Ada News Obits October 2016 - Pontotoc County, Oklahoma Submitted by: Rita Floyd Return to Pontotoc County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/pontotoc/pontotoc.html November 2016 ===================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgenweb.org ===================================================================== The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Saturday, October 1, 2016 CHRISTIAN JAMES JOHNSON ALLEN -- Services for Christian James Johnson, 32, of Allen are at 11 a.m. Monday at the Criswell Funeral Home Chapel in Ada. The Rev. Sean Ools will officiate. Burial will follow at Maxwell Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 8 to 11 a.m. Monday at Criswell Funeral Home. Mr. Johnson passed away Monday, Sept. 26, 2016, at an Ada hospital. He was born Nov. 19, 1983, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Arnold L. and Alaina Marie Smith Johnson. He attended school in Louisiana. He previously worked for Raney Tree Service. Survivors include his mother and step-father, Alaina and Ronnie Spurlock, of Allen; two brothers, Michael Robert Spurlock of Allen and John Luke Spurlock and his wife, Leah, of Ada; his grandmother, Wanda Seaton of Allen; his uncle, Kevin Smith of Louisiana; and a niece, Penelope Elise Spurlock of Ada. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Wilda Spurlock, Roy Spurlock and Robert Smith. Bearers will be Brian Simmons, Seth Fires, Kyle Holman, Duane Fenwick, Wendell Gaines and Don Spurlock. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada www.criswellfh.com ======================================================================================================================================================== The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Tuesday, October 4, 2016 LELA KATHRYN RICHARDSON ADA -- Services for Lela Kathryn Richardson, 87, of Ada are at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Union Hill Baptist Church. The Rev. Philip Mullin and Mr. Lynn Lofton will officiate. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Criswell Funeral Home. Mrs. Richardson passed away Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016, at an Ada nursing home. She was born Sept. 13, 1929, at the Walnut Grove Community west of Ada to Robert and Irene Moss Tilley. She attended Vanoss school. She married Matt Richardson June 14, 1947. He preceded her in death Oct. 15, 1987. Mrs. Richardson was a homemaker and a longtime member of Union Hill Baptist Church. She loved her church and her church family. Survivors include four sons, Roger Richardson and his wife, Linda, Darrel Richardson and his wife, Carol, and Terry Richardson and his wife, Sherry, all of Ada, and Gayland Richardson of Sulphur; five sisters, Iona Crockett of Oregon, Winnie Bailes of California, Lura Bosteder, Carlene McNutt and Kay Daigle, all of Ada; six grandsons, Steve Richardson, Jason Richardson and his wife, Jana, Jeremy Richardson, Tyler Richardson and his wife, Jessica, Ryan Richardson and Destry Richardson and his wife, Anna; six granddaughters, Stacie Humphrey and her husband, Chris, Shelley Snider and her husband, Denny, Karis Alford and her husband, Brandon, Janessa Hughes and her husband, Jeff, LaDawn Richardson and Terra Fortner and her husband, Alan; and 25 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two brothers, Carl Tilley and Olen Tilley; and a sister, Lavona Jones. Bearers will be her grandsons, Steve Richardson, Jason Richardson, Jeremy Richardson, Tyler Richardson, Ryan Richardson and Destry Richardson. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada www.criswellfh.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Tuesday, October 4, 2016 GLENNA MAE COWART ADA -- Graveside services for Glenna Mae Cowart, 79, of Ada are at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Rosedale Cemetery. Bill Adams will officiate. Ms. Cowart passed away Monday, Oct. 3, 2016, at a local nursing home. She was born Sept. 24, 1937, in Antlers to George W. and Delores Arlene Basden Cowart. She attended Horace Mann school in Ada. Ms. Cowart was a nurse's aide in several Ada nursing homes. Survivors include two sisters, Georgia Sampson and her husband, Loyd, and Becky Blackburn and her husband, Steve, all of Ada; a brother, Danny Cowart of Wann; her nieces and nephews, Kevin Sampson, Kimberly Sampson, Tracy Cowart, James Cowart, Amy Blackburn and Clint Blackburn; and several great-nieces and great-nephews. The family says those who wish may make memorials to PAWS (Pontotoc Animal Welfare Society), 1200 Sandy Creek Drive, Ada, OK 74820. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada www.criswellfh.com ========================================================================================================================================================= The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Wednesday, October 5, 2016 JERRY GENE HOWARD Memorial services for Jerry Gene Howard, 83, of Ada, are 2:00 p.m. Friday at the Criswell Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Tony Peak will officiate. Mr. Howard passed away Sunday, October 2, 2016 at his home. He was born October 19, 1932 in Ada to Samuel B. and Ruby Standridge Howard. He attended Willard Grade School, graduated from Ada High School, attended the University of Oklahoma and graduated from Oklahoma State University. He married Shirley Braddock December 6, 1974 in Ada. Mr. Howard owned and operated Jerry Howard Heating and Air-Conditioning Service until his retirement. After his retirement, Jerry loved to travel and was a private pilot and a former Boy Scout Master. He was a member of Lovelady Baptist Church. Mr. Howard served in the U. S. Army with the 45th Division during the Korean Conflict. Survivors include his wife, Shirley, of the home; three daughters, Wendy Collins, Sugarland, TX, Shelley Stewart, Gordonville, TX and Tyna Kelley of Edmond; a sister, Sammye Collins, Phoenix, AZ; nine grandchildren, Amanda Sandoval, Ryan Collins, Jerilyn Fixico, Jesse Howard, James Stewart, Joseph Kelley, Jacob Kelley; six great-grandchildren, and his extended family, Tony, Alicia, Kaitlyn, Cody Peak, along with several other loved ones. He was preceded in death by a son, Jerry Mark Howard in 1990. The family says those who wish may make memorials in honor of Amanda and Cristian Sandoval and Joseph Kelly, in the memory of Jerry Gene Howard, to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 2212 NW 50th, Ste. 158C, Oklahoma City, OK 73112. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada www.criswellfh.