Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

Eulala Grace ‘Prill’ Blankenship

Born: 12/20/1937

Died: 3/6/2004

Maiden Name: Self

Honorific: n/a

Eulala Grace "Prill" Blankenship, 66, passed away March 16, 2004. She was born on December 20, 1937, in Boswell, Oklahoma, the daughter of Oscar Kermit ‘Butch’ Self and Clara Louis ‘Granny Bell’ Self.

She attended Soper Schools and on December 20, 1952, she married J.R. Blankenship in DeQueen, Arkansas. They celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary on December 20, 2002. In 1957, after ranching, truck driving and sawmilling, they moved to Farmington, New Mexico. After a long working relationship with Shell Oil Company, they moved back to Soper. In 1971, they went in partnership and purchased B&E Grocery where they eventually became sole owners. The B&E was a cornerstone of Soper and they operated the store for 30 years before selling it in September 2002.

Prill was considered a true friend to all. She was a working wife and mother, sang beautifully, and could sew anything. She loved her close-knit family and was a promoter of get-togethers at holidays, birthdays, or any other excuse that called for family and friends to come together. She was a member of the Soper Church of Christ.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Oscar Kermit Self Jr., and two infant children.

Survivors include her husband, J.R. Blankenship; daughter and son-in-law, Clariece and Bill McClure; granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Gina and Scotty Van Worth; great-granddaughter and namesake, Alyssa Grace Van Worth, and sister and brother-in-law, Chockie and Bob Edge, all of Soper; several nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Mason Enright Bohanon

Born: n/a

Died: 3/19/2004

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Mason Enright Bohanon Hatak Komassa, 17 months, passed away unexpectedly on March 19, 2004, at his home.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Julius Bohanon and Garvan and Jacquelyn (Enright) Bethel.

Survivors include his parents, Joseph Bohanon and Joyous Bethel of Hattiesburg, Mississippi; two sisters, Hannah Hartman of Santa Anna, Texas, and Eva-Louise Bohanon of Oakland, California, and grandmother, Agnes Bohanon of Hugo, Oklahoma

Imogene (Stewart) Belvin

Born: 1/1/1950

Died: 2/12/2004

Maiden Name: Stewart

Honorific: n/a

Imogene (Stewart) Belvin, 54, of Dallas, Texas, passed away February 12, 2004, at Dallas. She was born January 1, 1950, at Idabel, Oklahoma, the daughter of Steven Sr. and Eunice (Collins) Stewart.

Imogene was a project liaison for the superintendent’s office of Dallas Independent School District. She enjoyed painting, reading the Bible, and spending time with family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Steven Stewart Jr.; and a sister, Patricia Ann McDaniel.

Survivors include her husband, Dwight Belvin of Dallas; a daughter, Regina Belvin of Dallas; a sister, Yvonne Sue Tom of Idabel; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and a host of friends.

Joseph “Joey” Brownfield

Born: 3/23/1979

Died: 1/6/2004

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Joseph “Joey” Brownfield 24, of Valliant, Oklahoma, passed away January 6, 2004, at Valliant. He was born March 23, 1979, at Talihina, Oklahoma, the son of Larry Brown-field and Kay (Thompson) Brown-field. He lived all his life in Valliant.

Survivors include his parents; two brothers, Jason Brownfield of Hugo, Oklahoma, and Nathan Brownfield of Valliant; his great-grandmother, Pauline Hunter of Hugo, and grandmother, Pat Thompson of Hugo.

Clelland Billy

Born: 2/27/1932

Died: 4/15/2004

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Clelland Billy, 72, passed away April 15, 2004. He was born on February 27, 1932, in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, to the Rev. Simon and Mary (Amos) Billy.

Clelland married Rose Willis on October 9, 1952, before entering the Air Force. They traveled and lived all over the country before they settled in Midwest City, Oklahoma.

He graduated from Broken Bow High School in 1952 and was the quarterback for the Broken Bow Savages, one of his many accomplishments that he was proud of. He returned to Broken Bow as often as he could to support his home team. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served during the Korean and Vietnam era. He received numerous awards and medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross for Bravery during his tour of Vietnam. Clelland retired from the Air Force after 24 years of active duty and from civil service at Tinker AFB after 18 years. After retirement, Clelland served for two years as Tribal Registrar for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma under the Gardner administration.

He never met a stranger and enjoyed talking and telling about his many adventures. He was a member of Mary Lee Clark UMC of Del City, Oklahoma. His ministry was gospel music and he was a well known Master of Ceremonies. He formed the Midwest City Trio and traveled many states. He proudly served his God, country and family with faithful service and devotion. One of his many sermons to his family was to return home with honor, always do the right thing, remember your heritage, take care of your family and love your family.

Survivors include his wife, Rose Billy, of Midwest City; one son, Glenn Billy of Midwest City; one daughter and son-in-law, Janice and Marshall McCaulley; four grandsons, Michael Billy, Jason Brown, Samuel Brown and Clayton McCaulley; one granddaughter and her husband, Karen and Steve St. Hilaire of Altus AFB, Oklahoma; two brothers, Ed Billy of Broken Bow and Daniel Billy of Oklahoma City; one great-granddaughter, Maya Genesis Brown of Oklahoma City; special friend, Agnes Ward of McAlester, Oklahoma, and numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Tux Bowen

Born: 11/28/1911

Died: 2/23/2004

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Tux Bowen, 92, of Scipio, Oklahoma, passed away February 23, 2004, at Tulsa Regional Medical Center. He was born November 28, 1911, in Scipio to Lon Huey and Rhoda (Folsom) Bowen. He grew up there and had lived virtually all his life in Scipio.

Mr. Bowen attended the Scipio Baptist Church for many years. He married Viola Owens on November 7, 1936, in Visalia, California. His main occupation was ranching, but he and his wife also owned and operated the Scipio Grocery Store for a number of years. He was a well-known figure at the McAlester Stockyards where he bought and sold cattle, not only for himself but also as a broker for other ranchers. He had also served as mayor of Scipio years ago and worked as a deputy sheriff in the 1970s. Tux was also a member of the Scipio baseball team in the 1920s, ’30s, and ’40s.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, three brothers and one sister.

Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Sonny and Larenda Bowen of Scipio and Joe and Anita Bowen of McAlester, Oklahoma; two daughters and sons-in-law, Betty and Jim Barnes of McAlester and Reta and Benny Powell of Tannehill; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; two nephews, Truman Herron of Durant, Oklahoma, and Dean Bowen of Indianola, Oklahoma, and one niece, Marieda Jobe of Grant, Oklahoma.

Billie Louise Brown

Born: 7/4/1922

Died: 6/11/2004

Maiden Name: Wright

Honorific: n/a

Billie Louise Brown, 81, of Tyler Texas, passed away on June 11, 2004, at Mother Francis Hospital, Tyler. She was born July 4, 1922, in Boswell, Oklahoma, to Leonard Dalco Wright and Lena Bell Crowder Wright, who were both original enrollees.

Billie lived most of her younger life in Amarillo, Texas. During the latter stages of World War II she was a welder, helping to build U.S. Navy destroyers in Orange, Texas.

She married Timothy O. Brown, a retired Navy veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam. During his career, she uncomplainingly accompanied her husband to his many duty stations aboard ships homeported on both coasts of the United States.

Survivors include her husband; and four cousins, June Sanford of El Paso, Texas, Juanita McMinn of Santa Clara, California, Betty Heredia of San Diego, California, and Paul Harland of Miramonte, California.

Mary Alice Bully

Born: 5/10/1939

Died: 8/3/2004

Maiden Name: Carnes

Honorific: n/a

Mary Alice Bully, 65, of Durant, passed away August 3, 2004, at the Medical Center of Southeastern Oklahoma. She was born May 10, 1939, in Lane, Oklahoma, to Allen and Mary Jane (Tilaby) Carnes.

Mary attended school at Wheelock. She married Freeman Bully on January 7, 1957. She was a Jehovah’s Witness and an active member of Patchwork Angels as their first participant. She will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Freeman; brother, Ben Carnes; sisters, Mildred Webb, Barbara Carnes and Elizabeth OmaAllen.

Survivors include her sons, Curtis Bully of Durant and Alvin Bully and his wife, Debbie, of Calera, Oklahoma; daughters and their spouses, Theresa and Charles Prough and Connie and Dee Conner, all of Durant, and sisters, Shirley Duran and her husband, Jimmy, of Texas, Tina Fields of Cartwright, Oklahoma, and Virginia Billy of Durant.

Cindi Kaye (Sam) Baker

Born: 5/29/1954

Died: 4/17/2004

Maiden Name: Sam

Honorific: n/a

Cindi Kaye (Sam) Baker, 49, passed away April 17, 2004. She was born May 29, 1954, in Talihina, Oklahoma, to Virginia and Leonard Sam and had lived most of her life in Soper.

Cindi was a loving and devoted wife, mother, daughter and sister whose presence in their lives is greatly missed.

She graduated from Soper Public School in 1971 and later attended the Hugo Vo-Tech, graduating in 1986 and beginning her career as an LPN where helping others was more than a job  it was her dream. Cindi will be remembered for the smile she always had when meeting others regardless of how her day was going. Her strength, kindness, compassion and generosity served as a role model for her younger sisters and brother. Cindi was proud of her Choctaw heritage and was an avid OU fan. She enjoyed taking care of her precious granddaughters, teaching Sunday School at the High Hill Methodist Church, reading her Bible, helping others, doing arts and crafts, and her dogs, Pudgy and Skipper.

She was preceded in death by her father, and a nephew, Sam Eli Davis.

