yakima, Wash.; several great-grandchildren; two great great-grandchildren; plus a number of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at the chapel of Walker Funeral Service with the Rev. Sam Hendry and the Rev. Scott Gordon officiating. Burial will be at Garden Grove Cemetery.

Walker Funeral Service is directing arrangements.

Luke David Stark

Luke David Stark, infant son of Matthew and Angela (Manley) Stark, died Tuesday, Dec. 14, in Midwest City.

Service will be 3:30 p.m. today at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Carl Whitfield officiating. Burial will be at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in Seminole.

Swearingen Funeral Home is directing arrangements

Calvin Eugene Kirk

Stroud resident Calvin Eugene Kirk, 25, died Wednesday, Dec. 15, in Oklahoma City.

Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Monday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Stroud with the Rev. Ed Grogan officiating.

Parks Brothers Funeral Service is directing arrangements.

published Dec. 18, 2004

Don Mike Moody

Former Stroud resident Don Mike Moody, 60, died Thursday, Dec. 16, in Norman.

Service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Stroud with the Rev. Joe Molencupp and Charles Terry officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Services of Stroud.
 

published Dec. 19, 2004

Theodore Martin

Theodore "Ted" Martin, 81, of Tecumseh died Wednesday, Dec. 15, in Shawnee.

He was born April 25, 1923, in Saint Louis to Lon C. and Susanna (Swift) Martin.

Martin served in the U.S. Army for three years during World War II.

He lived in Fresno, Calif., before moving to Tecumseh in 1979.

On June 27, 1986, he married Ruby Schurter June 27, 1986, in Fort Smith, Ark. She preceded him in death, June 21, 2000.

He worked as a custodian at The University of Oklahoma.

He was a member of the Tecumseh City Fellowship, the Odd Fellows Lodge and the Veterans of Foreign Wars in California. He regularly attended the Tecumseh Senior Citizen center.

He also was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include six stepdaughters and their husbands, Betty and Kenneth Haley of Shawnee, Kris and Roger Jacobsen of Elgin, Ill., Cathy and Nick Frazer of Princeton, Ky., Cecilia and Bill Santino of Tecumseh, and Mary and Bob Santino of Tecumseh and Peggy and David Carlson of Oklahoma City; stepson and his wife, Dale and Deborah Haser of Oklahoma City; brother and sister-in-law, J.K. and Delsie Martin of Norman; two nephews, a niece and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Cooper Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Bill Matthews and Phil Thompson officiating.

Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park of Shawnee.

Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh is in charge of arrangements.

Mildred Berniece Palmer

Mildred Berniece ³Granny² Palmer, 76, of Maud died Friday, Dec. 17, at her home.

Palmer was born Sept. 26, 1928, in Konawa to Wesley P. and Allie Ella (Moore) Duncan.

On March 21, 1947, she married L.T. Palmer in St. Louis. He preceded her in death in 1994.

Palmer was a homemaker. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Maud.

Palmer also was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters and one brother.

Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Terry and Tricia Palmer and Travis and Cheryl Palmer, all of Maud; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Janet Brock of Maud, Holli and Michael Jackson of Bethel and Robin and Jerry Pack of Maud; three brothers, Wesley Duncan of Tecumseh, Freddie Duncan of Havana, Fla., and Jimmy Duncan of Wofford Height, Calif.; two sisters, Shirley Carnes of Upland, Calif., and Patsy Arbuckle of Commanche; 16 grandchildren and spouses, Todd Brock, Ty and Maleea Brock, Stacy Palmer, Trent Palmer, Michael Palmer, Chris Palmer, Tavie Palmer, Tara and Paul Jordan, Cassie Pack, Jeffrey Pack, Brook Palmer and Royce Street, Nicole Palmer, Trevor Palmer, Jared Jackson, Kelsey Jackson and Seth Jr. T. Jackson; three great-grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church in Maud with Chase and Greg Palmer officiating. Burial will follow at Wolf Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Knight-Swearingen Funeral Home

Hobert S. Waterman

Hobert S. Waterman, 77, of Honey Grove, Texas, died Friday, Dec. 17, at his home.

He was born Nov. 10, 1927, in Detroit, Texas, to Clyde Waterman and Violet Hoskins.

He served in the U.S. Air Force.

He was a plumber and a member of the Allen's Point Baptist Church.

