Pontotoc Co., OK - Obits: The Ada Evening News ******************************************************* This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb by: Rita Floyd USGenWeb Archives. Copyright. All rights reserved http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ******************************************************* Obituaries from the Ada Evening News, Pontotoc Co., OK. Date of editions are given at beginning of each section. -------------------------------------------------------- OBITUARIES MARCH 24-31, 2003 -------------------------------------------------------- Monday, March 24, 2003 MAGGIE BATCHELOR TUPELO - Services for Maggie Batchelor, 87, Tupelo, were 2 p.m. Saturday at Tupelo Church of Christ, Wendell Ingram officiating. Burial followed at Byrd's Prairie Cemetery. Mrs. Batchelor died March 19, 2003, at Ada. She was born Sept. 13, 1915, at Indianola to Steve A. and Ida J. Worthen Sanders. She and Leonard Batchelor were married Sept 12, 1934, at Tupelo. He died Oct. 9, 1990. She was a lifelong resident of Tupelo, and was employed at Hurley Manor Nursing Home as a nurse's aide, retiring after 30 years. She was an active member of Tupelo Church of Christ for 50 years. She was preceded in death by a son, Perry Edgar Batchelor; a daughter, Christine Burdue; seven brothers; and three sisters. Survivors include four sons, Raymond Batchelor, Eunice, N.M., Joe Ed Batchelor and Lenus Batchelor, Tupelo, and Lonnie Batchelor, Stonewall; three daughters, Aline Wilson, Redding Calif., Katherine Ward, Hickory, N.C., and Chrisjean Shaw, Cartwright; a brother Basil Sanders, Stonewall; and her grandchildren. Bearers are Darrell Morgan, Joe Gray, David Burdue, Devin Hall, Stephen Batchelor and Dennis Batchelor. Honorary bearers are Brian Batchelor, Timmy Batchelor, Wesley Batchelor, Terry Batchelor and Terry Goforth. Smith-Phillips Funeral Home --- E.L. CALDWELL ADA - Graveside services for Elster L. Caldwell, 83, Ada, are 2 p.m. Tuesday at Rosedale Cemetery, the Revs. Holt Sodeman and George Seaton officiating. Burial follows at Rosedale Cemetery. He died March 23, 2003, at a local nursing home. He was born Nov. 25, 1919, at Cedar Glades, Ark., to Clarence and Sarah Ellis Pitts Caldwell. He came to this area in 1950 from Arkansas. He attended school in Arkansas. He was employed at Arkansas Power & Light in Malvern, Ark. In 1951, he moved his family to Ada to take a job with People's Electric Cooperative as a purchasing agent. He retired in December 1985. He married Virginia Ann Evelyn Mitchell Aug. 28, 1942, at Cheyenne, Wyo. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Ada, and American Legion Post 72 in Ada. He served in the U.S. Army from 1940 until 1945 as a surgical technician. He saw military action in the North African and European theaters during World War II. Survivors include his wife, Evelyn Caldwell, of the home; a daughter, Kathleen Lawson, Ada; a son, Larry Caldwell, Newalla; two sisters, Elsie Williams, Pekin, Ill., and Lola Mae Ford, Norphlet, Ark.; and three grandchildren, Garrett Lawson and Jeffrey Lawson, both of California, and Stephen Caldwell, Oklahoma City. Family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. today at Criswell Funeral Home. Criswell Funeral Home --- DONALD MEEKS HOLDENVILLE - Services for Donald Henry Meeks, 61, Holdenville, are 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Church of Christ in Allen. Burial follows at Atwood Cemetery. He died March 22, 2003, at home. Hudson-Phillips funeral Home --- HELEN ORSBORN QUITMAN, Texas - Services for Helen Louise Orsborn, Quitman, Texas, are 1 p.m. Tuesday at Cowley-Krien Chapel in Sulphur, Okla. She died March 21, 2003, at Herford. Cowley-Krien Funeral Home ========================================================================= Tuesday, March 