Survivors include her husband, Burl Baker, and son, Chris Baker, of Soper, Oklahoma; daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Dustin Alley of Detroit, Texas; two granddaughters, Miranda and Caitlin Bates of Detroit; her mother, Virginia Sam of Soper; sisters and brothers-in-law, Ramona White Tobacco and Virginia Templeton of Soper, Pam and Steve Hunt of Antlers and Sue and Rick Stevens of Boswell, Oklahoma; brother, Gordon Sam of Dallas, Texas; nieces, Winona Davis and Heather Templeton; nephews, Brandon Sam, Troy Riggs, Patrick Davis, Marlin Davis, Kevan Hunt, Michael Hunt, and Matthew Sam, and great-nephew, Antonio Del Rosa.

Tina Nicole Bouse

Born: 6/13/1977

Died: 8/9/2004

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Tina Nicole Bouse, 27, of Keota, Oklahoma, passed away August 9, 2004, in Keota. She was born June 13, 1977, in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. She graduated from Keota High School.

Survivors include her parents, Jack and Helen Bouse of Midwest City, Oklahoma, and Billie Sue Thompson of Keota; one sister, Candace Bouse of Midwest City; three brothers, Jerry Stone of Oklahoma City, Ralph Nance of Midwest City and Jack Bouse Jr. of Granite, Oklahoma; grandmother, Fay Bouse of Harrah, Oklahoma; grandfather, Roy Ritter of Spiro, Oklahoma, and several nieces and nephews.

Bessie Lorene Burdick

Born: n/a

Died: 11/30/1996

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Bessie Lorene Burdick, 77 of Panama, Oklahoma passed away on Saturday, November 30, 1996 in Panama after a lengthy illness. She was a homemaker and a member of the Pentecostal Church of God and the Choctaw Nation. She was the widow of Warren Burdick.

She is survived by two daughters, Cynthia Lovell and Connie Harris of Panama; two sons, Donnie Barlow and Dennis Burdick of Panama; two brothers, Sonny Walker of Panama and James Walker of Mustang, Oklahoma; eleven grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.

Sgt. Major Tony Byars

Born: 4/19/1925

Died: 7/9/1998

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Tony Byars, 73, a resident of Austin, Texas, and formerly of Oklahoma, passed away at his home on July 9, 1998.

Mr. Byars was born April 19, 1925 in Marsden, Oklahoma, the son of Harrison Alex Byars and Lena Jefferson Byars. He attended school at Jones Academy and Chilocco Indian School. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1943 and had 27 years of distinguished service throughout three wars until his retirement in 1970.

He graduated from Baylor University in 1974 with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Political Science and Public Administration. Mr. Byars civilian career in public service included involvement with organizations such as CETA, the Texas Indian Commission, the American Indian Resource and Education Coalition (AIREC) and Goodwill Industries. He also served as Superintendent of the Alabama Coushatta Indian Reservation. Mr. Byars was inducted into the Chiloccco Hall of Fame in June 1997, an honor that he was very proud to have received. He was member of Christ Memorial Baptist Church in Austin.

Mr. Byars was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, Virginia Jones Byars, two children, Cheryl Ann and Michael Alex, and two brothers, Melvin J. Arnett and Sweeney Byars.

He is survived by his daughter, Karen E. Byars of Austin; two sons, John W. Byars of Austin and William A. Byars and wife, Pat, of Waco, Texas; two sisters, Rosalie Imotichey of Sulphur, Oklahoma, and Lorena Thompson of Newcastle, Delaware, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Alexander J. ‘Sonny’ Brown

Born: 3/29/1962

Died: 3/28/2004

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Alexander J. Sonny Brown, 41, passed away March 28, 2004, at Stratford, Oklahoma. He was born March 29, 1962, at South Gate, California, to Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Brown Jr. of Stratford.

He grew up in Oklahoma City and Stratford. He drove company trucks, but always wanted to drive trucks state-to-state. He loved playing all kinds of sports such as football, baseball, volleyball and men’s fastpitch and horseshoe throwing. Sonny played third base for his father, starting at 14 years old, and had loved it ever since.

In November 2001, Sonny was diagnosed with melanoma cancer and he fought it for two-and-one-half years. He was never married but loved his six nieces and one nephew very much.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Samuel Brown Sr. of Eufaula, Oklahoma, Essie (Hicks) Brown of Okemah, Oklahoma, Collin Postoak and Sina (Frazier) Postoak of Stratford; one sister, Rachael Carmen Brown of Oklahoma City and one uncle, Alexander Postoak of Tulsa, OKlahoma.

Survivors include his five brothers and two sisters, Michael Brown, Eddie Brown and Samuel Brown III, all of Stratford, Tim Brown, Orlando Brown and Colleenia Brown, all of Oklahoma City, and Rachael Mae Brown of Mill Creek, Oklahoma, and one uncle, Jake Brown of Hanna, Oklahoma.

Hugh Lofton Bennett, Sr.

Born: 12/28/1923

Died: 6/10/2000

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Hugh Lofton Bennett, Sr., 76, passed away Saturday, June 10, 2000 in Cut Bank, Montana. Mr. Bennett was born December 28,1923 in Stuart, Oklahoma.

He was self-employed in the oil field, owning and operating Bennett Drilling. Company and H.B. Well Service. He also worked for Texaco Oil Company.

He enjoyed gun sports, hunting, trapping, fishing, outfitting and reading. He was also an avid horseman and possessed a special bond with animals, especially his horses and dogs. He had a deep love for his family and was a faithful friend. Mr. Bennett was very proud of his Choctaw heritage. He will be missed for his humor, good stories and laughter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, J.D. and Minnie Daniels Bennett; two sisters, Katie Price and Marjorie Duke; a great-grandson, Hugh Dawson Bennett, and a son-in-law, Joe Homer.

Survivors include his daughters, Saundra Farley of Oklahoma City, Melita Homer of McAlester, Oklalioma and Mickie Sutton of Helena, Montana; sons, Hugh Pete” Bennett of Casa Grande, Arizona, Jeffrey Bennett of Caddo Mills, Texas, John Bennett of Casper, Wyoming and Robert Bennett of Reeds Port, Oregon and Scott Bennett of Townsend, Montana; a sister Mary Billie of Vancouver, Washington; a brother Robert Bennett of Midwest City, OkJa-homa; 20 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; an aunt Letha Reed and an uncle Wilson Hall both of Oklahoma; a special nephew Robert Kittle of Hannah, Oklahoma; best friends Jack Moore of Cut Bank and son-in-law Jim Farley of Oklahoma City; numerous nieces nephews cousins and many many friends.

Bill V. Brumley Jr.

Born: 10/29/1947

Died: 2/19/2004

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Bill V. Brumley, Jr., 56, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, passed away February 19, 2004, at the St. John’s Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was born on October 29, 1947, in Oklahoma City to Bill V. and Emily (Eberle) Brumley.

Bill attended Meeker, Oklahoma, schools from grades three through eleven. He graduated from Shawnee High School in 1965. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1968 during the Vietnam War, serving both at home and abroad in Southeast Asia. After his honorable discharge in 1972, Bill returned home and graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University with a B.A. He went on to receive his Juris Doctorate law degree from the University of Oklahoma and an L.L.M. in taxation from the University of Denver.

Mr. Brumley was an attorney with the Brumley and Bishop law firm, which was established in 1992 in Tulsa. He was a member of the Washington County Bar Association. Bill was a former Deputy Attorney General for the Nevada Tax Commission. He was a member of the Tulsa Estate Planning Forum, Tulsa Pension Lawyers, and was a fellow of American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.

His first wife, Dawn, and the mother of his five children, preceded him in death in August 2002.

Survivors include his two sons, William Bryant B.J. Brumley, who is in his third year at the U.S. Naval Academy, and Robert Andrew, in his senior year of high school at Bartlesville; his three daughters, Heather, who will soon have her law degree from the University of Oklahoma, Jennifer of Tulsa, who is attending junior college, and Hilary of Norman, who is also attending the University of Oklahoma.; his parents, Mr. And Mrs. Bill V. Brumley, Sr., of Bartlesville; two sisters, Ramona and her husband, Richard Witherill, of Manassas, Virginia, and Emma and her husband, Mike Roberts, of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma; numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of other family and friends. Bill enjoyed being with his children and golfing. He was proud to be a member of the Choctaw Nation. His paternal grandmother, Mary Elizabeth (Rushing) Brumley, was an original enrollee.

Velma Williams Baker

Born: 11/13/1921

Died: 2/27/2005

Maiden Name: Williams

Honorific: n/a

Velma Williams Baker, 82, passed away February 27, 2004, in Fresno, California, surrounded by 23 loving members of her family. She was born November 13, 1921, in Albion, Oklahoma, the daughter of Dave and Abbie Williams. She was a member of New Harvest Church of Fresno.

Velma started first grade in Albion and graduated high school from there as well. She attended college at Durant, Oklahoma, for two years. With World War II starting, they asked her to return to Albion to teach and coach girls’ basketball.

She met and married a soldier boy, Earl Baker of Vanoss, Oklahoma. When their first son, Don, was six months old, they moved to Exeter, California. She taught in Lindcove, a small town outside of Exeter, where several of her nieces and nephews were in her class. They moved to Fresno, where she continued teaching and attending Fresno State University to complete her education. She accomplished all of this, as well as being a mother to two young sons.