Survivors incluede his father, Clyde Waterman, daughters, Christina M. Waterman of Los Angeles, Wanda L. Green of Leedy and Sharon Kay Fields of Hot Springs, Ark.; son, Stan Waterman of Washington; stepson, James Nicholson of Elmore City; sister and brother-in-law, Joyce and Allen Redding of Austin, Texas; uncle, Melvin Waterman of Paris, Texas; aunts, Vivian Wheeler and Lavonia Hunter of Paris, Texas; and four grandchildren.

Service will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Allen's Point Baptist Church with the Rev. Phillip Barnes officiating.

Visitation will be 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. today at Cooper-Sorrells Funeral Home, Honey Grove.

I.L. Blankenship

I.L. Blankenship, 86, of Seminole died Thursday, Dec. 16, at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Swearingen Funeral Chapel with the Rev. H.K. Griffin officiating.

Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery. Swearingen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Bessie Jewel Miller

Bessie Jewel (Rodgers) Miller, 95, of Seminole died Friday, Dec. 17, at a Seminole care center.

Graveside service will be 1 p.m. Monday at Sappington Chapel Cemetery in Cowden with the Rev. Lavon Thompson officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home of Seminole.

Orvis Bond

Orvis Bond, 63, of Shawnee died Saturday, Dec. 18, in Shawnee.

He was born Dec. 14, 1941, in Modesto, Calif., to Nolan and Winnie (Guiling) Bond.

He lived in California and Texas before moving to Oklahoma in 1956.

He was a graduate of Edmond High School.

Bond served in the U.S. Marine Reserve and later in the U.S. Army.

He worked in auto part sales and at the Oklahoma City Bus Station.

He was preceded in death by his father and his grandparents.

Survivors include his mother, Winnie Bond of Tecumseh; sisters and brothers-in-law, Wynona and Bobby Carter of Shawnee, Jane Ridenour of Tecumseh and Tom Ridenour of Eufaula; many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Monday at Tecumseh Cemetery with the Rev. Chad Brodrick officiating.

Cooper Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Berta Churchill

Former McLoud resident Berta ³Boots² Churchill, 72, of Elgin, Ore., died Monday, Nov. 29, at her home.

Survivors include her husband, Wesley Churchill of the home; children and their spouses, Ken and Jackie Crosser of Oklahoma City, Linda and Phillip Hagen of Waupaca, Wis., Jack and Brenda Crosser and Julia and Roy Howell, all of Elgin; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three sisters, Lois Cable of Elgin, Betty Pendarvis of Wyoming and Maxine Haley of Oklahoma; four step-brothers; and several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and other relatives.

Service was held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, at the Elgin Stampeded Hall, Elgin. Memorials may be made to Elgin High School for the FFA, FBLA or the Honor Society giving tree at P.O. Box 68, Elgin, Ore., 97827

published Dec. 21, 2004

 Phyllis Diana Davis

Maud resident Phyllis Diana Davis, 55, died Sunday, Dec. 19, at a local hospital.
She was born Nov. 12, 1949, in Alton, Ill., to Orville Foutch and Mildred (Bateman) Foutch. She moved to Saint Louis, Okla., then, in 1983, she moved to Maud.

On Nov. 22, 1996, she married David Ray Davis in Eureka Springs, Ark. She was a homemaker and attended First Baptist Church, Saint Louis.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Jean Schroder and one brother, Wilber Foutch.

Survivors include her husband, David Ray Davis, of the home; one son and daughter-in-law, Larry Jr. and Casey Garren of Maud; three daughters and one son-in-law, Dianna Lopez of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Holly and Brendan Behana of Dallas, Texas; Sally Davis of Tallahassee, Fla.; former son-in-law, Michael Lopez Sr. of Colorado Springs, Colo.; three brothers, Donald Foutch of Centralia, Ill.; Richard Foutch of Centralia, Ill.; Billy Foutch of Fairview Heights, Ill.; four sisters, Pauline Paine of Hughey, Ill.; Dorothy Gauass of Fallin, Ill.; Betty Vaughn of Centralia, Ill.; Brenda Elliston of Centralia, Ill.; five grandchildren, Kaley Garren, Jordy Garren, Robert Rodriguez, Michael Lopez Jr., and Malea Lopez.

Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church of Saint Louis with the Rev. Glenn Peck officiating. Burial will follow at Cummings Cemetery.

Knight-Swearingen Funeral Home of Maud is directing arrangements.

The Rev. Leon Brodrick

The Rev. Leon Brodrick, 81, died Monday, Dec. 20, in Tecumseh.

