Obits: The Kingfisher Times & Free Press, February, 2003, Kingfisher County, OK Copyright 2003: The Kingfisher Times & Free Press This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Claudia: moonglow4th@yahoo.com Thanks to http://www.kingfisherpress.net/ for permission to upload their obits. Return to Kingfisher County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/kingfisher/kingfisher.html ===================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ===================================================================== Sunday, February 2, 2003 Mabelle Georgia Huff: H160 Mabelle Georgia Huff, 87, of Kingfisher died Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2003, at Kingfisher Regional Hospital. A graveside service was held Friday in the Kingfisher Cemetery with Rev. Don Gibson officiating. She was born Nov. 19, 1915, southwest of Kingfisher to John Henry and Mollie Louise Lehenbauer Huff. She was a longtime resident of Kingfisher before entering Cimarron Nursing Center on Nov. 2, 1999. She was a member of the First Christian Church where she played the organ for 23 years. She taught private piano lessons for 23 years and was a member of PEO and a garden club. She was preceded in death by her parents. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. ********** Wednesday, February 5, 2003 Gail Zerger: Z626 Gail Zerger, 87, of Hennessey died Thursday, Jan. 30, 2003, at Hennessey Care Center. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Liz Brown and Pastor L.D. Choate officiating. Burial followed at Hennessey Cemetery, under direction of Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home of Hennessey. She was born Feb. 6, 1915, west of Hennessey to Clyde and Cecil Wilson Miller. She graduated from Lacey High School in 1933. She married Carl Zerger on Sept. 26, 1993, in Hennessey. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women and home demonstration clubs in the Hennessey and Lacey area. Survivors include her husand Carl; two sons, Larry Zerger and wife Joan of Enid and Chaplain Major Mark Zerger and wife Rhoda of San Antonio, Texas; two daughters, Marilyn Reinhardt and husband Art of Tulsa and Sybil Bowles and husband Curt of Lahoma; seven grandchildren and five great- grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Betty Briix and Grace Evelyn Miller. ---------- Craig Alan Norris: N620 Craig Alen "Egg Bob" Norris, 41, of Crescent died in his home Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2003, after a two-year battle against colon cancer. Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Crescent Cemetery with Ryan Benton and Joe Samuels officiating. Abernathy Funeral Home is in charge of services. He was born Nov. 12, 1961, at Guthrie. He grew up north of Crescent and graduated from Crescent High School in 1980. He and Theresa Martin were married April 27, 1987, in Crescent. He worked at Marble Craft for seven years and worked with his dad on the family farm throughout his life. Prior to that he worked for Basin Drilling where at one time, he, his brother, Clint, and father worked on the same drilling rig. He was an outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, hunting, collecting, knives, four-wheeling, water-skiing and riding the Tiger Shark. Survivors include his wife, Theresa, of the home; parents, Phillip and Janet Norris of Crescent; two sons, Tony Alan and Michael Adam of Crescent; one sister, Sophia Gayle Ellis and husband Perrin of Edmond; two nephews, three aunts and many cousins. He was preceded in death by a brother, Clint Dale; paternal grandparents, Dale and Ina Norris, and maternal grandparents, Mabel and Elihue Tucker. ---------- Dorothy Whittington: W352 Dorothy Whittington, 82, of Cashion died Monday, Feb. 3, 2003, at her residence. Funeral services were set for 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Cashion Christian Church with Jerry Sullaway officiating. Burial will follow in the Cashion Cemetery, under direction of Smith Funeral Home of Guthrie. She was born Jan. 27, 1921, in Cashion to Frank and Mary Aslice Eakins. Surviviords include three sons, William Arthur Whittington III of Lansing, Mich., Gregory Lynn Whittington of Gallatin, Tenn., and Michael David Whittington of Dallas, Texas; one daughter, Gloria J. Scott of Artesia, N.M.; 12 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. ---------- Jean Hubbard Lorenz: L652 Jean Hubbard Lorenz of Catoosa died Saturday, Feb. 1, 2003, at the age of 82. A service was held in Catoosa on Tuesday, Feb. 4. She was born Oct. 4, 1920, at Capron, Woods County, Okla., to Charles Wesley and Viola Allen Hubbard. At the age of three, she moved with her family to Kingfisher, where she lived until 1946. After graduating from Kingfisher High School and attending a business school in Oklahoma City, she worked for several years in the family newspaper business, The Kingfisher Times and Free Press. She married Wilburn James Lorenz on Oct. 25, 1944, in San Francisco, Calif. She lived in Oklahoma City since 1954, moving to Catoosa in 2002 to be close to her youngest son, John and his family. She was a well-known genealogist, loved to read, and was an avid gardener. Survivors include three sons, Dr. David Lorenz of Tempe, Ariz., Stephen Lorenz of Oklahoma City and John Lorenz and daughter-in-law Debi of Catoosa; five grand- children, Amy Addington, Adam Lorenz, Kevin Lorenz, Stephanie Pierce and Nathan Lorenz, and five great-grandchildren, Tyler and Braden Addington, Connor Lorenz and Karisa and Tristen Pierce. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Gladys Marie Carlson, and her brothers, Harold Hubbard and Clarence Hubbard. ---------- Faye Tarrant Wolf: W410 Faye Carolyn Tarrant Wolf, 54, of Crescent died Saturday, Feb. 1, 2003, at Oklahoma City. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Crescent Assembly of God Church with Pastor Mark LeMarr officiating. Burial followed in Wolf Cemetery, under direction of Abernathy Funeral Home of Crescent. She was born Dec. 27, 1948, to Leslie Thomas and Myrtel Ina Sowels Tarrant. She married Aubrey Wolf on Feb. 8, 1965. Survivors includer her husband, Aubrey of Crescent; her mother; two daughters, Tamara Hurst of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Cynthia Hutchison of Granite; one son, David Wolf and wife Ginny of Crescent; three brothers, Harry Tarrant and Claude Tarrant, both of Crescent, and George Tarrant of Guthrie; three sisters, Ina Richards and Evelyn Simpson, both of Crescent, and Darlene Tharp of Midwest City; 10 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her father and two brothers, Donald and James. ********** Sunday, February 9, 2003 Chuck Little: L340 Husband of ex-city teacher dies at Hinton Chuck Little, 57, of Hinton, husband of former Kingfisher High School Spanish teacher Delores Heglin, died last week. Funeral services were held Friday at Hydro. Little was a farmer near Hinton. His wife is teaching at Anadarko. ---------- Tilda Jane Cox: C200 Tilda Jane Cox, 75, of Crescent died Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2003 at Guthrie. Funeral services were set for 2 p.m. Saturday at the Crescent Assembly of God Church with Pastor Mark LeMarr officiating. Burial will follow in Crescent Cemetery, under direction of Abernathy Funeral Home of Crescent. She was born May 1, 1927, in Crescent to Harlan and Lilie Frachsieur Cox. She graduated from Crescent High School in 1945. She was employed at Ryland's Grocery Store for 12 years. She was a member of the Crescent Assembly of God Church. She taught the beginner Sunday school class for 53 years. She was honored and recognized as an outstanding teacher by The General Council of the Assemblies of God, the District Council of Oklahoma and the Henrietta Mears National Sunday School. Survivors include two brothers, Joe Cox of Pampa, Texas, and Robert Cox of Enid. She was preceded in death by her parents. ---------- Jay Charles Hammonds: H553 Jay Charles Hammonds, 17, of Henryetta, son of Cashion resident Francis Nollette, died Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2003, in Henryetta. Funeral services were set for 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Shurden Chapel in Henryetta with Rev. Jack Vance officiating. Services are under direction of Shurden Funeral Home. He was born June 7, 1985, in Kingfisher to Francis Blehm Hammonds and J.C. Hammonds. He was a senior attending Wilson High School. Survivors include is father, Jay C. Hammonds of the home; mother and stepfather Francis and Pete Nollette of Cashion, and one brother, James Hammonds of Henryetta. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jay C. Hammonds Sr, Fredina Hammonds and Charles and Jean Blehm. ---------- Fred Stone: S350 Fred Stone 69, of Guthrie, a native of Cashion, died Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2003. Funeral Service was held Friday, Jan. 31, at the First United Presbyterian church in Guthrie with the Rev. Karen Rogers officiating. Burial followed at Summit View Cemetery at Guthrie. He was born May 7, 1933, to Albert and Marguerite Sowards Stone. He graduated from Cashion Public School in 1951. He attended Central State College at Edmond before serving in the U.S. Army. He married Dorothy Ann Ochs June 14, 1954, and lived his married life in Guthrie. He retired after 38 years service with OG&E. He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church serving as deacon and elder. He was also a member of the Guthrie Jaycees and Lions Club, American Legion Post No. 58 and coached youth baseball and basketball for 20 years. His hobbies were sports and gardening. He also served many Meals on Wheels after retiring from OG&E in 1994. Survivors include his wife Dorothy of the home; 2 sons, Ric and wife Nancy of Guthrie, Craig and wife Julie of Stillwater and Jay and wife Gail of Bartlesville; five grandchildren; an aunto Marie Hawkins and uncle, Walter L. Sowards, both of Kingfisher; a brother, Delbert Stone, and sister, Beverly Wittrock, both of Cashion; three sisters-in-law, Cledith, Sylvia and Judy Ochs, all of Guthrie, and many nephews, nieces and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Marguerite Stone. ---------- Bertha Little Coyote: L342 1912-2003 (A tribute by Virginia Giglio) Bertha Little Coyote died last Sunday, Feb. 2, 2003. It was one day before her birthday, she would have been 91 years old. With crying and wails we laid her in the grave. Everyone had a story about Grandma, about Auntie, about Mother, about Sister. Folks spilled out of the packed church and into the street in Seiling. The casket was light with her frail body, but