Darlene Bidwell

Born: 5/9/1932

Died: 3/5/2005

Maiden Name: Johnson

Honorific: n/a

Darlene Bidwell, 72, of Brooken, Oklahoma, passed away March 5, 2005. She was born May 9, 1932, to Jasper and Grace Fitzer Johnson in Lona Valley.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Claude,Haskell Cooper Christy”.

Helen Marguriette Boyd

Born: 3/20/1925

Died: 7/29/2002

Maiden Name: Hoyt

Honorific: n/a

Helen Marguriette Boyd, 77, passed away Monday, July 29, 2002 in Haskell County Hospital in Stigler, Oklahoma. She was born March 20, 1925 to Olin and Golda (Cariker) Hoyt in Hoyt, Oklahoma.

She was a retired machinist, and had lived in Stigler for the past 15 years following her retirement in California. She was of the Baptist faith.

Four brothers and a son preceded her in death.

Survivors include a son, Gary Wayne Boyd of Stigler; two daughters, Golda Lynn Vargas and Lana Lorraine Bird, both of California; five grandchildren, Chandra Marie Vargas, Denna Lorrin Bird and Dennise Lauren Bird all of California, and Jesse Wayne Boyd and Taylor Jeanette Boyd, both of Stigler; two great-grandchildren, Cerrena Maria Elena Vera and Enrique Dario Vera, both of California; three sisters, Lawanna Chunnings of California, Linda Cunningham of Washington, and Flora Lee Ary of Oklahoma, and one brother, O.V. Hoyt of Oklahoma.

Floyd J. Baker

Born: 4/15/1917

Died: 7/2/2003

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Floyd J. Baker, 86, of Battiest. Oklahoma passed away July 2, 2003 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was born April 15, 1917 at Battiest. He was a lifelong resident of McCurtain County.

Floyd was a retired farmer and had raised many hogs. He enjoyed hunting, gardening, and of course, spending time with his grandchildren. He was a member of Bethal Hill Methodist Church.

Mr. Baker was a U.S. Army veteran who served in World War II and was awarded the Bronze Star for heroic achievement in action against the enemy in the Les Remabois Sector France. The Citation read, For heroic achievement in action against the enemy in the Les Remabois Sector France on 8 November 1944 Pfc. Baker while on a hazardous daylight patrol moved over open terrain 2 700 yards ahead of our lines. Upon encountering a hostile machine-gun emplacement which opened fire on it the patrol returned the fire and withdrew in another direction. Having completed its mission the patrol returned over the open terrain constantly meeting with withering automatic and small arms fire and with harassing morter fire. Pfc. Baker’s daring and courage in the face of extreme danger reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. He entered military service. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Bessie Baker; his parents Robinson and Ennettie Noah Baker; his brothers Anderson Winship Jimmy Baker Daniel Baker and Walter Baker and a sister Gladys Wade.

Malinda “Lily” Brumit

Born: 10/25/1912

Died: 10/6/2004

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Malinda “Lily” Brumit, 91, of Blanco, Oklahoma, passed away October 6, 2004, at her home outside of McAlester. She was born October 25, 1912, in Celestine, the daughter of Sante and Isabenda Wood Ferrante. She grew up in the Celestine and Idabel areas and graduated second in her class from Coalgate High School.

She married Luther “Jack” Brumit on June 8, 1935, and was a homemaker all of her life. She was a member of the Blanco Baptist Church and the Ohoyohoma Indian Club.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Luther “Jack” Brumit, on November 16, 2003; three sisters, Rose Hoffman, Lena Nichell, and Louise James; four brothers, Charlie Ferrante, Otha Ferrante, John Ferrante, and infant Pete Ferrante, and a great-granddaughter, Lily Bach.

Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Darlina and Charles Scroggins of the home; three sons and daughters-in-law, Jack and Bernadette Brumit of Quincy, California, James and Judy Brumit of Oklahoma City and Charles and Johnna Brumit of Billings, Montana; grandchildren, Lisa Brumit Cervantes, Mindy Brumit Bach, Shaun Brumit, Michael Brumit, Matthew Brumit, Traci Teman Chiro, Dana Scroggins, Daniel Brumit, Chuck Scroggins, James Brumit Jr., Keith Teman, Debbie Scroggins Miller, Chris Brumit, Robert Jack Brumit, Michael Brumit and Mitchell Teman; 26 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

E.C. “Nick” Bledsoe

Born: 10/5/1915

Died: 6/27/2005

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

E.C. “Nick” Bledsoe, 89, passed away June 27, 2005, at Davis, Oklahoma. He was born October 5, 1915, in Bokchito, Oklahoma, to Eldery and Mary Neeley Bledsoe.

Nick, the fourth of five brothers, had lived in Davis since 1955. He married Gladys Henry in 1937 at Asher, Oklahoma. She passed away in 1995 after 58 years of marriage. In 1997, he married Wanda Carter. She preceded him in death in 1998. Also preceding him in death were his parents and four brothers, Earl, Wade, Ernest and Roy.

Nick worked in the oil fields for many years and later worked as a driller for Sooner Rock in Davis, Oklahoma. He was a member of First Christian Church and was a veteran of World War II.

Survivors include three daughters, Mary LaNoy of Guthrie, Oklahoma, Nika Bledsoe of Davis and Opal Bejcek and husband, Grant, of South Lake, Texas; five grandchildren, Clif LaNoy and wife, Patti, of Davis, Alisa Kornmeyer and husband, Joe, and Michael LaNoy and wife, April, all of Guthrie, Oklahoma, Chelsea Sumners and husband, Gary, of Colorado City, Texas, and Brock Bejeck of South Lake; and eight great-grandchildren, Nick, Jennifer, Joey, Kasey, Kaitlyn, Kristin, Kyle and Savannah.

Edwin Billy

Born: 3/21/1943

Died: 6/1/2005

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Edwin Billy, 64, of Sobol, Oklahoma, passed away on June 1, 2005, at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was born March 21, 1943, at Corinne, Oklahoma, to Wesley Billy and Nellie Charley Billy. Edwin married Nadine Samuel on August 30, 1961, in Rufe, Oklahoma. He lived in the Sobol area most of his life. He was a member of the Goodwater United Methodist Church as well as its clubs and organizations.

He retired from Weyerhaeuser Company at Wright City in March of 2003 after 43 years of service. Edwin loved working in his church, hunting, fishing, and enjoyed playing baseball and softball in his younger years and loved spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Nadine; two sons, Kevin Billy and wife, Lorraine, of Rattan, Don Billy of Antlers; daughter, Debra and husband, Nelson Wesley, of Sobol; two brothers, Junior Billy of Sobol and Soloman Billy of Rattan; three sisters, Deloris Taylor, Hazel Taylor, and Versa Crow, all of Sobol; five grandchildren, Tony Wesley and wife, Sharon, Derek Wesley, Crystal Beller and husband, Brandon, Sheldon Wesley, and Teona Billy; one great-granddaughter, Kalin Beller; numerous nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren and friends. He will be greatly missed by his family.

Viola Blevins

Born: 2/24/1926

Died: 5/18/2003

Maiden Name: Gibson

Honorific: n/a

James Edward Brown

Born: 8/12/1913

Died: 5/31/2003

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

MJames Edward Brown, 89, passed away May 31, 2003 at his home in McAlester, Oklahoma. He was born August 12, 1913 in Wilburton, Oklahoma, the son of Able N. and Jennie (Wilcox) Brown.

He had lived most of his adult life in Fresno, California, moving back to Blanco, Oklahoma upon retirement, then to McAlester. He was a graduate of Jones Academy and graduated high school from Chilocco. He worked for the Indian Department in Muskogee, Oklahoma as a draftsman, later going to the Bureau of Reclamation in that same capacity. He married Virgina Winnie Patterson on October 5, 1935 in McAlester. He was a member of McAlester First Baptist Church and had served as a deacon in the past.

Survivors include his wife, Virginia Winnie Brown, of the home; one daughter, Winnie N. Cooke of McAlester; a son, Davis N. Brown of Santa Clarita, California; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two brothers, Paul Brown of Mena, Arkansas and Larry Brown of Red Oak, Oklahoma, and one sister, Wanda Brown.

Charles D. Bonaparte

Born: 10/14/1918

Died: 1/19/2003

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Charles D. Bonaparte, 84, of Red Oak, Oklahoma passed away on Sunday, January 19, 2003 at Latimer County Hospital in Wilburton, Oklahoma. He was the last of his generation.

Charles was born October 14, 1918 in Dow, Oklahoma to original enrollee Jacob Bonaparte and Dora (Paxton) Bonaparte.

He spent his chilhood years in High Hill community where he attended East Carban School.

Charles was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army.

He enjoyed the outdoors, especially gardening, raising hogs, traveling and visiting with friends. He loved people and enjoyed life.

Charles loved the Lord and to serve in the church. He was a dedicated member and lifetime Trustee of Cedar Baptist Church. He used to drive hundreds of miles for meetings. He liked to be one of the first ones there.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 26 years, Valdona Wallen Bonaparte; adopted son, Gerald Bonaparte; his parents; stepfather, Jackson Smith; sisters, Cora Wall Thompson, Christine Smith, Aileen Smith and Dora Smith Cunningham, and brothers, Joseph, Joshua and Benjamin Bonaparte.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley Bonaparte of Red Oak; stepdaughters and husbands, Christine and Raymond Mackey of Wister, Oklahoma, Erma and Harlod Hegler of Daingerfield, Texas; many step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews; sister-in-law, Carolyn Bonaparte and daughters, Lavern Crain and Barbara Mustonen of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and many friends and church family.