He was born Jan. 6, 1923, in Elk City to F.E. and Vernie (Ridley) Brodrick. He was reared in Carter and graduated from school in Carter.

On Dec. 21, 1944, he married Doris Rider in Boise City. They lived in Carter for one year before moving to Camp, Colo., where they farmed. After going into the ministry, he was a pastor in Campo, Rocky Ford and Fort Lupton, Colo., and in Ulysses, Kan. He was a pastor for 35 years. He also served as the presbyter for the Rocky Mountain District for 15 years. Following his retirement, he served as interim pastor for several churches.

Survivors include his wife, Doris Brodrick of the home; one son and daughter-in-law, Edward and Barbara Brodrick of Tecumseh; two grandchildren and their spouses, the Rev. Chad and Nyree Brodrick of Tecumseh and Joie and Ty Kendrick of Brush, Colo.; four great-grandchildren; two sisters, one brother and many other relatives.

Service will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at First Assembly of God, Tecumseh, with the Rev. Chad Brodrick and the Rev. Robert Rider officiating. Burial will follow at Mars Hill Cemetery.

Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh is directing arrangements.

David A. Lampl

Dallas, Texas, resident David A. Lampl, 65, died Saturday, Dec. 19, at his home.

He was born Sept. 22, 1939, in Wichita, Kan., to Maurice and Dorothy Lampl.

Lampl began his career in banking in Fort Worth, Texas, and went on to be an owner and president of The First National Bank in Shawnee. He retired from the banking industry at age 40 and embarked on a second career in real estate development.

He was an active member of GLAAD and a Federal Club member of HRC.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his grandfather, Winford E. Harber.

Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Brent and Ivette Lampl; brothers, Maurice Lampl, Harber Lampl and Lester Mayne, and many other relatives.

A memorial service will be 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at Restland Wildwood Chapel in Dallas with Monsignor Donald L. Fisher officiating

Kassidee Star Sheppard

Kassidee Star Sheppard of Dale died Sunday, Dec. 19, near Henryetta. She was 6 years old.

She was born May 23, 1998, in Twenty-nine Palms, Calif., to Chip and Rachelle (Snyder) Sheppard. She was in the first grade at Dale Elementary School.

She had lived in Dale all of her life and was a member of Dale Church of Christ. She sang, danced, rode horses and played sports.

Survivors include her parents, Chip and Rachelle Sheppard, a sister, Brenlee Sheppard, and brother, Dason Sheppard, all of the home; grandparents, Mark and Dee Snyder of Dale, Blaine and Jeannette Graybeal of McLoud, and Richard and Sherrie Sheppard of Shawnee; great-grandparents, Bill and Betty Zuker of Shawnee, Margaret and Jimmy Snyder of Dale, Warren and Velta Graybeal of Shawnee, and Kathy and Dexter Davis of Seminole; great-great-grandmother, Irene Snyder of Dale, and many other relatives.

Service will be 2 p.m. today at Northridge Church of Christ with Dewayne Thomas officiating. Burial will follow at Dale Cemetery.

Walker Funeral Service of Shawnee is directing arrangements

Goldie Jane Tucker

Bristow resident Goldie Jane Tucker, 85, died Saturday, Dec. 18, in Bristow.

Graveside service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Magnolia Memorial Garden Cemetery in Bristow with John Dowdy officiating. Parks Brothers Funeral Service is directing arrangements.

Wanda R. Nickell

Davenport resident Wanda R. Nickell, 72, died Saturday, Dec. 18, in Stroud.

Service will be 2 p.m. today at First Christian Church in Davenport with the Rev. Bill Breland officiating. Burial will follow at the New Zion Cemetery in Chandler. Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Chandler is directing arrangements.

published Dec. 22, 2004

Lena Molly Hinton

Shawnee resident Lena Molly Hinton, 82, died Sunday, Dec. 19, in Oklahoma City.
She was born June 12, 1922, in Farwell, Texas, to Lawrence Edward Miller and Molly (Atha) Miller.

Hinton resided in Shawnee for more than 35 years. She was a member of Bible Temple Church in Shawnee.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, the Rev. H.W. Hinton; four brothers; one sister and one granddaughter.

Survivors include three sons, L.J. Johnston of Shawnee, A.M. Womack and wife Janice of Amarillo, Texas, and Calvin Womack and wife Lori of Ardmore; two brothers, Olan and Calvin Miller of Marysville, Calif.; three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many others.