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Wednesday, October 5, 2016 RONALD MERRITT MORRIS GARDNERVILLE, Nev. -- Memorial services for Ronald Merritt Morris, 75, of Gardnerville, Nevada, and formerly of Ada were held Saturday, Oct. 1, in Carson Valley, Nevada. Mr. Morris passed away peacefully Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, at Carson City, Nevada. He was born March 19, 1941, in Ada to Harry E. and Loreta Townsend Morris. Ronald attended Ada schools and graduated from Ada High School in 1959. He received a bachelor of science degree in math and physics from East Central University in 1962. He married Barry Daggs in Ada. They were married for 20 years and had six children, Dana, Ron Merritt Jr., Patrick, Andrew, Jamila (Mila) and Kelilah (Keli); and seven grandchildren, Michelle, Amber, Autumn, Madison, Lillian, Selah and Maceo. He later married Grace Morris. They were married for 30 years. He had two stepchildren, Zoi and Nick, and three step-grandchildren, Evangelina, Marina and Demetrios. Also surviving are his brother, Larry Morris and his wife, Margaret; a niece, Stacey; a nephew, Scott; and other relatives and friends. Mr. Morris worked for the Department of Defense in St. Louis for over 31 years and retired in 1994. After his retirement, he and his second wife, Grace, moved to Gardnerville. He enjoyed the mountains and scenery and loved to spoil his three dogs. He also enjoyed friendly poker games with his buddies in Nevada. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada www.criswellfh.com =========================================================================================================================================================== The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Thursday, October 6, 2016 SEMMIE LOU STICK ADA -- Services for Semmie Lou Bush Stick, 80 of Ada, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Chickasaw Community Center. The Revs. Don Jacob and Hazel Wallace will officiate. Burial will follow at Kilcrease Cemetery. A wake service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at the family home, 1300 N. Bolton in Ada. Ms. Stick died Monday, Oct. 3, 2016, at a local hospital. She was born June 7, 1936, near Pontotoc to Houston and Martha Punluste Stick. She graduated from Francis High School. She was a homemaker and a Baptist. Survivors include two sons, Terry Stick and William Stick; one daughter, Anna Stick and Mike Carnes; three sisters, Velma Frazier of Allen, Virgie Frazier of Ada and Barbara Carpenter of Tulsa; her grandchildren, Ashley Stick, Shane Stick, Samantha Lewis, Destiny Stick and Kyle Carnes, all of Ada, Nathan Lewis of Hanna, Neil Lewis of Tulsa, Nyvee Sankadota of Anadarko, Josh Stick of Sayre and Brittany Bourdeau of Kentucky; her great-grandchildren, Haily, Kylea and Isabella Alexander, Jayden Wade Miller, Ethan Dean Pierce and Jayden Bourdeau. She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Roger Stick; two brothers, Houston Jr. and Billy Stick; and one sister, Martha Hawkins. Bearers will be Daniel Frazier, Mark Frazier, George Frazier, Gabriel Frazier, Ronald Frazier and Chris Vann. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada www.criswellfh.com ========================================================================================================================================================== The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Saturday, October 8, 2016 MARY ALENE TUCKER OIL CENTER -- Services for Mary Alene Tucker, 87, of Oil Center are at 2 p.m. Monday at Oil Center Pentecostal Holiness Church. The Revs. Cary Gerth and Jerry Osburn and Mr. Mike Lane will officiate. Burial will follow at McGee Cemetery near Stratford. The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Criswell Funeral Home. Mrs. Tucker passed away Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016, at her home. She was born Aug. 27, 1929, in the Bebee Community to Melvin E. and Dorchie Golden Booth. She attended Bebee grade school and graduated from Vanoss High School. She married Paul D. Tucker July 21, 1946, in Ada. He preceded her in death May 18, 2008. Mrs. Tucker was the co-owner and operator of Booth Well Service and owner of Tuckers Polled Herford Ranch. She was a longtime member of Oil Center Pentecostal Holiness Church, where she served as the first secretary of the Womens Auxiliary from 1954 to 1996. Mrs. Tucker was a director of the youth department at the church from 1954 to 1970 and the director of the Vacation Bible School from 1954 to 1976. Survivors include two daughters, the Rev. Paula Tucker of Shidler and Tonya Willoughby of Oil Center; her grandchildren, Rindy Bacon and her husband, Ernie, of Oil Center, Chad Tucker and his wife, April, of Kingston, and Nakia Rhodes and her husband, Gary, of Oil Center; her great-grandchildren, Jessica Bacon of Eddy, Texas, Candi Rayburn of Antlers, ShiAnn Tucker and Bradley Tucker, both of Shidler, Colton Tucker and Piper Tucker, both of Kingston, and Kya Rhodes of Oil Center; her great-great-grandchildren, Corbin Urbanovsky and Kinley Urbanovsky, both of Eddy, Texas, Canyon Anderson of Eddy, Texas, and Trip Rayburn of Antlers; a brother-in-law, B.J. Robertson of Oil Center; a sister-in-law, Ruth Tucker of Moore; and family members, Stacy Robertson of Oil Center, Tammie Robertson of Sacramento, California; Cathy Prater and Dot Hood, both of Moore; and numerous other family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dorchie and Melvin Booth; her husband, Paul D. Tucker; her sister, Colene Robertson; her son-in-law, Paul Willoughby; her grandson, Bradley Duvall; and her brother-in-law, M.R. Tucker. Bearers will be John Booth, Jupie Booth, David Booth, Cole Booth, J.D. Bacon and Chris Balthrop. Honorary bearers will be Jeff Hayes, Bill Curtis, Toney Roberts, Lloyd Burk Sr., Jerry McDaniel and Jim Stiles. The casket escort will be Stacy Robertson. The family says those who wish may make memorials to the Paul and Alene Tucker Scholarship Fund, c/o of Dr. Calvin White, Ada Veterinary Clinic, 1020 Sandy Creek Drive, Ada, OK 74820. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada www.criswellfh.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Saturday, October 8, 2016 FRED E. RAY SMITH ADA -- Services for Fred E. Ray Smith, 32, of Ada are at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Criswell Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be at McGee Cemetery. The Chickasaw Honor Guard will conduct military honors at Criswell Funeral Home. Mr. Smith passed away Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016, near Ada. He was born Oct. 7, 1983, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to Fred E. and Kimberly A. Kent Smith. He attended Iowa Park, Texas, schools. Mr. Smith served in the U.S. Army until his retirement. He served two tours in Iraq. Survivors include his wife, Sunshine of the home; his children, Angelica Rose Smith, Joshua Smith, Divinus Smith; his step-son, Hunter Fox; his father, Fred E. Smith of Iowa Park, Texas; his mother, Kimberly Kent Mata of Denison, Texas; one brother, Joseph A. Smith; and two sisters, Kristin B. Kissner and Amanda L. Smith. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada www.criswellfh.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Saturday, October 8, 2016 DONALD L. KYSER ADA -- Donald L. Kyser, 86, of Ada passed away Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, at his home. No services are planned at this time. See full obituary at criswellfh.com at a later date. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada www.criswellfh.com ========================================================================================================================================================== The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Tuesday, October 11, 2016 OVA VIOLA "TUBBY" DAVIS ADA -- Services for Ova Viola (Tubby) Davis, 79, of Ada are at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Criswell Funeral Home Chapel. The Revs. Harold Ware and John Haynes will officiate. Interment will be at 3 p.m. at Bohannon Cemetery near Stuart. Mrs. Davis passed away Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, at a Norman assisted living center. She was born Feb. 4, 1937, in Scipio to Jake and Cora Boyd Wood. She attended grade school in Cabiness and graduated from Stuart High School. She married Douglas Edward Davis June 27, 1955, in Ada. He preceded her in death Sept. 29, 2011. Mrs. Davis was a beautician and owned and operated Tubbys Beauty Shop. She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Ada. Survivors include her daughter, Sonja Potts and her husband, Kevin, of Norman; a son, Steve Davis and his wife, Laura, of Tulsa; two granddaughters, Jaime Kliewer and her husband, J.T., and Ashton Smith and her husband, Nick; two grandsons, Preston Craig and his wife, Whitney, and Dylan Duncan; her great-grandchildren, Hudson, Davis and Isobel Kliewer and Daxton Smith; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She also had a semi-adopted son, Harold Ware of Ada. She was preceded in death by a son, Mark Davis in 2013. The family says those who wish may make memorials to the First Baptist Church Falls Creek Building Fund, 521 S. Broadway, Ada, OK 74820. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada www.criswellfh.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Tuesday, October 11, 2016 BOBBY CARROL MOORE OKLAHOMA CITY -- Heaven's gates opened wide when Bobby Carrol Moore entered on Oct. 6, 2016, in Ada. Bobby was born June 21, 1949, in Tishomingo to his parents, Allen and Ethel Irene (Madison) Moore. Bobby answered the call to defend his country and served faithfully in the U.S. Army during The Vietnam Conflict with the 101st Airborn unit. He is very appreciated and honored for his sacrifice. Bobby grew up in Tishomingo. He and Sharon Black were married July 26, 1997, in Ada. Bobby served his community in the Ada Police Reserves. He enjoyed many career adventures, such as Bob Moore Construction, Moore Furniture Store, Bob Moore Trucking Co. and Bob Moore Used Auto Sales, but his proudest business venture was with his daughters, co-owning their own snow cone stand. Bobby's greatest adventure was his continuous walk and relationship with his Savoir, Jesus Christ. Although drinking coffee and discussing world issues with the guys was satisfying, playing music and his bass guitar unto the Lord at church was his greatest satisfaction. Bobby, no doubt, loved his family dearly. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were so precious in his eyes. Although Bobby is no longer with us, his memory and legacy will be kept alive through the family and friends he leaves behind, which include his wife of 19 years, Sharon Moore of the home; four daughters, Ramona Miller of Milburn, Cristy Moore of Ada, Jeanne and her husband, Ronnie Cyer, of Lone Grove and Amy Stephens of Ardmore; a son, David Stevens of Lone Grove; a sister, Barbara McCarthy of Tishomingo; 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a host of longtime friends, neighbors and church family. With great anticipation Bobby is welcomed into his heavenly home by his parents, Allen and Ethel Moore; his son, Marty Moore; his daughter, Kathy Moore; three brothers, Billy, Lewis and Michael Moore; and his dear wife, Cora Inez Moore. Funeral Services will be held at 10 a.m. today at Oil Center Pentecostal Holiness Church. Pastor Jerry Orsburn and Brother Cary Gerth will officiate. Interment and graveside services will follow at 2 p.m. at Condon Grove Cemetery in Milburn. Family visitation was held from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Oil Center Pentecostal Holiness Church. Smith-Phillips Funeral Home, Ada www.phillipsfuneralservice.com ========================================================================================================================================================== The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Wednesday, October 12, 2016 JERRY BOB THOMPSON ADA -- A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at First Presbyterian Church of Ada for (Jerry) Bob Thompson, 76, of Ada. He was born June 17, 1940, to Faye Kennamer Thompson and Bobby Thompson at Valley View Hospital in Ada. He died at his home Oct. 8, 2016. He attended Willard Grade School, Ada Jr. High School and was a proud member of the Ada High School graduating class of 1958. He graduated in 1962 from East Central University with a business degree. Under the guidance of strong teachers at these schools, he developed a lifelong passion for history. He married Nancy Lambert June 27, 1959, at First Presbyterian Church in Ada. He was associated with a family owned business, Ada Auto Supply, until 1979, when he began working for PrePaid Legal Services, where he served on the board of directors and mentored many young professionals whose careers are now far reaching. He was honored to work with Virgil and Glenn Coffee at TVC Marketing, from where he retired in 2010. He was active in the Ada community and school affairs. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, where he served as a deacon, an elder and church treasurer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Faye Thompson and Bobby and Virginia Thompson; and his parents-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Lambert. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; his son, Mark Thompson and his wife, Debbie, of Ada; his daughter, Melissa Thompson Smith and Ernie Dunlap of Ada; and his son, Matthew Thompson of Ada. He is also survived by seven grandchildren who were his best friends and IT consultants, Joshua Thompson, Bobby Thompson, Jordan Smith, Ryan Thompson, Rachel Thompson, Ally Smith and Cody Smith. Other family includes his brothers, Ronald and Rahmona Thompson and Paul and Susan Thompson, all of Norman; his niece, Elizabeth Thompson of Seattle; his brother-in-law, Jack and Sharon Lambert of Ada and their daughter, Sasha Clements, of Norman; and his former daughter-in-law, Kristina McManus. He leaves a host of cousins who he admired, treasured former co-workers and friends. The family deeply appreciates the support of Jody Ardrey, APRN-CNP, and McCortney Family Hospice for their kindness and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, please consider a small contribution to First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 56, Ada, OK 74821; or the Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73105-7917. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada www.criswellfh.