Theda Bacinett

Born: 9/8/1929

Died: n/a

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Theda Bara Bacinett, 72, passed away peacefully in her home with her family by her side on November 25, 2001. Born in Allen, Oklahoma on September 8, 1929, she was a Lake County resident for 27 years. Prior to that, she lived in San Diego, California.

She enjoyed cooking, sewing, gardening and her family.

She is survived by her husband, Kenneth E. Bacinett of Upper Lake, California; son, Jim Bacinett of San Diego; daughters, Donna Melville and husband, Ken, of Kelseyville, California, Debbie Rice of Loveland, Colorado and Dorey Pendleton and husband, Jerry, of Lakeport grandchildren, Stan Bacinett and wife, Erika, of San Diego, Mike Rice and wife, Corina, of Santa Rosa, California, Scot Bacinett and wife, Nathile, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; Jason Rice and wife, Fawn, of Box Elder, South Dakota, Chris Rice of Loveland, Brad Pendleton of Lakeport, Shawnte Bacinett of San Diego, Shannon Melville of Kelseyville, Chyral Bryant and husband, Mike, of Kelseyville, and Lynsey Bara Pendleton of Lakeport; eight great-grandchildren, three nieces and two nephews.

Douglas Henry Matthew Brown

Born: 5/16/1923

Died: 4/2/2003

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

The Rev. Douglas Henry Matthew Brown, 79, passed away Wednesday, April 2, 2003. He was born May 16, 1923, in Poteau, Oklahoma to the Rev. and Mrs. Eddie Brown. He was the eldest of nine children.

Douglas was a proud member of the Choctaw Nation and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He fought to liberate several concentration camps, was in the Battle of the Bulge and saw combat in France and the South Pacific.

Upon returning from his overseas tour, he made his home in San Luis Obispo County until 1955, at which time he moved to Cudahy. He moved to Creston in 1978, where he raised grandkids and livestock. He moved to Atascadero in 2001.

Pastor Brown was an ordained Assemblies 0f God 56 years. He pioneered the Grover Beach First Assembly of God, was the Pastors of Cudahy First Assembly of God, and the Templeton First Assembly of God.

The Rev. Brown loved the Lord and touched many lives with the message of Jesus Christ. Papa loved gospel music and a house full of family and friends. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother.

Martha Lou Marty Grubbs Bell

Born: 12/11/1941

Died: 6/4/2005

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Martha Lou Marty Grubbs Bell passed away June 4, 2005, at her home in Temple, Texas. She was born December 11, 1941, to Jess Ralph and Mary Uldean Cearley Grubbs.

Mary graduated from McAlester High School in 1959. She then moved to Duncan, Oklahoma, where she attended and graduated from LaJean’s Beauty School.

She met and married her husband, Ronald D. Bell, in Duncan in 1964. Ron was in the U.S. Army and they traveled throughout the United States and Japan making many friends during their tours of duty. Upon retirement, they traveled the United States and later purchased and operated Shady Oaks RV Resort in Ganado, Texas.

Survivors include her husband of Temple; one son, Timothy Glenn Bell of Allen, Texas; two daughters, Hope Renee Bell of Austin, Texas, and Gloria Kay Bell of Pennsylvania, and eleven grandchildren; four sisters, Mary S. Smith of Duncan, Oklahoma, Jessye Mae Martin of Garland, Texas, Norma Louise Peacock of Dallas, Texas, and Judy Kay Lowry of McKinney, Texas; and one brother, Johnny Ross Grubbs of Garland.

Marty was very proud of her Choctaw heritage and worked to see that her children and grandchildren each had their Choctaw cards.

Harold Dean Baggs

Born: 2/3/1962

Died: 5/11/2005

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Harold Dean Baggs, 43, of Antlers, Oklahoma, passed away May 11, 2005, in Kiowa, Oklahoma. He was born February 3, 1962, in Antlers to Burl Baggs and Marie Ruth Greenwood Baggs.

Dean was a lifelong resident of Antlers and was of the Methodist faith. He was a laborer on the farm and ranch. Dean loved to cook and take care of his nieces and nephews. He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father and his g739,Lance Evan Erwin

Jay C. Bowden

Born: 2/4/1926

Died: 11/22/2000

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Jay C. Bowden of Campbell, California, born February 4, 1926, passed away November 22, 2000. Mr. Bowden was a 50-year member of the Lathers Local #144 of San Jose, California.

Loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he is survived by his wife of 56 years, Beverly Bowden, and his children and their spouses, Linda and Dan Seminar, Sheila and Jerry Smith, and Dennis and Patricia Bowden; greandchildren, Kimberly Twitchell, Genay Seminar, Dean Seminar, Kenneth Marchese, Raymond Marchese, Jennifer Kenney and Tyler Smith; great-grandchildren, Jacquie Marchese, Michael Twitchell and Molly Kenney; brother, Bobbie Kelley; and sister, Helen Gill.

Isaac Battiest, Sr.

Born: n/a

Died: 1/20/2001

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Isaac Battiest, Sr., 76, passed away Saturday, January 20, 2001 at McCurtain Manor Nursing Home in Broken Bow, Oklahoma.

He lived in the St. Matthew community of Broken Bow all of his life. He was a member of the St. Matthew Presbyterian Church where he served as a Ruling Elder.

Mr. Battiest loved singing for the Lord and was known well by his favorite song, “I’m feeling fine.” He played piano and sung with groups including The Gospel Harmonaires, Good News Quartet and The Oklahoma State Quartet.

Leo Bice

Born: 6/11/1922

Died: 7/25/2005

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Leo Bice of San Simon, Arizona, passed away July 25, 2005. He was born June 11, 1922, in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Mr. Bice was a veteran of World War II during which he was a member of 158 Infantry Regiment, Bushmasters, and was awarded a bronze star. He had lived in San Simon for the past 17 years.

Survivors include his son, Rick Bice; four grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Virgil Wayne Beasley

Born: 7/28/1950

Died: 7/29/2001

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Virgil Wayne Beasley, 51, of McAlester, Oklahoma passed away Sunday, July 29, 2001 at his home. He was bron July 28, 1950 in McAlester to Marcus and Anna Beasley.

Virgil worked as a heavy equipment operator. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his children.

Lewis Bullard, Jr.

Born: 5/30/1925

Died: 6/28/2001

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Lewis Bullard, Jr., 76, a longtime Quinton, Oklahoma area rancher, passed away of complication from a brain tumor on Thursday, June, 2001.

Carol Ann Baughan

Born: 10/22/1961

Died: 9/27/2001

Maiden Name: Baughan

Honorific: n/a

Carol Ann Baughan of Warner Robins, Georgia, a former Peach Blossom Queen of the State of Georgia, passed away September 27, 2001. She was born October 22, 1961.

Survivors include Stevie Baughan; father, Ret. Air Force Major Horace Lewis Baughan; mother, Nita LeFlore Baughan of Panmale City, Florida; sisters, Betty Ann Wagner and Sallie Ann Richardson, both of Warner Robins; two uncles, Herman Kirt LeFlore of Fresno, California and Charles A. Spencer of Gold Hill, Oregon; three aunts, Willie Mack Floyd of Fresno, California, Susie Morgan of Houston, Texas and Virginia Lou Armstrong of Oklahoma City.

Carol Ann is the granddaughter of the late Matt Harris LeFlore and the late Destie Boren LeFlore Spencer.

Gerea Antoinette Culbertson Burns

Born: 4/28/1909

Died: 12/30/1999

Maiden Name: Culbertson

Honorific: n/a

Gerea Antoinette Culbertson Burns, formerly of McAlester, Oklahoma, passed away on December 30, 1999 in New Bern, North Carolina. A member of the Choctaw Nation, she was born in Kiowa, Oklahoma on April 26, 1909.

She graduated from Kiowa High School and attended Oklahoma Presbyterian College and Southeastern Oklahoma Teachers, College, both in Durant, Oklahoma. She subsequently taught at Kiowa High School for five years.

She received her Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Fresno State University in Fresno, California. She taught elementary school in Mendota, California for 19 years. She lived in Mendota until her retirement in 1978. She and her husband, Lloyd, moved to New Bern, North Carolina in 1998 to be near her son.

She is survived by her son, Gene Harrison, Jr. of New Bern; two grandchildren, Timothy Eugene Harrison and Catherine Marie Collis, both of Everett, Washington; and three great-grandchildren, Krystina Erickson Everett, Washington and Nicole Tolman and Alica Tolman of Marysville, Washington.

She was a member of The Eastern Star and a member of The Frink Baptist Church. Gerea will always be remembered for her strongly held values of hard work, high moral standards and devotion to family, friends and church. She was a thrifty person of great strength of character. Her retirement years in McAlester were some of her happiest times.

Her parents were Sophia A. Flint and Charles E. Culbertson. Mr. Culbertson was the first postmaster at Kiowa and later owned and operated C.E. Culbertson Hardware, Furniture, Implements, Harness and Lumber Co. at both Kiowa and Pittsburg, Oklahoma. Her grandmother, Mary M. Rogers, traveled from Winston County, Mississippi to Atoka, Indian Territory.

Lillie Mae Bullard

Born: 5/9/1905

Died: 1/18/2000

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Lillie Mae Bullard, 94, an original enrollee, passed away January 18, 2000 in Duncan, Oklahoma. Mrs. Bullard was born May 9, 1905 east of Elmore City, Indian Territory, to A.L. and Carrie Parks Buckholts.

She graduated from Oklahoma University with a degree in home economics.

Mrs. Bullard was a teacher and former County Extension agent. She was a member of the Eastern Star, Lora Mae Isaac Evans.