Service will be 2 p.m. today at Bible Temple Church of Shawnee with the Rev. Wayne Sloan officiating. Burial will be at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home.

Johnie Mae Little

Seminole resident Johnie Mae Little, 96, died Tuesday, Dec. 21, in Seminole.

Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Gary Pollard officiating.

Burial will be at Little Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.

Edna Mae Byars

Anderson, Mo., resident Edna Mae Byars, 64, died Friday, Dec. 17, in Joplin, Mo.

She was born Nov. 5, 1940, in Berkley, Calif., to Frank Byars and Evelyn (Broaddus) Byars-Proznyk.

Byars worked at Granby Manufacturing for many years and was president of the Union and later worked for Unite Union in research.

She was a member of the Nazarene Church in Granby, Mo.

She was preceded in death by her son, Patrick Duncan on Aug. 20, 2000; parents; and a brother, Frank W. Byars Jr.

Survivors include sister, Mary Ritter of Shawnee; brother, Mike Proznyk of Neosho, Mo.; granddaughters, Megan and Heather Duncan of Anderson, Mo.; and nieces and nephews.

Service will be 3 p.m. today at Clark Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Ralph Walker officiating. Burial will be in Swars Prairie Baptist Cemetery, west of Neosho, Mo. Clark Funeral Home in Neosho, Mo., is directing arrangements

Lucy Coker Davis

Shawnee resident Lucy Coker Davis, 97, died Sunday, Dec. 19, at her home.

She was born March 10, 1907, in Seviervill, Tenn., to Richard and Laura (Trotter) Coker.

Davis attended school at Valley View and graduated from Bethel High School in 1926. She attended East Central College.

On June 29, 1932, she married Oral A. Davis in Okemah. He preceded her in death in 1975. Davis was a teacher. She later worked in Mothers Day Out programs at First Presbyterian Church and Wesley Methodist Church. She also worked at Tinker Air Force Base.

She was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church and was a children's teacher there for many years. She lived in the Shawnee and Bethel area most of her life.

She also was preceded in death by her parents; seven brothers, John, Wilbur, Milburn, R.K., Glen D., Claude, and the Rev. Charles Coker; two sisters, Zola Coker and Una Corba.

Survivors include son, Richard Davis of Shawnee; two daughters, Linda Davis Nowlin of Bethel and Marilyn Davis Davis of Pocola; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Immanuel Baptist Church with the Rev. John Coker and the Rev. Sam Hendry officiating. Burial will be at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service. The casket will remain open until service time and will not be opened after the service.

Memorials may be made to Immanuel Baptist Church Building Fund.

Carla Diane Beller

Shawnee resident Carla Diane Beller, 57, died Tuesday, Dec. 21, at a local hospital.

She was born Aug. 18, 1947, in Olney, Ill., the daughter of James and Margaret Moody.

Beller came to Ratliff City with her parents as a child and later graduated from high school in Fox. She attended college at Southeastern State University, Durant. She moved to Shawnee in 1978.

She was employed for ExxonMobil for 24 years until her retirement in March 2004.

She was preceded in death by her father.

Survivors include her husband Jack Beller of the home; son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Elisha Hale of Glenpool; daughter, Suzanne Cline of Shawnee; three stepdaughters and their spouses, Kelleya and Keith Cox of Eufaula, Julynn and Andy Bridges of Lafayettte, La., and Jim and Ken Markuse of Mustang; mother and stepfather, Margaret and Frank Hastings of Edmond; sister and brother-in-law, Pam Beller and Ron Brown of Moore; and 10 grandchildren.

Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at the chapel of Walker Funeral Service with the Rev. Larry Sparks officiating. Burial will follow at Pauls Valley.

published Dec. 23, 2004

Phoebe Green Peters

Phoebe Green Peters, 99, of Huntsville, Texas, died Wednesday, Dec. 22, in Huntsville.
Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Monday at Resthaven Memorial Park with Resthaven Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Elvin J. Moore

Elvin J. "Bud" Moore, 81, of Meeker died Wednesday, Dec. 22, in an Oklahoma City hospital.
Services are pending and will be announced by Walker Funeral Service.

Phoebe Green Peters, 99, of Huntsville, Texas, died Wednesday, Dec. 22, in Huntsville.

Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Monday at Resthaven Memorial Park with Resthaven Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

June Ann Dufur-Trudel

Chandler resident June Ann Dufur-Trudel, 66, died Monday, Dec. 20, in Stroud.
Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Chandler with the Rev. Rodney Grantham officiating.