25, 2003 WILLARD HENSLEY CHECOTAH - Services for Willard Hensley, 86, Checotah, are 10 a.m. Wednesday at Hampton Memorial Chapel, Alan Lawson officiating. Burial follows at Greenlawn Cemetery. Mr. Hensley died March 23, 2003, at Allen. He was born Feb. 22, 1917, at Point Peter, Ark., to Perry Lunceford and Anna Jane McCutchen Hensley. He married Corine Dickey Oct. 20, 1934. She died April 14, 1992. He later married Modene Dickey. She died March 9, 2001. Mr. Hensley was a bookkeeper for a coal mine as well as for Model Chevrolet, from which he retired Dec. 24, 1981. He was also a farmer and rancher. Survivors include two sons, Bill Hensley, Ada, and Kent Hensley, Oklahoma City; a sister, Sibyl Dickey, Checotah; six stepchildren, Glen Dickey, Wagoner, Bill Dickey, Porter, Jack Dickey, Broken Arrow, James Dickey, Midlothian, Texas, Judy Hebert, Webbers Falls and Sharon Dickey, Porter; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends. Bearers are Mike Hensley, Jon Hensley, Tim Hensley, Allen Hensley, Steve Hensley, Jack Dickey and Paul Ellenberg. Honorary bearers are Raymond McCutchen, Gene Hensley, Ben Horn and Glen Horn. Hampton Mortuary --- JACK ROBERTS ADA - Services for Melvin Jackson Roberts, 85, Ada, are 2 p.m. Wednesday at Criswell Funeral Home Chapel, the Rev. Ed Bray officiating. Burial follows at Memorial Park Cemetery where the Disabled American Veterans Chapter #85 will conduct military honors. Mr. Roberts died March 23, 2003, at a Norman hospital. He was born June 10, 1917, at Oil Center to Andrew and Lessie Bolin Roberts. He had lived in this area all his life and attended school at Beebe. He married Verlie Ione Winegard June 26, 1953, at Orlando, Fla. She died July 28, 2002, at Ada. Mr. Roberts was a truck driver for LeeWay for more than 30 years, retiring in 1975. He served in the U.S. Army from 1942 until 1945 during World War II with the 843rd at Normandy. He also served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 until 1953. He is preceded in death by three brothers, Ernie Roberts, Amos Roberts, "Toots" Roberts; a sister, Gladys Cape; and a nephew, Junior Cape. Survivors include eight nieces, Bobbie Fowler, Sharon Sutton, Yvonne Hatcher, all of Ada, Donna Sutton, Norman, Dolores Lee, Del City, Alene Lee, Tecumseh, Mary Lou Gastineau, Mill Creek, and Rita Sebree, Burkburnett, Texas; and two nephews, Carl Lee Roberts, Shawnee, and Hobart Roberts, Burkburnett, Texas. Bearers are Steve Sutton, Shane Sutton, Kenny Fowler, Dan Pettigrew, John William Story II and Brad Story. Criswell Funeral Home --- CYRUS HOTEMA MILL CREEK - Services for Cyrus Hotema, 75, Mill Creek, are 2 p.m. Wednesday at Temple of God, Connerville. Wake services will be held 7 p.m. tonight at Campbell-Watts Funeral Home Chapel. He died March 22, 2003, at Ada. Campbell-Watts Funeral Home ========================================================================= Wednesday, March 26, 2003 ETHEL ENNIS COALGATE - Services for Ethel D. Rhyne Ennis, 100, are 2 p.m. today at Cottonwood Baptist Church, the Revs. Bill Weathers and Bob Trail officiating. Burial follows at Cairo Cemetery. She died March 21, 2003, at Coalgate. Epperson Funeral Service --- BEN FLOYD ADA - Graveside services for Benny Charles Floyd, 72, Ada, are 10 a.m. Thursday at Rosedale Cemetery, the Rev. Bill Shaw officiating. Full military honors will be conducted by the Fort Sill Honor Guard. The family will be receiving friends from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at Criswell Funeral Home. Mr. Floyd died March 24, 2003, at a local nursing facility. He was born Dec. 7, 1930, at Ada to Furman and Estelle Martin Floyd. He attended Ada Schools, graduating from Ada High School. He received a bachelor's degree in 1954 from East Central University. He