Amos Albert Burris

Born: n/a

Died: 4/21/2000

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Amos Albert Burris, 84, of Phoenix, Arizona passed away April 21, 2000. He was born in Blanchard, Oklahoma.

Preceded him in death were his parents, Samuel S. Burris, Sr. and Florance Eddie Burris; brothers, Hyman “Jack”, Buster, Leafus, Samuel S. “Sid” and Roy Lee Burris’ sisters, Mammie Burris Winters and Qunita Burris Gamel.

Survivors include one son, Ronny Burris; one daughter, Sharon Burris; one brother, Lloyd C. Burris, and one sister, Polly Burris Simenson.

Ruby Carlene Bullock

Born: 4/8/1913

Died: 5/21/2000

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Ruby Carlene Bullock, 87, of Odessa, Texas passed away Sunday, May 21, 2000 at her residence. She was born April 8, 1913 in Madill, Oklahoma to Hattie Bourne and Raymond Palmour. Her grandmother was Carrie Arbuckle of Oklahoma City.

Mrs, Bullock moved to Odessa in 1947 from Abilene, Texas. She had been a nurse for 43 years and was a longtime and faithful member of Wesley Evangelical Methodist Church.

She married William Melvin Bullock on January 31, 1942. He preceded her in death on May 23, 1953.

Survivors include sons, Bobby Dixon and wife, Sandy, of Paradise, Texas, W.C. Dixon and wife, Becky, of Odessa, George Bullock of Basstrop, Texas and Melvin Bullock and wife, Margret, of Odessa; brothers, J.L. Palmour of Lubbock, Texas and Raymond Palmour of Abilene, Texas; sister, Carrie Harrison of Pasadena; 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Dwight Leonard Bond

Born: 3/27/1950

Died: 4/26/2000

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Dwight Leonard Bond, 50, of Battiest, Oklahoma passed away Wednesday, April 26, 2000 at Wadley Hospital in Texarkana, Texas. He was born March 27, 1950 in Talihina, Oklahoma, the son of Osbine and Maecian Bond. He married Betsy Mae Nehka on December 28, 1971.

Mr. Bond was assistant mechanic for Battiest School, was afflilated with Kulli Chito Presbyterian Church in Bethal, Oklahoma and had lived in the are most of his life. He enjoyed fishing and hunting.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Lester Dale Bond.

Survivors include his wife; one son, Davin Bond of Bethel; three daughters, Marsha Bond, Melissa Bond and Loretta Bond, all of Bethel; three brothers, Dickie Bond, Larry Bond and Lloyd Bond, all of Bethel; three sisters, Elizabeth Tonihka of Bethel, Sandra Byington of Broken Bow, Oklahoma and Donna Rios of Gillham, Arkansas, and several aunts, uncles, nieces ans nephews.

David Ernest Bacon

Born: 10/8/1928

Died: 11/4/2005

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

David Ernest Bacon, 77, of Boswell passed away November 4, 2005, in Denison, Texas. He was born October 8, 1928, in Boswell, the son of Silas and Esther Mae Jones Bacon. He lived in the Boswell community all of his life.

He married Clovis Dill in Idabel on April 30, 1957.

A rancher, David enjoyed his horses and horse-trading. He also enjoyed going to rodeos and watching his children and grandchildren riding and roping. He loved spending time with his grandchildren. David was a member of Boswell Assembly of God.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife; eight sons, Davy, Kent, Doyle, Kevin and Barry, all of Boswell, Ernie of Ada, Keith of Durant and Mike of Soper; two daughters, Lisa of Mustang and Lana of Boswell; two brothers, Silas Bacon Jr., Mt. Vernon, Texas, and Joe Allen Bacon, Boswell; four sisters, Adeline Calhoun, San Antonio, Texas, Mary Lou Toepletz, Midwest City, Frances Chandler, Calera, and Esther Lee Crowder, Anadarko; 18 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, along with a host of family and friends.

Kenneth Douglas Boe

Born: 5/3/1942

Died: 10/7/2005

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Kenneth Douglas Boe of Casper, Wyoming, passed away October 7, 2005. He was born May 3, 1942, in Ventura, California.

He worked as a pipe fitter and welder most of his life. He enjoyed collecting guns and raising dogs.

His sister, Marsha, and brother, Robert, preceded him in death.

Survivors include his daughters, Debbie and Connie Boe, (their mother, Sally Boe); grandchildren, Daniel, Denielle (her five children, Alicia, Myriah, Maudi, Joe and Nichole), and Janie Marie (and her daughter, Natasha), Douglas (his daughter, Aysha), Chris and Andrea; his daughter, Angela Boe (her mother, Kathy Boe); grandchildren, Sara, and Angel; and his son, Jason; three sisters, Linda, Isha and Rebecca; and three brothers, Thomas, David and Stephen.

Rolena Bohanon

Born: 6/26/1964

Died: 9/13/2005

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Rolena Bohanon, 41, of Ada passed away September 13, 2005, at a local hospital. She was born June 26, 1964, at Lawton to Josh Lee Wallace Sr. and Minnie Gibson Wallace.

She attended school at Pauls Valley and moved to this area seven years ago from Pauls Valley. She was a cook at Pauls Valley Health Facility and at Carl Jr.’s. She attended Dixon Chapel.

She married Rick Bohanon on September 2, 1983, at Stratford.

Survivors include her husband of the home; two children, Randall Bohanon and Jordan Bohanon, of the home; two brothers, Josh Lee Wallace Jr. and Albert Wallace and wife Elaine, all of Ada; brothers-in-law, Willard Bohanon and Brad Bohanon, both of Ada; sister-in-law, Clara Bohanon of Ada; nephews, Cebrane Wallace, Vincent Wallace, Mark Bohanon and Glen Bohanon, all of Ada; nieces, Kathie Wallace, Sherry Wallace, both of Ada, and Wendy Frazier of Paris, Texas; great-nieces, Mila Frazier and Krischelle Wallace; cousin, Joe Wallace of Ada; five aunts, two uncles, and numerous other family members.

Maudie Spain Bounds

Born: 2/22/1907

Died: 11/13/2005

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Maudie Spain Bounds, 98, of Vivian, Louisiana, passed away November 13 at IHS Nursing Home. She was born February 22, 1907, in Duncan to Granger Polanda Spain and Lula Mae Shelton.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jim A. Bounds; son, J.C. Hubbard; grandson, Mike Hubbard; and granddaughter, Valarie Dale.

Survivors include sons, J.R. Hubbard and wife Billie of Fort Worth, Texas, Martin Leverts and wife Jo of Waskom, Texas, Shirley Bounds and wife Debbie, Jimmy Bounds and wife Elaine and Lonnie Bounds, all of Vivian; daughter-in-law, Zoe Hubbard, of Fort Worth, Texas; daughters, Margie Dale of Vivian, Betty Woodell and husband Jerry of Oil City, Louisiana, and Carolyn Capps and husband Buddy of Jefferson, Texas; one sister, Christine Nelson of Blanchard, Louisiana; 29 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

Mary Jane Bacon

Born: 10/5/1931

Died: 11/21/2005

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Mary Jane Bacon, 74, passed away November 21, 2005, in Claremore. She was born October 5, 1931, in Watson.

She was a licensed practical nurse and worked at Sherwood Manor Nursing Home for 36 years. She participated in the activities of the Country Oaks Senior Citizens group.

She was preceded in death by her sisters, Catherine Bordeaux, Helen Sue Gover and Dorothy Thompson; a brother, Milton Robinson; a nephew, Larry Thompson; a niece, Karen Keith, and a great-nephew, Travis Keith.

Survivors include her daughter, Linda York of Locust Grove; sons, Mike Bacon, Darryl Bacon and wife Melinda, and Doyle Bacon, all of Tulsa; brother, Earl Robinson, Kansas City, Missouri; sisters, Carolyn Belt, Louise Wilkinson and husband Tom, and Orene Peevy and husband Ron, all of Broken Bow, and Lucille Vargas and husband Tony of San Bernardino, California ; grandchildren, Chris, Mike, Brandon, Zack, Wesley, Kaysie, Brent, Peyton, Jace, Seth, Helen Sue and Aidan; great-grandchildren, Gavin, Corbin and Logan; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lorennie Bateman

Born: 7/30/1904

Died: 10/30/2005

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Original enrollee Lorennie Bateman, 101, of Urbana passed away October 30, 2005, at Meadowbrook Health Services, Urbana. She was born July 30, 1904, in Wayne, Oklahoma, a daughter of H.H. and Rebecca Buckholts Berry.

She married H. Paul Bateman on June 8, 1968, in Champaign. He passed away August 2, 1997.

She was also preceded in death by three brothers and a sister.

Mrs. Bateman graduated from Oklahoma University High School, Norman, in 1923. She earned a bachelor’s degree in home economics in 1927 from the University of Oklahoma. She earned a master’s degree in home economics from Columbia University in New York in 1930. She taught at the Junior Agriculture College in Warner, Oklahoma, for two years and at Oklahoma Baptist University, Shawnee, for nine years. She also worked with Cooperative Extension Service, Monticello, for 26 years.

She was a member of American Home Economics, Illinois Home Economics, Omicron Nu, Carle Auxiliary Association, First United Methodist Church in Champaign, Gamma Sigma Delta and the FF Chapter of the PEO Sisterhood. She also volunteered at Clark Lindsey Village.

She and her husband established scholarships for students at the University of Illinois and at Oklahoma Baptist University.

Gertie Edith Burris

Born: n/a

Died: 9/20/2000

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Gertie Edith Burris passed away September 20, 2000 at the age of 92 years. She was born in Cedar Valley, Missouri, near Branson.