Parks Brothers Funeral Service of Chandler is directing arrangements

published Dec. 28, 2004

Anna Lee Pixley

Former Seminole County resident Anna Lee Pixley, 89, died Friday, Dec. 24, in at a Broken Arrow nursing center.
Service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Bowlegs First Assembly of God with the Rev. Roy Robertson officiating. Burial will follow at Wolf Cemetery. Swearingen Funeral Home of Seminole is directing arrangements.

Charles Richard Nease

Shawnee resident Charles Richard Nease, 83, died Saturday, Dec. 25, at an Oklahoma City hospital.
He was born Aug. 25, 1921, in Stratford to Arch and Janie (Glance) Nease.

He married Louise Willoughby Aug. 3, 1941, in Roff.

He was an auto mechanic for local General Motors dealers. He retired from Brackeen Motors in 1986.

He was a member of Liberty Baptist Church, where he served as an usher. He also was a member of the Ada Hobo Camping Club for many years.

He was preceded in death by a brother, A.L. "Bud" Nease and a granddaughter, Teresa Simon.

Survivors include his wife, Louise Nease of Shawnee; daughter Glenna Simon and her husband, John, of Shawnee; son, C.R. "Rick" Nease and his wife, Sharon, of Tecumseh; grandsons, Matthew Simon, John Stephen Simon and Terri, all of Shawnee; granddaughter, Sherri Simon of Orlando, Fla.; brother, Ladue Nease of Midland, Texas; sisters, Beatrice Rejino of Carpenteria, Calif., Geneva Deering of Ada, and Mary Armstrong of Granbury, Texas; one great-grandson and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at the chapel of Walker Funeral Service with Bill Matthews, Larry Goins, and Phil Thompson officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Walker Funeral Service is directing arrangements

Robert L. Williams

Seminole resident Robert L. "Bob" Williams, 82, died Saturday, Dec. 25, at a Shawnee hospital.

Service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at First Baptist Church in Seminole with the Rev. Tommy Clark officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery.

Swearingen Funeral Home is directing arrangements.

Paul B. Hicks

Former Broken Arrow resident Paul B. Hicks, 34, died Tuesday, Dec. 21, in New Orleans, La.

Service will be 1 p.m. today at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Broken Arrow. Burial will follow in the Floral Haven Cemetery with military honors provided by the U.S. Coast Guard Honor Team.

Christian-Gavlik Funeral Home in Broken Arrow is directing arrangements.

Charolette Ann Murray

Davenport resident Charolette Ann Murray, 68, died Monday, Dec. 27, in Chandler.

Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Chandler with the Rev. Thom Chappelle officiating. Burial will follow at the Davenport Cemetery.

Joseph Dean Polk-LaDeaux

Macomb resident Joseph Dean Polk-LaDeaux, 58, died Sunday, Dec. 26, in McLoud.

Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Countryside Pentecostal Church of God with the Rev. Dennis Stone officiating.

Cooper Funeral Home is directing arrangements.

Millie Mary Wert

Eufaula resident Millie Mary Wert, 85, died Friday, Dec. 24, at her home.

Service will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Chandler with the Rev. Lee Lee Lewis officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Park Cemetery.

Helen Marie Roesler

Seminole resident Helen Marie Roesler, 99, died Saturday, Dec. 25.

Service will be 10 a.m. today at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Gary Wilburn officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1314, Seminole, OK. 74868.

Swearingen Funeral Home is directing arrangements.

Nadine Collier

Former Wanette resident Nadine Collier, 65, died Monday, Dec. 27, at a Stonewall nursing center.

She was born July 4, 1939, in Wanette to Newt and Beulah Collier.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Gelene Neal and Carlene Collier.

Survivors include two sisters, Magdalene Sutton of Tecumseh and Florine Weatherford of Wanette; nieces and nephews, Charles Sutton, Mike Neal, Ronnie Neal, Gary Neal, Dale and David Weatherford and Deborah Weatherford.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Wanette Cemetery with her nephew Charles Sutton officiating.

Walker Funeral Service of Shawnee is directing arrangements.

published Dec. 29, 2004

Walker McBee

Shawnee resident Walker McBee, 87, died Sunday, Dec. 26, in Shawnee.
He was born Dec. 8, 1917, in Potter, Ark., to Joseph Wheeler and Ida Edna (Walker) McBee. He moved to the Shawnee-Tecumseh area as a child. He attended grade school in Tecumseh and graduated from Oklahoma Military Academy in 1936.