later received a master's degree in 1958 from ECU. He taught at Washington School for one year in 1954 and taught at Ada High School from August 1955 until his retirement in May 1986. He married Billie Fathree May 2, 1953. Mr. Floyd was a lifelong member of American Rifle Association and competed in national competitions in rifle and pistol at Camp Perry, Ohio. He served in the National Guard 180th Infantry, Co. C, 45th Division in the Korean Conflict. He was commander of Co. C and retired as captain in the National Guard. He received the Army Occupation Medal while in Japan, Combat Infantry Badge, Korean Service Medal with 1 bronze service star and UN Service Medal. Survivors include his wife Billie Floyd, of the home; two daughters, Dr. Carey Lou Floyd, Stella, and Amy B. Allen and husband, Russ, Durant; three brothers, Joe M. Floyd and wife, Lavern, Cookeville, Tenn.; Larry Floyd and wife, Shannon, Dallas, Texas, and David Floyd and wife, Carla, Paris, Texas; two sisters-in-law, Mary Lou Bass and Sue Fathree, both of Ada; two grandchildren, Jesse Lee Allen and Joel Linton Allen; and several nieces and nephews. Donations may be made to Ada School Foundation, P.O. Box 2092, Ada, OK 74820; East Central Foundation, c/o ECU, P.O. Box Y-8, Ada, OK 74820; or the charity of one's choice. Criswell Funeral Home ========================================================================= Thursday, March 27, 2003 TAMMY ROLEN FITTSTOWN - Services for Tammy Sue Rolen, 37, Fittstown, are 2 p.m. Friday at Faith Assembly of God Church, the Revs. Wilma Ledbetter and Dale Jennings officiating. Burial follows at Pontotoc Cemetery. Mrs. Rolen died March 25, 2003, at an Oklahoma City hospital. She was born June 20, 1965, at Ada to James and Ida Stout Little. She was a lifelong resident of the Ada and Fittstown areas, attending Byng and McLish Schools. She married Johnny Lee Rolen Nov. 16, 981, at Fittstown. Mrs. Rolen was employed withWwrangler in Ada and later served as manager of Sunbelt Credit. She then co-owned and operated Rolen Stone Inc., with her husband. She was a member of Faith Assembly of God Church and taught Sunday school for the primary class. She also worked in the nursery. She is preceded in death by her father, James Little; grandparents William Thomas and Ivy Little, Owen Vincent Stout and Ada Mae Henry; her father-in-law, Bob Rolen; a sister-in-law, Sue Huff; and a great-niece, Hannah. Survivors include her husband, Johnny Rolen, of the home; a son, John Rolen, of the home; a daughter, Rene' Rolen, Ada; her mother, Ida Jean Little, Fittstown; a brother, James Little, Fittstown; two sisters, Teresa Little and Kay Rolen and husband, Don, all of Fittstown; a sister-in-law, Terry Rolen, Steven Rolen, Roger Rolen and Ronnie Rolen, all of Fittstown; her mother-in-law, Christine Rolen, Tishomingo; an aunt, Francis Rye, Norman; an uncle, Wilburn Stout, Ada; two nieces, Trish and Tina; six nephews, Jeremy, Brandon, Michael, Gary, T.J. and Jason; two great-nieces, Larissa and Lyndsey; and three great-nephews, Terry, Zach and Uriah. Bearers are Bland Pittman, Jerry Cook, Jackie Byrd, James Gastineau, Randy Knight and Chris Larsh. Honorary bearers are James Thompson, Mark Meeks and Harold Colpetzer. Criswell Funeral Home --- MARGARET SHACKELFORD MAXWELL - Services for Margaret E. Shackelford, 77, Maxwell, are 2 p.m. Saturday at Criswell Funeral Chapel, the Rev. Carl Hayes officiating. Burial follows at Maxwell Cemetery. Mrs. Shackelford died March 23, 2003, at her home. She was born Aug. 14, 1925, at Ardmore to Oscar M. and Wanetta Jeanne Cotton Krueger. She came to this area as an infant from Ardmore and attended Vanoss Schools. She graduated from East Central University with a bachelor of science degree. She also received a master's degree in education