She came to Oklahoma when she was ten years old, then moved to Phoenix, Arizona at the age of 25.

Mrs. Burris was on the first women’s basketball team in Phoenix. She belonged to Christian Assembly Church of Phoenix for more than 50 years. She has traveled to Egypt and Italy with her church.

Andrew “Jiggs” Berry

Born: 9/14/1924

Died: 9/5/2000

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Andrew “Jiggs” Berry passed away September 2, 2000. He was born September 14, 1924 in Lone Grove, Oklahoma to Oscar and Marceline Berry.

Married to Gertrude Peters on January 27, 1947, he lived in Ardmore, Oklahoma all his life and was retired from Marietta Sportswear. His was of the Holiness faith.

Survivors include his wife; sons, Ron, Tommy and Dale Berry, all of Ardmore; daughters and son-in-law, Dewana and Ted Smith of Ardmore and Debby and Dale Taylor of Lone Grove; brothers, Edgar Berry

Ruth Ann Bender

Born: 4/21/1942

Died: 9/18/2000

Maiden Name: Morris

Honorific: n/a

Ruth Ann Bender, 58, of Hoyt, Oklahoma passed awy Monday, September 18, 2000 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was born April 21, 1942 to John and Rosanna Wallen Morris in Stigler, Oklahoma. She was a homemaker.

Survivors include her husband, Bill of the home; daughter, Anita Nichols of Hoyt; sons, Billy Darrell Marris and wife, Jerri, of Clayton, Oklahoma and Gary Marris of Hoyt; brothers, John Lee Morris of California, Don and Julis Morris of Stigler and Edmond Morris of Poteau, Oklahoma; 16 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Nolan Gene Billy

Born: 1/6/1939

Died: n/a

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Nolan Gene Billy, 66, passed away December 14, 2005, at his residence following an illness. He was born January 6, 1939, in Finley, Oklahoma, to Elliston and Ruth Flowers Billy. He was raised and attended schools in Springer, New Mexico. He was a member of the Springer Fire Department and the Springer Jaycees. Gene made his home in Santa Rosa in 1977. He loved woodcarving and was especially proud of his Choctaw heritage.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Evelyn

Billy and Carolyn Billy Martinez; brothers, Joe Billy and

Elton Billy; and mother and father-in-law, Eduardo and Marcella Baca.

Survivors include his wife, Gloria Billy, of Santa Rosa; daughter, Meagen Billy of Santa Rosa; sons, Randy Hager and wife Marie and William Hager, all of Avondale, Arizona; grandsons, Seth Hager and Jake Hager; brother, George Buddy Billy of Springer; sister, Carrie West of Capitan, New Mexico; brother-in-law, Gene Martinez of Denver, Colorado; nephew, Craig Martinez of Denver; nieces, Dana Parker and husband Mike of St. Petersburg, Florida, and Monica Martinez of Denver; uncle and aunt, Joe and Tommie Lopez of Springer; a special friend, Evelyn Parrack of Amarillo, Texas; along with a host of family and friends.

Jolene Alexander Bardin

Born: 2/22/1963

Died: 1/25/2006

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Jolene Alexander Bardin, 42, of Ravia, Oklahoma, passed away January 25, 2006, at Ada. She was born February 22, 1963, at Talihina.

She graduated high school in Tish-omingo, Oklahoma, and attended Murray State College in Tishomingo. She married Charles Everett Bardin on May 13, 1993, in Tishomingo.

Mrs. Bardin was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith. She liked sewing and spending time with her family.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Dennis Alexander; father, Robert Lee Baken; stepfather, John Wayne Alexander; grandparents, Lillian and Deseth Baken, Sarah Hawkins Alexander, Walt and Minnie Alexander, and Cornelius C. Alexander; and a niece, Lynn Ann Boston.

Survivors include her husband of Ravia; mother, Delores Alexander of Ravia; son, Gabriel Ranson Alexander of Ravia; daughter, Lea Durishia Alexander of Ravia; sisters, Nancy Ann Boston of Tishomingo, Lila Durishia Francis of Sand Springs, Cynthia Nail of Ada, and Bobbie Dean Baken and Bonnie Baken, both of Lawton.

William Riley Tony Baldwin

Born: 12/11/1917

Died: 1/7/2006

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

William Riley Tony Baldwin, 88, of Kellyville, passed away January 7, 2006, in Sapulpa. The oldest of 11 children born to William and Carrie Davis, Tony was born December 11, 1917, in Krebs.

Tony was retired from Safeway where he had worked for 35 years as a meat cutter. He had lived in this area for the past 52 years. He served in the Marine Corps during World War II. He was a member of the Kellyville First United Methodist Church.

As a member of the Choctaw Tribe, Tony’s biggest pride was getting all of his family from great-great-grandparents, siblings, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren registered and on the rolls. He was very, very proud of his Indian heritage.

He was known to all his friends as a master gardener and was always available to help anyone with their own gardening questions and assistance. He fancied himself as a shade tree mechanic. Another favorite pastime was knitting slipper socks for friends, family and those in need. He had given away over 1,000 pair of his famous perfect socks.

Tony made dulcimers and loved playing his dulcimer and harmonica in his Country Church Band.

He was a member of the Tulsa Bowlers Hall of Fame, the Sapulpa Bowlers Hall of Fame, and Oklahoma Bowlers Hall of Fame.

Annette Baker

Born: n/a

Died: 11/17/2005

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Annette Baker, 47, of Weatherford passed away November 17, 2005, at Weatherford Living Center after a brief illness. She was born in Mojave, California, to Alice Betty Airington Teague.

She moved to Oklahoma in 1967 and was a member of the Pentecostal Holiness Church.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents.

Survivors include her husband, Darryl Baker, of the home; four daughters, Geneva Young and husband Gerald of Colony, Terra Toppah and husband Jeff of Carnegie, Sadie Rader of Carnegie and Amanda Christiana of New Orleans, Louisiana; one son, Michael Christiana of New Orleans

Edward Guinn Beal

Born: 7/12/1920

Died: 9/25/2006

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Edward Guinn Beal, 86, passed away September 25, 2006, in Victor, New York. Edward was born July 12, 1920, in Eubanks, Oklahoma, to James and Minnie Beal.

Edward served with the U.S. Navy prior to and during World War II. He was a Pearl Harbor survivor.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Charles Anderson.

Survivors include his wife, Virginia; children, Virginia (Sam) Brayla of Florida, Linda (Bob) of Victor, New York, Thomas J. Beal of Shortsville, New York, and Terry (Roger) Smith of Florida; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; three sisters and many nieces and nephews.

Lavada Washington Byous

Born: 9/14/1929

Died: 11/26/2006

Maiden Name: Washington

Honorific: n/a

Lavada Amelia Washington Byous of Arlington, Texas, passed away November 26, 2006. She was a longtime resident of Arlington. She was born September 14, 1929, in rural Summerfield, Oklahoma.

Survivors include two sons, John Cecil Byous and wife Lela of Midlothian, Texas, and Gary Byous of Mead; one brother, David Washington of Heavener; seven grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; and four nieces. She will be greatly missed.

Clara Mae Raydon Braswell

Born: 8/25/1915

Died: 1/25/2007

Maiden Name: Raydon

Honorific: n/a

Clara Mae Raydon Braswell, 91, of McAlester passed away January 25, 2007, at McAlester Regional Health Center. She was born August 25, 1915, in Gerty, Oklahoma, to Albert Wesley and Ida Katherine Pusley Raydon.

She married Thomas Haywood Braswell in 1933 in Wilburton. She was a graduate of Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton and East Central University in Ada. She taught elementary school at Bache, Quinton and Edmond Doyle in McAlester.

Sybil “Bigun” Byrd

Born: 9/30/1902

Died: 5/17/1999

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Sybil “Bigun” Byrd, 96, of Stigler was born August 30, 1902 in Stigler, Indian Territory to James Marvin and Elizabeth (Daugherty) Byrd. She passed away Monday, May 17th 1999 in Ft. Gibson, Oklahoma.

She was a homemaker and she attended Business College. Sybil and her sister, Pauline Byrd Webb, were very proud of their Indian Heritage.

She is survived by two nieces, Imogene “Webb” Archibald of Mexia, Texas, and Sue Skinner Crisp of Ft. Gibson; nine great nieces and nephews, nine great-great nieces and nephews, one great-great-great niece and one great-great-great nephew.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Fred Byrd; three sisters, Lillian Byrd Robinson, Edith Byrd Skinner and Pauline Byrd Webb; one nephew Alvin P. Skinner, Jr.

Cherise Dawn Bohanon-Forbus

Born: 12/17/1977

Died: 6/13/1999

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Cherise Dawn Bohanon-Forbus, 21, passed away, Sunday, June 13, 1999, as a result of an automobile accident in Red River County.

She was born December 17, 1977, in Talihina, Oklahoma, a daughter of Williard and Mary Sue Burkett Bohanon. She was engaged to be married to David Shane Forbus. She was employed at Burgerland five years and was a Presbyterian.

Survivors include her fiancÈ; a son, stepfather, Mary Sue and Tim Sayler of Paris, Texas; father, Willard Bohanon of Ada, Oklahoma; two sisters, Lauren Sayler and Wendy Bohanon; a brother, Glenn Bohanon; grandfather, John Armentrout; a great-aunt, Lorene Allen, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Norma Ballard; paternal grandparents, Isaac and Lula Bohanon; an uncle, Henry Bohanon, and an aunt, Anna Bohanon.