heavy with offerings. The Lighthouse Baptist Church was the host of the event; the old Indian Mennonite Church in Seiling was Bertha's home church, but has been without a pastor for years. The Tuesday night wake started at 7 p.m. and lasted until midnight. Not wanting to leave Bertha alone, several people camped in the church over night. Father Pete Powell, author of "Sweet Medicine," an exhaustive two volume tome on Cheyenne religion, came all the way from Chicago to officiate at the cermony. For 45 years Father Powell has called Bertha "my beloved Mother." Other ministers, singers, musicians, speakers at the wake and funeral included Gerald Panana, Bertha's brother Bernard Albaugh, Clifford Koehn, Moses Starr, Greg Hart, Virginia Giglio, the Rusty Needles Sewing Circle, Roy Bullcoming, Joan Swallow and Joan Black. Many others paid tribute to Bertha in story and song, and the services were extraordinarily beautiful. Everyone had a chance to sing hymns in English and in Cheyenne at both the wake and the funeral, joining in with Issinihani Jesus and Cheyene Amazing Grace with great feeling. Bertha was dressed, at her request, in a nightgown and wore no shores. These reflected her certainty that she would be going to sleep and waking in heaven. She had pre-selected a lavendar casket, and most flower memorials and shawls decorating her bier were in shades of purple, Bertha's favorite color. A picture placed in casket represented Bertha's beloved dog tomi, who pre- deceased her. The giveaway for Bertha lasted about two hours. Blankets, shawls, dress goods, dishes, plans, grocery baskets, books, and money were given away in Bertha's honor. Mrs. White Crane and Mrs. Bullcoming, both beloved elders, were among the many who received gifts. As Bertha left behind her earthly home, we were reminded of her name, E-no-ze, meaning "Sunset," the time of day when everything is left behind. As the graveside singer sange "En-no-ze" many were overcome with tears and wails. But Bertha's sunset left us feeling grief but not emptiness, because she touched us all with beauty, blessedness, and truth. No one who ever met her will forget her, for her power, strength, and authority made an indelible mark on us all. Virginia Giglio coauthored "Leaving Everything Behind: The Songs and Memories of a Cheyenne Woman," the story of Bertha Little Coyote, published by the University of Oklahoma Press. ---------- H.C. McCann: M250 H.c. McCann, 78, lifelong resident of Calument, died Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2003, in the Cimarron Nursing Center in Kingfisher. Funeral services were held Friday in the Red Rock United Methodist Church with Rev. David Bates officiating. Burial followed in the Red Rock Cemetery, under direction of Wilson Funeral Home of El Reno. He was born June 9, 1924, on the family farm near Calument to Henry Wade and Fannie E. "Cecil" McCann. He married Leatha laverene Bozarth on Feb. 23, 1947. He graduated from Calumet High School in 1942. He was a farmer and rancher, did custom harvesting and raised Quarter Horses. He was part owner of the Geary Livestock Inc. He was a member of the Red Rock United Methodist Church, American Legion, American Agriculture Movement, El Reno Wranglers and Eagles Lodge. Survivors include his wife, Leatha of the home; one son, William H. McDann and wife Susie of Geary; one daughter, Karon Winkler and husband Steve of Oklahoma City; one sister, Marcella Halford of Harrah; one brother, Robert W. McCann and wife Karen of Broken Arrow; five grandchildren, and six great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Sharon McCann. ---------- Ernest Will Swanson: S525 Ernest Will "June" Swanson, 90, of Crescent died Friday, Feb. 7, 2002, in Cushing. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the First Christian Church in Crescent with Pastor Joe Samuels officiating. Burial will follow in Crescent Cemetery, under direction of Abernathy Funeral Home of Crescent. He was born June 11, 1912, in Crescent to E.A. and Adelina Swanson. He married Helen M. Wilson on Nov. 30, 1935, in Chickasha. She preceded him in death on Jan. 16, 1996. He owned several service stations and farmed. He retired from Town and Country Hardware and Furniture in Crescent. During WWII, he was an airplane mechanic at Tinker Air Force Base. He was a member of the Odd Fellow Lodge, Crescent Chamber of Commerce and First Christian Church of Crescent. He served on the board of Central Christian Camp in Guthrie, served as Sunday school superintendent, class president and several other committees. Survivors include one daughter, Ella Mae Broyles and husband Bob of Edmond; two sons, Richard Allen Swanson and wife Marilyn of Cushing and Edward Wesley Swanson and wife Sandy of Grand Rapis, Mic.; 10 grandchildren; three step- grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and three brothers, Carl, Roland and John. ********** Wednesday, February 12, 2003 Robert Leslie Adams: A352 Robert Leslie Adams, 24, of Crescent died Thursday, Feb. 6, 2003, in Guthrie. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the First Christian Church in Crescent with Pastors John Flemmons and Keith Gordon officiating. Burial followed in Oakland-Knowles Cemetery, under direction of Abernathy Funeral Home of Crescent. He was born Oct. 17, 1978, in Edmond to Robert Lynn Adams and Leslie Nance Murch. He married Melodee Lyn Williams on Sept. 18, 1999, in Crescent. He was employed for Kone Elevator Inc. He was a member of the First Christian Church and Executive Board International Union of Elevators Constructors Local No. 63. He was an Eagle Scout. Survivors include is wife, Melodee of the home; mother and stepfather, Leslie and John Murch of Crescent; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Gene and Nancy Williams of Crescent; one sister, Heather Adams of Crescent, and one brother, Dylan Murch of Crescent. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Arthur and Thelma Nance and Bob and Lucille Adams. ---------- Agnes Rose Hladik: H432 Agnes Rose Hladik, 81, of Hennessey died Monday, Feb. 10, 2003, at Hennessey Care Center. Reciting of the rosary was held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial was set for 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church with Rev. Mark Mason officiating. Burial followed at Calvary Cemetery, under direction of Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home. She was born May 5, 1921, north of Hennessey to Albert and Frances Hromas Fuksa. She married Joe Hladik Jr. in Hennessey on June 4, 1938. She was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Chruch, St. Joseph's Altar Society, Bison Seventy Club, the Moose Lodge, Square Dance Club and No. 1 Oklahoma Polka Club. Survivors include one son, Donald Gene Hladik and wife Denny of Hennessey; 2 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and one brother, Frank Fuksa. ---------- Ruth L. Shuman: S550 Ruth L. Shuman, 87, of Edmond, formerly of Crescent, died Saturday, Feb. 8, 2003. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Cathedral of the Hills Assembly of God Church in Edmond. A graveside service followed at 4 p.m. in Willard Cemetery in Buffalo, under direction of Baggerley Funeral Home. She was born Feb. 5, 1916, to Fred and Myrtle Painter. She was retired from The Department of Human Services in the child support department. She was a member of the Cathedral of the Hills Church Assembly of God Church. Survivors include one son, Jerry Shuman and wife Sandy of Chandler; one daughter, Joan Barrow and husband Melvin of Edmond; one sister, Jollivet Wilson of Buffalo; one brother, Dean Painter of Buffalo; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Harry Painter. ---------- Clyde McLain Beeby: B100 Clyde McLain Beeby, 82, of Marshall died Saturday, Feb. 8, 2003, in Crescent. Funeral services were held at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at Marshall Christian Church with Pastor Don Blom officiating. Burial followed in North Marshall Lions Cemetery, under direction of Abernathy Funeral Home of Crescent. He was born Oct. 2, 1920, in Marshall to Lester Chriswick and Dora Anna Best Beeby. He married Lodema Gouch on Oct. 1, 1939. Survivors include his wife, Lodema of the home; one son, Larry Beeby and wife Beth of Fairview; one sister, Roberta DeBoard of Marshall; six grand- children, and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Jerry, two brothers and three sisters. ---------- Glyn E. Brawley: B640 Glyn E. Brawley, 78, of Hamilton, Mont., died Saturday, Feb. 1, 2003, at St. John's Lutheran Hospital in Libby, Mont. He was born April 7, 1924, in Beggs, Okla. Glyn served in the Pacific with the Army during World War II for three years. He married Freda Jo Carter on Juen 3, 1950, in Goltry, Okla. A former Cashion coach, he taught and coached all sports but mainly girls' basketball where he was inducted into the Oklahoma Coaches Hall of Fame in May 1981. He retired and moved to Montana in 1984 where he remained an active supporter of all sports, especially Corvallis, where he followed all his grandchildren's sports activities. He was preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter. Glyn is survived by his wife, Freda, of the family home in Hamilton; a son, Steve, and wife, Alta, of Corvallis; daughters Nancy and husband Adrian Mosqueda of Corvallis, and Anita of Oklahoma City; three sisters, 10 grand- children and three great-grandchildren. A funeral services was held Wednesday, Feb. 5, at the Daly-Leach Chapel in Hamilton with interment following at Corvallis Cemetery. ---------- {{Photo}} Ernest Honegger: H526 Ernest Honegger was born in Kingfisher, OK and passed away peacefully on Feb. 8, 2003, at 82 years old. He and his wife Joanese were married for over 55 years. Ernie's generosity and sense of humor lightened many lives. His motto was always "Nothing Short of Right is Right." He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He greatly enjoyed flying his airplane and going fishing. As president and owner of Honegger Construction Company, he built over 750 miles of Oklahoma highways. He was an active board member and president of the Association of General Contractors, national director of ARTBA and received the 'Contractor of the Year" award. He will be missed by his wife, three daughters, seven grandchildren, a niece and many,many friends. Ernie was preceded in death by his father, mother, and brother. A memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2003, at Vondel L. Smith Mortuary's North Colonial Chapel, 13125 N. MacArthur. Committal service will follow at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Hospice