Ada Evening News Obits July 2015 - Pontotoc County, Oklahoma Submitted by: Rita Floyd Return to Pontotoc County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/pontotoc/pontotoc.html October 2015 ===================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgenweb. org ===================================================================== The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Wednesday, July 1, 2015 KATIE BRADEN ADA — Services for Katie Marie Braden, 92, of Ada are at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Covenant Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Rev. Linda Snelling will officiate. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 - 8:00 p.m. today at Criswell Funeral Home. Mrs. Braden died Monday, June 29, 2015, at a local nursing home. She was born Nov. 15, 1922, at Ada to Haley and Alma Herron Williams. She married Glen William Braden on April 6, 1940, in Ada. He preceded her in death Oct. 29, 1990. Mrs. Braden was a homemaker and a member of the Covenant Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Survivors include daughter, Janet Deniece Braden Stevenson, Ada; daughter-in-law, Marie Braden, Ardmore; two granddaughters, Tawana Braden, Ada and Tonya Braden, Ardmore; a grandson, Jesse Glen Stevenson, Ada; two great-grandchildren, Lexie Jean Manuel and Lindsey Deniece Manuel; and other loving relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; son, Tony Braden; son-in-law, Stan Stevenson; granddaughter, Katie Jean Stevenson; three sisters, Evelyn Bottoms, Dottie Andrews and Ila Thompson; and two brothers, Haley Williams, Jr. and Erman Williams. Bearers will be Randy Davidson, Roger Strong, Frank Kiser, Ron Davidson, Gary Haney and Larry Young. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Wednesday, July 1, 2015 CAROLYN JACK ADA — Graveside services for Carolyn Diane O’Neal Jack, 72, of Ada, are at 3 p.m. Thursday at Oaklawn Cemetery in Wynnewood, Rev. Hubert Conway will officiate. The family will receive friends from 6 -8 p.m. today at Criswell Funeral Home. Mrs. Jack raptured Sunday, June 28, 2015, at an Ada hospital. She was born Feb. 2, 1943, in San Francisco, California to Johnny Bill and Mary Adelia Goodner O’Neal. She attended grade school in Arizona and graduated from high school in Morenci, Arizona. She attended Grand Canyon University and received a dental hygienist degree in San Francisco. She married Billy Bose Jack Jr. Oct. 17, 1964, in Morenci. Mrs. Jack had been a dental hygienist and later she was employed with the Ada Schools in the cafeteria for 18 years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Ada. Survivors include her husband, Billy, of the home; three sons, Tyler Jack and wife Marcy, Troy Jack and wife Julia, and Billy Jack III, all of Ada; a sister, Vicky Lynn Hedrick and husband Randy, Wynnewood; her grandchildren, Taryn Nicole Jack, Tanner Kane Jack, Barrick O’Neal Jack, Natalie Elizabeth Jack and Colton Thomas Jack; and a daughter-in-law, Cheri Jack. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Kenny O’Neal. The family says those who wish may make memorials to the First Baptist Church Falls Creek Building Fund, 521 S. Broadway, Ada, OK. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ================================================================================================================ The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Thursday, July 2, 2015 STEPHEN DAWSON ADA — Services for Stephen Brent Dawson will be at 4 p.m. today at Smith Phillips Funeral Home Chapel; Brother Robert Hatcher will officiate. Mr. Dawson died June 30, 2015 in Ada. Smith-Phillips Funeral Home, Ada ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Thursday, July 2, 2015 LILLIAN HANEY COALGATE — Services for Lillian Ontia (Bigford) Haney, 95, will be at 2 p.m. Friday, July 3, at the Coalgate United Methodist Church; the Rev. Bob Graham will officiate. Burial will follow at the Coalgate Cemetery. She passed away June 30, 2015 at Coalgate. The family will receive visitors from 6-8 p.m. Thursday. Mrs. Haney was born July 10, 1919 to Frank and Lois (Maxwell) Bigford at Tishomingo. She attended Tishomingo school and married Homer Haney on Sept. 12, 1936. He preceded her in death in 1988. She was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church in Olney. She is survived by son Glenn Haney (Sandra) of Ada; daughter Francis Thompson (Charles) of Coalgate; daughter Mary English (Bob) of Coalgate; son George Haney (Jone) of Coalgate; son Kenny Haney of Coalgate; a sister, Bobbie Jean Akins of Lakeland, Florida; grandchildren Vince Haney, Connie Wilson, Jerry English, Christa Layman, Karla Chapman, Karen Guinn, Kevin Haney and Crystal Thompson; 18 great-grandchildren, and numerous friends and relaives. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Lois (Maxwell) Bigford; husband Homer Haney; two sons, Joe Bob Haney and Dana Haney; daughter-in-law Jeanie Haney; brothers Roy Bigford, Jim Bigford and Billy Wayne Bigford; and sisters Helen Perkins, Glenna Warden and Fay McGee. Casket bearers will be Tim Guinn, Jermany Layman, Allen Chapman, Kevin Haney, Vern Wilson, Jerry English and Vince Haney. Honorary casket bearers will be Bob English, Charles Thompson, O.N. Riley, Charles Canida, Don Lewis, Nick Lolli, J.D. Smith and Wayne Tomlinson. Services under the direction of Brown's Funeral Service, Coalgate ================================================================================================================ The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Friday, July 3, 2015 CECIL HUGHS GALEY — Cecil A. Hughs was born Aug. 25, 1933, to Sammy Cecil and Drucilla May Addis Hughs. He married Joyce McCurdy on Aug. 30, 1952, at Galey Baptist Church. He was a veteran of the Air Force. After leaving the service, he worked for Delta Airlines in Dallas for 30 years. He returned to Galey where he was a deacon in the Galey Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife Joyce and his daughter Karen, as well as his three granddaughters, four great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. He was preceded in death by his youngest daughter, Sharon. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. today at Galey Baptist Church. ================================================================================================================ The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Sunday, July 5, 2015 LILA LEIGHTON ADA — Graveside services for Lila Leighton , 92 , of Ada are at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Swan Hill Cemetery. The Rev. Bob Langston will officiate. Mrs. Leighton died Thursday, July 2, 2015, in Bethany. She was born Feb. 28, 1923, in Lawton to G.W. and Thelma Bates Davis. She graduated from Walters High School. She married Malcom Dean “Lefty” Leighton Dec. 22, 1942, at Lawton. He preceded her in death Oct. 13, 2006. She and her husband moved to Ada in 1950, where she worked for Gibson’s and later retired from Wal-Mart . She was a former member of the Asbury United Methodist Church and later was associated with the Allen United Methodist Church. Survivors include a daughter, Pam Vestal and her husband, Richard, of Oklahoma City; five grandchildren, Roy Dean Leighton, Rachelle Leighton, Stacia Lamb, Carey Vestal and Micah Vestal; eight great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by sons, Larry and Romaine Leighton and granddaughter Shelley Harber. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ================================================================================================================ The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Tuesday, July 7, 2015 BILLY TATE ADA — Billy Herbert Tate, 89, Ada resident, died Friday, July 3, 2015, in Ada. Billy was born on May 3, 1926, in Oilton to William Henderson and Margaret Ethel (Morgan) Tate. Billy was known as “Popeye” to his friends and family. Billy had lived all over Oklahoma during his life in towns like Davenport, Seminole, Wewoka, Ardmore and Ada. Billy attended Davenport schools and graduated from Davenport High School and later attended three years of college in Weatherford. He was a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Seminole. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, a 32nd degree Mason and a Shriner; he was also a member of the Elks Lodge in Ardmore. Billy served in the United States Navy during World War II as a seaman first class in the South Pacific. During his working career, he was employed by Sinclair/Arco as a lease pumper, roustabout, roughneck and truck driver. Billy married Joan Gertrude (Hodges) Tate on May 22, 1948, in Davenport, and she preceded him in death on February 16, 2002. Billy is survived by his son, Mark Tate and his wife Marilyn of Meeker, and his daughter, Dinda Rachel and her husband Paul of Ada; one sister-in-law, Eva Mae Tate of Dumas, Texas; four grandchildren, Patrick Rachel, Tara Bailey, Michael Tate and Matthew Tate; and four great-grandchildren, Brooke Bailey, Tyler Bailey, Mason Tate and Brazen Tate. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, three brothers, three sisters and one great-grandchild. A private memorial service will be held in his honor. Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Tuesday, July 7, 2015 ANITA LYON ADA — Services for Anita Ruth Lyon, 74, of Ada and formerly of Sasakwa, are at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, at the Sasakwa High School Auditorium. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Wewoka. Mrs. Lyon left this life to live with the Lord on Saturday, July 4, 2015. She was born Jan. 1, 1941, in Sasakwa to Babe and Josie Stout Harjo. She was a longtime employee of the Chickasaw Nation, having various occupations, most recently as a teacher’s assistant at Chickasaw Nation Childcare in Ada. She was a longtime member of the Spring Baptist Church in Sasakwa. Survivors include daughter, Connie Lyon Bradshaw and husband Richard, Pittsburg, Texas; son, Bryan Lyon and wife Leah, Ada; three sisters, Betty McGilbert, Shiprock, New Mexico, Shirley Clayton, Shawnee, and Janie Newby, Konawa; one brother, Winfred Harjo, Ada; six grandchildren, Dakota Allen, Carson Bradshaw, Desiree’, Devin, Dominique and Dawsyn Lyon; two great-grandchildren, Aiston and Hunter Allen; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Mrs. Lyon was preceded in death by her parents, Babe and Josie Harjo; her husband, Hoyle Lyon, two sisters, Elizabeth Camp and Madeline Harrison; and two brothers, Leslie Harjo and Richard Harjo. Bearers will be her grandchildren: Dakota Allen, Carson Bradshaw, Desiree Lyon, Devin Lyon, Dominique Lyon and Dawsyn Lyon. Mrs. Anita Lyon will be missed by many until we meet again. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ================================================================================================================ The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Wednesday, July 8, 2015 JUDY BRUMLEY Mrs. Judy Brumley passed away July 6, 2015, in Ada at the age of 77 years. Julia was born in Fort Worth, Texas, to her parents, RD and Wynelle (Smith) Tompkins, March 7, 1938. Judy was raised in Bonita, Texas, and attended school in Nocona, Texas. She and Kenneth were married June 29, 1990, in Ada. Judy has resided in Ada for the past 50 years. She was a longtime member of Evangelistic Temple Church (Cross Point). Judy enjoyed the outdoors such as fishing, bird watching and the winter snow. She is survived by her husband Kenneth of the home, one daughter, Jacquelynn Keeley-Lee and husband Marlin Lee of Clarita, and one son: Ed Keeley of Konawa; four grandchildren, Logyann, Weston, Cheyanne and Andrew Lee; two great-grandchildren: Faith Tidwell and Morgan Lee, and a host of longtime friends, neighbors and church family. Judy is preceded in death by her parents and one granddaughter, Jessica Keeley. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 11, 2015, at Smith-Phillips Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Shawn Wiebers officiating. Interment will follow at Swan Hill Cemetery. Smith-Phillips Funeral Home, Ada ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Wednesday, July 8, 2015 JAMES JOHNSON July 3, 1960 - April 10, 2015 Graveside services for James M. Johnson, 55, of Hillsboro, Missouri, formerly of this area, are at 11 a.m. Friday, July 10, 2015, at Memorial Park Cemetery; the Rev. John Haynes will officiate. Johnson, of Hillsboro, Missouri, was born July 3, 1960, in Ada to Glendal L. Johnson and Bonita (Smith) Johnson, and entered into rest Friday, April 10, 2015, at St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of 54 years, nine months and seven days. He was preceded in death by his father and his sister Dana Lea Johnson, and both sets of grandparents: Robert L. and Georgia (Robertson) Johnson and Herman C.W. and Beulah (Rogers) Smith. He is survived by his mother, Bonita (Smith) Johnson, his beloved wife, Lorna (Hutton) Johnson, of Hillsboro, Missouri, seven children, Mark Johnson of Maine, Misty Johnson of Florida, John Michael Murdock of North Carolina, Robert Murdock of El Paso, Texas, David LaFayette, Brenden LaFayette and Stanley LaJeuness of the home in Hillsboro, Missouri; many grandchildren; one sibling, Christopher B. Johnson of Farmington, Missouri; many aunts, uncles and cousins, and his two special dogs, Ms. Priss and Princess. James enjoyed hunting, fishing, jewelry making, coin collecting and working on his car. He loved studying his Bible and always looked for ways to serve his Lord. And he loved all his children and grandchildren deeply. He will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Wednesday, July 8, 2015 PHOEBE GRACE KNOUSE August 15, 1937 - June 8, 2015 Phoebe was born on August 15, 1937, in Alto, Texas. She was the second of three daughters born to Clarence R. and Helen M. Quarles. She graduated as valedictorian of her high school class and went on to attend Scott and White Hospital’s nursing program in 1955. On August 15, 1957, she married her husband, Wayne Edward Knouse. They went on to have four children together. For most of her career as a nurse, Phoebe worked in the OB/GYN department at Valley View Hospital in Ada, where for many years she served as supervisor, until her retirement. After her retirement, she moved to Florida in 1998. She passed away in Palm Bay, Florida, on June 8, 2015. Phoebe will forever be remembered by her devoted husband of over 57 years, Wayne Knouse; her beloved children Helen Baskin, Fay Henderson, and John Knouse; her treasured grandchild, Katy Stoll, and great-grandchildren Halyn and Bricyn Stoll; her beloved sister Mary Earley; her cherished longtime friend and co-worker, Linda Eager; and many other countless and beloved friends and family who were blessed to have known her. Phoebe was preceded in death by her son, Wayne Edward Knouse Jr. in December of 1971. The family takes comfort in knowing she has finally been reunited with him. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Albertine Click. Phoebe loved cooking, shopping, reading, being with her family and anything she could do to help others. She touched the lives of so many people with her kindness and willingness to go above and beyond for everyone she knew. Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service on Saturday, July 11, 2015, at 2 p.m. in the chapel at Criswell Funeral Home in Ada. In lieu of flowers; the family asks that donations be made to either Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center at www.mskcc.org, or the Breast Cancer Research Foundation at www.bcrfcure.org. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ================================================================================================================ The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Friday, July 10, 2015 EDDIE BRAY TUPELO — Eddie Paul Bray passed away Sunday, July 5, at the family home in Tupelo. He was 73. Eddie was the son of Ed and Ruby (Williams) Bray. He was born in the family’s farm house outside Tupelo on May 4, 1942. He married Jean Wilson Bray, and the couple marked their 50th anniversary this year. Survivors include his wife, Jean Bray; his children, Cheryl Dennis and husband Derek, Eddie Bray and wife Tara, Tom Bray and wife Traci, and Michele Scabby and husband Ruben; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Services are at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 12, at the Tupelo Community Center in Tupelo. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Friday, July 10, 2015 LEON LANOY COALGATE — Services for Leon Lanoy, 93, of Coalgate are at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 11, at Brown's Funeral Chapel in Coalgate; Pastor Joey Landsdale will officiate. Interment will be at Lehigh Cemetery. Leon passed away July 2, 2015, at Coalgate at 93 years, seven months and 23 days. He was born Nov. 9, 1921, to Charles and Blanche Rose (Flahaut) Lanoy in Coal County. He attended Round Hill and Phillips Elementary, graduating from Coalgate High School in 1939. Leon furthered his education at East Central University in Ada. He received his bachelor's degree in 1958 and his master's in 1963. Leon was a classroom teacher and an administrator, retiring in 1984 after working for 37 years in education. Most of his working years were in Sweetwater County, Wyoming. Leon was in the United States Army Air Force, serving in World War II in England. He attended service schools such as the Airplane Armorer, Aerial Gunnery, AAF Air Crew Badge, Tech Badge with Arm Bar, Carbine MM, Pistol SS, Rifle MM, L O/S Bar, E A ME. He received 3 Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, Air Medal, 3 Bronze Clusters. He married Mary Pauline Long on Aug. 2, 1946, at Coalgate. He was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church and Masonic Lodge #5 in Rawlins, Wyoming. Leon Lanoy never lost his patriotism for the United States of America. He is survived by his wife Mary Pauline Lanoy of the home in Coalgate; sister, Margaret Ann Sandmann of Sherman, Texas; nieces, Frances Carlin of Calistoga, California, Barbara Picarelli of Novato, California, Janie Jacques of Roseville, California, Lee Ann VanOrden of Grantsville, Utah, and Karen Sue Foster of Farmington, New Mexico; nephews Gary Lanoy of Peyton, Colorado, Robert Lanoy of Oakley, California, Don Lanoy of Layton, Utah, Ray Lanoy of Salt Lake City, Utah, Dennis Lanoy of Morrilton, Arkansas, and Tim Sandmann of McKinney, Texas; sister-in-law, Leona Lanoy of Grantsville, Utah; and numerous cousins and dear and loved friends. Leon was preceded in death by his parents, Charley and Blanche (Flahaut) Lanoy; brothers Albert and Ernest Lanoy; nephews Raymond and Glen Lanoy, and Mike Sandmann; brothers-in-law, Paul Sandmann and Gene Long; and sisters-in-law Pauline (Zuech) Lanoy, Jewell Lanoy and Helen Lanoy Battles. Casket bearers will be Tim Sandmann, Harold Depasse, Kyle Shelley, Gary Hatridge, John Long and Bob Long. Honorary casket bearers will be nephews and cousins, Gary, Alfred, Robert, Don, Ray, Dennis, and Lee Roy Lanoy, Arthur Depasse and Rodney Flahaut. Family night will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Lehigh Cemetery Perpetual Fund or your choice of memorials. Condolences may be sent to the family by email to, brownsfscoalgate@sbcglobal.net. Please reference the name of the deceased in your correspondence. Brown’s Funeral Service, Coalgate ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Friday, July 10, 2015 CRAIG BURNETT ADA — Craig Burnett passed away July 7, 2015, in Oklahoma City at the age of 57 years. Craig was born Dec. 27, 1957, in Miami, Florida, to his parents, Bruce and Eleanor (Price) Burnett. Craig moved to Ada in the late 1990s after living a short time in Shawnee. He grew up in Chicago, Illinois. Craig owned and operated Advantage Transmissions of Ada for many years in Ada. Craig married Ellen Vandever March 30, 2012, in Eureka Springs, Missouri. Craig loved martial arts, shooting guns, and in his younger days, playing hockey. He was always ready for a new challenge. Craig is survived by his wife Ellen of the home; four daughters, Katey, Sami and Ally Burnett of Grand Rapids, Michigan; two step daughters, Jessica Pennington of Fitzhugh, Bayleigh Andes of San Diago, California; one son, Danny Burnett of Grand Rapids, Michigan; one stepson, Casey Vandever of Ada; his mother, Eleanor Burnett of Ada; two grandsons; three stepgrandsons; and a host of longtime friends, neighbors and customers. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 15, 2015, at Smith-Phillips Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Harold Ware officiating. Smith-Phillips Funeral Home, Ada ================================================================================================================ The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Sunday, July 12, 2015 H.G. WILLIAMS ADA — Memorial services for Harold Gene Williams, 86, Ada were held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church; Father John Norvell officiated. Mr. Williams died Wednesday, July 1, 2015, in Ada. He was born Oct. 7, 1928, in Seminole to W. B. and Edith R. Edgemon Williams. He graduated from Wolf High School and attended Oklahoma State University. He married Billie Jean Lovin Waller October 3, 1969. She preceded him in death Feb. 17, 2010. Mr. Williams was a chemist for Carnation Company and later he owned and operated Cryogenic Services, Inc. He had a relationship with God and was a member and lay reader at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church for many years. He was a 32 degree Mason and Shriner. H.G. loved a good home cooked meal from his family. He would always say “I’ll have to remember this place.” He loved spending time with his family and telling jokes. After he retired, he loved to sit outdoors by a fire and listen to traditional country. Survivors include a daughter, Linda Rains and husband Mark, Atoka; brother, Dr. Robert Waller and wife Rhoda, Oklahoma City; four grandchildren, Stefanie Tweedy and husband Greg, Ada, Lindsay Glenn and husband Eric, Ada, Matthew Waller and Chloe Waller, both of Oklahoma City; and one great-grandson, Codee Glenn. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Sunday, July 12, 2015 SUE PETTIGREW ADA — Services for Carolyn Sue Pettigrew, 70, of Ada will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Criswell Funeral Home Chapel; Seth Johnson will officiate. Burial will follow at Rosedale Cemetery. Mrs. Pettigrew died Friday, July 10, 2015, at her home surrounded by family. She was born Jan. 25, 1945, in Wapanucka to Bud and Ova Smith Blankenship. She attended Latta High School. She married Jackson D. Pettigrew May 21, 1962. They were married for 53 years. She worked at Valley View Regional Hospital as a cook for several years. She attended Kiamichi Vo-Tech and received a license as a Dietary Technician and worked for Ada Retirement before finally starting her own business, Sue’s Fried Pies. Survivors include her husband, Jack Pettigrew, of the home; three children, Sheila Boucher and husband Dwayne, Jacky Pettigrew and Anna Gore and husband Jayme, all of Ada; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two brothers, Daniel Blankenship and Benny Blankenship; and two sisters, Janette Vaughn and husband James and Sondra Jansen and husband Randy; and many other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bud and Ova Blankenship, and one brother, Buddy Blankenship. Bearers will be Jacky Pettigrew, Shane Tatum, Ben Blankenship, Brian Blankenship, Timmy Wilson, Kerry Sutton, Daniel Ray Blankenship and Seth Johnson. Honorary bearers will be Dwayne Boucher, Jayme Gore, Brown Wilmoth and Parker Gore. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Sunday, July 12, 2015 BILL BRIGHT ADA — Services for William Donald “Bill” Bright, III, 43, of Ada are at noon today at the Criswell Funeral Home Chapel; Phillip Flowers will officiate. Mr. Bright died Thursday, July 9, 2015, at his home. He was born Nov. 8, 1971, at Long Beach, California, to William Donald Bright, Jr. and Jean Williams Bright. He attended Parkview School in Muskogee and graduated in 1992. Survivors include his mother, Jean Williams, Ada; father, William Donald Bright, Jr., Shawnee; stepfather, Randy Moore and Donna Moore, Peggs; sister, Sundie Bright, Ada; brother, Jason Bright, Shawnee; sister, Viki Miller, Lawton; his grandmothers, Marge Moore, Durant and Jolene Moore, Wynnewood; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents and an uncle. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Sunday, July 12, 2015 BENJAMIN NAIL ADA — Services for Benjamin Harrison “Ben” Nail, 96, of Ada are at 10 a.m. today at the Criswell Funeral Home Chapel; Jay Downing will officiate. Burial will follow at the Sandy Creek Cemetery near Fillmore. The family received friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Criswell Funeral Home. Mr. Nail died Friday, July 10, 2015, at his home. He was born April 14, 1919, at Fillmore to Harrison and Julia Fillmore Nail. Both of his parents were original enrollees of the Chickasaw Nation. He married Virginia Fern Hurt May 6, 1941, at Fillmore. She preceded him in death April 29, 1987, in Ada. He moved to the Ada area in 2003 from Nevada and later married Juanita Holden Byars, March 2005 at Connerville. She preceded him in death June 27, 2006. Mr. Nail worked on a pipeline all over the western United States. He served in the U. S. Army with the 179th Infantry Division, Company G during World War II and he was of the Presbyterian faith. Mr. Nail was a full-blooded elder of the Chickasaw Nation. He spoke the Chickasaw language fluently. He enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He made his own bois d’arc bows and river cane arrows to hunt small and large game. He enjoyed the sport of baseball. In his younger years, he was a first baseman for a semi-professional team that played across southern Oklahoma and northern Texas. At one point in his career, he earned a tryout for the New York Yankees. Survivors include two daughters, Vivian McWhorter and husband Kenneth and Virginia “Gingy” Nail, all of Ada; three sons, Quanah Nail and wife Sherry, Steven R. Nail and Vance Nail, all of Ada; ten grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Quinton Nail, May 5, 1952, and a daughter, Sheridith Nail, July 24, 1997. Bearers will be his grandsons, Jason Burwell and Marc McWhorter; grandsons-in-law, John Impson and Johnny Carter; and great-grandson, Justin Carter. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Sunday, July 12, 2015 MELBA PRICE ADA — Services for Melba Alice Price, 96, of Ada are at 2 p.m. today at the Criswell Funeral Home Chapel; the Rev. Mike Taylor will officiate. Burial will follow at Rosedale Cemetery. The family received friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Criswell Funeral Home. Mrs. Price died Thursday, July 9, 2015, at a Holdenville hospital. She was born Jan. 27, 1919, at Ada to Wiley Howard and Mattie Cluck Cope. She married William “Buck” Price May 5, 1935, in Ada. He preceded her in death April 15, 2004. Mrs. Price was a homemaker and a member of Morris Memorial Baptist Church. Survivors include her children, Charles Ray Price, Shawnee, Donald Lee Price and wife Annette and Melba Jean Davis and husband Joe, all of Ada, and Carol Sosbee-Gile and husband Merle, Oklahoma City; her grandchildren, Ronnie Price, Kenneth Price, Debbie Longoria, Bobby Price, Shawn Price, Randy Hurley, Kacee Poteet and Felecia Tatum; 17 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; and other loving relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a son, Jackie Howard Price; five brothers; and two sisters. Bearers will be Ronnie Price, Kenneth Price, Bobby Price, Randy Hurley, Donny Price and Brandon Poteet. Honorary bearers will be Shawn Price and Jerry Dyer. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ================================================================================================================ The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Tuesday, July 14, 2015 RICKEY HATTON STONEWALL — Memorial services for Rickey Don Hatton, 60, of Stonewall are at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Chickasaw Community Center in Ada; Weldon Cravey will officiate. Mr. Hatton died Friday, July 10, 2015, at his home. He was born April 12, 1955, at Altus to Leon and Wanda June Turner Hatton. He attended Oakman and Homer grade school and graduated from Byng High School. He married Nancy Cooper May 23, 1975, in Stonewall. Mr. Hatton was a hot roofer for Howard’s Sheet Metal and he was an auto mechanic all his life. He was of the Baptist faith. Survivors include his wife, Nancy, of the home; daughter, Rachel Hatton; son, Timothy Hatton; his grandchildren, Tyler Courtney, Chesley Scott and Westyn Scott; three brothers, Michael Hatton, Carl Hatton and Jerry Hatton; three sisters, Wanda Unsell, Barbara Hatton and Carolyn Pollard; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Danny Hatton and Ronnie Hatton. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ================================================================================================================ The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Wednesday, July 15, 2015 LOWELL McCONNELL SULPHUR — A memorial service for Lowell E. McConnell, Jr., 60, of Davis will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 18, 2015, at Central Church, 4949 Highway 7 West, Sulphur, with Brother Thomas Thompson officiating. He passed away after a short illness on July 5, 2015, in Dallas, Texas, where he was staying with his daughter. Lowell was born in Wynnewood in 1955 to L.E. and Lois McConnell. He grew up in Davis, played football for the “Wolves,” and graduated from Davis High School in 1973. Lowell was an especially loving and devoted father, brother, uncle, and “Pa Pa.” He was so proud of his family, especially his daughter, Jessica “Jill” and his grandchildren, Kennedy, Austin, and Banks. He was a great friend to many, so very sensitive, generous, and always willing to help out, even a complete stranger. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, and gun collector, and he enjoyed gardening, cooking, riding his Harley, and listening to “The Rolling Stones.” He had a passion for animals, nature, and all things Murray County. He loved sports, especially the Davis Wolves, OU Sooners and Dallas Cowboys football teams. Like his father, Lowell was a hard worker and an expert at all things oil and drilling related. His career in the oilfield spanned over 35 years, taking him all over the country where he met so many new friends. What a blessing, when in 2007, he came back to his hometown to continue working as a Drilling Supervisor during his final years. Lowell is survived by his loving girlfriend, Charlotte Torres of Davis; his daughter, Jessica Jill and her husband Bryan Marcum of Plano, Texas; three grandchildren, Banks, Kennedy and Austin Marcum of Plano; his sister, Leatha and her husband Gilbert Jenkins of Davis; and many nieces and nephews, Ann, Joe, Geoff, Jennifer, Josh, Jake, Mikella, Ryan, Jaxon, Avary, Dylan, Quincy, and Pearl. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, L. E. and Lois McConnell of Davis and his oldest sister, LaFleta Campbell of Mesquite, Texas, and his ever so stinky dog, “Bean.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Wednesday, July 15, 2015 JOANIE HARRINGTON ALLEN — Services for Joanie Marie Harrington, 50, of Allen are at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Allen Church of Christ; Mark Legg will officiate. Burial will follow at the Allen Cemetery. Family and friends may call at the Allen Chapel from 4 p.m. Wednesday until service time. Mrs. Harrington died Monday, July 13, 2015, at her home. She was born Aug. 4, 1964, at New Orleans, Louisiana, to James and Charlene Light Summers. She attended Allen grade school and graduated from Allen High School. She married Phillip Harrington March 12, 1983. Mrs. Harrington was an Allen Grade School Secretary from 1996 – 2011. She was a member of the Allen Church of Christ. Survivors include her husband, Phillip, of the home; a daughter, April Burris and husband Adam, Allen; her son, Tyler Harrington and wife Richelle, Byars; her parents, James and Charlene Summers, Allen; a sister, Tonja Hardage and husband Sam of Texas; two brothers, Bobby Sanders of Texas and Victor Sanders and wife Vicki of Seminole; and two grandchildren, Becket Burris and Raiden Harrington. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Wednesday, July 15, 2015 ALBERT SHAW BYARS — Graveside services for Albert Joe Shaw, 71, of Byars are at 10 a.m. Thursday at Box X Cemetery; the Rev. Troy Madden will officiate. Mr. Shaw died Monday, July 13, 2015, at a Purcell hospital. Full obituary may be viewed at criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ================================================================================================================ The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Thursday, July 16, 2015 BETTY JEAN ABBOTT ADA — Services for Betty Jean Abbott, 86, of Ada are at 2 p.m. Friday at the Criswell Funeral Home Chapel; Tommy Chaffin will officiate. Burial will follow at Rosedale Cemetery. Mrs. Abbott died Wednesday, July 15, 2015, at a local hospital. She was born July 28, 1928, at Ada to Jesse Lee and Addie Pearl York Putman. She graduated from Latta High School. She married Joe Kent Abbott Jan. 2, 1948. He preceded her in death Aug. 11, 2007. Mrs. Abbott had been employed at the Ada Glass Plant, Blue Bell and Sears. She retired from Kerr Lab Water Research Lab at the young age of 83. She was of the Baptist faith. Survivors include three daughters, Sherry Todd, Newcastle and Thalia Miller and husband Doug, and Darla Porter, all of Ada; a son, David Abbott, Ada; seven grandchildren, Dewayne Norvill, Julie Russell, Shanda Nelson, Zac Abbott, Colbi Lawson, Sydney Abbott and Kirk Miller; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and a brother, J. L. Putman, Jr. Bearers will be Dewayne Norvill, Zac Abbott, Jackie Nelson, Kirk Miller, Taylor Lawson and Kent Abbott. Honorary bearers will be James Doyle Marion, Ervin Walton and Clint Yarbrough. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Thursday, July 16, 2015 DONALD LAMB ADA — A memorial service for Donald C. Lamb, 68, of Ada will be held at 10:30 a.m. today at Smith-Phillips Funeral Home Chapel. Donald passed away Monday, July 13, 2015, at Ada. Smith-Phillips Funeral Home, Ada ================================================================================================================ The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Friday, July 17, 2015 REV. WILLIAM JACKSON ADA — Services for the Rev. William Leroy Jackson, 85, of Ada are at 10 a.m. Monday at the Ada Baptist Temple; Brother Mickey Hollars will officiate. A Committal service will be at 3 p.m. Monday at Resthaven Memory Gardens Cemetery in Duncan. Rev. Jackson died Monday, July 13, 2015 at his daughter’s home. The full obituary may be viewed at criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ================================================================================================================ The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Sunday, July 19, 2015 JoCLETA CROSS ALLEN —Services for JoCleta Cross, 81, of Allen are at 10 a.m. Monday at Richmond Avenue Free Will Baptist Church. Rev. Buddy Drake will officiate and burial will follow at Allen Cemetery. Family and friends called at the Criswell Funeral Home chapel in Allen from 4 p.m. Sunday until service time. Mrs. Cross died Friday, July 17, 2015, at her home. She was born Sept. 15, 1933, to Charlie and Bessie Jackson Hooks near Hickory. She had lived in the Allen area her whole life and was a homemaker. She was of the Free Will Baptist faith. She and Home Cross were married Sept. 16, 1960, at Holdenville. He died Jan. 28, 2004, at Allen. Survivors include three daughters, Brenda Linker and husband James, Linda Vines and husband Jack, and Marsha McCarn and husband Michael, all of Allen; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a grandson, Matthew McCarn; and four brothers. Bearers are Frank Griffith, Kerry Caldwell, Ryan Rose, Lesley Rinehart, Jake Linker and Bobby Linker. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Sunday, July 19, 2015 FANNIE JENNINGS ADA — Graveside services for Fannie Oneida Jennings, 94, of Ada are at 10 a.m. Monday at Byrd’s Prairie Cemetery near Tupelo; the Rev. Earl Hood will officiate. Mrs. Jennings died Friday, July 17, 2015, at a local nursing home. She was born April 2, 1921, in Tupelo to Hosey Gardner and Cloettie Jane Johnson Guffey. She married John L. Jennings Jan. 9, 1945, in Coalgate. He preceded her in death. Mrs. Jennings was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith. Survivors include a son, Jim Jennings and wife Shirley, Ada; two grandchildren, Jimmy Jennings, Jr. and wife Laurie, Ada and Christie Jennings, Ada; three great-grandchildren, Brady, Brett and Laraby Jennings; two sisters, Irene Stonecipher and husband Verman, Ada and Leona Landrith, Sacramento, CA. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; four brothers; two sisters; and an infant son. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Sunday, July 19, 2015 CLIFFORD 'GENE' COLLINGS MCALESTER— Graveside services for Clifford Eugene ‘Gene’ Collings, 83, of McAlester, formerly of Ada, are at 2 p.m. Monday at Rosedale Cemetery. Marshall Henson will officiate. The famil received friends from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Criswell Funeral Home. Mr. Collings died Friday, July 17, 2015, at his home. He was born Jan. 6, 1932, to Roy and Dessie Tilley Collings at Ada. He graduated high school in Fresno, California. He and Yolanda Fay Campbell were married April 17, 1953, and soon after he served in the Korean War. Mr. Collings served 20 years in the United States Air Force. He worked in computer maintenance and attended schools for that profession in New York, Detroit and Biloxi. His family spent time in Turkey in 1967-69. After retiring from the Air Force he returned to Ada and lived there until 1973 when he moved to West Monroe, Louisiana. There he attended the Whites Ferry Road School of Biblical Studies. He moved to Stuart where he preached until 1978. At that time he moved to Flint, Michigan, where he became the director of Bristol Road School of Biblical Studies for 10 years. He spent time in Jamaica, Ghana, Liberia and the Ivory Coast serving in mission work and made four mission trips to Kenya. He was a song leader at workshops all over the United States. He loved hunting and fishing with his brothers-in-law in Colorado and Oregon. Survivors include his wife, Yolanda, of the home; two daughters, DeVonna Lynn Edwards and husband Tony, McAlester, and Vicki Rene Covington and husband Dennis, West Monroe, Louisiana; a son, Cary DeWitt and his wife Julie, McAlester; one brother, Ted Collings of California; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Michael Eugene Collings; his parents; six brothers, Murry, Earl, Doug, Leroy, Ken and Bob; and his sister, Leona Crawford. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ================================================================================================================ The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Tuesday, July 21, 2015 WAYNE LORANCE MOUNTAIN PARK — The funeral service for Wayne Lorance, 86, of Mountain Park will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 22, 2015, in the Becker-Rabon Funeral Home of Snyder Chape,l with the Rev. Cody Lorance, Senior Pastor of Trinity International Baptist Mission, Aurora, Illinois, officiating. Mr. Lorance passed away Thursday, July 16, 2015, in Hobart. Burial will be in the Mountain Park Cemetery, Mountain Park, under the direction of Becker-Rabon Funeral Home of Snyder. The family will greet friends from 6 until 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Mr. Lorance was born Sept. 4, 1928, in Mountain Park to Ray M. and Ruth M. (Bevers) Lorance. He married Norma Dean Marler on March 12, 1949, in Wichita Falls, Texas. Wayne was a longtime educator, serving as basketball coach, principal and superintendent at numerous schools throughout Colorado and Oklahoma. He and Norma enjoyed attending numerous sporting events and antiquing together. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and the many students he taught. Survivors include his wife, Norma of the home; four sons, Steven Ray Lorance of Crescent, Dennis Wayne Lorance and wife Teresa of Ada, Joe Lorance and wife Darla of Shawnee, and Michael Dean Lorance and wife Cindy of Mulhall; a sister, Patsy Anderson of Fairfax, Virginia; 12 grandchildren, Stephanie M. Lorance of Oklahoma City, Amy Shaw of Bethany, Brian Lorance and wife Kelly of Ada, Jay Lorance and wife Tina of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Cody Lorance and wife Katherine of Aurora, Illinois, Joe Lorance and wife Alicia of Altus, Casey Lorance of Oklahoma City, Kristy Lorance of Perkins, Kevin Lorance of Mulhall, Michael Lorance and wife Melissa of Allison, Texas, Carra Benson and husband Stace of Round Rock, Texas, and Amber McManamy of Orlando; and numerous great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Lue Ann McManamy; and a great-grandson, Cooper Silvers. An online guest book and sympathy cards are available at www.beckerfuneral.com. Becker Funeral Home, Snyder ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Tuesday, July 21, 2015 RICHARD WILKERSON ROFF — Services for Richard Wayne Wilkerson, 76, of Roff are at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Criswell Funeral Home Chapel. Wayne Edgar will officiate. Burial will follow at East Hill Cemetery. The Chickasaw Honor Guard will conduct military honors at the cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 7 p.m. today at Criswell Funeral Home. Mr. Wilkerson died Saturday, July 17, 2015, at an Ada hospital. He was born Oct. 26, 1938, at Hillsboro, Texas, to Clarence Edward and Bessie Lee Hixson Wilkerson. He attended grade school in Keene, Texas, and high school in Fort Worth, Texas. He married Melissa Green on May 5, 1986. Mr. Wilkerson was a machinist for Santa Fe Railroad and Haliburton until his retirement. He was also a retired rancher. He attended Sunshine Missionary Baptist Church and was an avid fisherman. He served in the U.S. Air Force. Survivors include his wife, Melissa Green-Wilkerson, of the home; two sons, Rick Wilkerson and wife Michele, Granbury, Texas, and Kirk Wilkerson, Arlington, Texas; two daughters, Karyn Rabas and husband Kent, Burleson, Texas, and Keisha Factor and husband Terry, Ada; a brother, Garry Wilkerson and wife Donna, North Richland Hills; his grandchildren, Conner Wilkerson, Jake Chambers, Alex Rabas, Kristi Szurgot, Kaylee Wilkerson and Katy Brauer; and great-grandchildren Logan Brauer and Jace Szurgot. Bearers will be Ronnie Randolph, Jerry Lamb, Howard McFarland, Larry Heard, Daryl Sawyer and Eddie Easterling. Honorary bearers are Ricky Haney, Jim Silva, J. L. Green, Judd Green and Terry Factor. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Tuesday, July 21, 2015 KERMA TAYLOR ADA — Services for Kerma Tharyn Taylor, 75, of Ada are at 9:30 a.m. Thursday at the Criswell Funeral Home Chapel. Dr. Rusty Fuller will officiate. Mrs. Taylor died Saturday, July 18, 2015, at a local hospital. She was born Nov. 25, 1939, at Wright City, OK to K. W. “Trigger” and Evelyn Winter Vinson. She attended Ada High School. She married Sherman E. “Bob” Taylor June 9, 1956 at Carrollton, Ohio. She and her family moved to Ada in 1953. Mrs. Taylor was a Navy wife from 1956-1973 and later she was the owner of Hilltop Laundry/Tip-Top Cleaners in Ada. She was of the Baptist faith. Survivors include her husband, Sherman E. “Bob” Taylor of the home; her children, Edward Taylor and wife Vanessa of Ada, William “Bill” Taylor and wife Vickie of Edmond and Jerald Taylor and wife Janice of Ada; a brother, Lucky Vinson and wife Cathy of Broken Bow; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and a grandson, Joseph Taylor. Bearers will be Jerald Taylor, Edward Taylor, Bill Taylor, Jimmy Charles Taylor, Kelly Reed and Bart Reed. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Tuesday, July 21, 2015 FRANCES CANTWELL ADA—Services for Frances Ramer Cantwell, 81, Ada, are 10 a.m. Tuesday at Morris Memorial Baptist Church, the Rev. Gary Jamar officiating. Burial will follow at Lightning Ridge Cemetery. Mrs. Cantwell died Friday, July 17, 2015, at a Midwest City hospital. She was born Feb. 16, 1934, to W.J. and Ramer Morrison at Duncan. She graduated from Roff High School and East Central University. She was an elementary teacher at Wanette and Latta Schools. She was a long time active member of Morris Memorial Baptist Church where she was a Sunday school teacher. She and Leroy Cantwell were married July 7, 1953. He died July 5, 2003. Survivors include one daughter, Sharon Pennington and her husband Wade of Ada; three sons, Hershel Cantwell and his wife Shellie of Ada, Kevin Cantwell and his wife Traci of Roff, and Kent Cantwell and his wife Amy of Ada; nine grandchildren, Kelly Reed, Kyle Cantwell, Kasey Brundidge, Cortnee Tucker, Layni Cantwell, Lenzi Cantwell, Luke Cantwell, Ethan Cantwell and Cole Cantwell; and five great-grandchildren. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ================================================================================================================ The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Wednesday, July 22, 2015 EMETTE RAY LITTEN ADA — Emette Ray Litten was born March 31, 1930, at Earth, Texas. He passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord July 19, 2015. He graduated from high school at Springer, New Mexico, and soon after was inducted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Upon exit from the United States Army, he began a new career in the professional bull riding arena as a member of the Rodeo Cowboys Association. Although he made money many times, it seemed the fun of the event was more important to him. He would travel from rodeo to rodeo on a Harley motorcycle. During his stay at the hospital prior to his passing, he entertained the staff with stories of his adventures. Many of them would visit his room just to hear these tales. Following exit from the Army service, he began a career in operating one of the largest cranes in the world. During this time, he became a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, of which he was later honored with a lifetime membership. He also followed up on the training he had received while in the Army with a lifetime career of mechanics in the area of vehicles, TVs and ham radios. People from all around would go to him if they had a fix-it problem with any of these items. He always was interested in airplanes, so he got his license to fly and bought his first plane, a Cessna. Later he bought a Swift, which was his pride and joy, and enjoyed many years of flying. Emette also became an Amateur Extra for operator privileges through the Federal Communications Commission. Emette was a rancher near Allen. His most enduring quality was how he would take in every little stray dog that appeared at his ranch. His heart was as big as Dallas when one of these little creatures would appear. It seemed at times that people would drop a dog off near his home, knowing they would be welcome. The last 35 years of his life were dedicated to building a herd of black baldy cattle, which he successfully accomplished. In spite of health problems, he remained on his ranch and managed with very little assistance. His parents, Melvin L. Litten and Grace Connally Litten, preceded him in death as well as a brother, Lendon Litten and a son, Emette Lynn Litten. He is survived by one brother, Jackie H. Litten of Farmington, New Mexico, and a sister, Wanda Jean Litten of Elmore City. Niece, Chirll Burch and husband Jim Burch; a grandnephew, Cody Burch and wife Hillarie and their three children, Lane, Ryan and Ced. One grandniece, Jena Shay Foster and husband Gavin. Services will be held at Criswell Funeral Home Chapel at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 23, 2015. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ================================================================================================================ The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Thursday, July 23, 2015 ROBERT JONES FLOWER MOUND, Texas — Robert Lee Jones of Highland Village, Texas, died Thursday, July 9, 2015. He was 83. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, July 25, at Trietsch Memorial United Methodist Church in Flower Mound, Texas, where he was a charter member. Burial will take place at 2 p.m. the following day at the Allen Cemetery in Allen. Arrangements are being managed by Dalton and Son Funeral Home in Lewisville, Texas. He was born in Allen April 24, 1932. He graduated from Allen High School and earned a master’s degree in English from East Central State College in Ada. He served his country as a petty officer in the U.S. Navy. He taught English and geography and coached high school basketball in Douglas, Kansas, and then began a career with the Social Security Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services, working in McAlester, Tulsa, and Dallas, Texas, from 1963 to 1989. He was preceded in death by his parents, JI Jones and Lorena Jones. He is survived by his wife, Melva Jones of Highland Village, Texas; two sons, Richard Jones of Painesville, Ohio, and Jerry Jones of Gainesville, Texas; three grandchildren, Brandon, Autumn, and Lexi Jones of Gainesville, Texas; and three sisters, Carol Jeanne Somerhalder, Patsy Powell and Sharon Cavener, all of Ada. The family suggests memorial donations be made to: (Please note “In memory of Robert Lee Jones) University of Colorado Foundation Michele Plachy Rubin Endowment Fund, #0250153, P.O. Box 17126, Denver, CO. 80217-0155. Dalton and Son Funeral Home, Lewisville, Texas ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Thursday, July 23, 2015 BARBARA LUCILLE BATTLES FARRIS STRATFORD —Lucille Battles Farris 94, passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2015, at a local nursing home. Services and a celebration of her life will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 25, 2015, at Asher First Baptist Church in Asher. Burial will be in Vista Cemetery, Konawa. Viewing will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at DeArman/Pickard Funeral Home in Stratford. Burial will be at Vista Cemetery, east of Asher. Lucille was born Dec. 30, 1920, near Ashland. She was the seventh of 10 children born to George Washington Battles Sr. (1887-1962) and Mineola Christian Battles (1890-1972). "Sis" was preceded in death by her parents, one sister and five brothers, her husband of 62 years, William Loyd "Red" Farris; and her son-in-law, Jerry Dixson. She is survived by a younger sister, Pauline Battles Dove, and a younger brother, George Washington Battles Jr.; both of Duncan; her daughter, Shirley Farris Dixson of Asher; her son, Keith Farris and his wife Jackie of Ada; four grandchildren, Dewayne Dixson and his wife Dusty of Asher, Ryan Farris and wife Dianna of Norman, Darin Dixson of Asher and Jaime Farris Kerecman and husband Kyle of Bartonville, Texas; and two step-granchildren, Donna Kidd Minor of LaCenter, Washington, and Michele Kidd Neil of Jones. Also, eight great-grandchildren: Keevin Dixson, Derrick Dixson, Shelby Dixson, Kaythrine Dixson, Dalton Dixson, Nate Farris, Kolt Kerecman and Kassidy Kerecman; and three step-great-grandchildren, Kenny Neil, Renee Bailey and Emily Neil, plus numerous nieces and nephews. As a child, Lucille helped with the usual farm work of that era, such as "chopping" and picking cotton and taking care of the farm animals. In 1937 the family moved to Duncan, where she graduated high school. By that time, her father and most of her older brothers were training and racing thoroughbreds. During the winter of 1940, her father returned to Duncan for the winter break from racing and was accompanied by W.L. "Red" Farris, who was a jockey who rode many of George's horses in races and, ultimately became Lucille's husband. As World War II loomed, Lucille and "Red" moved to Tulsa where they were married. Both worked for a while in an aircraft factory in Tulsa. As expected, "Red" was drafted in the U.S Army and first served in Colorado in the remounts, preparing mules for their jobs. Later he served as a truck driver in the China-Burma-India theater until the end of WWII. He was welcomed home in January 1946 by Lucille and daughter Shirley, who had been born shortly before he went overseas. In 1947 the family moved to the Sky Ranch south of Oklahoma City, where they managed the operation for Dr. Earl D. McBride, which included preparing his thoroughbreds for racing. During this time, Lucille was mostly a housewife and concentrated on raising their two children. After leaving the Sky Ranch, the Farris family moved to Kansas for a few months and then to the Stratford/ Gaar Corner/Vanoss area. In 1959 the family bought a place south of Asher where they continued with a cattle operation and training thoroughbreds. By this time, Lucille was a vital element in the training of the horses "Red" broke and rode the horses. Lucille took care of the other necessary tasks: cleaning stalls and grooming the horses. By 1960 Lucille, Shirley and Keith were spending summers in East St. Louis at Cahokia Downs and Fairmount Park. During the 1960s, 70s and 80s, lots of races were won in Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Louisiana. The work was hard but neither "Red" nor Lucille would have traded it for anything. "Red" admitted they would not have had as much success if not for Lucille's assistance. She was also licensed as a trainer in Colorado and Illinois. Those were the family's "good ole days." One can imagine when Lucille's brothers, who trained horses. visited, stories were much better than the most outrageous fishing tales. After Lucille retired from the racetrack, she enjoyed going to the casinos and trying to beat the machines. However, Lucille never lost her interest in racing. She and Keith enjoyed many weekends watching races on TVG and HRTV. If there was a gray in a race, that's the one she pulled for. She was fortunate to see America's 12th Triple Crown winner. She could not pick out the horse during the race but could tell you who the trainer was: "Old white head" was what she always called Bob Baffert. DeArman-Pickard Funeral Home, Stratford ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Thursday, July 23, 2015 SANDY BENNETT ADA — Services for Sandy Lynn Bennett, 48, of Ada are at 10 a.m. Friday at the Criswell Funeral Home Chapel; the Rev. Randy Golden will officiate. Burial will follow at Center Cemetery. Ms. Bennett died Sunday, July 19, 2015, at Ada. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ================================================================================================================ The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Friday, July 24, 2015 DANNY MURRAY ADA — Services for Daniel Floyd Murray, 55, of Ada are at 10 a.m. Saturday at Criswell Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. John Haynes officiating. Mr. Murray died Wednesday, July 22, 2015, at his home. He was born Nov. 17, 1959, in Norman to James Floyd and Peggy Ruth Brown Murray. He graduated from Ada High School in 1978. He received his bachelor's degree in 1992 and his master's degree in 2003 from East Central University. Mr. Murray taught at Verden Schools and later taught junior high and high school science at Stonewall for many years. Survivors include his parents, Joe and Peggy Murray of Ada; two daughters, Madison Murray and Liberty Murray of Ada; one son, Hunter Murray of Ada; one grandson, Rowan Williamson of Ada; one sister, Penny Blanchard and husband Mark of Tupelo; two brothers, Chris Murray and wife Cindy of Pauls Valley, and Scott Murray and wife Tacey of Orlando, Florida, and several nieces and nephews. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Friday, July 24, 2015 SHARON ZAMEN ADA — Services for Sharon Ann Zamen, 50, of Ada are at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Fitzhugh United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Wanda Littrell officiating. Ms. Zamen died Wednesday, July 22, 2015, in Shawnee. She was born Feb. 17, 1965, in Oklahoma City to James Allen and Nancy Young Morrow. She graduated from Latta High School. She attended Pontotoc Technology Center and was formerly an L.P.N. Ms. Zamen was a good non denominational Christian. Survivors include her mother, Nancy Morrow of the home; one brother, Allen Morrow and wife Lisa of Moore; three nieces, Shylia See and husband Tristan of Lindenwold, New Jersey, Chanci Morrow of Ada and Isabella Faith Morrow of Moore. She was preceded in death by her father, James Allen Morrow, in 2014. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada =============================================================================================================== The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Sunday, July 26, 2015 SHIRLEY WOOD ADA — Services for Shirley Wood, 66, of Ada are pending with Criswell Funeral Home. Mrs. Wood died Saturday, July 25, 2015. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada [Submitter's note: Complete obituary may be found at www.criswellfh.com] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Sunday, July 26, 2015 MARIE SMITH STRATFORD — Funeral services for Marie Ethridge Smith, 94, of Stratford were held Saturday at Stratford First Baptist Church. Burial was in McGee Cemetery, Stratford. Marie passed away July 22 at Ardmore. DeArman-Pickard Funeral Home, Stratford ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Sunday, July 26, 2015 JOYCE HOBBS ADA — Joyce Hobbs passed from this earth July 10, 2015, leaving so many loved ones behind. She was not only a daughter, but she was a wonderful mom, grandma and great-grandmother. We all miss you and pray someday that we will all be together once again. Rest in peace my beautiful mom. She leaves behind four daughters, Debbie, Becky, Vicki and Bobbi; many, many grandbabies and great-grandbabies. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Sunday, July 26, 2015 SUE FATHREE ADA — Sue Kemp Fathree, a resident at Sterling House in Ada, passed away July 24 at age 94. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dock Wade Fathree, whom she married in 1942, and her parents Joel Lemon Kemp and Annie Laurie Aldrich Kemp, who were from the Tishomingo area. She is survived by a sister, Ann Lee Kemp Jessup, St. Joseph, Illinois; two children, Wade Fathree, Claremore, and Susan Fathree Birney, Palm Springs, California; four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, as well as a number of loving relatives and friends. She began teaching freshman composition at East Central University in 1965 and also taught in the Communication Department there until 1995. Prior to joining the ECU faculty, she taught English and journalism in the Anchorage, Alaska, public schools. In addition to teaching, she published numerous magazine articles and enjoyed a number of RV trips with her husband before his passing in 1999. No services will be held at the request of the deceased. Donations in Sue’s memory may be given to the Billie (Fathree) Floyd Scholarship Fund at East Central University or the library at the Chickasaw Nation. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Sunday, July 26, 2015 LEONARD GRIGG ADA — Graveside services for Leonard Thomas Grigg, 57, of Ada, are at 10 a.m. Tuesday, at Byrd’s Prairie Cemetery, Jason Burwell officiating. Mr. Grigg died Wednesday, July 22, 2015, at a local hospital. He was born Oct. 8, 1957, in Durant to Joseph Leonard and Ruby LaVern Glenn Grigg. He attended Centrahoma and Tupelo Schools. He was a truck driver and had been employed at Oak Hills Golf and Country Club. He is survived by one daughter, Anna Grigg of Ada; two sons, Dale Grigg and Dustin Grigg both of Union Valley; three grandsons; one great-granddaughter; three brothers, Bobby Grigg and wife Carolyn of Allen, Johnny Grigg and wife Lois of Ada and Bradley Grigg and wife Linda of Vanoss; one sister, Donna King and husband Willie of Lula and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Ruby Grigg; grandparents and one son, Robert Grigg. Bearers will be Terry Lynn Young, Jonathan King, Frederick King, Bruce Cates, Ronnie Roberts and Fred Sweet. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ================================================================================================================ The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Tuesday, July 28, 2015 LESLIE BALLARD STRATFORD — Leslie Edward (L.E.) Ballard, of Stratford was born April 21, 1937, in Stratford to Leslie Willie and Lucy Catherine (Ernest) Ballard. He passed away July 27, 2015, at his home near Stratford at the age of 78 years, 3 months and 6 days. He was married to Jo Ann (Varnadore) at Gaar Corner on May 25, 1957. He was the manager of Mays Lumber Company, Stratford, for many years. He also served as chief on the Stratford Fire Department. He was a member of the Free Will Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and one grand-daughter. Survived by his wife, Jo Ann Ballard of Stratford; two sons, Mark Ballard, Mckinney, Texas; Keith Ballard and wife Shelli, Stratford; one daughter, Cindy Byrd and husband Dale, Ada; one brother, Ronnie Ballard and wife Judy, Ada; one sister, Shasta Spradlin and husband Neil, Anadarko; nine grandchildren and two great- grandchildren. Pallbearers will be grandchildren, Caylin Ballard, Tanner Byrd, Ethan Byrd, Dalen Byrd, Kyler Byrd, and Dylan Ballard, Honorary Pallbearers, Leslie Wood, David Allen, Howard Briggs, Walt Lamb and Sam Wood. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 29 at Stratford Free Will Baptist Church, officiated by the Rev. Lewis Perry. Burial will be in McGee Cemetery, Stratford. Viewing will be Tuesday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. at DeArman/Pickard Funeral Home. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Leslie E. Ballard please visit the Sympathy Store. DeArman-Pickard Funeral Home Stratford ================================================================================================================ The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Wednesday, July 29, 2015 PATRICIA (Pat) ANN GAROUTTE ROSE PAYNE ADA — Pat passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2015, at home, surrounded by her family. Services for Patricia Payne, 74, of Fort Worth, Texas, will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the Criswell Funeral Home Chapel in Ada. Zayne D. Rose will officiate. Burial will follow at Rosedale Cemetery in Ada, with the Rev. Don Venable officiating. Pat was born Sept. 11, 1940, in Sand Springs to Steve L. and Cleo Garoutte. She graduated from Charles Page High School in Sand Springs, graduating with the class of 1958. Pat always enjoyed class reunions and years of camaraderie with classmates. Following graduation, Pat married Darrell D. Rose and raised her family while living on the quarter horse ranches in Kansas and Oklahoma that Darrell managed. She was preceded in death by Darrell, who passed away in 1980 after heart transplant surgery at Stanford University Medical Center in Palo Alto, California. Following Darrell’s death, Pat returned to Ada and worked as a secretary for a government subcontract company at the Robert S. Kerr EPA Laboratory, where she met Ronald Payne. They were married in 1984 and shared many adventures together while living in Oklahoma, Maryland, Colorado, Texas and 12 exciting years on the island of Bermuda. Pat had a great love of God and was always active in church, where she sang, played the piano and taught children’s Sunday school. She worked for Oral Roberts Ministries in Tulsa, was a piano teacher and was a co-owner of The Bible Shop, a Christian bookstore in Ada. She was woman’s dean of the Oklahoma Assembly of God Church Youth Camp in Turner Falls for four years. She took college-level Jewish courses at the Word to the World Bible College in Denver and traveled to Israel. DeArman-Pickard Funeral Home, Stratford ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Wednesday, July 29, 2015 DEWAYNE FISHER ADA — Mr. Dewayne Fisher passed away at his home in Ada at the age of 74 years on Friday, July 24, 2015. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at Oak Avenue Baptist Church in Ada. An online guestbook and condolences are available at www.phillipsfuneralservice.com. Smith-Phillips Funeral Home, Ada ================================================================================================================T The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Friday, July 31, 2015 AIKMAN HOWELL CENTRAHOMA — Services for Aikman Albert Howell of Centrahoma, were held Monday, July 27, 2015, at Tupelo Church of Christ, Tupelo. Wendell Ingram officiated, assisted by Jesse Stephens. Burial was at Centrahoma Cemetery. A rancher, Aikman died July 24, 2015, at Coalgate at the age of 85. He was born July 3, 1930, to William and Harriet (Aikman) Howell in Garvin County. He is survived by his wife Nora Jane Howell of the home in Centrahoma; daughters Sheila Kay Mader and husband Terry of Gretna, Nebraska, and Debra Jane Sheen of Centrahoma. Brown's Funeral Service, Coalgate ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Friday, July 31, 2015 PAUL WILLOUGHBY OIL CENTER — Services for Paul Edward Willoughby, 63, of Oil Center are at 1 p.m. Monday at the Oil Center Pentecostal Holiness Church; the Revs. Paula Tucker and Toby Willoughby will officiate. Burial will follow at McGee Cemetery near Stratford. The family will receive friends from 3 until 5 p.m. Sunday at Criswell Funeral Home. Mr. Willoughby died Thursday, July 30, 2015, at his home. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ===============================================================