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Wednesday, October 12, 2016 VICKIE LYNN STEFFEN FITZHUGH -- Services for Vickie Lynn Steffen, 52, of Fitzhugh are at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Fitzhugh United Methodist Church. Pastor Wanda Littrell will officiate. Vickie passed away peacefully Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. A creative free spirit, Vickie embraced the love of animals. She was a beautiful, caring person with a giving heart. She was a simple treasure who loved waking up every morning to a new world. She always sought the path of love and lived by her own rules. The younger of two girls, Vickie was born Feb. 3, 1964, in Ada to Benny and Mary Allison. She graduated from Roff High School. She was a secretary for Southwest Petroleum before moving back home. Survivors include her mother, Mary; and Vickie's two cats, Snickerdoodle and Boogie. She is also survived by a sister, Debbie Boyd and her husband, Jimmy, of Fitzhugh; two nieces, Tammy Dunlap and her children, Rylan, Palynn and Kendal and Annda Boyd and her children, Talise and Winter Grace. She was preceded in death by her father, Benny Allison, Sept. 12, 2008. Vickie will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her. ========================================================================================================================================================== The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Friday, October 14, 2016 JESS FULLINGIM ADA -- Services for Jessie Michael Fullingim, 69, are 2:00 p.m. Friday at the Criswell Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Lynn Bellamy will officiate. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Ada. The Chickasaw Honor Guard will conduct military honors at the cemetery. Mr. Fullingim passed away Tuesday, October 11, 2016. He was born November 19, 1946, in Ada to Joffery James and Charolotte Irene Henson Fullingim. He graduated from high school and received a Bachelor of Science degree from East Central University. He married Paulette Dew November 28, 1969 in Ada, and again December 15, 2012 in Anadarko. Mr. Fullingim was a traffic engineer for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation until his retirement. He attended Ada Baptist Temple and served in the U. S. Navy on the U. S. S. Ajax. Survivors include his wife, Paulette, of the home; daughter, Melanie Ross and her husband, Quinn, of McAlester; a son, Shawn Fullingim and his wife Myra of Norman; six grandchildren, Kendra Knox, J. D. Ross, Connor Ross, Taryn Fullingim, Jase Fullingim and Kale Fullingim; two great-grandchildren, Alexis Ross and Brynlee Ross; two sisters, Judy Martin and her husband Jerry, of Ft. Cobb and Beth Rhynes of Ada; a brother, Jim Fullingim and his wife Karen, of Cedar Lake; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. Bearers will be James Fullingim, Dr. Pepper Martin, Chris Rhynes, Heath Allison, Chad Allison and Daniel Rhynes. Honorary bearers will be Pat Mitchell, Joe Lee Walker, Bruce Johnson, Gary Haney and Phil Rhynes. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada www.criswellfh.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Friday, October 14, 2016 ORAL GENE HINKLE STRATFORD -- Oral Gene (Sonny) Hinkle, 77, of Stratford was board Aug. 27, 1939. He died Oct. 12, 2016. Hinkle was a construction worker Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. today at DeArman-Pickard Funeral Home in Stratford. Funeral services will be held Saturday at the DeArman-Pickard Funeral Home Chapel in Stratford. The Rev. Richard Atzbach will officiate. Burial will follow at McGee Cemetery in Stratford. DeArman-Pickard Funeral Home, Stratford www.dearmanfuneralhome.com =========================================================================================================================================================== The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Saturday, October 15, 2016 NORMA JEAN WALKER NORMAN -- Norma Jean English Walker of Norman, formerly of Ada, Urbana, Illinois, and Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away October 12. She was born in Shawnee on July 16, 1930, to Arthur Doyle "A.D." and Alma Isabell Knapp English. She grew up in the oil fields of eastern Oklahoma and graduated from Ada High. She attended East Central College in Ada, where she met the love of her life, John Adams Walker Jr. They were married May 31, 1953. Norma was a lifelong learner, doing graduate work at both Oklahoma State and the University of Oklahoma and earning a Ph.D. in English literature from the University of Illinois, all while successfully raising a family and volunteering in her community. She later returned to the U of I to earn a master's degree in social work. She worked in that field in Urbana and then in Ada, where she and John returned when he became the library director at East Central. Norma then graduated with a J.D. from the OU College of Law at the age of 63. While a mental health social worker in Ada, Norma kept detailed notes of her interaction with a client, Ronald Keith Williamson. As discussed in John Grisham's nonfiction book "The Innocent Man: Murder and Injustice in a Small Town," those notes were later instrumental in exonerating Williamson from his wrongful conviction for a notorious rape and murder. After being widowed in 1998, Norma moved to Albuquerque to be near her grandchildren. There she rediscovered her love of writing poetry and self-published her works. She recently returned to live in Norman. Norma was predeceased by her parents, her husband and her brothers, Don, Paul and Bill. She is survived by her children, Dan (Kathy Tolan) of Blanco, Texas; David (Irma Flores) of Katy, Texas; Alfred (Sharon McKim) of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; and Ruth (Jill Garner) of Norman. She is also survived by four grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, a great-grandson and two step-great-grandsons. Private graveside services will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery in Ada, followed by a public celebration of Norma's life at St. Stephen's United Methodist Church in Norman on Monday, Oct. 17, at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the World Wildlife Fund. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada www.criswellfh.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Saturday, October 15, 2016 JACK W. BALLARD TONKAWA -- Graveside services for Jackson Windsor Ballard, 79, formerly of Ada, are at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Vamoosa Cemetery. The Rev. Randall Christy will officiate. Mr. Ballard died Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016, in a Tonkawa nursing home. He was born April 9, 1937, in New Mexico to the Rev. L.C. and Edith Lucille Brown Ballard Sr. He came to this area in 1954 from Duncan, Arizona. He married Wander Sharver in 1954 in Ada. Mr. Ballard received his bachelor's degree from East Central University in 1968. He sang with the Sharver Quartet for 50 years while working in many jobs in the Ada area, including KADA and KTEN. He worked as a school teacher at Vamoosa and Sasakwa and the White Products Company of Noble. Mr. Ballard served as a lay pastor and music director for Faith Chapel in Wewoka and Pearson Baptist Church in Pearson. He later served as pastor of Pearson Baptist Church and then as a staff pastor at Union Valley Baptist Church in Ada. He also was a radio show host for The Gospel Station. Mr. Ballard was active with the Kiwanis Club, PAWS Animal Shelter, Oakcrest and Woodridge Group Homes, Salvation Army, Battered Women's Shelter, McCall's Chapel, Oklahoma All Night Singing Association, St. Joseph Indian Tribal Council of Missouri, Jaycees, Special Olympics, Signs and Wonders Ministries of Tulsa, Signs and Wonders Ministries of Israel, Ada Boys Club, Kiwanis 12- and 10-and-under baseball, Homer Little League and Community Santa Claus Helper. Survivors include his wife, Wanda C. Ballard of Tonkawa; daughter, Pamela Sorensen and husband David of Tulsa; son, Terry Jack Ballard and wife, Cathy, of Tonkawa; grandchildren Christopher Jackson and Brooklyn Ballard of Tonkawa, Gil Grycman and wife, Hadassa, of Ra'anana, Israel; great-grandchildren, Elisheva and Dvora Grycman of Ra'anana; brothers, L. C. Ballard Jr. of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Leslie Ballard and James Ballard of Thatcher, Arizona; brother-in-law, Quennion F. Sharver of Konawa; and a multitude of nieces of nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, S. Fred Ballard of Morenci, Arizona. Honorary bearers will be Dr. Troy R. Norred, Tom Criswell, Dennis Story, Mike Huddleston, David Sharver and Rick Cody. Jack's message was always the same: "Love, give and follow Jesus Christ." His family agrees! We do not grieve and mourn because we know where he is. It is not the end but a new beginning! Criswell Funeral Home, Ada www.criswellfh.