Center, 122 N. Bryant No. B2, Edmond, OK 73034. ********** Sunday, February 16, 2003 Alfred Albert Beery: B600 Alfred Albert "Charlie" Beery, 87, of Crescent died Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2003, in Oklahoma City. Funeral services were set for 2 p.m. Saturday, at the Crescent First Baptist Church with Rev. Marty Harkey officiating. Burial will follow in Lawrie Cemetery, under direction of Abernathy Funeral Home of Crescent. He was born April 29, 1915, in Guthrie to Bert and Elizabeth Tontz Beery. He married Georgie Beery on March 5, 1997. He was reared in the Abell community. He was a farmer, developer, owned a lumber yard and several businesses. He was a member of the Masons 32nd Degree and the First Baptist Church in Crescent. His hobbies were fishing and traveling. Survivors include his wife, Georgia of the home; two sons, Glen Alfred Beery of Guthrie and James Robert Beery of South Carolina; one step-daughter, Carol White of Oklahoma City; six grandchildren; three step-granchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Nellie Kughn Beery, second wife, Ellen Long Beery, two sisters and four brothers. ---------- Hazel Irene Henning: H552 Hazel Irene Henning, 89, of Crescent died Thursday, Feb. 13, 2003, in Crescent. Funeral services were set for 10 a.m. Saturday at Abernathy Funeral Chapel in Crescent with Rev. Paul Fox officiating. Burial will follow in Crescent Cemetery, under direction of Abernathy Funeral Home. She was born April 20, 1913, in Crescent to Zeb and Nora Smith Wright. She was married to C.O. "Bud" Henning. He preceded her in death in 1962. Survivors include one son, Chalres Henning of Guthrie; three daughters, Virginia Lee Fox, Nora Coriner and Dona Donaldson, all of Crescent; two sisters, Loretta Bland of Choctaw and Helen Porch of Woodland, Calif.; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren; great-great- grandchildren, and three great-great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and one son, Billy Gene Henning. ********** Wednesday, February 19, 2003 Glenn E. Starr: S360 Glenn E. Starr, 58, of Kingfisher died Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2003, at Mercy Health Center in Oklahoma City. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the First Methodist Church in Kingfisher withRev. Sam Horse officiating. Burial followed in Kingfisher Cemetery. He was born July 28, 1944, in Concho to Roy and Esther Rednose Starr. He married Minnie Virginia Wood on Nov. 18, 1966, in El Reno. She preceded him in death on Aug. 4, 1994. He served in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1969. Survivors include two sons, Glenn Starr Jr. and wife Rebecca and John Starr, all of Kingfisher; two daughters, Patricia Pittman and husband Johnny and Heather Starr, all of Kingfisher; two brothers, Roy Starr of Henryetta and Jimmy Starr of El Reno; four sisters, Yvonne Altizer, Elvena Campbell, Edwina Milligan and Dena Norwood, all of Kingfisher; seven grandchildren, and four step-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his paretns, wife, one brother, Dean and one son, Jon Kennedy. ---------- Delbert M. Terrell: T640 Delbert M. Terrell, 58, of Hennessey died Thursday, Feb. 13, 2003, at St. Mary's Regional Medical Center. Funeral services were set for 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Lighthouse Church of God in Christ at Crescent with Rev. Edmond Rollins officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, under direction of Russworm Funeral Home. He was born Dec. 3, 1944, in Dover to James and Gaynell Terrell. He married Elaine Reed on Dec. 10, 1993. He attended Booker T. Washington School until 1955 and graduated from Dover High School in 1964. He joined the National Guard and trained at Fort Polk, La. He was employed with W&W Steel Co., Oklahoma City, as a welder for 14 years. He later worked for various oil companies. He retired in 1989. Survivors include his wife, Elaine; one daughter, LaDonna Terrell of Kingfisher; two sons, Bill of Okeene and Delbert Jr. of Oxnard, Calif.; three stepchildren, Melanie Reed and Quinshella Crites, both of Enid, and Taron Reed of Lewisville, Texas; five sisters, Beatrice Wheeler of Lynn, Mass., Namoni Brame of Rockford, Ill., Zelma Tasken of Denver, Colo., Shirly Holloway of Wichita, Kan., and Eloise Gray of Midwest City; one brother, David of Dover, and 13 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers. ---------- Roy Grantham: G653 Roy Grantham, 91, formerly of Gage, father of Kingfisher resident Willa Gayle Ring, died Sunday, Feb. 16, 2003, at Integris Bass Baptist Health Center in Enid. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday in the First Christian Church in Gage with Dr. Nathan Grantham officiating. Burial will follow in Gage Memorial Cemetery, under direction of Johnson's Good Samaritan Funeral Service. He was born March 18, 1911, at Gage to William and Leta Hendricks Grantham. He graduated from Gage High School in 1930. He married Orobelle K. Randolph on July 9, 1938, and made their home on a farm southeast of Gage. She preceded him in death in 2001. He spent most of his life as a dairyman until the late 1960s and was a farmer-rancher until 1994. He also worked building grain elevators, was an assistant carpenter, helped install milking equipment and worked at a local Mobil station. He served on the election board for many years and was an active member of the Gage Christian Church where he served as a deacon and elder. In 1995, he and his wife made their home at the Golden Oaks Retirement Village in Enid and were members of the Central Christian Church. He served on the resident board at Golden Oaks. Survivors include one son, Dr. R. Nathan Gratham Jr. and wife Linda of Lawton; three daughters, Willa Gayle Ring and husband Duane of Kingfisher, Joy Jones and husband Alvin of Wakita, and Karen Scoggins and husband Bill of Houston, Texas; two sisters-in-law, Sylva Grantham of Woodward and Thelma Barnes of Pearland, Texas; 15 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Orobelle, his parents, and one borther, Frank. ---------- Bertie M. Boeckman: B255 Bertie M. Boeckman, 93, of the Loyal-Omega community, died Monday, February 17, 2003. Graveside services will be held Wednesday, February 19, 2003, at 10 a.m. at the Kingfisher Cemetery with Rev. Fred Jones and Rev. Leon Seaton officiating and under direction of Sanders Funeral Home. Bertie was born July 30, 1909, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, to Andrew and Rovella Fullbright. Her family moved to the Loyal community where she met and married Gus Boeckman in 1927. She was an active member of the Omega Home Demonstration Club for over 50 years. She competed in sewing at the local, county and state fairs for many years. She was a faithful 4-H mother. She was a member of the Loyal Peace United Church of Christ for more than 50 years and taught Sunday school. She was an active leader in state and local women's fellowship activities. She was preceded in death by her husband, three brothers, Roy, Homer and Floyd Fullbright, and one sister, Bonnie Pope. She is survived by a daughter, Arline Cassel and husband John of Kingfisher, one granddaughter, Carol Jones and husband Fred of Omega, and one great-granddaughter, Kristin Stephens of Omega. ---------- Anthony Johnson Jr.: J525 Anthony Edward "Eddie" Johnson Jr., 45, of Crowder died Sunday, Feb. 16, 2003, in McAlester. Funeral services were set for 2 p.m. Wednesday at Abernathy Funeral Chapel in Crescent with Chaplin Veta Dryden officiating. Burial will follow in Oakland-Knowles Cemetery, under direction of Abernathy Funeral Home. He was born Aug. 23, 1957, in Oklahoma City to Tony and Norma Wright Johnson. He married Kathy Borba on Oct. 19, 1999, in Oklahoma City. Survivors include his wife, Kathy of the home; his mother, Norma of Crescent; grandmother, Ethel Wright of Crescent; one son, Jesse Johnson and wife Lindsey of Edmond; three stepsons, Anthony Borba of Hobbs, N.M., David Borba of Crowder and Steven Borba of Shawnee; one daughter, Sarah Dunlap and husband Ben of Waco, Texas; two brothers, Terry Johnson of Tehlequah and Jimmy Johnson of Pond Creek; two sisters, Marylin Sudol of Enid and Joyce Green of Crescent; one grandchild, and five step-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Tony Johnson, grandparents and one son, Aaron Johnson. ---------- {{Photo}} Leona Mae Craft: C613 Leona Mae Craft, 100, of Stillwater, mother of Kingfisher resident Glenna Simpson, died Friday, Feb. 14, 2003, at Stillwater Medical Center. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Strode Funeral Home Chapel in Stillwater with Rev. C.B. jarvis officiating. Burial will follow in Fairlawn Cemetery in Stillwater, under direction of Strode Funeral Home. She was born Oct. 20, 1902, in Craig, Mo., to Walter Burr and Nancy Jane Asher Triplett. She married William Martin Craft on Dec. 30, 1923, in Guthrie. He preceded her in death on Feb. 7, 1964. She graduated from Stillwater High School in 1920. The couple owned and operated a dairy farm in Stillwater. She was a member of the Methodist Church and her hobbies were sewing, gardening and cooking. Survivors include four daughters, Ruth Pauline Craft of the home, Glenna Simpson of Kingfisher, Juanita Sandefer of Blanchard and Nancy Jarvis and husband C.B. of Chandler; 15 grandchildren; 36 great-grand- children, and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son, Martin Lee Craft, four brothers, Bill Triplett, Chester Triplett, Harvey Triplett and Melvin Triplett, five sisters, Carrie VanArsdell, Nellie Kirts, Della Fanning, Leta Littlefield and Janie Walsh, and two grandsons. ---------- Daniel Barnett Sr.: B653 Daniel Barnett Sr., 77, of Eufaula, father of Kingfisher resident, Desmond Barnet, died Friday, Feb. 14, 2003, at his home. Funeral services were held Tuesday at the West Eufaula Baptist Church with Rev. Belvin Hill officiating, assisted by Rev. Rudolph Colbert. Military honors were conducted by the Creek Nation Honor Guard. Burial followed at the Tuskegee Cemetery, under direction of Gregg Funeral Home of Eufaula. He was born June 29, 1925, in Vivian ato Samual and Nellie Porder Barnett. He married Jennie Mae Beaver in 1946. He entered the U.S. Army in August 1943 and was honorably discharged in February 1946. His tour of duty included Northern France and Ardennes, Rhineland. He received the WWII Victory Ribbon, Good conduct medal, EAME Theatre ribbon, three Bronze Service Stars and Purple Heart. He attended school at the Euchee Boarding School and was retired from Civil Service. He was a member of