Dana Baker

Born: 10/5/1954

Died: 5/19/1999

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Dana Earl Baker, a resident of Antlers, Oklahoma most of his life, passed away on Wednesday, may 19, 1999 in Antlers at the age of 44 years. He was born on October 5, 1954 in Talihina, Oklahoma. Mr. Baker was self-employed as an artist.

Surviving relatives include his parents, the Rev. Robert and Betty Ruth Wilkins-Bakers of Antlers; son, Damond W. Baker of Broken Bow, Oklahoma; daughter, Erin Baker of Broken Arrow; brother, Robert Jay Bakers of Antlers; two sisters, Diana Darlene Austin and husband, Dwight, of Antlers and Nancy Kay Baker of Antlers; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Nelson and Nancy Wilkins-Noah, and paternal grandparents, N.S. and Roxie Baker.

Trenton Boyd

Born: 5/3/1999

Died: 7/14/1999

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Trenton Boyd, two-months old, of McAlester, Oklahoma passed away July 14, 1999 at McAlester Regional Health Center. Born May 3, 1999, he was the son of Sondra Suzanne Boyd and had lived in McAlester all of his life.

Survivors include his mother, Sandy Boyd of the home; his father, Johnny Michael of the home; maternal great-grandparents, Peggy and Jimmie Milam of McAlester; maternal great-grandfather, John Honea of Malcern, Arkansas, and numerous aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his maternal great-great-grandmother, Ann Pelt.

Billy E. Beal

Born: 4/16/1934

Died: 1/26/2007

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Billy E. Beal, 72, of Amarillo, Texas, passed away January 26, 2007. He was born February 16, 1934, in Utica to Charles and Minnie Beal.

He married his best friend and the love of his life, Shirley Laurie Beal, on August 6, 1977. Bill was employed as a plumber, owning and operating Billco Plumbing for many years. He loved sharing the outdoors with family and friends and was a longtime member of Panhandle Boat and Ski Club. He was a member of Hillside Christian Church and the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union. Bill was an Army veteran, serving from 1957 to 1959. He had a strong faith in God and a love.

George Battiest

Born: 1/9/1916

Died: 1/21/1997

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

George Battiest was born on January 9, 1916 in Bethel, Oklahoma and passed away on January 21, 1997 in Weight City, Oklahoma.

He is survived by his wife Hester Battiest of Wright City; four sons, Vernie Battiest and Wayne Battiest of Wright City and Sam and Ricky Battiest, both of McAlester, Oklahoma; two daughters, Nettie Webb of Lockesburg, Arkansas and Mattie Battiest of Idabel, Oklahoma and one brother, Johnson Battiest of Bethel.

James Prentice “Jim” Beames

Born: 8/6/1926

Died: 1/1/1901

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

James Prentice “Jim” Beames, 70, of Bokchito, Oklahoma was born on August 6, 1926 in Bennington, Oklahoma to George Washington and Mary Ethel (Rhodes) Beames.

He was of the Baptist faith. Mr. Beames served in the U.S. Army during World War II from December 20, 1944 until October 1946. He attended Beames Elementary, Bokchito High School and Southeastern Oklahoma State University for two years.

Mr. Beams was a farmer and rancher in the Beames community. He enjoyed working and was a hard worker. He enjoyed working on his sheep and goat ranch. He loved to garden, go camping, boating and dancing.

He never met a stranger. He was a very happy person who enjoyed people and telling jokes.

He had owned and operated Beames Hilltop since 1964, except for his 20 years in Texas, when his son and daughter ran the business. He retired from Murdock Engineering in Irving, Texas.

He married Jean L. Dodson on May 17, 1947 in Sherman, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a granddaughter, Twyla Mae Beames, brothers, George A. Beames and Billy Gene Beames and a sister Juanita Cox.

Survivors include his wife, of the Bokchito home; son, James F. Beames and wife, Sylvia of Mead, Oklahoma; daughter, Cheryl Patton and husband, Roger of Bokchito; grandchildren, James Ryan Beames and wife, Jeanie of Albany, Oklahoma,, Michael Preston Day, Hiley Anne Patton and Kelly Star Patton, all of Bukchito, Shawn Hill and wife, Kathy of Caddo, Jerry Hudson and wife, Juanita and Donnie Hudson, all of Vancouver, Washington; great-grandchildren, James Thomas and Mia Elaine Beames of Albany, Sylvia Joan Hill of Caddo, Jimmy Yoe, Charvell Helene and Sabrina Rashea Hudson all of Vancouver; sisters, Mary Evelyn Bell and husband, Freddie of Venus, Texas, Margie Sutton and husband, Oscar of Cartwright, Oklahoma and La Veta Keeling of Sherman, Texas; brother, Glendell Wayne Beames and wife, Modenna of Venus; mother-in-law, Ola Dodson of Bokchito and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Wilma J. Barnes

Born: 7/23/1923

Died: 7/17/1997

Maiden Name: Perry

Honorific: n/a

Wilma J. (Perry) Barnes, 74, of Kanima died July 17, 1997.

Services were held July 22, 1997 at the R.E. Shearwood Memorial Chapel with Rev. Tommie Parker officiating. Burial was at Garland Cemetery.

Barnes, a native of Whitefield, was born June 23, 1923 to Louis L. and Susuanna (Takkabbee) Perry. She grew up in Stigler and Rocky Ridge where she received her grad school education before entering Chilocco Indian School in Lawrence, Kansas where she graduated. She served her country during World War II working for McDonnell-Douglas in Tulsa riveting fighter planes; she was an avid caregiver to others as she began a career with Sparks Regional Hospital in the mid 1970’s. Her service with Sparks spanned some 17 years until her retirement in 1994. She was a member of New Hope Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold J. Barnes, Sr.; one son, Harold Barnes Jr.; and two brothers, Leo Perry and Andrew Perry.

She is survived by five daughters, LaHoma Burnes of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Katherine Cras, Barbra Petty, Marilyn Tom, all of Spiro, Carolyn Welch of Keota; two sons, Wayne Brazeal of Keota, Perry Brazeal of Austin, Texas; three sisters, Julia Cunningham of Braggs, Ruth Cooper of Keota, Caroline Wright of Arkoma, ten grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Mary Etta Bush

Born: 1/1/1901

Died: 6/3/1997

Maiden Name: Bohanan

Honorific: n/a

Mary Etta Bush, 63, of Stigler died June 3, 1997 at Ft. Worth Hospital.

Services were held june6, 1997 at Pioneer Freewill Baptist Church with Rev. Bill Fitzer officiating. Burial was at Brooken Cemetery.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Silas and Altie (Miller) Bohanan; one son, Donald James Bush; and two sisters, Roxie Bohanan and Wilma Helen Wyatt.

She is survived by her husband, Hubert, of the home; one daughter, Susan Lively of Brooken; one son, Eugene Bush of Enterprise; one sister, Bea Cowen of Wasco, California; three brothers, Leon Bohanan of Brooken, Billy Ray Bohanan of Nowata, Colen Wayne Bohanan of South Carolina; six grandchildren, Sarah Beth Lively, Heather Maxine Leathers, Shawn Lively, Kevin Bush, Michael Bush, Crystal Bush; and five great-grandchildren.

Delton Beck

Born: 1/1/1901

Died: 7/23/1997

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Delton Beck, 69, of Stigler died July 20, 1997 at a Ft. Smith hospital.

Services were held July 23, 1997 at Mallory Chapel. Burial was at Antioch Cemetery.

Beck was a retired mechanic.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, and two brothers.

He is survived by his wife, Sue Beck, of the home; one daughter, Debi Beck of Stigler; one son, Ricky Beck of Turtle Town, Tennessee; one grandson, Justin Beck of Tennessee; and two sisters, Maxine Morgan of Hurst, Texas, and Thelma Montgomery of Oklahoma City.

Teddy Ray Billey

Born: 7/24/1930

Died: 2/7/1997

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Teddy Ray Billey, 66, of Oklahoma City passed away February 7th of lung cancer. He was born July 24, 1930 in Hickory, Oklahoma to original enrollee, Harrison Billey and Alberta Bertie Bratcher Billey. He attended Jones Academy and graduated from Haskell Institute in Lawrence, Kansas. He then attended East Central University in Ada.

In 1952, he married Geneva Teague of Byng and had four children, Ted Jerome, Steven, Abigail, and Jessica. After serving in the Navy, Ted worked for OG&E and was in Naval Reserves until he retired in 1987. He was active in the church choir and enjoyed volunteering at the Sun Valley Indian School in Arizona. He enjoyed traveling and especially to visit his children, He raised his children to be proud of their Indian Heritage.

All of whom will miss him dearly include; Steven and Leslie Billey of Louisville, Kentucky, Abigail and Scot Frost of Cypress, Texas, Jessica and Scotty Edwards of Beaverton, Oregon. His grandchildren are Joshua Billey of Houston, Texas, (Son of Ted J. Billey), Kelly and Megan Billey of Louisville, Texas and Caroline Frost of Cypress, Texas. He was preceded in death by parents and sister, Myra Kiefer but missed by his loving sisters, Elnora Fullerton and Linda Clark both of Ada, Oklahoma and Louise Whittle of Denton, Texas. Family was important to Ted and he loved his many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was buried on Feb. 11th with military honors at Bethany Cemetery beside his son. He fought a brave fight and will be missed!

Jacob Allen Blum

Born: 7/12/1997

Died: 7/12/1997

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Jacob Allen Blum was a perfect little boy. He was seemingly healthy. Yet, for reasons unknown, he died within 24 hours of his birth. Jacob was born and died Saturday July 12, 1997 at Central Dupage Hospital in Winfield Illinois.

