Jackson Co., OK - Obits: From the Altus Times, Dec 1-30, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks to the Altus Times for permission to upload their obits to the Oklahoma USGenWeb Archives. Copyright http://www.altustimes.com/ USGenWeb Archives. Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm -------------------------------------------------------------- DECEMBER 1, 2002 CONGER Avanell Sexton Conger, 65, Altus, died Friday. Funeral services, under the direction of Lowell-Tims Funeral Home of Altus, are set for 2 p.m. Monday at the Friendship Baptist Church. The Rev. Madison Clinton will officiate and burial will follow at the Navajo Cemetery. She was born on July 20, 1937 at Hollis to Mr. and Mrs. W.C. Sexton. She married Jim Conger Dec. 23, 1954 in Altus. She was a member of the Friendship Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School. She was the owner of Altus Western Wear from 1969 until 1983. She raised and raced greyhounds for more than 25 years and was a member of the National Greyhound Association and Oklahoma Greyhound Association. She is survived by her husband Jim of Altus; son Jimmy C. Conger of Cyril; daughters Dana Fall and husband Mike of Oklahoma City and Gina Abernathy and husband Paul of Goodland, Kan.; sisters Dorothy Ayres and husband Troy of Hollis, Wilma Brooks and husband Joe of Sapulpa, Glenna Jones and husband Sterling of Hollis; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother and one sister. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Higgins Captain James Thomas Higgins born February 12, 1939, died in San Diego, California Sept. 15 from complications of open heart surgery. He was married to Joyce Gober on December 20, 1958 at the Church of Christ in Altus. He was the son-in-law of Edith Gober and the former H. H. Gober. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Higgins Captain James Thomas Higgins born February 12, 1939, died in San Diego, California Sept. 15 from complications of open heart surgery. He was married to Joyce Gober on December 20, 1958 at the Church of Christ in Altus. He was the son-in-law of Edith Gober and the former H. H. Gober. He was a pilot with TWA for 30 years. He is survived by his wife Joyce, two children and five grandchildren. Their daughter is Jill Hovis, Dallas, Texas She has two sons Paul and Scott Hovis. Their son is Jimmy Higgins of San Diego, California. He has one daughter Jessica and two sons Jarrett and Forrest. He is also survived by one sister Georgiana Maddocks, three brother-in-laws, four nephews, two nieces, four grandnephews, five grandnieces, three aunts, two uncles and many cousins. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Matthew Funeral services for Alline Louise Matthew, 76, will be at 2 p.m. Monday at the Gray Gish Funeral Home Chapel in Frederick with the Rev. Bob Couch, Hollister Baptist Church officiating. She died Friday at her residence in Blanchard. Burial will be at the Hollister Cemetery under the direction of Gray Gish Funeral Home. She was born to Oscar James and Mary Jane (Perkins) Bates in Wapanucka on Feb. 26, 1926. She attended Wapanucka Public Schools. She married Jesse David Matthew on April 8, 1944 in Atoka County. In 1949 they moved to Tillman County where she was a homemaker. She was known as mom by many people and adopted many people into her own family. In the summer of 2002, she moved to Blanchard to be near her children and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sisters; brother Luther Bates and a half brother Edward Bates. She is survived by her husband of the home, sons Louis J. Matthew and wife Sharon of Blanchard, Jesse L. Matthew and his wife Johnnie of Moore; daughter Marie Jones sand her husband Bill of Tuttle; a sister Christine Nichols of Wapanucka; three half sisters, Laverne of Oklahoma City, Debbie of Coleman and Eugene Bates of Odessa, Texas; nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren and many extended family and friends. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, 1305 W. Gore Blvd. Lawton in the memory of Alline Matthew. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- McLeod John Y. McLeod, 83, long time Altus area farmer, died Friday at the Plantation Village Nursing Home. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday at the Kincannon Funeral Home Memorial Chapel with Bill Osborne officiating. Burial will follow services at the Altus City Cemetery under the direction of Kincannon Funeral Home. He was born Dec. 17, 1918, in Blair to M.H. and Addie Mae (Jameson) McLeod. He graduated from Blair High School and served in the Army Air Corps during World War II in the South Pacific Theater from 1941 to 1945. He obtained the rank of Sergeant. He married Owayne Tabb on July 5, 1946 in Vernon, Texas. To this union three sons were born, Jim, John and Alan. He farmed all his life in the Jackson County area. He was a member of the Altus Elks Club, the VFW and National Cotton Council. He was of the Methodist faith. He hobbies included fishing and running his farming operation. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Pauline Lamb, Virgie Hoxer and Lucille Youngblood; brothers, Ralph, Joe and Billy McLeod. He is survived by his wife Owayne; sons and daughters-in-law Jim and Helen McLeod, Altus, John and Jolene McLeod, Altus, Alan and Jennifer McLeod, Denton, Texas; brothers and a sister-in-law, Dick McLeod, Altus and Robert and Joyce McLeod, California; sisters and brothers-in-law Betty and Harlan Tabb, Altus and Patsy and Forrest Cox, Altus; nine grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and many friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church Family Life Center. The McLeod family will receive family and friends Sunday afternoon from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Kincannon Funeral Home Gathering Room. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DECEMBER 2, 2002 CLARK Vernon "Jack" Clark, 93, of Altus, died Saturday at Jackson County Memorial Hospital. Services were held this morning at the First Christian Church of Lone Wolf. Pastor Harold Mosley officiated. Burial will follow at the Lone Wolf Cemetery under the direction of Peoples Funeral Home of Lone Wolf. He was born Feb. 8, 1909, in Wellington, Kan. to George Rogers and Elnora (Davidson) Clark. He graduated from Laverne High School in 1930. He married Katherine "Katie" Kosanke on June 10, 1937. She died April 15, 1954. He married Lucille Butler on Jan. 28, 1961 who also preceded him in death on Dec. 31, 1996. He worked for the Laverne Post Office for more than nine years and was a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge. He was a farmer a member of the Lone Wolf Lions Club and the school board. He also worked for the Oklahoma Farm Bureau as an insurance adjuster for seven years. He was preceded in death by his mother, father and both wives. He is survived by son Bob Clark and wife Jane of Altus; daughter Sheila Blevins and husband Ronnel of Lone Wolf; fgrandsons Kirk Clark and wife Anton of Folsom, Calif., Doug Blevins and wife Emma of Lone Wolf, Randy Blevins and wife Tana of Hobart and Tim Blevins and wife Shelly of Lone Wolf; 12 great- grandchildren; six great-great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members and friends. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Griffin Mattie Falkner Griffin, 94, died Saturday in her daughter's home. Services were held this morning at Greer Funeral Home Chapel in Mangum. The Rev. Gary Bradley of Lawton will officiate. Burial was to follow at the Plainview Cemetery in jester. Arrangements are with Greer Funeral Home in Mangum. She was born Nov. 16, 1908 to Andrew Jackson Falkner and Iola Banes Falkner in the Plainview community, Jester. She grew up on the farm where she was born and attended Plainview school. She was on the basketball team during high school and played on the outsiders team later. She was a member of the Baptist Church and Farm Women's Club. In 1947, she moved to Chickasha and started working for Singer Sewing Machine Company. She later moved to Odessa, Texas, then to Amarillo where she retired with 30 years services with Singer company. In 1977, she moved to Bowie, Texas and started working for Wal-Mart. While in Bowie she was voted "Bi-Centennial Queen" on Jim Bowie Day. After retiring again at the age of 80 from Wal-Mart, she accepted a house keeping job in the Fort Cobb Lake area and worked another ten years. When she was 90 she moved to St. Jo, Texas to live with her daughter. She kept busy sewing, embroidering, crocheting until the last few days of her life. She is survived by daughter Linda and son-in-law, Don Reed of Saint Jo, grandson Dustin Mayfield of Denton, Texas; granddaughters Mindy Hobbs of Denton and Melissa Reed, Paris, Texas; sister Edna Begert, Pampa, Texas and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Howard Griffin; six brothers, two sisters and a special friend, George Elliott. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- VITOSKY John Vitosky, Jr. died Friday at Mangum City Hospital at the age of 89. Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Willow Baptist Church with the Rev. Jim Flynn and the Rev. Gary Vitosky officiating. Burial will follow in the Willow Cemetery under the direction of the Greer Funeral Home of Mangum. He was born on Feb. 2, 1913 near Willow to John and Mary (Pospisal) Vitosky. He was raised on the farm near the Willow community and spent his life farming and raising cattle. He enjoyed working on the land, planting, cultivating and harvesting crops. He married Sybil Close on Aug. 25, 1933 in Granite. They worked side by side for more than 69 years. To this union a daughter, JoJean was born. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary Foral, granddaughter Toye Vitosky and grandson Keith Lawrence. Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, JoJean and Jake Lowrance of Houston, Texas; brothers Joe Vitosky of Okemah and Frank Vitosky of Granite; granddaughter Sandra Wallingford; great-grandchildren Aaron, Elisha Rash, Jarrod Barker; great-great-grandchildren McCala and Tristan Rash. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DECEMBER 4, 2002 BLACKBURN Landus M. Blackburn died on Monday. Funeral services will be held Friday, at 2 p.m. at Washington Street Baptist Church in Hobart with Ronny White officiating. Burial will be at Hobart Rose Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Hackney-Gish Funeral Home. She was born March 7, 1911 on a farm 7 miles north of Hobart to Addie and Arthur Powell. She was the third child, and had three sisters. In 1918, Landus and her family moved into Hobart from the farm. The family farmed, maintained a boarding house, and opened a gas station and grocery store in 1926. She attended school in Hobart. She married Kaye Morris Blackburn on August 11, 1929 in Arapaho. They lived in Clinton, Carnegie and Anadarko while he was employed by the gas company. In 1935, Landus and Kaye leased some land in order to begin farming in Sedan community. They raised turkeys, cattle, and farmed. She was married seven years when she had her first child, Gloria K. Blackburn. In 1942, the Blackburns moved back to Hobart while they continued to build their farming enterprise. They built a home on fourth street from lumber of a barn. Once in Hobart, she worked in town at a flower shop, dress shop and C.R. Anthony's. They opened their first business, a Laundromat on Fourth Street in 1948. In 1962, they bought a second Automatic Laundry on Third Street. In 1975, they both retired from farming and they were voted as the best farmer of Indian Soil Conservation. They were active in their church, Washington Street Baptist Church. They were charter members and served as secretary and treasurer for a number of years. In 1979, they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. She loved working in her yard and gardens and received many "Yard of the Month" awards. She also enjoyed reading, cooking and most of all her family. She was a strong Christian, loving mom and grandmother. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Gloria and Bill Leflett, Altus; three grandchildren, Debra Edel and husband Richard of Arlington, Texas, Terri Speer and husband Doug of Altus, and Scott Leflett and wife Tammy of Sachse, Texas; seven great-grandchildren, Brandon Edel, Brody Edel, Jared Speer, Kaylee Speer, Reagen Leflett, Reid Leflett and Parker Leflett. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. A.L. Powell, husband Kaye Blackburn, and sisters Audra Powell, Grace Linstead and Zelia Ellis. =============================================================================== DECEMBER 5, 2002 SZOCS Ernest Szocs, 84, Altus, died Thursday at jackson County Memorial Hospital. Arrangements are under the direction of Kincannon Funeral Home. He was a pilot with TWA for 30 years. He is survived by his wife Joyce, two children and five grandchildren. Their daughter is Jill Hovis, Dallas, Texas She has two sons Paul and Scott Hovis. Their son is Jimmy Higgins of San Diego, California. He has one daughter Jessica and two sons Jarrett and Forrest. He is also survived by one sister Georgiana Maddocks, three brother-in-laws, four nephews, two nieces, four grandnephews, five grandnieces, three aunts, two uncles and many cousins. =============================================================================== DECEMBER 6, 2002 HARBOUR Nadyn Harbour, 79, of Waco, Texas, died Thursday at her residence. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at Dryden Cemetery near Hollis. The Rev. Dee Willis will officiate. Visitation will be from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey, 6101 Bosque Blvd. Waco. Local arrangements are with Patterson Greer Funeral Home in Hollis. She was born Aug. 16,. 1923, the youngest of four children, born to Charles Edward and Mary Malinda Palmer, in Hollis. She attended Southwestern State University in Weatherford where she studied accounting. She served in the United States Navy during World War II. She married Jack Harbour May 15, 1954. They were long time residents of Borger, Texas and in 1962 they moved to Los Alamos, N.M., where they both worked for The National Laboratory. Nadyne worked in the laser division. They retired in 1981 and moved to Austin, Texas. From 1983 to 1984, they lived in Seoul, South Korea where Jack consulted for the U.S. Army. They have lived in Waco since 1992. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Charles Palmer. Survivors include her husband Jack D. Harbour of Waco; daughter Kelly Gallagher and husband Richard of College Station, Texas and their children, Megan and Eric; son Gary Harbour and wife Leslie of Luxembourg, G.D.; children Lindsey, Nicholas and Kelsey; sisters Jean Upton and husband Jesse of Bartlesville and Melva Pringle and husband O.V. of Victoria, Texas; and sister- in-law, Ilene Palmer of Midland, Texas. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to Scott and White Hospice. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HILL Larry Hill, 69, died at Integris Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma City. Services are pending with Lowell-Tims Funeral Home. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HUNT Joyce Hunt, 70, of Altus, died early this morning. Services are pending with Kincannon Funeral Home. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RABY Lela Katherine Raby, 87, died at Grace Living Center in Mangum on Wednesday. A service for Raby will be held on Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Church of Christ in Mangum. Officiating will be Todd McRay and Ken Hamilton. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Arrangements are with Greer Funeral Home in Mangum. She was known to family and friends as "Katherine." She was born June 29, 1915 in Hester to James L. and Eunice (Weldon) Dennis. She married Odda Harrison Raby on Nov. 22, 1932 in Portales, New Mexico. She moved to the Mangum area to farm in 1933. They spent their lifetime farming. She was Odda's other hand at farming, raising livestock and doing numerous farm chores. Her husband preceded her in death in 1997. She was a faithful member of the Church of Christ, and choose to serve her God in every capacity of her life. She taught Sunday School, was a member of Good Will Clubs, a helpmate to her husband, 4-H Clubs, F.F.A. organizations and the Boy Scouts. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Paul and three brothers. She is survived by her son David Raby, Mangum, and his children Phil Raby and wife Lisa, Mannford, Glenn Raby and his wife Gena of Mangum, and Carroll Raby and his wife Lynn of Haskell; and great-grandchildren, Brad, Derek, Ashley, and Destiny Raby; and also a sister, Ethel Pierson, Mangum. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SHELTON Gentry Allen Shelton, 18, Monterey, Tenn. died Dec. 3. Services will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Kincannon Funeral Home Chapel with Jimmy Rushing officiating. Burial will follow at the Boggy Cemetery under the direction of Kincannon Funeral Home. He was born Dec. 21, 1983 in Altus to James and Kathleen (Wilson) Shelton. He attended elementary school in Olustee and graduated from Clarkrange High School in Tennessee. He worked as a golf course shaper and his design work was respected by golf course architects. He shaped courses in Illinois, Michigan and North Carolina. He enjoyed traveling and was a big fan of Metallica. He was preceded in death by his mother, Kathleen and his grandparents. He is survived by his father and step-mother, James and Linda Shelton; brother Harley Shelton; sister Amy Shelton, all of Clarkrange, Tenn.; half-brother Anthony Burkenfield of Maryland; half-sister Jenny Watson of Hartshorne; step- brothers Jerry, Michael, and John Thurston, all of Noble and many friends. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Szocs Ernest Szocs, 84, Altus, died Thursday at Jackson County Memorial Hospital. Memorial services have been scheduled for an 8:45 a.m. Mass at the Prince of Peace Catholic Church. Kincannon Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. He was born Oct. 2, 1918 in Budapest, Hungary to Janos and Anna (Gross) Szocs. He attended school until the 8th grade and completed a four-year apprenticeship. He married Rosalia Szucsany on Nov. 14, 1942 in Budapest. In Hungary, he worked as district manager for a chain of government owned grocery stores. He immigrated to the United States with his wife and three children Emoke, Ernest J. and Marta during the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. He settled in Lorain and Avon, Ohio to be close to family. They welcomed two more sons, Attila and Steven. He worked as a spot welder on the assembly line for the Ford Motor Co. for more than 22 years. He moved to Peoria, Ariz. in 1980 and then to Altus in 1995 to be near his daughter and son-in-law. He was a member of the Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Altus. He was preceded in death by his wife Rosalia in November of 1996; his parents and sisters, Manci and Anna of Hungary. He is survived by his daughter and sons-in-law, Emoke and Al Ferenczchalmy of Altus and Marta and Gil Frioud of Avon, Ohio; sons and daughters-in-law, Ernest J. Szocs of Budapest, Hungary, Attila and Alice Szocs of North Ridgeville, Ohio and Steven L. and Katalin of Culver City, Calif.; nine grandchildren and six great- grandchildren, Roland and Tena Ferenczhalmy and their sons Nathaniel and Matthew of Edmond, Thomas and Teresa Ferenczhalmy and their sons Alexander and Daniel of Pope Air Force Base, N.C., Alfred "Freddy" Ferenczhalmy of Washington, D.C., Nicholas, Christopher and Katie Frioud, all of Avon, Ohio, Courtney and Trista Szocs, Venus Szocs and her two children, Tyler and Heather, all of North Ridgeville, Ohio; nieces and nephews, their families and many friends. =============================================================================== DECEMBER 8, 2002 Allen Ueal Fred Allen, 85, Warren, died Wednesday at his home. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday at the Church of Christ in Warren. Burial will follow at the Warren Cemetery under the direction of Peoples Cooperative Funeral Home, Lone Wolf. Ardron Hinton and Charlie Waugh officiated. He was born April 10, 1917 in Blair to Charles Elmer and Laura E. (Clancy) Allen. He attended school in Warren and married Gladys Campbell Jan. 12, 1942 at Warren. He served in the United States Army during World War II in the 45th Infantry. He received the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal with four bronze stars and the Congressional Medal of Honor. He was honorably discharged May 12, 1945. He later worked for the civil service at Altus Air Force Base, working as a carpenter, where he retired after more than 20 years of service. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, sports and talking with friends. He was a member of the Church of Christ. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Laura; his wife Gladys; four sisters, Lillie, Minnie, Susie and Ella; and three brothers, Onzel, George and Clarence. He is survived by son Lonnie Allen and wife Brenda of Elk City; daughter Carolyn Vann of Warren; six grandchildren, Stacie Vann Terbush and husband Lonnie of Warren, Stormie Vann Roberson and husband Justin of Edmond, Raynie Vann Bell and husband Danny of Guthrie, Angie Allen of Altus, Ty Allen of Elk City and Tara Allen of Elk City; one great-grandson, Jade Allen Terbush; nephew Billy Hand and wife Lyndell of Blair and niece Dorothy Davis of Lone Wolf; and many other family members and friends. Paid obituary ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HILL Larry Donald Hill, 69, Altus, died Thurs-day at Integris Bap-tist Hospital in Oklahoma City. Services have been scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday at the Lowell- Tims Chapel with Sonny Tims officiating. Burial will follow in the Altus City Cemetery with military honors, under the direction of Lowell-Tims Funeral Home. He was born Aug. 30, 1933 in Chattanooga, Tenn. to Walter Guy and Maine (Dietz) Hill. On Dec. 6, 1954, Larry and Zelda Rogers were united in marriage at Vernon, Texas. They made their home in Altus where he served in the United States Air Force from 1952 until his retirement in 1974. He served his country as a boom operator during both the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. He received many awards during his time with the military including the Distinguished Flying Cross, three Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal and eight Oak Leaf Clusters and many others. He was a member of the 96th Air Refueling Squadron. His original assignment was on the B29. He refueled the B47 plane that is located in the Altus City Park on its maiden voyage. He was named Airman of the Year in the 2nd Air Force. He was a member and affiliated with many clubs and organizations including the One Billion Pound Club, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign War, Girl Scouts, and the Grand National Horseman's Association. He was active in the 4-H Riding Club and had participated in the Pony Express ride from Altus to Oklahoma City during the Bicentennial Celebration. After his retirement from the Air Force. He worked for the civil service for more than 30 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Darla Jean Hill in 1972; and three sisters, Jo Ann Hill, Patricia Schaeffer and Joyce Darling. He is survived by Zelda, his wife of 48 years; three children, Larry Dalton Hill and wife Eva of San Marcus, Texas, Zelda Kathleen "Kathy" Armstrong and husband Willy of Altus and Karen Marie Hubert and husband Jeff of Altus; two brothers, Walter G. Hill Jr. and wife Dorothy of Rock Spring, Ga. and Doyle "Butch" Hill and wife Delores of Pittsburg, Calif.; nine grandchildren, Ricky Brandy, and Larry Hill, Brianna, Cord, Seth and Tabitha Armstrong and Kaleb and Danica Hubert; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. The family of Larry Hill will receive guests at their home at 1301 N. Crain. All their friends are welcome to come by. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HUNT Laverne Hunt, 70, Altus, passed away Friday at her home. Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday in the Memorial Chapel at the Kincannon Funeral Home with Dr. Jeff Moore officiating. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. at the Cyril Cemetery under the direction of the Kincannon Funeral Home. Joyce Laverne Kemp was born July 12, 1932 in Cyril to Levi Franklin and Ethyl Sadie Newport Kemp. She graduated from Cyril schools. She married Sonny Hunt on April 9, 1950 in Lawton. She worked as an inspector for Kellwoods clothing manufacturer from 1970-1991. She enjoyed playing bingo, riding on charter bus trips and spending time with her grandchildren. She was baptized at the First Christian Church in Cyril and recently attended the First Baptist Church in Altus, through their television ministry. She was preceded in death by her husband Sonny; her parents; brother Jerry Thomas Kemp; granddaughter Heather Lynn Hunt and grandson Joshua Ryan Hunt. She is survived by son Frank Hunt and wife Lea of Altus; tsisters JoAnn Woods and husband Gale of Cyril and Bobbie Sneed and husband Dale of Anadarko; three grandchildren, Christopher Franklin Churchill of Tampa, Fla, Jeffrey Michael Churchill of Beaufort, S.C. and Levi Jackson Hunt of Altus; one great-grandson, Chase Michael Churchill. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church Television Ministry or the Intercessory Prayer Ministry. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SIMMONS Ruby Lee Simmons, 90, Altus, died early Saturday morning at Jackson County Memorial Hospital. Arrangements are pending with Kincannon Funeral Home. Wilhite Mamie Lavada Wilhite, 89, died on Friday at Grace Living Center in Mangum. Services will be held on Monday at 2 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church with Reverend Bobby Robby Roe. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Arrangements are with Greer Funeral Home in Mangum. She was born on January 3, 1913 in Odell to Joseph C. and Martha E. (Fine) Tinsley. She lived most of her lifetime in the Mangum area. She married Oscar K. Wilhite on May 14, 1932 in Mangum. To this union two sons were born. Her husband preceded her in death. She worked for the public painting and wall papering. She never lacked for something to do. This endeavor lead her to open her own paint and paper business, which she ran for a number of years. Upon her retirement from that business, she began a hobby of quilting. The quilting soon became well known and she started another business. She did not give up on working until her vision failed and then her health. She was a member of Trinity Baptist Church, the Eastern Star, Rebecca Lodge, and the Naomi Sunday School Class. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Wayne and three brothers. She is survived by son Delbert Wilhite of Mangum, brothers Clifford Tinsley of Floydada, Texas, and Don Tinsley of Clovis, New Mexico; sister Margaret Wilhite of Muleshoe, Texas. Four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Also numerous nieces and nephews. =============================================================================== DECEMBER 9, 2002 LEATHERS Lorene Leathers, 85, of Amarillo, Texas, formerly of Hollis, died Sunday at the Crown of Texas Hospice in Amarillo, Texas. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Fairmount Cemetery in Hollis under the direction of Patterson Greer Funeral Home. She was born Sept. 17, 1917, in Hollis to George Frank and Alifare (West) Moore. She married L.C. Leathers in October of 1935 in Harmon County, Oklahoma. He died in September of 1981. She was baptized at the age of 21 at the Harmony Baptist Church northeast of Hollis and in 1972, she became a member of the Antioch Baptist Church west of Hollis. She was a homemaker. She is survived by sons Kenneth Leathers and wife Jackie of Angus, Ontario and George Leathers and wife Gail of Amarillo, Texas; six grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; a half brother, Denny Moore of Moore and many nieces and nephews. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PETER Funeral services for William Earl Peter, 84, Frederick, will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at the Gray Gish Funeral Home Chapel, Frederick, with the Rev. Bobbie McGarey of the First Presbyterian Church of Frederick officiating. He died at the Frederick Memorial Hospital following an extended illness. Burial will be held at the Frederick Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Gray Gish Funeral Home. He was born to Elmer and Ethel Peter on the Jan. 2, 1918, at the family farm southwest of Frederick. He was one of five children including three girls and two boys. At an early age he was forced to take on the responsibility for running the family farm because his father became disabled by disease in the 1930s. During World War II he was stationed in the Caribbean. Following the war, he met and married Evelyn Kinder. She was a grade school teacher from Davidson. For the next 40 years he managed his farms which included about 640 acres. He was very active in the community. He served on the Consolidate School District No. 12 Board of Education and the board of the Red River Farmer's Co-op. For many years he served as elder and deacon of the First Presbyterian Church of Frederick. In his retirement, he continued to take an active role in the church. He worked actively in the grounds around his home, keeping them neat as his kept his fields. For several years, he and his wife traveled extensively in the United States and Canada. They made one trip to the United Kingdom. Declining health kept him home for the last two or three years. He is survived by his wife Evelyn of the home; sister Beth Carter of Bloomington, Ind.; daughter Dianne Deagan of Ponca City; sons Nick Peter of Rosehill, Kan. and Randy Peter of Oklahoma City; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandson. Memorial contributions may be to The Alzheimer's Foundation, Oklahoma Chapter, 6465 South Yale, Suite 206, Tulsa, Ok., 74136-7804 or the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 Northeast 13th Street, Oklahoma City, Ok. 73104-5046. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SIMMONS Ruby Lee Simmons, 90, Altus, died Dec. 6, 2002, at Jackson County Memorial Hospital. Arrangements are under the direction of the Kincannon Funeral Home. She was born Sept. 29, 1912 in Vanzandt Count, Texas to Garfield and Lizzie Daniels Simmons. She graduated in Tyler and also attended junior college. She worked in the restaurant business as an owner and operator for most of her life. She was a member of the B.P.W.A. Business and Professional Women's Association in Bryan, Texas for more than 50 years. She enjoyed homemaking and gardening, especially flowers. She cooked for the elderly and loved helping others. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Cooks Point, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her sister Ruth Swindle of Altus; brother Dan Jet of California and many nieces and nephews. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THOMASON Addie Mae Thomason, 98, died, Saturday at Harmon County Memorial Hospital in Hollis. Services will be 2 p.m. Sunday at the Stewart Funeral Chapel, Hollis with the Rev. Roy Fletcher officiating. Burial will follow at the Gould Cemetery. She was born Oct. 20, 1904 to Lon and Carrie Ellen McAtee Morrell in the Indian Territory of Oklahoma. She married A.M. "Cub" Thomas in 1925 in Santa Anna, Calif. They moved to Harmon County in 1932 and farmed in the Metcalf community. Addie Mae was very active in the Brownlow Nazarene Church for many years before she moved to Hollis in 1979 where she became active in the Nazarene Church. She belonged to the La Casa Farm Women's Club and Veterans of Foreign War's Auxiliary and was a Gold Star Mother. She is survived by her daughter Edith Marie Royal and husband Darrel of Austin, Texas; son Al Thomason, Jr. of Royce City, Texas; four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband A.M. "Cub" Thomason in 1990 and one brother, John T. Morrell. =============================================================================== DECEMBER 10, 2002 MAYS Terry Dale Mays, 55, Oklahoma City, formerly of Altus, died Saturday. Services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Guardian Northside Funeral Home Chapel in Oklahoma City. Visitation will be until 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. He was born Nov. 15, 1947 in Vernon, Texas to Joe and Margie Mays. He worked as a truck driver for ACI Trucking. He was preceded in death by his father; grandparents, Art and Eva Clarkson; a great nephew and brother-in-law. Survivors include his wife Sheila and granddaughter Stephanie, both of the home; mother Margie Mays of Arlington, Texas; son Terry Mays II of Clinton; grandchildren, Kacie and MacKinlee; step-children Donnie Cotton of Guthrie, Steven Cotton of Oklahoma City, Wendy Chambless and Lori Moreno, both of Oklahoma City; ten step-grandchildren; sisters Pat Furduski of Arlington, Texas and Joetta Whitely of Lawton; a nephew; two nieces; close friend Ken Miller and many other friends and relatives. Donations may be made to the American Heart Association. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THOMASON Addie Mae Thomason died Saturday at Harmon County Memorial Hospital. She was 98 years old. Services were held Sunday at Stewart Funeral Chapel with burial at Gould Cemetery. She was born Oct. 30, 1904 to Lon and Carrie Ellen MaAtee Morrell in the Red Hill Community near Duke in Indian Territory. Her mother died in the 1918 flu epidemic and left six children. Addie Mae was the oldest and helped care for Frank, Ray, Hugh, John and Dick Morrell. She married Cub Thomason Jan. 31, 1925 in Santa Ana, Calif. They lived on a cotton farm north of Gould. She was active in the Brownlow Nazarene Church and later in the Hollis Nazarene Church. She was a member of the LaCasa Farm Women's Club, the Knit Wits, the VFW Women's Auxiliary, and the Shrewder Home Demonstration Club. She is survived by children Edith Marie and her husband Darrell Royal and son Alfred Thomas Jr.; brother-in-law Crawford Thomason and his wife Billie Jo; grandchildren Mack Royal, Michelle Ricks, Gaye Donahoe, Bill Thomason, Gary Thomason, Elena Trobette, Sam Royal, David Kasen, Christian Kazen, Jennifer Donahoe, Michael Donahoe, Trett and Brandy Thomason and great-grandchild Morgan Ricks. In lie of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be sent to the Hollis Nazarene Church. =============================================================================== DECEMBER 11, 2002 HARGIS Verda Hargis, 92, Altus, died Tuesday at Grace Living Center. Services are pending with Kincannon Funeral Home. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LAUDERDALE Florence Lauderdale, 85, formerly of Altus, died today in Amarillo, Texas. Services are pending with Kincannon Funeral Home. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RODEN Funeral service for Douglas "Doug" Roden, 65, of Frederick will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Gray Gish Funeral Home Chapel, Frederick with the Rev. Charles Wyatt, officiating. He died Monday at Frederick Memorial Hospital. Burial will be at the Frederick Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Gray Gish Funeral Home, Frederick. He was born on Sept. 15, 1937 to Donald and Janette (Shanty) Roden in Norwood, N.Y. He enlisted in the United States Air Force on Nov. 7, 1957 in Syracuse, N.Y. While stationed at Altus Air Force Base he met Barbara Morrow and they married on July 4, 1959. After their marriage they moved to Oklahoma City. In 1971 they moved to Frederick where he worked for Lew Walker Mobile Homes and was the custodian of the First Baptist Church for 13 years. He had worked with Gray Gish Funeral Home since 1981. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Marvin Roden and sisters Maurine and Daphne. He is survived by his wife Barbara of the home; son John Paul and his wife Laurie of Frederick; daughters Brenda and husband Kelly Reichert, and Denise and husband Eric Teague of Frederick; sister Ladonna Kanive of Oklahoma City; niece Nancy and husband Mike Lindsay of Oklahoma City; grandchildren Shianne, Heather, Aaron, Ryan, Macy, Tiffany and great nephew and niece L.J. and Jordan. Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, Texas 75231-4596, in member of Doug Roden. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WILLIAMS Marvin Williams, 79, died Tuesday. Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church in Hollis with Pastor Jim Westmoreland and the Rev. James Densman officiating. He was born July 5, 1923 on a farm in Harmon County southeast of Hollis. He was the third child born to pioneer parents O. A. "Dick" Williams and Annie Ola Husband Williams. He grew up in the country helping with the many areas of labor involved in farming. LaCasa was the community school where he attended, graduating with the class of 1942. He spent one semester at Oklahoma State University before entering the Army Air Force on Jan. 14, 1943. Following training in Cincinnati, Ohio, he served in the Pacific Theater. He was stationed on Guam from Jan. 21, 1945 until his discharge on Jan. 6, 1946. After returning home he furthered his college education at Southwestern State University beginning in the fall of 1946. While there he met his future wife, Mary Beth Shadrick. After dating two years they were married on December 24, 1948 in the First Baptist Church of Burns Flat. He had purchased a farm in 1947, where they made their home. He enjoyed working with cattle, checking daily for and fulfilling their needs. A variety of crops were grown through the years - hay, cotton, wheat, milo, and soybeans. Two children, Kevin and Marlys, completed this farm family. The family did most of the work necessary on the farm together. He continued to farm, not wanting to retire. He has served the agricultural community by serving on the boards of Harmon County Excise Board, Harmon Water Corporation, Harmon Co-op Association, and over twenty-five years on the Soil Conservation Board. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Hollis. He taught a Sunday School class for boys and served as a deacon and in various other capacities. He is survived by his wife Mary Beth of the home; son Kevin and wife D'Ann of Hollis; grandchildren Kristi Williams, Plano, Texas, Alan and Lisa Jones and Robin and Roger Wood, both of Weatherford; great- grandchildren Victoria and Micah; step-grandchildren Justin, J. J., Jaime, and Robie. He leaves sisters and brother Velma Cary, Hollis, Dorma Shaw, Edmond and Darrell Williams, Garland, Texas. Preceding him in death were daughter Marlys, his parents and brothers Odell and Andrew. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Falls Creek fund or to the Lottie Moon fund at First Baptist Church in Hollis. =============================================================================== DECEMBER 12, 2002 BLACKWELL Will Blackwell died early today. Services are pending with Lowell-Tims Funeral Home. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CARTER Walter Keith Carter, 43, Mangum, died at Jackson County Memorial Hospital after a lengthy illness. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at Greer Funeral Home Chapel in Mangum. He was born Feb. 3, 1959 in Mangum to William T. and Melba (Hendrick) Carter. He attended school in Mangum. In 1975 he joined the U.S. Army and served his country until honorable discharge in 1980. He drove a truck and worked in the trucking business until his health failed. He married Dorothy Kate Pickens on Feb. 3, 1999. He was affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers. He is survived by his wife Dorothy Kate Carter; children Stanley Pickens, Rachel Ingram and Shane Palmer of the home in Mangum; nephew Joshua Keith Carter and his aunt Sarah Morrison. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HARGIS Verda Lee Hargis, 92, Altus, died Tuesday at the Grace Living Center in Altus. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday in the Memorial Chapel of Kincannon Funeral Home with the Rev. Carol Elkins officiating. Burial will follow services at the Altus City Cemetery under the direction of Kincannon Funeral Home. She was born May 8, 1910 in Maysville to James Franklin and Amanda Jane (McDonald) Everett. She attended Calvin schools. She married Dee B. Hargis on Sept. 1, 1934 in Pauls Valley. To this union, five children were born. She was a homemaker, wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed reading, sewing, cooking and most of all, playing dominoes. She was of the Baptist faith. She was preceded in death by her parents, son Donald Gene Hargis; sister Oma Parks and brothers Leonard and Clinton Everett. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Dee B. Hargis of the home; daughters Joan Brents and husband Lynn of Fort Smith, Ark. and Bobbie Vick and husband Robert of Ada; sons Orville Dee Harris of Altus and Kenneth Hargis of Warren; 12 grandchildren and 19 great- grandchildren. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SEAY Bernes Seay, 95, Clinton, died Tuesday, December 10 at Grace Living Center in Clinton. Graveside service will be held 2 p.m. Friday at the Altus Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Kiesau Marler Funeral Home, Clinton. He was born on June 24, 1907 in Yelldell, Indian Territory to Harry and Leoma (Elms) Braxton. He grew up on a farm south of Altus and lived in Altus most of his life moving to Clinton in his latter years. He married Nettie Belle Dennis on October 28, 1939 in Frederick. He worked for Safeway in Kansas for a number of years, later owning a Country Store in Friendship. He was a member of Oddfellows. He is survived by sons Ronald Seay and wife Brenda of Altus, Manley Seay and wife Ann of Tyler, Texas; daughters Lawnda Lafay, Linda Townsend and husband Melton of Clinton; ten grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Nettie; daughter Shirlin McClure; brothers Edd, Boyd, Joe and Jess; and sisters Fannie Kerr and Lanita VanBurklco. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMERS Birdie Summers of Oklahoma City died at Manor Care Nursing Center in Oklahoma City at the age of 92. Greer Funeral Home of Mangum is in charge of arrangements. =============================================================================== DECEMBER 13, 2002 BAEHLER Melvyn Leroy Baehler, 64, of Altus, died Wednes-day at Saint Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City. Services, under the direction of Lowell-Tims Funeral Home of Altus, are set for 10 a.m. Saturday at the Lowell-Tims Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Jim Jones will officiate. He was born Sept. 19, 1938 at Corona, Calif. to Leroy Baehler and Sybil Mead Baehler. He grew up at Hemet, Calif., attending school and graduating with a degree from Chaffey College in 1959. In the early 1960s, he joined the Air Force reserves. He was quickly called to active duty and served multiple tours in southeast Asia. During his service in Thailand, he met and married Rung. They were married for 34 years. After leaving the military, he spent 35 years working for the McDonnell Douglas and Boeing Companies as a Technical Publications Specialist. Survivors include his wife Rung of the home; parents, and brother Dean Baehler of Hemet, Calif. He was preceded in death by his sister Katherine. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CALDWELL Eliana Hale Caldwell, infant daughter of Priscilla Vasquez and Harold Caldwell died Wednesday at Children's Hospital in Oklahoma City. She was born Tuesday in Oklahoma City. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Patterson Greer Chapel in Hollis. Burial will follow at the Fairmount Cemetery in Hollis. Arrangements will be under the direction of Patterson Greer Funeral Home. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FULLER Yolanda Gayle Fuller, 37, of Altus, died Dec. 8 at Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma City. Services are set for 2 p.m. Saturday at the Lowell-Tims Funeral Home Chapel in Altus. The Rev. Robert Jackson will officiate and burial will follow at the Altus City Cemetery. She was born April 28, 1965 in Altus to William Boyd Turner and Pearlie Mae High. She grew up in the Altus area and attended Altus Public Schools. She attended St. Johns Baptist Church in Altus and enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She is survived by her mother Pearlie Mae Booker and step-father Rayfus Booker of Altus; father William Turner of Kansas City, Mo.; children Markesah Turner of Fort Hood, Texas, Dawanna Carter and husband Quincy of Frederick, Brittany Brown of Altus; brothers William Allen Turner and wife Lula of Atlanta, Ga. and Edward Dion Turner of Lawton; sisters Cynthia Turner of Altus and Dorothy Booker of Altus; grandchild Katara Lasha Wynn, a special aunt, Jewline Hill; a favorite nephew, JerMykel Turner and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her grandmothers Essie High, Lucille Booker and Mary Hill. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HARGIS Verda Lee Hargis, 92, Altus, died Tuesday at the Grace Living Center in Altus. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday in the Memorial Chapel of Kincannon Funeral Home with the Rev. Carol Elkins officiating. Burial will follow services at the Altus City Cemetery under the direction of Kincannon Funeral Home. She was born May 8, 1910 in Maysville to James Franklin and Amanda Jane (McDonald) Everett. She attended Calvin schools. She married Dee B. Hargis on Sept. 1, 1934 in Pauls Valley. To this union, five children were born. She was a homemaker, wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed reading, sewing, cooking and most of all playing dominoes. She was of the Baptist faith. She was preceded in death by her parents, son Donald Gene Hargis; sister Oma Parks and brothers Leonard and Clinton Everett. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Dee B. Hargis of the home; daughters Joan Brents and husband Lynn of Fort Smith, Ark. and Bobbie Vick and husband Robert, of Ada; sons Orville Dee Hargis of Altus and Kenneth Hargis of Warren; 12 grandchildren and 19 great- grandchildren. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LAUDERDALE Florence Mae Lauderdale, 85, Altus, died Wednesday. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday in the memorial chapel at Kincannon Funeral Home with the Rev. David Chittenden officiating. Burial will follow services at the Restlawn Cemetery under the direction of the Kincannon Funeral Home. She was born July 12, 1917 at Gainsville, Texas, to Ragsdale M. and Ella M (Kuyendal) Hunter. She lived there five years and then moved to Ardmore. She and her family then moved to Elk City, Martha and to Altus in 1932. She married Robert Williamson in 1938. Three children were born to this union. Florence and Robert were divorced in 1942. She was baptized in the Tabernacle Baptist Church by Brother Emboden in 1943. She went to work for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in November of 1946 and worked 32 years until her retirement on Dec. 15, 1978. She married Clyde Ray Lauderdale in 1947 and he preceded her in death February, 1990. Her hobbies included shopping, art, gardening, sewing and playing bingo. She was also preceded in death by her parents, brothers Arthur and O.T. Hunter and grandson Sammy P. Gaffney, Jr.. She is survived by sons Eddie Williams, Sr. and Ollie Dean Williamson, both of Altus; daughter and son- in-law Patsy and Sam Gaffney, Amarillo, Texas.; a step- daughter and her husband Beverly and Bill Snow, Aurora, Colo.; grandchildren Eddie Williams, Jr. and wife Christy, Altus, Jimmy Williamson, Altus, Desarae, Casie and Landon Williamson, Altus, Shana Rios and Staci Cade, Amarillo, Texas, Sean Gaffney, Lumberton, Texas; step-grandchildren Brenda, Rhonda, Glenda and Billy, all of Colorado; 10 great-grandchildren; five step-great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MCCOWN Lizzie M. McCown, 98, long time Eldorado resident died Thursday at Jackson County Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Eldorado Church of Christ with Bill Osborne officiating. Burial will follow services at the Eldorado Cemetery under the direction of Kincannon Funeral Home. =============================================================================== DECEMBER 15, 2002 CHESSER Long time Altus educator Cecil Chesser died Friday at Jackson County Memorial Hospital. Services are pending at Lowell-Tims Funeral Home. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DICKERSON Edward "Ed" Dick-erson, 59, Farmers Branch, Tex-as and formerly of Altus, died Friday surrounded by his family after a long battle with cancer. Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday in the Memorial Chapel at the Kincannon Funeral Home and the Rev. Don Sevedge officiating. Burial will follow services at the Altus City Cemetery under the direction of Kincannon Funeral Home. He was born Dec. 25, 1942 in Snyder to George and Sallie Mae (Powers) Dickerson. He attended Mangum Schools. He was a member of the 45th National Guard Unit in Mangum. He was employed by UPS for 15 years in Dallas. Prior to that, he resided in Altus where he worked for the City of Altus Electrical Department. He was a gifted carpenter and builder as well as a restorer of pickup trucks and cars. He was a member of the Trinity Baptist Church in Altus. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Sallie Mae Dickerson and George Dickerson. He is survived by his wife Ricki of the home; children James and Jamie Dickerson of Oklahoma City, Sarah Dickerson of the home, Katie Graham and husband Mark of The Colony, Texas and Randy Gilmore of The Colony, Texas; brother George Dickerson and wife DeAnna of Altus; sisters Linda Hughes of Arvada, Colo., Eva Hughes and Shirley Dickerson of Farmers Branch, Texas; grandchildren Mason, Kaylee and Gracie Graham, Michael and Bobby Gilmore, all of Richmond, Va.; several nieces and nephews, George N. Dickerson, Charles Dickerson and Shanda Pierce of Altus, James Hughes, Jessica Hughes Lombardy, Sallie Hughes and Ann Hughes of Arvada, Colo. and Matthew Porco of Farmers Branch, Texas. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be given to The St. Paul Foundation, Paul Medical Center, 5909 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, Texas, 75235. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- KROMER William Roland Kromer, 79, was found dead at his home in Hollis Friday. Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Sunday at the Hollis Church of Christ. Services are under the direction of Stewart Funeral Service. He was born Sept. 13, 1923 in Harmon County to William Shelton Kromer and Mamie Pearl LaCasse Kromer. He graduated from Vinson High School and lived his entire life in Harmon County. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in Czechoslovakia and Austria as a tank driver and machine gunner, and served in campaigns with Gen. George Patton. He married Wilma Gene Nell on March 22, 1944 and they farmed in the Ron community. He served on the Ron School Board, on the REC board, the Independence Cemetery Association and the Harmon County Coop. He is survive by daughter Gerry Nell Drury and husband Bob of Altus; sons William Ross Kromer and wife Christie of Devol and Robert Wade Kromer and wife Linda of Garden City, Kan.; grandchildren Karla Drury, Shelley White and husband Charles, Lindsay Kromer, Christopher Kromer, Ryan Kromer and Haley Kromer and great-grandchildren Charlsea, Kynsea and Shelby White. He was preceded in death by his wife Wilma Gene Kromer in 1990, parents Shelton and Mamie Pearl, and brother Vernon Kromer. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Independence Cemetery Association. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LAUDERDALE Florence Mae Lauderdale, 85, Altus, died Wednesday. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday in the memorial chapel at Kincannon Funeral Home with the Rev. David Chittenden officiating. Burial will follow services at the Restlawn Cemetery under the direction of the Kincannon Funeral Home. She was born July 12, 1917 at Gainsville, Texas, to Ragsdale M. and Ella M (Kuyendal) Hunter. She lived there five years and then moved to Ardmore. She and her family then moved to Elk City, Martha and to Altus in 1932. She married Robert Williamson in 1938. Three children were born to this union. Florence and Robert were divorced in 1942. She was baptized in the Tabernacle Baptist Church by Brother Emboden in 1943. She went to work for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in November of 1946 and worked 32 years until her retirement on Dec. 15, 1978. She married Clyde Ray Lauderdale in 1947 and he preceded her in death February, 1990. Her hobbies included shopping, art, gardening, sewing and playing bingo. She was also preceded in death by her parents, brothers Arthur and O.T. Hunter and grandson Sammy P. Gaffney, Jr.. She is survived by sons Eddie Williamson, Sr. and Ollie Dean Williamson, both of Altus; daughter and son-in-law Patsy and Sam Gaffney, Amarillo, Texas.; step- daughter and husband Beverly and Bill Snow, Aurora, Colo.; grandchildren Eddie Williamson, Jr. and wife Christy, Altus, Jimmy Williamson, Altus, Desarae, Casie and Landon Williamson, Altus, Shana Rios and Staci Cade, Amarillo, Texas, Sean Gaffney, Lumberton, Texas; step-grandchildren Brenda, Rhonda, Glenda and Billy, all of Colorado; 10 great-grandchildren; five step-great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MCCOWN Lizzie M. McCown, 98, long time Eldorado resident, died Thursday at Jackson County Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Sunday at the Eldorado Church of Christ with Bill Osborne officiating. Burial will follow services at the Eldorado Cemetery under the direction of Kincannon Funeral Home. She was born July 20, 1904 at St. Jo, Texas to Sam and Lula (Enyart) Huckabay. She attended Eldorado High School. She married Woody McCown Dec. 22, 1922 in Eldorado. To this union four children were born. She worked tirelessly as a homemaker and attending to her children's needs. She was a member of the Eldorado Church of Christ for more than 70 years. She was also a member of the Eldorado Historical Society. She enjoyed quilting, crocheting, gardening, cooking and spending time with church friends and her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Woody; brothers Eldes, Joe and Paul Huckabay; great-grandson Jeff Harkins and great-granddaughter Jennifer Harkins. She is survived by daughters Audean Helms, Eldorado; Modell Hulett, Lubbock, Texas, Jolene Haines and husband John R., Fort Worth, Texas; son Doyle McCown, Oklahoma City; grandchildren Sandy Hulett Melton and husband Charles, Lubbock, Texas, Bruce Harkins and wife Polly, Shawnee, Kan., Ricky Hulett and wife Kim of Earth, Texas, Joe Harkins and wife Linda, Altus, Vicki Harkins Graham and husband Jim, Mt. Holly, N.J., Reed Haines and wife Kathy, Fort Worth, Texas, Keith Haines and wife Pam, Fort Worth, Texas, Kevan Haines Ganter and husband James, Roswell, Ga.; 11 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and friends. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SCHROEDER Don Schroeder, 76, died Thursday, Dec. 5, in the Elkview General Hospital, Hobart. Funeral Services were held Dec. 7 at Hackney-Gish Chapel in Hobart. Burial followed in the Elgin Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Elgin, under the direction of the Hackney-Gish Funeral Home in Hobart. He was born June 18, 1926 in Mountain View to Carl Martin and Amy Lois (Barrett) Schroeder. He graduated from Friendship School near Altus. He moved to Elgin in 1948 where he was in the construction business and farmed, then moved to Hobart in 1973. He married Gerry Hanner on Dec. 12, 1975 in Hobart. He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Mountain View. He was a United States Army Veteran of World War II and a lifetime member of the American Legion. He received his 30-year pin from the Carpenter's Local. Survivors include his wife Gerry of the home; son Albert Schroeder and Dea, Panhandle, Texas; daughter Mary Louise Tagliabue and husband Kevin of Burkburnett, Texas; step-son Perry Hanner and wife LeAnn of Hobart; step- daughter Paula Smith, Hobart; grandchildren Lisa Fisher and husband Bryan of Pampa, Texas; Leslie Gonzales and husband Albert of Wichita Falls, Texas, Rhonda Harris and husband Jason of Pampa, Texas, Ben Schroeder, Ft. Sill, M'Lynn Fry and husband Bobby of Hobart, Gerron Smith, Sayre, Shandi Grantham, Mountain Park, Amy Harmon, Seiling, Tamara Kosanke, College Station, Texas, Andrew Ward, Hobart; fourteen grandchildren; brother Carl Schroeder and wife Betty Ann, Columbia, SC; sister Dorris Dove and husband Curtis of Duncan. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Marita Sue Schroeder, tsisters Loreta Black and Lona Hoppe, and brother Bill Schroeder. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMERS Birdie Ray Summers died Wednesday after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Funeral services were held Saturday in the Greer Funeral Home Chapel of Mangum. The Rev. Troy McCutchen officiated. Burial followed at the Brinkman Cemetery under the direction of the Greer Funeral Home of Mangum. She was born Oct. 1, 1910 in Gould to Francis Marion Atchley and Mary Ellen (Veazey) Atcheley, one of 13 children. She married Roy Garvin in 1927 in Greer County. To this union one son, Lee Freeman, was born in 1932. Her husband died of cancer in 1937. She moved to Mangum and opened a cafe in the industrial area near the railroad, cotton gin and flour mill. She cooked for the workers of those establishments through the depression years. It was there she met Carroll Summers who worked for the creamer. At the onset of World War II, Carroll was drafted into the U.S. Army and took his training in Texas. They married on Dec. 15, 1943 in Quanah, Texas. After the war, they made their home in Mangum. They adopted a baby boy, Billy Carroll, in 1947 and a baby girl, Sharon Kay, in June 1956. In 1957, they moved to Yukon. They completed their family by raising five granddaughters, Nora Lee, Susan Carol, Sandra Lynn, Terri Ann, and Diana Rae. When Carroll retired, they bought an acreage near Carnery. After Carroll died in 1989, she continued to live there until the early 1990s when she moved to Choctaw to be near her son Lee Freeman Garvin. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and entered Manor Care Nursing Home in Oklahoma City in 1996 where she remained until her death. Along with her husbands, she was preceded in death by her parents, 11 brothers and sisters and great-grandson Adam Dale West. She is survived by her brother Dan Atchley of Tucson, Ariz.; sons Lee Freeman Garvin of Choctaw and Billy Carroll Summers of Oklahoma City; daughter Sharon Mears of Oklahoma City; grandchildren Nora Crist of Waxahachie, Texas, Susan Jenkins of Chandler, Texas, Sandy Garvin of Boise, Idaho, Terri Wilson of Oklahoma City, Diana West of Moore, Pamela McCutchen of Skiatook, Patty Yarbrough of Valdosta, Ga., Jamie of Raleigh-Durham, N.C. and Christopher and Samantha Summers of Oklahoma City; 15 great-grandchildren; five great-great- grandchildren; many other relatives and friends. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DECEMBER 16, 2002 BLACKWELL Will Blackwell died Thursday at Jackson County Memorial Hospital. Services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday at Lowell-Tims Funeral Home with Dr. Jeff Moore officiating. Burial will follow at the Altus Cemetery under the direction of Lowell-Tims Funeral Home. He was born Dec. 21, 1917 at Friendship to James Neil and Agnes Odessa (Graves) Blackwell. He married his wife Marian, Aug. 4, 1959 in the First Baptist Church in Altus. He served in the United States Army as a supply clerk and was honorably discharged. He also served as a chief purchasing agent at Altus Air Force Base with Civil Service and retired after serving 31 years. He was a life long resident of Altus and Jackson County and was a member of the First Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife Marian Blackwell, Altus; children Neil and Lori Blackwell and Lea and Bill May of Edmond; sister-in-law Clariece Blackwell; grandchildren Jamie Blackwell, Altus, Chad Blackwell, Kristin May, Cody May, and Carson May; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Bessie Lee Blackwell and brother D.E. Blackwell. The family will greet friends Tuesday from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Lowell-Tims Funeral Home. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CHESSER Cecil R. Chesser, 76, a noted historian and educator and lifelong resident of southwest Oklahoma, died Friday at his home. Chesser, Dean of Administration and professor at Western Oklahoma State College in Altus for 22 years, was born May 7, 1926, near Eldorado to C.W. "Cap" and Julie (Ince) Chesser. His early education was at Stoney Point, Prairie Hill and Aaron Schools before joining the U.S. Navy at age 18 in 1943 at the height of World War II. In the Navy, his service was primarily in the islands of the South Pacific about which he later wrote a published novel, "Naval Green." He was discharged at the war's end in 1946. After completing his military duty, he returned to southwest Oklahoma where he resumed his education. He married Loweta M. Cross, in Quanah, Texas, June 23, 1946 and one year later moved to Cowden, to work in the ministry and pursue a degree in education at Southwestern Oklahoma State College in Weatherford on the GI Bill. He completed his bachelor's degree in 1952 and would later earn a master's degree from SWOSU as well. Chesser initially taught at the John Seger Indian School in Colony and then Cowden schools before moving to central Oklahoma for four years as coach, principal, and teacher in Centerview and Asher. In 1958, he and his family returned to Altus where he accepted a position as principal in the Altus School System. He worked in various schools there until 1966 when he was named Dean of Administration at Western Oklahoma State College. It was at WOSC, where he was an integral faculty figure until 1988, that he reaped his greatest professional and personal enjoyment. He wrote and published two poetry books and two history books during his tenure there. To recognize his contributions in 36 years in education, he was elected President of the Oklahoma Educators Association, and, in 1998, was inducted into the Oklahoma Regents for Higher Education Hall of Fame in ceremonies at the Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City. Chesser retired from full-time involvement from WOSC in 1988 but continued teaching, making speaking engagements and writing. His published writings also included numerous novels and history books which are now featured in special displays at the WOSC library and at the State Capitol. His chronicles of the First Baptist Church in Altus and later, its long time pastor Keith Wiginton, earned him the Gaskin Award For Church History in both 1992 and 2001. His last years were spent in tireless service to his church, First Baptist of Altus, numerous speaking engagements throughout the state and continuing to work with the Museum of the Western Prairie. "Cecil Chesser Redbud Lane" on the campus of WOSC was dedicated to recognize his contributions to education and his chronicles of the history of southwest Oklahoma. An active member and past President of the Rotary Club, he was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. Chesser is survived by his wife of 56 years, Loweta Chesser of the home; sons C.R. Cap Chesser of Plano, Texas and Dr. Ron Chesser of Lubbock, Texas; brothers Lee R. Chesser of Altus and Loyd Chesser of Bartlesville; sisters Marie Moon of Altus and Peg Leader of Wyandotte; four grandchildren and one great- grandson. Chesser was preceded in death by his parents, brother W.C. "Bill" Chesser and sister Bonnie Parks-Southern. Funerals services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the First Baptist Church of Altus. Interment will be at the Altus Cemetery under the direction of Lowell- Tims Funeral Home. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the WOSC Foundation for the Cecil Chesser Scholarship Fund, 2801 N. Main, Altus, Ok., 73521, ATTN: Larry Duffy. The family will greet friends at the Lowell-Tims Funeral Home, Monday Dec. 16, from 6:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DEC. 17: NO OBITUARIES TODAY ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DECEMBER 18, 2002 COPELAND Clyde Webster Copeland died at Mangum City Hospital on Tuesday at the age of 82. Funeral services were held this afternoon in the Greer Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. John Corbin officiated. Burial will be at the Riverside Cemetery under the direction of Greer Funeral Home of Mangum. He was born to W. Floyd and Laura (Wicker) Copeland at Mangum on Nov. 29, 1920 and has lived his life in Greer County. He served in the Coast Guard during World War II. He farmed for several years and worked as a rural mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for 28 years. He was a member of the United Methodist Church and the Methodist Men. He married Olive Charlesworth on July 10, 1975. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Lois Sewell. Survivors include his wife Olive Copeland, a step-daughter and several step- grandchildren. =============================================================================== December 19, 2002 Bagley N.F. Bagley, 79. long time Altus resident, died Wednesday at Jackson County Memorial Hospital. Funeral services are pending with Kincannon Funeral Home. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kincannon Mary Louise Kincannon, 53, Altus, died Wednesday at Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma City. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Kincannon Funeral Home Memorial Chapel with Bill Osborne officiating. Interment will follow services at the Boggy Cemetery south of Olustee under the direction of Kincannon Funeral Home. She was born May 25, 1949 in Altus to Jim and Liza Ida Bonnie (Richards) Keck. She attended both Martha and Navajo schools. She worked first as a secretary and later as manager of Edmond Motor Freight from 1982 until her retirement in 2000. She married Max Kincannon May 30, 1996 in Vernon, Texas. She was a member of the Olustee Church of Christ and a lifetime member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed reading, flowers, gardening, shopping at garage sales, going to auctions and spending time with her family, children and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Cecil Keck. She is survived by her husband Max Kincannon, Altus; daughter Sherry Baze, Altus; son and daughter-in-law Richard and DeDe Baze, Temple; step-sons Stacey Kincannon, Altus, Jeff Kincannon and wife Tana of Moore; step-daughter Sonya Revilla and husband Al of Altus; fsisters and brothers-in-law Pat and Bob Gilley, Comanche, Dobie and Bill Green of Temple, Barbara Gilley, Canadian, Texas, Francis and Carl Bigford, Randlett and Joy and Phil Anderson, Walters; brothers Dinky Keck, Arizona, Donnie Keck, Walters; grandchildren Amanda and Eric Baze, Altus, Shelby and Kyle Baze, Temple, Kelby and Shaylon Kincannon, Colorado, Vanessa and Andrew Revilla, Altus, McKenzie Kincannon, Moore; and many nieces, nephews and friends. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DEC. 20: Bagley N.F. Bag-ley, 79, long time Altus resident and Jackson County far-mer died Wednesday at Jackson County Memorial Hospital. The Bagley family will host a casual visitation from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. in the Gathering Room at Kincannon Funeral Home. He was born Sept. 18, 1923 in Humphreys to Burle B. and Maude (Byrd) Bagley. He attended Humphreys School. He married Nadiene Swindle Oct. 14, 1944 in Altus. His wife preceded him in death in November of 1999. He was a lifetime farmer in the Jackson County area and was of the Baptist faith. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sisters Francis Potts and Merl Evans and brother Jack Bagley. He is survived by daughters Natalie Gibson and husband Gary of Noble and Sheila Barefoot of Altus; son Nathan F. Bagley, Jr. of Dickenson, Texas; sisters Doris Hansen, Dallas, Texas, Allene Stiefel and husband Milford, Porterville, Calif., Burlene Allen and husband George, Hanford, Calif.; grandchildren Scott and Laura Gibson, Oklahoma City, Andrea and Jon Pickett, Noble and Claire Gibson of Oklahoma City. Viewing and signing of the family album will be available until 8 p.m. tonight and beginning Saturday morning from 8 a.m. through 3 p.m. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hager Takashi Daniel Keith Hager, 12, Altus, died Wednesday at Comanche County Memorial Hospital in Lawton following a brief illness. Services have been scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday at Lowell-Tims Funeral Home. Interment will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Fort Sill National Cemetery in Lawton. Arrangements are under the direction of Lowell-Tims Funeral Home. He as born Aug. 15, 1990 in Okinawa, Japan to Daniel A. and Laurie R. (Scott) Hager. He lived in Altus since January of 2000 when his father was assigned to Altus Air Force Base. Takashi was home schooled. He enjoyed airplanes, fishing, hunting and role playing. His heroes were Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett. Survivors include his parents Daniel and Laurie Hager of the home in Altus; brothers and sisters Benjamin Ian, Christina Noel, Aaron Scott, Lae Ann Sara, Tomokazu Joel, Yutaka Hiogyoshi, Wesley Nobunaga, Megumi Pamela and Lydia Naomi, all of the home; grandparents Keith and Chieko Hager of Tokyo, Japan and James and Mary Scott of Portland, Ore. and Gladys H. Carl of Arlington, Va.; great-grandmother Anna Scott of Eugene, Ore.; aunts and uncles Nancy and Jun Barican of Naples, Fla., Pam and Rick Kauffman of Upper Marlboro, Md. and Richard Scott. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jones Funeral services for George "Calvin" Jones, 86, Snyder, will held be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Frederick Church of Christ with the Rev. Sam Starr officiating. He died Wednesday at a Lawton hospital. Burial will be at the Mt. Park Cemetery under the direction of Gray Gish Funeral Home. He was born to George Jewell and Anna Laura (Hill) Jones on May 6, 1916 in Burkburnett, Texas. He grew up in the Snyder-Mt. Park area. He married Almeta "Pauline" Logan in Lawton. In 1948, after the Trinity River flooded, he went to Fort Worth, Texas to help build the Ben Brook Dam. In 1952 he moved back to Oklahoma and became owner/operator of Jones Dozer Company. His wife preceded him in death on June 9, 1992. He married Vineta (Cook) Brewer on March 28, 1997 in Altus. He was preceded in death by his wife Pauline Jones; brother Weldon Jones and grandchild Darla Jones. He is survived by sons Jimmy Carl and wife Judy of Abilene, Texas, Darwin Ray "Doc" and wife Dora of Frederick and Gregory Calvin "Greg" and wife Karen of Denton, Texas; 10 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions can be made to the Mt. Park Cemetery Association, C/O Aileen Shrum, Box 303, Mt. Park, Ok. 73559. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DEC. 22: Hamilton J.D. Hamilton, 93, Altus, died at Plantation Village Nursing Home. Services are pending with Lowell-Tims Funeral Home. Family will greet visitors from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Lowell Tims Funeral Home. For further information call, Lowell- Tims Funeral Home at 482-1233. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ryan Robert E. "Doc" Ryan, 74, of Mobile, Alabama and formally of Altus, died Dec. 11 at Springhill Memoiral Hospital. He is preceded in death by his father Luther Ryan; brother Harold Ryan; sister Nelda Ryan and nephew Tommy Ryan, all of Alabama. Survivors include his wife Clara of the home; daughters and son-in-law Edwina Schuster and John of Altus; Kay Estes of Bay St. Louis, Miss.; and granddaughters and their husbands Michelle (Schuster) Robinson and Matt of Temple, Texas; Mandy (Schuster) Green and Shannon of Norman; brothers and sisters Gerald, James, Glenn, and Sybil; his mother Mattie Ryan, all of Alabama; Katherine Ryan and many relatives and friends. Funeral services were held December 14, with Rev. Ralph Rogers (along time family friend) in Mobile, Alabama. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DEC. 23: Brunch Adeline Catherine Bunch, 87, Lone Wolf, died Friday. Services were held this morning at the United Methodist Church of Lone Wolf with Alvin Funkhouser and Ruth Atterberry officiating. Burial will be at the Lone Wolf Cemetery under the direction of Peoples Cooperative of Lone Wolf. She was born Nov. 11, 1915, in Lone Wolf to Nicholas Florence and Annie Mary (Wessling) Snyder. She graduated from Lone Wolf High School and received a bachelors degree in education and a masters degree in education from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. She taught school in Lugert, Retrop and Lone Wolf public schools for 33 years, retiring in 1971. She married Essell Floyd Bunch in Vernon, Texas on July 13, 1950. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Lone Wolf where she served as church treasurer and a Sunday school teach. She also volunteered at the Lone Wolf Senior Citizens Center. She enjoyed raising flowers and helping others. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Nick Snyder; sister Marguerite Ledbetter; son Harold Bunch; daughter Marjorie Dawn Martin; two grandsons; one great-grandson and one great-granddaughter. She survived by sons and daughters-in-law Patty and Myrna Bunch of Lone Wolf and Glenn and LaJaun Bunch of Grandbury, Texas; daughter-in-law Betty Bunch of Nacogdoches, Texas; 14 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; many great- grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hamilton J.D. Hamilton, 93, Martha, died Friday at the Plantation Village Nursing Home. Services are set for 2 p.m. Monday at Lowell-Tims Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Ross Evans will officiate and burial will follow at the Martha Cemetery. The family will receive guests from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the funeral home. He was born June 23, 1909 to Robert Lee Hamilton and Augusta Mae Sampler Hamilton in Jackson County. He grew up and attended school in the area before settling at Martha. He married Juanita White on Aug. 12, 1935 at Altus and they were married for more than 60 years. He served in the United States Navy during World War II. He then moved back to Martha to work as a custom combine operator. He was of the Baptist faith. Survivors include children Nelda Osborne of Plattsburg, N.Y, Robert Hamilton and wife Joann of Kansas City, Kan. and Beth Woodruff and husband Len of Frisco, Texas; sisters Roberta McDuffey of Gatesville, Texas and Wynell Hawkins of Lindale, Texas; nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Juanita in January of 1996, parents and two brothers, Harold and Elvin. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DEC. 24: Lowry Jimmie Ray Lowry, 88, died Sunday in Amarillo, Texas. Services will be 11 a.m. Friday at the Hollis Church of Christ, with Jeff Foster officiating. Burial will follow at Fairmount Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Stewart Funeral Services. He is survived by his wife, Erlene of the home; two daughters, Gloria Hassan of California and Rickie Zoellner of Arizona; one son, Hubert Wayne Lowry of California; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Sadie Jo Buchannan of Oklahoma City, Nerva Jewel Sherman of Lubbock, Texas and Faye Gatlin of Taft, Tenn; many friends in Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, California and Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his parent, Samuel Frank and Minerva Lowry; four brothers, Cecil, Loy, Hubert and Dewey; one sister, Dollie Weightman, and one son, Jimmie D. Lowry. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mercer Fred Mercer died Monday. Services are pending with Lowell-Tims Funeral Home. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Todd Services for Sue Todd will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Lowell-Tims Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at the Blair Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Lowell-Tims Funeral Home. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DEC. 25: No obituaries. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DEC. 26: Mercer Fred Den-nis Mercer died Monday in Altus. Services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday at the First Baptist Church in Altus afternoon with Dr. Jeff Moore officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at the Altus Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Lowell-Tims Funeral Home. He was born April 19, 1940, at Nash to Fred H. and Florene (Richardson) Mercer. He married Kay Suttle Jan. 24, 1975 in Oklahoma City. He served in the United States Air Force for 20 years before his retirement. While in the Air Force he served in Vietnam. During his 20 years in the service he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Nation Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal Award, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Following his retirement from the USAF, he worked for Altus Athletics for 10 years before retiring in 2002. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Altus and was an avid bowler. Survivors include his wife Kay Marie Suttle Mercer of Altus; children Cathy Marie Mercer of Altus and Robert Wilton Mercer, Brunswick, Maine; grandson Conner Luke Campbell of Edmond; brother Robert Earl Mercer of Tulsa; sister Barbara Griffin of Lawton and a mother and father-in-law Oma and Coy Suttle of Altus. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister. The family will greet friends at Lowell-Tims Funeral Home from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Teague George Wilburn Teague, 83, died at his home south of Gould Tuesday. Funeral services will be Friday at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, Gould with the Rev. Ralph Chapman and the Rev. Rick Simonson officiating. Burial will follow at Gould Cemetery. Stewart Funeral Service of Hollis is in charge of arrangements. He was born in Ashville, Ala., July 19, 1919 to Chesley and Della Griffin Teague. He married Ursula "Sue" Trout, July 5, 1947 in Oklahoma City. He retired from the Air Force as a Master Sergeant on Oct. 30, 1960 with 20 years of service. Upon retirement he made his home in Gould. He later retired from the U.S. Civil Service in August of 1982. He took an active part in several organizations. He was a 32nd Degree Mason, was a member of the Scottish Rite Masons, The Order of Eastern Star, Past Patron and the Gould American Legion. He was a very active member of the First Baptist Church in Gould. George enjoyed the outdoors and spending his days gardening, hunting and fishing. He is survived by his wife Sue of the home; sons George Lee and wife Diane and Richard Michael and wife Shaun, all of Edmond; daughter Janis Sue Herron and husband Roger of Duke; sister Neva Bailey of Opelika, Ala; brothers John Teague of Fairfield, Calif. and Cecil Teague of Decatur, Ala.; sisters-in-law Mayburn Teague of Childersburg, Ala and Mary Jane Teague, both Opelika, Ala; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ralph, Alden, Claxton, Richard, and Hasel; and daughter Tammy Margaret. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Todd Services for Lenita Sue Todd, 67, Blair, have been scheduled for 1:30 p.m Friday at the Lowell-Tims Funeral Home with Dr. Roy McDaniel officiating. Interment will be at the Blair Cemetery under the direction of Lowell-Tims Funeral Home. The family will receive guests at the Lowell-Tims Funeral Home from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday. She was born April 17, 1935, in Blair to Roy B. and Jaunita (Elmore) Pryor. On April 1, 1956, Sue and Jack Todd were united in marriage at Blair. They lived in Blair and raised their children there. Sue was very devoted to her community. She was a member of the Blair First Baptist Church were she played the piano for more than 40 years. She was a Sunday school teacher and enjoyed spending time with all of her church family. Sue was very active and loved to play cards, read, and most of all, devoting her life to her husband and family. She had many special friends that she spent many happy hours with and was well known in her community to "always be there when she was needed." She is lovingly survived by her husband of 46 years, Jack of the home in Blair; children Mike Todd, Blair and Susan Kay Griffin of Muskogee; sisters Barbara Ann Dollins and her husband O.W. of Altus and Linda Kay Burden and husband Ray Bob, of Evergreen, Colo.; grandchildren Dustin Hasley, Ashley Hasley and Jay Todd; great-grandchild Kylie Todd; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many, many friends. Sue was preceded in death by her parents, son Steve Todd; and granddaughter Amber Courtney McBride. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DEC. 27: Alderete Bobbie A. Alderete, 79, Altus, died Sunday at Jackson County Memorial Hospital. Graveside services are scheduled for Saturday, at 10:30 a.m. at the Altus City Cemetery with Father Joseph Arledge officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Lowell-Tims Funeral Home. She was born January 23, 1923 in Dawson, New Mexico to Phildelfio and Marcelina Armijo. She married Henry Alderete in Roy, New Mexico. He preceded her in death September 22, 1986. He moved to Altus three years ago to be near her daughter and family. She attended the Nazarene church. She is survived by sons Henry Alderete and wife Sue of Tulsa, Jimmy Alderete and wife Alma of Dumas, Texas, Selestino Alderete and wife Beta of Denver, Colorado, Benny Alderete and wife Mary of Denver, Colorado; daughters Lillie Dunson of Stephenville, Texas and Rosie Kitterman of Altus. She is also survived by five sisters and one brother, 22 grandchildren and 34 great- grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter Rosa Lie Alderete and son Johnny Alderete. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Briscoe Funeral Services for Tammie Gail Briscoe, 42, of Tahlequah will be held 2 p.m. Friday in Green Country Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. Terry Stone. Interment will following the Tahlequah City Cemetery under the direction of Green Country Funeral Home. She was born the daughter of Jimmie Nell and R.L. Burlesonon June 21, 1960 in Wichita Falls, Texas. She died December 23 at her home in Tahlequah. She enjoyed time at home with her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed spending time with other family members and friends. She attended First Assembly of God Church in Tahlequah. She enjoyed life to the fullest. She loved the Lord. She was preceded in death by her father R.L. She is survived by her mother Jimmie of Tahlequah; sister Terris Spears and her husband Micky, also of Tahlequah; daughters Lisa Larabee of Tulsa and Shelby Felts of Tahlequah; son Bobby Callaway of Tahlequah; grandsons Devon and Chance Larabee; nieces Michelle Torix and Misty Paris; nephew T.J. Spears, also of Tahlequah. She is also survived by her step father Dr. C.B. Pinkerton and wife JoAnn of Vinita and his children Benny, Theresa, and Renee; a host of other friends and loved ones including Jerry Matt, Wandola Allen, Darla Kouba, Connie Herrin, Jan Diffee, Bryce and Becky Felts, Bobby Jack Callaway Terry Callaway, Sue Callaway, Herb and Granny Faye, Gail Gates, Maye Butler, Aunt Jean, and Dr. and Mrs. Dietche and family. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- George Services for Marie George will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Lowell-Tims Funeral Chapel. Visitation will be held Saturday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Lowell-tims Chapel. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Geyer Grace Mae Pearl Geyer, 78, died Thursday at Mangum City Hospital. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at the Rose Assembly Church in Mangum with the Rev. Gary Usher officiating. Arrangements are with Greer Funeral Home of Mangum. She was born Dec. 11, 1924 in Hobart to John and Ina Mae (Christian) Tillman. She was a resident of Mangum for the past ten years, moving there from Lanagan, Mo. She married Robert Geyer in Oklahoma City in 1945. He preceded her in death. Before her retirement, she was a homemaker, raising her family. She also worked as a cook in the restaurant business. She was a member of the Rose Assembly Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter Donna Mae Puckett, son John Geyer and a brother. She is survived by children David Geyer of Lawton, Dorothy Harris of Mangum, Cora Mae Few of Kentucky, James Geyer of Mangum, Joyce Geyer of Granite, Edward Leon Geyer of Edmond, Linda Rose Geyer of Stratford and David Tillman of Newalla; brother John Tillam and sister Billy Jean Mundy; 13 grandchildren and five-great-grandchildren. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ivey Dora Ivey died Thursday in Broken Arrow. Services are pending with Lowell-Tims Funeral Home. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wood "A.L" Wood, 80 died Wednesday at the hospital in Hollis. Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at the First United Methodist Church in Hollis with Rev. David Blakey officiating. Burial will follow at Fairmount Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Stewart Funeral Service. He was born July 13, 1922 in Akin, Texas to J.W. and Allie Hooper Wood. He was a carpenter and lived in Harmon County from 1959 until his death. He married Inez Maude Ward on July 28, 1943 in St. Augustine, Texas. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, taking care of his horses and cattle, going to cattle auctions and estate auctions. He also enjoyed fishing and sharing his catch with others. He served for three years in the United States Army during WWII. He was stationed in Northern France where his services were decorated with the EAME Campaign Medal with 5 Bronze Stars and he was also awarded with a Good Conduct Medal. He is survived by his wife Inez of the home; daughters Frances Bennefield and husband Shelton, Joyce Hubanks and husband George, Syble Sanderson and husband Randy, Debra Hillis and husband Bryan, all of Hollis, and Dana Thompkins and husband Eddie of Dodson, Texas; sons Preston Wood of Amarillo, Texas, Ray Wood of Gould, Kenneth Wood and wife Melissa, and Mark Wood and wife Aimee, all of Hollis; sisters Evalynn Loving, Janice Maloney and Hazel Brown; brothers A.J. Wood, Orville Wood and Chester Wood; 20 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 11 step-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Douglas Wood and sister Gladys Loving. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DEC. 29: George Dorothy Marie George, 78, long time resident of Olustee, died Thursday. Services have been scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday at the Lowell-Tims Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Ralph Chapman and Sonny Tims officiating. Interment will follow at the Altus City Cemetery under the direction of Lowell-Tims Funeral Home. The family will receive guests from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Saturday at Lowell-Tims Funeral Home. She was born Dec. 3, 1924 in Navarro County, Texas to Robert Lee and Francis Elizabeth (Walls) Talbot. They moved to the Olustee area when she was an infant. She married Noel George at Olustee on Sept. 19, 1950. They remained in southwest Oklahoma their entire lives, where Noel served as pastor in many of the area churches. They have served the Prairie Hill Church for the past several years where Marie served in many capacities including Sunday School Secretary. She was Noel's help mate and it was rare to see one without the other. She enjoyed cooking and held an open house at her home on Sunday night's. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Oleta; and brothers Alvis Talbot and "Bud" Talbot. She is survived by her husband Noel of the home; children Joy George Zitterkob of Tulsa, Goebel George and wife Sally of Altus and Mark George and wife Christie of Altus; sister Mary Stout and husband Raymond of Olustee; grandchildren Gregory George Zitterkob, Blane George, Amanda George, Drew George, Brady George, Tyler George, Garret George, Colby George and Trace George and many other relatives. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ivey Dora Ivey, 84, lifelong resident of Altus, died Thursday in Broken Arrow. Services have been scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday at the Tabernacle Baptist Church with the Rev. David Chittenden officiating. Burial will follow at the Altus City Cemetery under the direction of Lowell-Tims Funeral Home. The family will receive guests at Lowell-Tims on Sunday evening from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. She was born Oct. 17, 1918 in Gholson, Texas to Bob and Rachel Gifford. They moved to the Altus area when Dora was a small child. She graduated from Altus High School. She married John R. Ivey on Nov. 7, 1936 at the Presbyterian Church in Altus. She worked as a bank teller at First State Bank and retired from there after more than 20 years. She was a devoted, active member of the Tabernacle Baptist Church for more than 60 years. She and her husband were instrumental in building the church at its present location. She was a member of the Senior Saints and enjoyed working in many capacities for her church. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband J.R. in 1984; an infant brother, and by sisters Jessie, Quessie and Lou. She is survived by her son and daughter -in-law, Don and Karen Ivey of Bixby; sisters Rubye McKinley of Arlington, Texas and Robbye Kimble of Cambria, Calif.; grandchildren Kelly Ivey, Kal Higgs and Richie Higgs and by numerous great-grandchildren, other relatives and many friends. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kirk Graveside services for Kolter Scott Kirk, infant son of Jason and Michele Munden Kirk of Lubbock, Texas, were held Thursday at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home of Lubbock. He was born and died on Tuesday at University Medical Center in Lubbock. He is survived by his parents, paternal grandparents, Bob and Janice Kirk of Altus; maternal grandparents, David and Lynn Munden of Brady, Texas; paternal great-grandmother Jerald Dean Floyd of Tipton; maternal great-grandparents Bill and Beth McDowell of Smithville, Texas and Nelda Munden of Lindale, Texas; and one uncle. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Morgan Services are pending for Thelma Morgan, 94, of Mangum. She died at Jackson County Memorial Hospital. Services are pending at Greer Funeral Home of Mangum. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DEC. 30: Holder James "Jim" Richard Holder, 71, Olustee, died Sunday at Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma City. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Kincannon Funeral Home Chapel with Granville Clapp and the Rev. Frank Mitchell officiating. Burial will follow services on the family homeplace at Creta in Jackson County under the direction of Kincannon Funeral Home. He was born July 27, 1931 at Creta to George and Ruby (Sain) Holder. He graduated from Eldorado High School in 1949. He served in the U.S. Marines and was a veteran of the Korean War. He was an expert marksman on the Marine Corps Rifle Team. He also participated in the atomic explosion maneuver at Camp Desert Rock, Nev. He married Shirley Clapp of Grandfield June 29, 1956. They lived in Altus from 1956 until 1993, when they moved to Olustee. In 1954 he began a career in the grain business with Standard Milling Company. He managed a number of grain elevators in southwest Oklahoma and north Texas. In 1981 he became the general manager of Humphrey Coop and continued in that capacity until his retirement in 1996. He farmed and ranched his entire life with his family at Creta. He continued to manage the cattle operation which has been in the family since 1898. At the time of his heart failure, he was building a fence on the same place he was born. His passion was sharing his life with his family on the land which he so dearly loved. He especially loved hunting, fishing and having cookouts with his grandchildren at the pond. He served his community and state in many ways. He was on the founding committee of the Great Plains Stampede Rodeo and served on the Jackson County Fair Board and Livestock Show Board for many years. He served as chairman on the Producers Cotton Oil Mill Board in Oklahoma City. He was awarded the State Cotton Ginner of the Year award in 1990 and the KWHW Friend of the Farmer Award in 1996. He was preceded in death by his parents, two infant brothers and brothers-in- law, Raymond Rollins, Claude Zachary, Dick Haas and Edmond Clapp. He is survived by his wife Shirley; daughters and sons-in-law Diane Chowning, Altus, Kari and Scott Pryor, Olustee; sons and a daughter-in-law Rick Holder of Creta, Mark and Kathy Holder of Creta; sisters and brothers-in-law Louise Leon Dollins, Altus, Freda and Don Beals, Iowa Park, Texas, Shirley Zachary, Iowa Park, Texas, Gloria Haas, Wichita Falls, Texas, Camilla Stephens, Fort Worth, Texas, Carrolia and Dick Lunney, Iowa Park, Texas; brother David Holder, Altus; brother-in-law Granville Clapp and wife Marilyn, Oklahoma City; sisters-in-law Wanda Slater and husband John, Tishomingo, Janell Gibson and husband Tom, Longview, Texas, Pam Clapp of Rio Vista, Texas; children Julie Miller and husband Chad, Altus, Laurey Chowning, Altus, Tanner and Tyler Holder, Childress, Texas, Haley and Harrison Holder, Creta, Jamie Pryor, Quanah, Texas, Kelci and James Dylan Pryor, Olustee and many friends. The Holder family requests that memorials be made to the First Baptist Church of Olustee. The family will receive friends and visitors today from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the Kincannon Funeral Home Gathering Room. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kellison Naomi Kellison, 86, died Saturday at the Southwest Medical Center in Oklahoma City. Graveside services were held this afternoon at Fairmount Cemetery in Hollis with the Rev. Hoyt Ellis officiating. Arrangements are with Patterson Greer Funeral Home of Hollis. She was born July 9, 1916 in Davidson to William L. and Mandy Ellen (Harlan) Jones. She married Leonard L. Kellison April 5, 1941 in Hollis. Two children were born to this union. Her husband died on April 17, 1978. She was affiliated with the Church of Christ for a number of years and was a wife, mother and homemaker. She resided this past year in the Senior Village Nursing Center in Blanchard. She is survived by two children Gayland Kellison and wife Peggy of Blanchard; daughter Jo Ellen George of Ardmore; seven grandchildren and two great- grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, five brothers and three sisters. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jones Paul Jones died early today at Jackson County Memorial Hospital. Services are pending with of Lowell-Tims Funeral Home. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ledesma Francisca Ledesma, 73, died Saturday in Altus. Services are pending with Lowell-Tims Funeral Home. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Morgan Thelma Jane Morgan died Saturday morning at Jackson County Memorial Hospital at the age of 94. Services were held this morning at the Greer Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Glen Burkhalter officiating. Greer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. She married Arrie Lee Morgan Dec. 22, 1927 at Mangum. To this union, a daughter was born. Claudine preceded her parents in death as an infant. Thelma was a member of the First Baptist Church for many years. Her husband Arrie died on Dec. 30, 1980. Survivors include a sister and brother-in-law, Betty Jo and Les Veach of Mangum. =============================================================================== ŠAltus Times 2002