from ECU. She attended Oklahoma State University and received a library certificate. She married Troy Shackelford July 19, 1941. He died June 28, 2000. She taught at Galey School for several years and later served as Vanoss High school's English teacher and librarian. She retired in 1986 after 28 years of service. She also worked alongside her husband in farming and ranching for many years. She was a member of Stratford Church of Christ. Mrs. Shackelford is preceded in death by a brother, Mike, and her parents. Survivors include three daughters, JoAnn Myers and husband, Stanley, Alice Johnson and husband, Johnny, all of Ada, and Nora Caddell and husband. H.J., Bonneau, S.C.; a son, wade Shackelford and wife, Marie, Muskogee; two sisters, Shirley Hammel, Calera, and Lois Wigington, Denison, Texas; a brother, Jack Krieger, Denison; five grandchildren, Steven Myers and wife, Christi, Evan Myers, all of Ada, Jessie Sowell, Michigan, Trina Shackelford and Margaret Shackelford, both of Muskogee; and a great-grandchild. Bearers are Stanley Myers, Steven Myers, Evan Myers, Wade Shackelford, Johnny Johnson and H.J. Caddell. Criswell Funeral Home --- FRED OVERTON LEE'S SUMMIT, Mo. - Services for Arthur Frederick Overton, 76, Raytown, Mo., are 2 p.m. Friday at First Baptist Church in Raytown. He died March 26, 2003, at his home. ========================================================================= Friday, March 28, 2003 GARY BRIDGEMAN SCOTTSBORO, Ala. - Services for Gary Bridgeman, 56, Scottsboro, formerly Ada, Okla., were March 14, 2003, at Scottsboro Funeral Home Chapel. He died March 11, 2003, at Huntsville hospital. --- LULA BULLARD ADA - Services for Lula Bullard, 95, Ada, are 10 a.m. Saturday at Criswell Funeral Home Chapel with Johnny Elmore officiating. She died March 27, 2003, at a local nursing home. She was born March 19, 1908, in San Angelo, Texas, to Thomas Harrison and Lula Pearl Clementine Jobe Bryant. She received a GED when she was 81 years old and worked as a homemaker. She married Horace L. Bullard at Tupelo. He preceded her in death in 1970 at Denison, Texas. She was a member of the 8th and Oak Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by a son, W.H. Bullard, Los Angeles, Calif. Survivors include a daughter, Martha Sweatt, Ada; two sons, Ed Bullard, Tupelo, and Lee Bullard, Ada; a sister Albirdie Canida, Tupelo; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Bearers are Troy Gould, Darrell Gould, William Gould, John Sweatt, Matt Stonecipher and Colton Stonecipher. Honorary bearers are Buddy Bullard, Eddie Bullard, Terry Canida and Jay Hudson. Criswell Funeral Home --- BOBBY CRAVENS OKLAHOMA CITY - Graveside services for Bobby Wayne Cravens, 66, Oklahoma City, are 2 p.m. Saturday at Konawa Cemetery. Mr. Cravens died March 25, 2003 at Oklahoma City. Vondel L. Smith Mortuary --- CATHY JANDA ALLEN - Private family services for Catherine Sue "Cathy" Janda, 45, Allen, will be held at a later date. She died March 26, 2003, at an Ada hospital. Criswell Funeral Home --- GENE SMITH ADA - Services for Gene S. Smith, 90, Ada, are 11 a.m. Saturday at the Smith- Phillips Funeral Chapel with Rev. Larry Varvel officiating. Burial follows at Memorial Park Cemetery. He died March 26, 2003, at a local hospital in Ada. He was born Jan. 14, 1913, in Keene, Texas, to Clarence E. and Jessie M. Lickey Smith. He attended Oklahoma City public schools and graduated in 1932. Upon graduation he attended Kansas City Kansas Community College in Kansas City, Kan., enrolling in the mortuary science program and later becoming a licensed funeral director. Mr. Smith moved to Ada in 1936 where he became the owner and operator of the Smith Funeral Home. He married Faye Johns Hennigan on April 28, 1955, in Ada. They continued to operate Smith Funeral