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Saturday, October 15, 2016 JOE GRAY SR. ADA -- Services for Joe Carl Gray Sr., 81, of Ada, are at 2 p.m. Monday at Criswell Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Toby Willoughby will officiate. Burial will follow at McGee Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Criswell Funeral Home. Mr. Gray died Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016, in Shawnee. He was born Oct. 13, 1935, in Oil Center to Oren and Teria Jones Gray. He graduated from Vanoss High School in 1954. He married Jane Coles on Dec. 16, 1961. Mr. Gray was a lifelong rancher and trucker. He drove for Lee Way Motor Freight from 1966 to 1984. Later, he operated independently until 2005. Survivors include his wife, Jane, of the home; two sons, Joe Carl Gray Jr. and wife, Janet, of Ada, Dr. Scott Kevin Gray and wife, Glenda, of Sheridan, Arkansas; one daughter, Marjana Tharp and husband, Chris, of Roff; grandchildren Jennifer Humphers and husband, Jon, BreAnn Gurley and husband, Derek, Dakota Gray and wife, Scottie, Colton Tharp, Cody Tharp, Megan Gray, Scott Harrison and wife, Brittany, and Kim Harrison; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Bob Gray and wife, Yvonne, of Ada; one sister, Elsie Cole of Connerville; and a sister-in-law, Cloreta Gray of Oil Center. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oren and Teria Gray; brothers Thurman, Vernon and Fred Gray; and sisters, Thelma Gray, Ruby Lane and Zelma Dickerson. Bearers will be Cody Tharp, Colton Tharp, Jon Humphers, Derek Gurley, Rick Gray and Coye Andrews. Honorary bearer will be Dakota Gray. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada www.criswellfh.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Saturday, October 15, 2016 MARION LEON MANUEL JR. ARDMORE -- Marion Leon Manuel Jr., a retired master sergeant in the United States Army, passed away Oct. 12, 2016, at Mercy Hospital in Ardmore at the age of 69 years, 4 months and 29 days. He served our country in the U.S. Army and retired after 20 years of service. He was married to Marilyn McGinty on Jan. 29, 2015, in Denton, Texas. He was also a beekeeper and was known as the honey man. He is also survived by his wife, Marilyn, of the home; two sons, Terry Dean Manuel and wife, Amy, and Brian Keith Manuel; one daughter, Angela Michele Manuel Billy and husband, James, all of Ada; his mother, Mary Ann Manuel of Ada; a sister, Sue Ann Ogle and husband, Glenn, of Ada; one stepdaughter, Kathleen Vermillion Null and husband, Drew, of Argyle, Texas; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nephews and nieces; a longtime friend, Donna Harvey of Medford; and many other special friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Marion Manuel Sr.; a brother, Tommy Eugene Manuel; and his grandparents. Services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at DeArman/Pickard Funeral Home Chapel, Stratford, with the Rev. Keith Stevens officiating. Burial will be at Corley Cemetery, Stratford. ========================================================================================================================================================== The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Tuesday, October 18, 2016 TOMMY HIGDON ROFF -- Services for Tommy Lee Higdon, 84 of Roff, are at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Criswell Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Dennis Heath will officiate. Burial will follow at East Hill Cemetery. Military honors will be conducted by the Chickasaw Honor Guard. Mr. Higdon died Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in Sulphur. He was born Jan. 12, 1932, in Ahloso to Thomas Lee and Jessie Mae Nichols Higdon. He attended Roff Schools. He married Alta Mae Nichols Jan. 6, 1954. She preceded him in death April 24, 2000. Mr. Higdon was a retired iron worker who served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Survivors include two daughters, Tommy Robison and her husband, Ronnie, of Roff and Vickie Garrett of Ada; five grandchildren, Amy Fick of Byng, Shane Henderson of Noble, Dustin Sheppard of Ada, Cody Sheppard of Roff and Paige Hilton of Texarkana, Texas; and 10 great-grandchildren, Trestin McMillen, Tay McMillen, Will Sheppard, Zaydin Fick, Drew Sheppard, Kamryn Henderson, Nate Sheppard, Bryce Henderson, Addi Sheppard and Owen Sheppard. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, John Cecil Higdon; a sister Mildred Henderson; and two great-grandchildren, Gabriel McMillen and Kyndal Sheppard. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada www.criswellfh.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Tuesday, October 18, 2016 LEE J.W. PULSIPHER ADA -- No services are planned at this time for Lee J.W. Pulsipher, 49, of Ada. Mr. Pulsipher died Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016, at this home. He was born May 20, 1967. He was a construction worker. Survivors include his father, Gary Pulsipher; his sister, Marinda LeAnn Vera; and two brothers, Randy Allen Fager and Eddy Pulsipher. He was preceded in death by his mother, Velma Ronsley Dew Criswell Funeral Home, Ada www.criswellfh.com ========================================================================================================================================================== The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Wednesday, October 19, 2016 JEWELL NESSEL STRATFORD -- Jewell Faye Green Nessel, 87 passed away peacefully Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016. She was born July 8, 1929, in Gomez, Texas, to Elmer and Addie Green. She grew up the fifth child of a family of seven. She married Norvin John Nessel in Ropesville, Texas, July 6, 1946, two days before her 17th birthday. Her and her husband, Norvin, spent the next 20 years living and working with their four children in the Levelland, Texas area. In 1965, the whole family, except daughter Francess who had married, left for the Stratford and Ada area, where they spent the next 30 to 40 years living and working on their ranch and dairy farm. They were charter members of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Levelland and members of First Lutheran Church of Ada for over 40 years. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Francess and Jim McCutchen, of Levelland, Texas; two sons- and daughters-in-law, Ken and Sherry Nessel and Bob and Jan Nessel, all of Stratford; two sisters; Corene Benton of Midland, Texas, and Wileta Roberts of Hereford, Texas; 12 grandchildren and their spouses; 22 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Addie Green; her husband, Norvin; a son, Norvin Gene Nessel; a grandson, Kenyon Dale Nessel Jr.; two great-great-grand-daughters; two brothers, Roy Green of Lampasas, Texas, and Marvin Green of Levelland, Texas; and two sisters, Maudine Blount of Rising Star, Texas, and Ireta Beck Davis of Lubbock, Texas. Pallbearers will be; Jeff McCutchen, Scott McCutchen, Dustin McCutchen, Jay McCutchen, Patrick Nessel, Richard Taylor and Tom Stevenson. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at DeArman/Pickard Funeral Home in Stratford. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at First Lutheran Church in Ada. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery in Ada. The Rev. Gary Brandt will officiate. There will be a memorial service in Levelland, Texas, next week, time and date pending. "And the Master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant.'" (Matthew 25:23) DeArman-Pickard Funeral Home, Stratford www.dearmanfuneralhome.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Wednesday, October 19, 2016 DELORES MOORE PONCA CITY -- Delores Moore, 84, passed with peace and grace Oct. 15, 2016, with her family at her side. Predeceased by her brother Lester. Survived by son Kent, daughters Judy (Amos), Susan (Myers), Linda (Rose) and Cynthia (Blevins); grandchildren: Karsten and Carissa, Lisa and Karyn, and Brandon and Bryan, and former spouse Gene Moore of Oklahoma City. Delores was born in Ponca City and lived most of her life in Ada, where she raised her children. Delores was a very active member of First Baptist Church, most recently enjoying the company of fellow seniors at Ada Baptist Village and Wheatland Senior Center. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Oct. 20 at Central Baptist Church, 1732 E. Coleman Road in Ponca City. Delores will be laid to rest beside her beloved brother Lester and with her parents Leo and Gladys at Eddy New Home Cemetery following the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oklahoma Heart Hospital Research Foundation or the charity of your choice. Trout Funeral Home, Ponca City www.troutfuneralhome.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Wednesday, October 19, 2016 JIMMY RAY NICHOLS ADA -- Graveside services for Jimmy Ray Nichols, 84, of Ada are at 10 a.m. Thursday at McGee Cemetery near Stratford. The Rev. Earl Hood will officiate. Mr. Nichols passed away Monday, Oct. 17, 2016, at an Ada nursing home. He was born March 15, 1932, near Galey to Henry and Nettie Nichols Williams. He attended Stratford schools. Jimmy was a retired minister of Free Will Baptist Church. Survivors include two nephews, Jeff Williams of Ada and Mike Williams of Stratford, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Roger Williams, James Williams and Cecil Williams. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada www.criswellfh.com ========================================================================================================================================================== The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Thursday, October 20, 2016 THOMAS ARTHUR BURTON JR. OKLAHOMA CITY -- Thomas Arthur "Tommy" Burton Jr., 97, died Oct. 15, 2016, in Oklahoma City. He was born Jan. 3, 1919, in Erick to Thomas and Mattie (Grover) Burton. He attended Bethany-Peniel College (now SNU). He married Helen Lucile Shaffer Sept. 14, 1940, in Hydro and they were blessed with 76 years of marriage. He enjoyed 57 years of pastoral ministry in the Nazarene church, serving in Barnsdall, Fitzgerald, Georgia, Bartlesville, Hastings, Nebraska, Corpus Christi, Texas, South Gate, California, Waco, Texas, Odessa, Texas, and Great Bend, Kansas, where he retired. After retirement, he moved to Bartlesville to become the senior adult pastor for seven years, then retired again and moved to Ada. Health concerns brought him to Baptist Village in Oklahoma City. Tommy was preceded in death by his parents; one brother; and two sisters. Survivors include his loving wife, Helen; his daughters, Karen Ewers and her husband, Charles, of Yukon, Annette Bodine and her husband, Larry, of Asher; his son, Paul Burton and his wife, Pat, of Mustang; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Viewing will be from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, with family present from 5 to 7 p.m. at Mercer-Adams Funeral Home in Bethany. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Mercer-Adams Chapel. Interment will follow in Wanette Cemetery in Wanette. Mercer-Adams Funeral Service, Bethany www.mercer-adams.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Thursday, October 20, 2016 CAROLYN ANN SUMMERS ALLEN -- Services for Carolyn Ann Summers, 69, of Allen are at 10 a.m. Friday at Richmond Avenue Free Will Baptist Church. The Rev. Buddy Drake will officiate. Burial will follow at Allen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Allen Chapel. Mrs. Summers passed away Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016, at an Oklahoma City hospital. She was born Oct. 25, 1946, in Holdenville to Dan and Anna Lou Royer Cook. She graduated from Atwood High School and attended college for a year. She married Johnny Summers June 11, 1965, in Atwood. Mrs. Summers retired as a medical secretary for Ada Internal Medicine. Previously, she worked at Valley View Regional Hospital. Mrs. Summers was a member of Richmond Avenue Free Will Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband, Johnny of the home; two daughters, Melissa Ross of Allen and Becky Hefley and her husband, Bill, of Frisco; four grandchildren, Derek Ross and his wife, Shayna, Taylor Ross, and Zack and Rylan Hefley; three great-grandchildren; a brother, Kenneth Cook and his wife, Linda, of Durant; two sisters, Joyce Cook of Allen and Sue Ellen Greene and her husband, Ray, of Ocala, Florida; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents. Bearers will be her grandsons, Derek Ross, Taylor Ross, Zack Hefley and Rylan Hefley; and Richard Rocha and Terry Summers. Honorary bearers will be David Harrington, Doug Peay, Gary Starns, Frank Griffith, Bill Hefley and Phillip Harrington. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada www.criswellfh.com ========================================================================================================================================================== The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Friday, October 21, 2016 JERRY ALLEN MILNE ALLEN -- Services for Jerry Allen Milne, 81, of Allen are at 2 p.m. Friday at Allen Church of Christ. Keith Warren and Mark Legg will officiate. Burial will follow at Allen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Allen Church of Christ. Mr. Milne passed away Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016, at his home. He was born Nov. 24, 1934, in Allen to A.A. (Duke) and Christine Morgan Milne. He lived in the Allen area all his life, graduated from Allen High School and attended Okmulgee Tech. He married Norma Jean Rinehart Feb. 25, 1955, at First Baptist Church in Ada. Mr. Milne owned a local T.V. Repair business and later he worked at Tinker Air Force Base from 1960-1974. He retired as a technology engineer. He was a longtime member of Allen Church of Christ and a member of the Masonic Lodge in Del City. Survivors include his wife, Norma Jean Milne of the home; two daughters, Debra Wilson of Holdenville and Sarah Randell and her husband, Paul, of Allen; two sons, Jerry Milne and his wife, Rhonda, of Moore and Joel Milne of Allen; his grandchildren, Kimberly Frederick, Robin Escarcega, Kristi Stephens, Adam Randell, Bradley Milne, Latrisa Milne, Dylan Milne and Ty Milne; seven great-grandchildren; three brothers-in-law; two sisters-in-law; and a very large extended family. Bearers will be Adam Randell, Dylan Milne, Carl Frederick, Mike Lawler, Colton Frederick and Bobby Linker. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada www.criswellfh.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Friday, October 21, 2016 CHARLES DON THOMPSON ADA -- Graveside services for Charles Don Thompson, 90, of Ada are at 11 a.m. Saturday at New Bethel Cemetery in Byng. His sons, Mickey and Jon Thompson, will officiate. Mr. Thompson passed away Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016, at an Oklahoma City hospital. He was born July 31, 1926, in Ada to James Owen and Naomi Jewell Henry Thompson. He attended Byng schools and graduated from Byng High School in 1943. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees from East Central University. He married Mary Lou Loman May 23, 1951. Mr. Thompson was a teacher, coach and principal, retiring after 34 years of service. He taught in Jr. High and High School at Weleetka, Konawa, Waurika and Ardmore. He was a member of New Bethel Baptist Church and served in the U.S. Army during World War 2. Survivors include his wife, Mary Lou of the home; two sons, Mickey Thompson and his wife, Kym, of Oklahoma City and Jon Thompson and his wife, Kathy, of Ada; his grandchildren, Matt Thompson of Houston, Lauren Thompson of Oklahoma City, Heath Thompson of Houston, Brooks Thompson of Stillwater, Tasha Wilk of Goldsby, Jacob Fleck of Blanchard, David Thompson of Tulsa and Jennifer Thompson of Tulsa. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; and a sister. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada www.criswellfh.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Friday, October 21, 2016 GLADYS MARIE TJADEN ADA -- No services are planned at this time for Gladys Marie Tjaden, 78, of Ada. Ms. Tjaden passed away Monday, Oct. 10, 2016, at a local nursing home. She was born April 1, 1938, in Gooding, Idaho, to Nealy Hampton and Eunice L. Putnam Adams. Gladys grew up on the island of Guam and graduated from high school in Newport, Washington. She lived all her married life in Montana and was a waitress until her retirement. Gladys loved to knit and crochet. Survivors include her mother, Eunice Adams of Konawa; her daughters, Kay Lynn Johnson of Hungry Horse, Montana, Alice Macho of Missoula, Montana, Tami Tjaden and her husband, John Cogan, of Cody, Wyoming, and Heather Morrow and her husband, Eric, of Phoenix, Arizona; her grandchildren, Vanessa Sayre, Sonja Reese, Robyn Macho, Karla Macho, Larissa Abell and Elizabeth Gorder; her great-grandchildren, Bailey and Mason Vallier, Cody and Cali Somerville, Peyton and Lily Sofia Reese and Izabella Abell; a sister, Karen Guthrie of Konawa; a brother, Donald Adams of Mountain Home, Idaho; and many nieces and nephews. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada www.criswellfh.com ========================================================================================================================================================== The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Saturday, October 22, 2016 EVELYN LAREESE GEISLER ADA -- Services for Evelyn Lareese Geisler, 8-month-old daughter of Nick and Candi Geisler, will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at The Refuge Church. Pastor Denny Truett will officiate. Burial will follow at Rosedale Cemetery. The baby passed away Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016, at an Ada hospital. She was born Feb. 2, 2016, in Oklahoma City to Nicholas Ryan and Candice Rena Miser Geisler. Survivors include her parents, Nick and Candi Geisler of the home; maternal grandfather, Scott Miser of Richland, Washington; paternal grandmother, Terry Geisler of Tecumseh; paternal grandfather, Tim Geisler and his wife, Debbie, of Ada; her adopted grandmother, Laressa Beliele of Newalla; three uncles, Chris Geisler and his wife, Brooke, of Oklahoma City, Matthew Geisler of Tishomingo and Scottie Miser of Ada; and three aunts, Caty Harris and her husband, Roy, of Tishomingo, Mackenzie Geisler of Tecumseh and Holly Graue of Ft. Stockton, Texas. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Tina Lane. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada www.criswellfh.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Saturday, October 22, 2016 LELA KUNZE BARTLESVILLE -- Lela Kunze passed away Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. Lela Christine Kunze was born Dec. 14, 1934, in Egypt to Frank and Nellie (Wells) Roddy. She enjoyed ceramic painting, doing beadwork and sewing. Lela is survived by two daughters, Leatha Linville of Okesa and Terri Prewitt of Ada; and three sons, Tifford McConnell of Holdenville, Todd McConnell of Tulsa and Tracy McConnell of Moore. She was blessed with 13 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; a brother, Everett Roddy of Wynnewood; numerous nieces, nephews and many friends. Lela was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Junior H. McConnell; her second husband, Dwight D. Kunze; her sister, Toots Teal; and a brother, Pete Roddy. Walker-Brown Funeral Home, Bartlesville www.walkerbrownfuneralhome.com ========================================================================================================================================================= The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Tuesday, October 25, 2016 MICHAEL DON SHAW ADA -- Memorial services for Michael Don Shaw, 76, of Ada are at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Criswell Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Earl Scroggins will officiate. The Marine Honor Guard will conduct military honors. Mr. Shaw passed away Friday, Oct. 21, 2016, at an Ada hospital. He was born Feb. 17, 1940, in Seminole to Alvis Floyd and Mary Augustine Camp Shaw. He graduated from Byng High School. He married Theresa J. Luescher Feb. 11, 1981, in Stroud. Mr. Shaw was a truck driver until his retirement. He was of the Baptist faith and served in the U.S. Marines. He did three tours in Vietnam. Survivors include his wife, Theresa of the home; his children, Jeremiah Shaw of the home, Kelly Russell and her husband, Thad, of Oakman, Thresa Ross and her husband, Roy, of Oakman, Michelle Cole and Chris of Ada, Keith Brock and his wife, Sheri, of Phoenix, Arizona, Michael Shaw and his wife, Amber, of Shawnee, Maggie Wolfe of Mississippi, and Ethan Woodrow Shaw and Samantha of Roff; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; and two sisters, Mary Ann Cox and Kay Altman. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Karla Sue Ranells. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada www.criswellfh.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Tuesday, October 25, 2016 ELVA MARTIN SULPHUR -- Elva Faye Martin, 93, a resident of Sulphur, was born Sept. 4, 1923, in Ada to the Rev. Alvah W. and Minnie Faye (Cooper) Oliver. She passed away Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016, in Sulphur. She married Barclay P. Martin Sept. 4, 1942, in Ada. She grew up in Ada, graduated from Ada High School in 1941 and attended East Central University. Elva worked as a secretary for Barclay. She was a member of Sulphur United Methodist Church and was an active member of the United Methodist Women. She was preceded in death by her parents; her infant son, Jerry Lynn Martin; her brother, Alva Lee Oliver; and her sister, Joy Massengale. She is survived by her husband, Barclay Martin of Sulphur; her sons and daughters-in-law, Barclay Martin Jr. and Wynema of Oklahoma City and Edward B. Martin and Elaine of Bel Air, Maryland; eight grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 1 p.m. today at Sulphur United Methodist Church. The Rev. P.J. Stewart and Pastor Blake Martin will officiate. Burial will follow at Rosedale Cemetery in Ada. Pallbearers will be Mike Martin, Steve Martin, Blake Martin, Cole Martin, Ed Martin and Barclay Martin Jr. Honorary Bearers will be Brian Hollis, Wes Harden, Bob Drake and members of Sulphur United Methodist Church. DeArman Funeral Home, Sulphur www.dearmanfuneralhome.com ========================================================================================================================================================= The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Wednesday, October 26, 2016 BENNIE DUNCAN CONNERVILLE -- Funeral services for Mrs. Bennie Rowlena Duncan, 76, of Connerville will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church, Connerville, with the Rev. Kenneth McCarthick officiating. Interment will follow in the Connerville Cemetery. Mrs. Duncan passed away on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2015 at her home. Bennie was born on Sept. 5, 1940, in Galveston, Texas, to Roy Darity and A. Z. (Steen) Darity. She came to Oklahoma as an infant, lived around County Line and Fox and attended and graduated from Fox High School in 1958. After graduating, she attended East Central State University in Ada and graduated with a bachelor's degree in business and elementary education. While in college, she met Joe Duncan, and they were married on Aug. 19, 1961. They moved to Wichita, Kansas, where she taught for one year. They then moved to Calvin, where she taught and continued her education at East Central, where she received her master's degree. They had a daughter, Rowlena Jo Duncan, now Hartman, in January of 1964. The family moved to Altus to teach and then to Duncan, where she taught from 1965 until retiring in 1992. She and her husband moved to Connerville in 1999 and have lived here since that time. Bennie was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Joe; her daughter, Rowlena Jo "Ro" Hartman and husband, David; two grandchildren, Shane and Mackenzie Hartman; her brother-in-law, Jim Duncan and wife, Judy; her niece, Jana Brinkley and children, Scott, Connor and Mason; her nephew, Jerel "Topper" Duncan; and several cousins. Pallbearers for the service will be Bruce Woods, Roy Qualls, Huck Blevins, Matt Howell, Steve Cook and Kevin Flowers. Honorary bearers will be David Hartman, Shane Hartman, Scott Brinkley, Connor Brinkley, Mason Brinkley, Gerald Darity, Jerel "Topper" Duncan, Bobby Stewart, Don Woods and Octave Woods. The family requests that memorials be made in Mrs. Duncan's name to the St. Jude Children's Hospital or to the Connerville Community Center. Clark Funeral Service, Tishomingo www.clarkfuneralservice.net ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Wednesday, October 26, 2016 RUBEN LEON BREWER MAUD -- Ruben Leon Brewer, age 69 and a resident of Maud, passed away at his home Monday, Oct. 24, 2016. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel in Konawa. Bobby Shatto and Bill Kirk will officiate, and burial will follow at Vamoosa Cemetery. Pallbearers are Jimmy Foran, Rex Downey, Homer Downey, Gordon Brewer, Eric Christianson, Corey Fixico, Skylor Meyers, Lee Bolen, Russell Bolen, Mark Stoup, Westy Carpenter, Johnny Ray Wilson, Tom Livesay, Tad Alford, Donnie Stover, Darren Oliphant and Darrell Mackey. Ruben was born March 18, 1947, in Bakersfield, Missouri, to R.C. Brewer and Hazel (Davidson) Brewer. He earned a bachelor's degree and was an educator and a coach. He married Sharron Kay McKinley June 6, 1966, in Shawnee. Ruben was a member of the First Baptist Church in Konawa, and he loved artifact hunting and doing mechanic work, going to garage sales and watching his grandchildren play ball. Ruben was a very giving man who could always be seen at ballgames, watching first his children and then his grandchildren play. He loved people of all ages and could talk to anyone. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife, Sharron Brewer, of the home; one son, Greg Brewer and wife, Amy, of Stuart; two daughters, Tracy Brewer of Maud and Janell Brannon and husband, Brody, of Stuart; one brother, Roger Brewer and wife, Jeanie, of Konawa; one sister, Pauline Greenwood and husband, Sam, of Stratford; eight grandchildren, Turner Brewer, Grady Brewer, Elizabeth Brewer, Logan Brewer-Lucy, Jessica King, Trace King, McKay Barton and Lincoln Brannon; and his stepmother, Dorthy England-Brewer of Gerty. He was preceded in death by his parents, R. C. and Hazel Brewer, and one infant brother. Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole www.swearingenfuneral.comn ========================================================================================================================================================== The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Saturday, October 29, 2016 ELROY FRANCIS WALDEN ADA -- Services for Elroy Francis Walden, 93, of Ada are at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Criswell Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Brian Matthews will officiate. Mr. Walden passed away Friday, Oct. 28, 2016, at the Sulphur Veterans Center. He was born Aug. 31, 1923, in Clarksville, Texas, to James Mitt and Jewell Faye Wood Walden. He attended school in Beckville, Texas, and moved to Ada in 1956 from Stillwater. Mr. Walden was the owner of We Go Perforators and R.W. Production Co., until his retirement in 1997. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Survivors include a daughter, LaDona Hill and her husband, Carlyle, of Ada; three brothers, Don Walden of Centerville, Louisiana, Will E. Walden of Collierville, Tennessee, and Bill Walden of Tulsa; four grandchildren, Ryan Rhoads of Little Rock, Arkansas, Bryce Rhoads of Oklahoma City, Lyndsey Rhoads of Chicago and Cody Hill of Oklahoma City; and three great-grandchildren, Hope, Maverick and Kennedi Rhoads. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada www.criswellfh.com =========================================================================================================================================================