On Feb. 3, 1940, he married Pelma Huckabee in Oklahoma City. She preceded him in death on Nov. 16, 2002.

He was the owner/operator of S&S Feed Mill in Shawnee until retiring in 1996. He was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, the Shawnee Lions Club, Shawnee Masonic Lodge and was a Shriner. He served as chairman of the Pottawatomie County Junior Livestock Show and as past president of the Oklahoma Seedmen's Association.

He also was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Janice McBee, and one sister, Beatrice Stevenson.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Elaine McBee of Shawnee; two daughters and sons-in-law, Pam and Bobby Gregory of Shawnee and Genie and Frank Stone of Oklahoma City; six grandchildren, Shelley Brown, Patrick Gregory, Emily Stone, Michael Stone, Julie Johnson and John McBee; five great-grandchildren and a niece, Betty West of Carrollton, Texas.

Graveside service will be 1 p.m. today at Tecumseh Cemetery with the Rev. Bobby Gregory officiating.

Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh is directing arrangements.

Vivian E. Dennerle

Former Three Sands, Okla., resident Vivian E. Dennerle of Lakeworth, Fla., died Saturday, Dec. 22, in Lakeworth. She was 75 years old.

Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Blackburn Chapel Cemetery with family members officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Gaskill Funeral Home.

James Lester Martin

Former Maud resident James Lester Martin, 85, died Thursday, Dec. 16, in Georgetown, Texas. He was a resident of Sheffield, Texas.

He was born March 14, 1919, in Maud to Ferd and Josie Martin.

He attended Maud schools, graduating in 1937.

He married Dorothy Burleson in Texas.

Preceding him in death were his wife; one son, Don Paul; his parents; three brothers, Charles, Sammy and Freddy Paul, and one sister, Virginia Louise.

Survivors include two sons, Jon and his wife, Trish, of Georgetown, Texas, and Melvin of Kentucky; three brothers, Arthur, Larry and Lynn; four sisters, Mary Ellen, Vertia Mae, Rozann and Lindy.

Graveside service was Dec. 23 at Sheffield, Texas, Cemetery.

Cook-Walden Davis Funeral Home of Georgetown handled arrangements

Clifton Henry Porcupile

Former Shawnee resident Clifton Henry Porcupile, 84, died Sunday, Dec. 22, in Chula Vista, Calif.

He was born Dec. 13, 1920, in Meeker to Henry and Bonnie Porcupile. He was a 1940 graduate of Seminole High School. On July 3, 1940, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. His first duty station was Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He survived the Dec. 7, 1941, attack unharmed and served his country a total of 32 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include a brother, Marion "Dink" and Kathryn Porcupile of Gold Canyon, Ariz.; cousins and their wives, Doyle and Joan Stearman of Shawnee, Bill and Norma Stearman of Missouri, and Robert and Beulah Knesek of Sparks; nieces and their husbands, Susan and Ron Pennington of Arlington, Va.; Denise and Ben Laskey of Mount Pleasant, S.C.; Nancy and Frank Sullivan of El Cajon, Calif.; nephew, Daniel Porcupile, U.S. Marine serving in Iraq.

Graveside service will be 3 p.m. Thursday at Rossville Cemetery in Jacktown with a U.S. Navy chaplain officiating.

Gaskill Funeral Home of Shawnee is directing arrangements.

Nola Pauline Wood

Bonanza, Ark., resident Nola Pauline Wood, 79, died Tuesday, Dec. 28, at her residence.

Service will be 1 p.m. Friday at Resthaven Funeral Chapel. Burial will be at Tribbey Cemetery under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home of Shawnee.

Fannie Mae Stillwell

Former Seminole resident Fannie Mae Stillwell, 85, died Saturday, Dec. 25, in McPherson, Kan. She was a resident of Norman.

Service will be 11 a.m. Friday at Swearingen Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Larry Crawford officiating. Burial will be at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in Seminole

Donna Jean Garretson
DONNA JEAN GARRETSON

-----

It's not your fault

From what I can see,

The unfair hand dealt,

Is how it has to be.

Please go my sister,

Pass thru to the other side,

Peace awaits you,

In God's arms opened wide.