the Eufaula VFW Post 8798, DAV and was affiliated with the West Eufaula Baptist Church. Survivors include seven daughters, Regina Sue Roberts of Ardmore, Janice Dee LeClair of the home, Nellie Hallum and husband Melvin and Millicent Rae Barnett, all of Eufaula, Jennie Lee Grimm and husband Andy of Checotah, Elnora Ruth Burris and husband John of Mustang and Angela Jo Barnett and Robert Berryhill Jr. of Lawrence, Kan.; five sons, Russell Barnett and wife Sherry and Acee Blue Eagle Barnett, all of Eufaula, Rodney Rocky Barnett Sr. and wife Linda of Gore, Desmond Wahoo Barnett and wife Lynn of Kingfisher and Mitchell Harjo Barnett and wife Becky of Hanna; one brother, Charlie Barnett of Iowa Park, Texas; one sister-in-law, Henryetta Marshall of Eufaula; one sister and brother-in-law, Hattie Jane and Rev. Raymond Beaver of Eufaula; 33 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one son, Daniel "Sonny" Barnett Jr., two brothers, Timie Lee and Samuel Barnett Jr., and one sister, Janie Horne. ********** Sunday, February 23, 2003 Helen Payton: P350 Helen Payton, 93, of Hennessey died Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2003, at Hennessey Care Center. Funeral services were set for 11 a.m. Saturday at Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home with Rev. Dean Ferguson officiating. Burial will follow in Del Norte Cemetery at Drummond, under direction of Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home. She was born Nov. 10, 1909, at Fredonia, Kan., to Aaron and Pearl Osborn. She married Carl Johnson in 1929. Following his death, she married Bill Payton in 1963. She lived in the Dover-Hennessey area since 1951. Survivors include two sons, Frank Johnson of Hennessey and Roy Johnson of Cleveland, Ga.; three sisters, Jean Yunker of Elgin, Ill., Mary Zwicky of Phoenix, Ariz., and Opal Wyman of California; four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by both husbands, two sisters and one son. ********** Wednesday, February 26, 2003 Ralph Edward Sampson Jr.: S512 Ralph Edward Sampson Jr., 48, of Loyal died Thursday, Feb. 20, 2003, at St. Mary's Regional Medical Center in Enid from injuries received in a truck accident. Funeral services were held Sunday at the Immanuel Baptist Church northwest of Loyal with Rev. Roger Freelander officiating. Burial followed in Immanuel Baptist Cemetery. He was born Dec. 9, 1954, in Ohio to Ralph Edward and Ethel Mae Sampson. He married Marcia Ellen Franz on July 27, 1981, at Miami. She preceded him in death on Dec. 17, 2002. He served in the Army and lived in the Loyal area for the past 16 years. He was a truck driver. Survivors include one son, Zackery Sampson of the home; one daughter, Ashly Mae Sampson of the ome, and one sister, Anna Lou Hampton of Middletown, Ind. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife. ---------- Thelma Lily Hardesty: H632 Thelma Lily Hardesty, 82, of Stillwater, sister of Kingfisher residents Thomas Hill and Leona Lohmeyer, died Saturday, Feb. 22, 2003, at her home. Funeral services were set for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at University Hights Baptist Church with Pastor Paul Jones officiating. Private burial will be held at Kingfisher Cemetery, under direction of Strode Funeral HOme of Stillwater. She was born Jan. 30, 1921, in Gem City, Texas, to Herbert C. and Lily D. Hill. She married William Ernest Hardesty on Aug. 30, 1941, in Kinfisher. He preceded her in death on June 23, 1994. She was a graduate of Kingfisher High School. She attended Oklahoma State University for two years and graduated from Central State College with a degree in elementary education. She taught school in the Moore and Perkins-Tryon school districts, retiring after 20 years of service. She and her husband lived in Hugo, Okmulgee and Midwest City. They moved to Stillwater in 1965 where she resided until her death. For several years she was active with the International Wives Group at OSU. She was a member of the University Heights Baptist Church. Survivors include one daughter, Linda Jones, of Denver, Colo.; four brothers, Thomas Hill of Kingfisher, Ernest Hill of Yukon, John Hill of Lincoln, Neb., and Donald Hill of Texas; three sisters, Ruby Bilka of Texas, Leona Lohmeyer of Kingfisher and Mattie Ellis of Shawnee, and six grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one daugher, Janet Seber, one son, Michael Hardesty and two brothers, frank and Charley. ---------- Gladys W. Gritz: G632 Gladys W. Gritz, 94, a native of Hitchcock, died Frieday, Feb. 21, 2003, in Applegate, Ore. Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Applegate Christian Fellowship in Ruch, Ore. Visitation will be held at Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home in Hennessey from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday after which the casket will remained closed. A private family interment will be held at a later date at Memroial Park Cemetery in Enid. She was born near Hitchcock on April 13, 1908, to Frederick E. and Amanda Winn Driever. She attnded Sunnyside school, Hitchcock school and when she was 14 moved with her family to Enid where she graduated from Enid High School. In 1931, she married Elmer C. Gritz in Enid. She is survived by one son, Dr. John Gritz of Phoenix, Ariz.; one daughter, Carolyn Munger and husband Jim of Ponca City; five grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, one son, Paul Elmer Gritz, four brothers and one sister. ---------- Perry Snell: S540 Perry Snell, 75, former Altus resident, died Monday morning in Enid, Oklahoma. Services will be at 2 p.m. on Thursday at the First Baptist Church in Altus with the Reverend Keith Wiginton officiating and Dr. Jeff Moore assisting. Arrangments are with Lowell-Tims Funeral Home in Altus. He was born February 9, 1928, in Cordell, Oklahoma to Henry Dewitt and Faye Snell. At an early age the family moved to Vernon, Texas, where he briefly attended school before moving to Altus. There, he continued his education before graduating from Altus High School. He attended Oklahoma Baptist University and Altus Junior College. He was in the United States Navy serving on an oil tanker during the Korean War. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a founding board member of the Elks Club in Elk City, Oklahoma. As a young child, he began working at United Supermarket, the company his father had founded in 1916. As a youngman and longtime Altus resident he grew up working for United in every department. At the age of 15, during World War II, there was a shortage of managers so he was legally declared an adult so he could help manage the United store in Vernon. Later as a young adult he became the store manager at the South Main store in Altus. He would soon become president of the company with its headquarters remaining in Altus. At the age of 35, he learned to fly an airplane so he could make the stores and get home quicker so that he could spend time with his family. When he took over the stores from his fathere there were 12 stores in the state of Oklahoma. Today, there are 26 supermarkets with over 1,400 employees. He served as chairman of the board and chief executive officer of United until his death. He married Jackie Tims in 1948. They have two children, Ruth and Jay. In 1977, he married Sylvia Fox and she had two children, David and Cynthia. His hobbies included a variety of sports but he particulary enjoyed playing golf, tennis and fishing. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Jack Snell, and sisters, Beatrice Pope and Margaret Jones. He is survived by his wife Sylvia of the home in Enid; a daugher and son-in-law, Ruth and Bill Starr of Altus; a son and daughter-in-law, Jay and Becky Snell of Ponca City; a brother, Jimmy Snell of Mountain Park, and two granddaughters, Tara Starr of Altus and Calyn Snell of Norman. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the church or charity of your choice. Lowell-Tims Funeral Home 1100 East Tamarack Road Altus, Oklahoma 73521 ---------- Betty Jane Weaver: W160 Betty Jane Weaver, 67, of Kingfisher died Thursday, Feb. 20, 2003, at Integris Bass Baptist Health Center in Enid. Funeral services were held Tuesday at Trinity Church of God in Kingfisher with Rev. Lewis Coffee officiating. Burial followed in Gracelawn Cemetery in Emond. She was born Sept. 19, 1935, in Wewoka to John Franklin and Amy Lucille Whitlock Spence. She married Richard Weaver in Edmond on May 12, 1954. She attended the Church of God in Kingfisher. Survivors include her mother; one son, Randy Weaver of Okarche; three daughters, Rose Hargis and Sheryl Weaver, both of Ardmore, and Anna Angdon of Kingfisher; one brother, Donald Spence of Edmond; one sister, Bonnie McCool of Midwest City; six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by three brothers. ---------- Daniel LeRoy Craun: C650 Daniel LeRoy Craun, 6, of Hennessey died Monday, Feb. 24, 2003, at an Oklahoma City hospital. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the First Christian Church in Hennessey with Rev. Randy Burke and Rev. Mickey Moery officating. Burial will follow at Hennessey Cemetery underation direction of Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home. Craun was born April 25, 1935, to C.L. "Bill" and Ruth Troyer Craun southwest of Hennessey. He married Barbara Jane Moery in Hennessey on May 27, 1956. He served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force retiring as a master sergeant in January 1977. He was active in the First Christian Church were he served as a board chairman three times, as a deacon and elder and helped build the new fellowship hall. Survivors include his wife, Barbara, of the home; two daughters, Deborah Tomlinson and husband Ken ofAltus and Dana Craun of Oklahoma City; one son, David Craun and wife Helen of Bison; two grandchildren; one sister, Beverly Moery and husband Pat; two brothers, Melvin Craun and wife Virginia, and Larry Craun and wife Linda, all of Hennessey; two nieces; three nephews, two great-nieces and nephews and nuerous aunts, uncles and cousins. ---------- David Dawson: D250 David Dawson, 58, of Hennessey died Saturday, Feb. 22, 2003, at Integris Bass Baptist Health Center in Enid. A private family memorial service was held Monday at Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home in Hennessey with Rev. Terry Bunch officiating. He was born Aug. 25, 1944, in Bristow to Orville and Eudora Baldwin Dawson. Survivors include his mother; three brothers, Larry Dawson and wife Pamela of Albuquerque, N.M., Mike Dawson of Norman and Scott Dawson of Tempe, Ariz. He was preceded in death by his father. **********