Home for 23 more years until his retirement in 1978 after 42 years of service. Mr. Smith was involved in various civic organizations throughout the community. He joined Rotary Jan. 1, 1936, and later received the distinguishing honor of a Paul Harris Fellow. He served as president of the Ada Rotary Club. In 1958 he dedicated his services as a Mason in Masonic Lodge 119. In 1964 he received the distinguished honor as the Past Grand Master. He served in the U.S. Navy in World War II as a Pharmacist's Mate, First Class. He was also a member of the First United Methodist Church, in Ada. Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and a sister. Survivors include his wife, Faye, of the home; a son, Eddie Hennigan, Okmulgee; a grandson, Bryan Hennigan, Oklahoma City; and a granddaughter, Heather Hennigan, Norman. Bearers are Orville Ashcraft, Neal Beasley, Lloyd Briggs, Buddy Watkins, Jim Stevens and Paul Sandman. Smith-Phillips Funeral Home ========================================================================= Sunday, March 30, 2003 BOBBIE BERGER ADA - Services for Barbara Jean Mullins Berger, 71, Ada, are 2 p.m. Tuesday at Criswell Funeral Chapel, the Rev. Dennis Tate officiating. Burial follows at Rosedale Cemetery. Mrs. Berger died March 28, 2003, at her home. She was born Sept. 9, 1931, at Pickett to William and Lorene Laughlin Mullins. She lived in Ada her entire life, attending Homer and Byng High schools. She married Jack Berger Jan. 27,1977, at Atoka. Mrs. Berger retired from Brockway Glass after 39 years of service. She was a Baptist. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.M. Mullins; two sisters, Loretta Cowger and Betty Scroggins; a brother, Woodrow Mullins; a half brother, Richard Mullins; and a niece, Carolyn Spratt. Survivors include husband, Jack Berger, of the home; a sister, Lottie Cope, Ada; a brother, Jack Mullins, Ada; 24 nieces and nephews; 44 great-nieces and nephews; and several great-great-nieces and nephews. Bearers are Mike Lawler, Willie Cowger, Tommy Scroggins, Raymond Tharp, Jackie Mullins and David Teel. Honorary bearers are Eddie Lawler and Jack Cowger. Criswell Funeral Home --- LILLIAN COLE TUPELO - Services for Lillian "Toots" Humes Cole, 89, Tupelo, are 2 p.m. Monday at Criswell Funeral Chapel, the Rev. Jerry Imotichey officiating. Burial follows at Highland Cemetery, Stonewall. She died March 28, 2003, at a local hospital. She was born Oct. 16, 1913, at StoneWall to Jess J. and Annie Killcrease Humes. She attended school at Pleasant HilI. She also attended Stamps Quartet School of Music in Dallas, Texas. She was a homemaker. During World War II she was a riveter for McDonnel Aircraft and was later a caregiver. She was a Methodist and a Guardette. Survivors include a daughter, Mary Johnson and husband, Roger, Ada; a sister, Louise Jones, Phoenix, Ariz.; a grandson, Jason Tiger, Ada; a great-grandson, Jaron Tiger, Ada; and a host of nieces and nephews. Bearers are Marcus Rankin, Kelly Brown, Kennedy Brown, Mark Allen, Steve Dunn and Les Gipson. Criswell Funeral Home --- JOHN CARTER DAVIS -- Services for Arthur A "John" Carter, 82, Davis, were 10 a.m. Saturday at Calvary Tabernacle United Pentecostal Church. He died March 25, 2003, at a Sulphur hospital. Krien Funeral Home ========================================================================= Monday, March 31, 2003 CLYDE DUKE Mount Clemens, Mich. — Services for Clyde E. Duke, 89, formerly of Ada, Okla., have been held in Michigan. Burial was at Rosedale Cemetery in Ada. He died March 30, 2003. Harold W. Vick Funeral Home --- FAUSTA WATSON BROKEN ARROW —Graveside services for Fausta Watson, 106, formerly of Ada, are 11 a.m. Tuesday, at Memorial Park Cemetery. She died March 29, 2003, at a Broken Arrow nursing home. Criswell Funeral Home