-----

Donna was re-born into heaven on December 24, 2004. Her death was the result of an auto accident. 45 years earlier she was born October 18, 1959 in the Ancon Canal Zone, Panama to Don Garretson of Macomb, OK and Mary Garretson of Tecumseh, OK. She graduated from Eldorado High School, Albuquerque, NM in 1977 and City College, Moore, OK in 2003. Most recently employed as a computer technician. Donna was a perpetual member of Eastern Star. She loved the outdoors and communing with nature in general. Donna is preceded in death by her grandparents, aunt, uncle and one sister. She is survived by her parents and two daughters; Melissa Dawson and Miranda Dawson both of Tecumseh, OK, one grandson Issac Cypret, one sister Shari Gloria-Garretson and husband John of Midwest City, OK., one niece Mindi Eustace-Hawkins and husband James of Shawnee, OK, and a special friend in Mark Dawson of Wanette, OK, and numerous friends and relatives. Per Donna's wishes she will be cremated. The family of Donna Garretson invites all friends and family to join in a celebration of Donna's life, to be held Thursday December 30, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. at Cooper Funeral Home in Tecumseh, OK.

published Dec. 30, 2004

Sheila May Hayes

Guthrie resident Sheila May Hayes, 36, died Wednesday, Dec. 29, in Enid.
Memorial service will be 4 p.m. today at Anderson-Burris Funeral Chapel of Enid with the Rev. Terry Chick officiating.

Marcey Dawn States

Prague resident Marcey Dawn States, 32, died Tuesday, Dec. 28, at her home.

She was born Jan. 30, 1972, in Shawnee to Renae Whitaker.

She was a 1990 graduate of Prague High School. She worked as a junior volunteer at Shawnee Medical Center while attending high school.

States worked as a paraprofessional in the Special Needs Department of the Prague Schools until her health forced her retirement.

Survivors include daughter, Taylor Dawn of the home; mother and stepfather, Renae and Wes Whitaker of Luther; grandparents Bob and Glenda States of Prague; aunt, Tammy States of Tulsa; uncles and aunt, Marty States and Reggie and Julana States, all of Prague; sister Blythe Moran; stepbrothers, Jonathon and Matthew Whitaker; and numerous other family.

Service will be 11 a.m. Friday at Garden Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Prague with the Rev. Charlie Clem officiating. Burial will follow at Garden Grove Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service of Prague.

Bobby Lee Goforth

Longtime Seminole resident Bobby Lee Goforth, 70, died Monday, Dec. 27, at an Oklahoma City hospital.

Service will be 2 p.m. today at Swearingen Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Cal Hunter officiating.

Burial will follow at Little Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home of Seminole.

L. L. Payne Jr.

Moore resident L. L. "Lee" Payne Jr., 60, died Tuesday, Dec. 28, at his home.

Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. David White officiating. Burial will be at Little Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.

James Langley

Prague resident James "J. T." Langley, 67, died Tuesday, Dec. 28, in Prague.

He was born April 15, 1937, in Latimer County to Jack T. and Frankie Bea (Fite) Langley.

He was reared in eastern Oklahoma. He moved to Oklahoma City, where he lived for 20 years. He retired in 1987 from the Oklahoma City Fire Department, where he served as fire captain. He had lived in Prague for the past five years.

He served in the U. S. Marine Corps during the Korean conflict.

On Oct. 13, 1964, he married Patsy Alexander in Denison, Texas.

After retirement, he, his wife and son raised and trained thoroughbred horses.

Langley was a 32nd degree Mason with the Midwest City Masonic Lodge No. 520, and was a member of the Guthrie Scottish Rite Consistory.

His father, Jack T. Langley, and a niece, Katelyn Ray, preceded him in death.

Survivors include wife Patsy Langely of the home; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Ted "T.J." and Kathy Langley of Cromwell and James Langley Jr., of Port Orchard, Wash.; daughter, Trina Vanwert of Port Orchard, Wash.; mother, Frankie Bea Langley of Midwest City; sisters and brothers-in-law, Anne and Don Colston of Midwest City, Ona and J.D. Davidson of Kansas City, Mo., and Katherine and Roger Malone of Choctaw; brothers and sisters-in-law, Frank and Patricia Langley of Hartshorne and Dewayne and Glenda Langley of Bernice; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Tecumseh Cemetery with the Rev. Will Bentley officiating. Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh is directing arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Firefighters Benevolent Fund

Jane von Storch Baptist Witcher

Jane von Storch Baptist Witcher passed away December 26, 2004, in Paris, Texas after a short illness. Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 30th, at 2:00 pm at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 501 N. Broadway in Shawnee. The Rev. Clark Shackelford will officiate.

She was born in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvannia on July11, 1912. After the death of her mother, at the age of five, she was brought to Shawnee, Oklahoma to be raised by her Aunt and Uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Watrous.

She graduated from Shawnee High School as valedictorian and received many state awards for proficiency in Latin and Spanish. She attended Oklahoma College for Women where she was a member of Delta Gamma sorority. She was a life long Sooner football fan. She taught school in Elgin and Shawnee.

In 1939, she married N.W. (Buddy) Baptist, Jr. They had four children. He preceded her in death in 1981. She married Henry Witcher in 1994 and he preceded her in death in 2002.

Mrs. Witcher is survived by her four children, Wilson Baptist of Shawnee, Oklahoma, Carolyn Maples and her husband Mike of Austin, Texas, Ann Wyche and her husband Lance of Paris, Texas, and Richard Baptist and his wife Lori of Norman, Oklahoma; five grandchildren Michael Maples and Benton Maples of Austin, Texas, Wendy Wyche of Boston, Massachusetts, Brett Baptist and Blake Baptist of Norman, Oklahoma; four great granchildren Sydney Maples, Sloan Maples, Spencer Maples and Josie Maples all of Austin, Texas; and a sister Helen von Storch of Shawnee, Oklahoma.

Pallbearers will be Jimmy W. Brownell, Dick Deem, Bill Ford, Gordon Richards, Gary Smith and George Van Wanger.

Immediately following the service the family will meet with friends at the fellowship hall at Emmanuel Episcopal Church.

The family has suggested that memorial may be made to the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 501 N. Broadway, Shawnee, Oklahoma 74801.

Walker Funeral Service of Shawnee is in charge of the arrangements

published Dec. 31, 2004

Dr. Earl Carpenter

Shawnee resident Dr. Earl Carpenter, D.C., 77, died Monday, Dec. 27, in Caldwell, Texas.
He was born June 23, 1927, in Detroit, Mich., to Jasper and Alice Carpenter.

He graduated from Texas Chiropractic College in 1954.

He was a chiropractic doctor.

He was a professor of anatomy in the U.S. Army Medical Corps at Brook General Hospital, San Antonio, Texas.

He received the Chiropractor of the Year award in 1997 and received his 50-year chiropractic pin in 2004.

He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He married Juanita Canales in 1946.

Survivors include his wife ,Juanita Carpenter of Shawnee; six children, Dr. Gary Carpenter, D.C., Yvonne Banister, Jannette Falls, Dr. Bruce Carpenter, D.C., Greg Carpenter and Elizabeth Armstrong; grandchildren, Heather, Tiffany, Brandon, Michael Dale, and Johnathan Jasper; two great-grandchildren; and four sisters.

Service will be 2 p.m. today at the chapel of Walker Funeral Service.

Walker Funeral Service is directing arrangements.

Dorothy Marie Jackson

Edmond resident Dorothy Marie (Marx) Jackson, 79, died Thursday, Dec. 30, at her home.

Service will be 11 a.m. Monday at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Carl Whitfield officiating. Burial will be at Cummings Cemetery.

Swearingen Funeral Home is directing arrangements.

Eileen Duff

Longtime Cushing resident Eileen Duff, 88, died Wednesday, Dec. 29, in Shawnee.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ermal Duff; one daughter, Denise; and one brother, Lynn Jackson.

Survivors include one son, Terry Duff and wife Susan of Shawnee; one daughter, Jeanne Marlin of Las Vegas.; grandchildren and spouses, Destry Duff and wife Tara; Kelly Harbolt; and Joseph Victory and wife Kristy; seven great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Don Duff and wife Marilyn; nephew, Mike Duff and wife Brooke; and other relatives.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. today at Fairlawn Cemetery with Bob Vaught officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation.

Davis Funeral Home in Cushing is in charge of arrangements.

Renoals Ellen Tiger

Seminole resident Renoals Ellen Tiger, 90, died Thursday, Dec. 30, at her home.

Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Cheyarha Presbyterian Church with the Rev. John Lively officiating. Burial will follow at Cheyarha Cemetery.

Swearingen Funeral Home is directing arrangements.

Orvil E. Nichols

Longtime Okemah resident Orvil E. "Mutt" Nichols died Tuesday, Dec. 28, in Okemah at the age of 83.

Graveside service will be 10 a.m. today at Castle Cemetery with the Rev. Carl Clay officiating.

Parks Brothers Funeral Home, Okemah, is directing arrangements.