Survivors include his parents, Jim and Linda of Streamwood, Illinois; his big brother, Tyler of Streamwood; grandparents Ed and Carol Voeks of Carol Stream Illinois and Gene and Nadine Blum of Streamwood; great-grandmother, Ada Cole of Eagletown, Oklahoma and many aunts uncles, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Troye and Margaret Youngblood.

Todd James Brendel

Born: 1/1/1901

Died: 7/26/1997

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Todd James Brendel, age 22, of Orlando, Florida formerly of Clearwater passed away Saturday July 26, 1997 at Orlando Regional Medical Center as the result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Orlando.

He went there in 1974 from his native Jacksonville, Florida. He graduated in 1993 from Countryside High School and moved to Orlando, where he was a student at University of Central Florida and a member of Professional Wakeboard Tour.

Survivors include his mother, Carrie Brendel, Clearwater, Oklahoma; his father Don of San Francisco, California; brother, Trent and sister, Tina Brendel both of Clearwater; paternal grandmother, Eleanor Brendel of Mascoutah, Illinois, and maternal grandparents, Louise and Howard Frazier of Durant, Oklahoma.

He is the great-grandson of the late Chief Harry J. Belvin.

Robert Gale Beal

Born: 4/26/1940

Died: 7/21/1997

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Robert Gale Beal was born in Fredrick, Oklahoma on April 26, 1940 and passed away on July 21, 1997.

Robert was employed by Greenfield Union District and has worked for 21 years in many other school districts. He was past president of California School Employees Association in Moorpark, California.

Robert loved his family, children and grandchildren. He was a hard working, loving and humble man. He was respected and like by all who knew him. Robert will be missed and loved by his family and always remembered for his kindness and thoughtful ways.

We pray God will embrace him and keep him in his living hands until we meet again.

He is survived by his fiancÈ, Lynn Malouf, of Bakersfield, California; daughters, Tina Webb and husband, James of South Carolina and Crissa Exon and husband, Tom of Upland, California; brothers, A.E. Beal and wife, Beverly of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, M.P. Beal and wife, Ganell of Granbury Texas; sisters, Juanita Clark Nona Hobbs and husband bill, of Bakersfield, Annie Peters and husband, Gleen of Modesto, California and twin sister, Gracie Gilbert and husband Jim of Cabool, Missouri; five grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Paul Jackson Bohanon

Born: 9/2/1943

Died: 10/20/1997

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Paul Jackson Bohanon age 54 of Midwest City Oklahoma passed away on October 20, 1997. He was born September 2, 1943 in Talihina Oklahoma to Andre Jackson and Lorena Jane (Lewis) Bohanon.

Paul graduated form Bacone College in 1965 and served in the USAF. He married Margie Sue Briley January 21, 1967 in Muskogee Oklahoma this union was blessed with two sons. He was employed wit the U.S. Postal Service. He enjoyed coaching little league football and baseball and was a member of Country Estates Baptist Church in Midwest City.

He is preceded in death by his father.

Paul is survived by his wife, Margie Sue of the home; two sons, Ralph Bohanon and wife, Kelli of Midwest City, Steven Bohanon of the home; one grandson, Dakota Bohanon of Midwest City; one brother, Andrew Bohanon of Houston Texas; three sisters, Pauline Bohanon of Gallup New Mexico, Rita Colicio of Eagle Pass Texas, Judy Petree of Antlers, Oklahoma, his mother Lorena Bohanon of Antlers and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Daniel Barboan Sr.

Born: 1/7/1937

Died: 1/26/1998

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Daniel Barboan Sr age 61 of Durant Oklahoma passed away on January 26, 1998.

Daniel was born on January 7, 1937 in Cuba New Mexico to Santiago and Nanapah Barboan. He had lived in Bryan County since 1966.

He was a member and deacon of the Chishoktak Presbyterian Church in Bennington and a former member of the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a sheet metal worker for Stahl’s.

He married Shirley Williams in May of 1964 in California.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Santiago and Nanapah Barboan.

Survivors include his son, Richard Barboan of Dallas Texas; two daughters, Renee Barboan of Durant and Stephanie Moore of Wright City; and three grandchildren.

Helen Pitchlynn Byars

Born: 2/28/1914

Died: 1/15/1998

Maiden Name: Pitchlynn

Honorific: n/a

Helen Pitchlynn Byars passes away on January 15, 1998. She was the daughter of Edward Everett Pitchlynn and Sudie lane Maytubby (MintiAbi). She was born in Caddo Oklahoma on February 28, 1914.

Helen was a great granddaughter of Peter Perkins Pitchlynn, Chief of the Choctaws in 1864 - 1866. She was a granddaughter of Peter Maytubby the last elevated Chief of the Chickasaws in 1906.

She attended school at Caddo, Carter Seminary a Chickasaw Indian School for girls in Ardmore, Oklahoma and Sequoyah Indian School in Tahlequah.

Preceding her in death was hr husband William Byars; sisters, Sophia Maytubby Frenny and Ruth Pitchlynn and brothers, Peter Paul, Everett Charlie, and Robert Pitchlynn.

Survivors include two sisters, Naomi Mansell of Durant, Oklahoma and Lillian Dindley of Caddo; nephews, John Ellis Freeny of Oklahoma City, John Paul and Michael Edward Pitchlynn of Tulsa and nieces, Sue Willis of Kingston Oklahoma, Emma Sue Wickett and Bobie Charlene Jones of Tulsa.

Hazel Barkley

Born: 6/2/1945

Died: 12/24/1997

Maiden Name: Mize

Honorific: n/a

Hazel Mize was born on May 21, 1923 in Walls Community LeFlore County Oklahoma/ On June 2, 1945 she married Roy Barkley. He preceded her in death on February 28, 1986. Hazel passed away on December 24, 1997 in Talihina, Oklahoma.

She was a member of the Choctaw Nation and the First Assembly of God Church in Panama Oklahoma. She was a descendant of the LeFlore and Trahern families.

She was preceded in death by her husband Roy Barkley; a son, Dan Barkley; her parents, Eli and Sally Mize and a host of relatives and friends.

Her survivors include a son and daughter in law Doug and Debbie Barkley; three granddaughters, Amanda, Jana and Breanna Barkley of Panama; two sisters, Helen Wilson of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Stella Bernard of Prague, Oklahoma; two brothers, Leon Mize of Spiro Oklahoma and Carol Mize of Tuttle Oklahoma and many many friends and relatives.

Ted R Billey

Born: 7/24/1930

Died: 2/7/1997

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Ted R Billey

In Memoriam

Lord you took back the soul of your beloved servant Ted whom you shared with us. He brought us joy and we loved him well. He was not ours to keep.

I miss you immensely honey, your wife, Mary.

Robert Jean Bradberry

Born: n/a

Died: 11/19/1997

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Robert Jean (Bobby) Bradberry of Jonesboro, Arkansas passed away on November 19, 1997 after an extended illness.

He was the son of the late William Jean Bradberry and Sydney Bond Bradberry Hall, the grandson of the late Sidney C. Bond and Isabell Bond, formerly of Kinta Oklahoma and great grandson of Wallace Bond also of Kinta.

He achieved the rank of Major in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

Bobby was a precious person and will be missed everyday. He was a wonderful role model on how to handle the illnesses and crisis in his life of 57 years. Everyone who knew him learned a valuable lesson on how to handle adversity brought about by chronic illness by expressing good humor and being uplifting with his attitude. We love and miss him!

Survivors include his wife, Weltha Kaye Bradberry; a son, Jean Lloyd Bradberry and wife, LaReine; a granddaughter, Raquel Bradberry, all of Jonesboro Arkansas; a daughter, Jill Leigh Bradberry Keeling and her husband, Gary of Cairo, Egypt; a brother, James Ross Bradberry and wife, Peggy of Los Alamos, New Mexico, a sister Alice Dianne Honeycutt a her husband Charlie of Glasgow, Kentucky and a nephew James Robert Clement of Glasgow.

Faye Patsy Brdecko

Born: 8/21/1912

Died: 6/10/2007

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Faye Patsy Brdecko, 94, passed away June 10, 2007, at The Pavilion in Casa Grande. She was born August 21, 1912, in Allen, Oklahoma. She was a homemaker and loved her dog, Toy. She enjoyed fishing, sewing, yard sales and gardening, and she did all well.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Bub Yoakum and Henry Brdecko; sons, Robert and Don Yoakum; and brothers, Bill, John and Claude Stanfield.

Survivors include two sons, Paul and Leon Yoakum of Florence; three daughters, Pat Carlson of Wickenburg, Shari Burklow of Coolidge and Sami Abbott of Casa Grande; her twin sister, Paula May Hartwig of Portland, Oregon; 18 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren.

Joseph Lee Baker Jr.

Born: 5/7/1984

Died: 4/13/2008

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Joseph Lee Baker Jr., 23, a resident of Fort Smith , Arkansas , and formerly of Sherman , Texas , passed away April 13, 2008, at Coalgate. He was born May 7, 1984, at Sherman , Texas , to Joseph Lee Baker Sr. and Funnanda Joye Betsey Baker.

Joseph attended school at S&S at Southmayd near Sherman . He was a supervisor at OK Industries Inc. He was a member of Harvest Time Church in Sherman .

He was preceded in death by his mother and aunts, Linda Henderson and Janie Hamilton.

Survivors include a son, Dakota Baker of Muskogee; brother, Jimmy Lee Baker of Atoka; sister, Jolee Baker Battice of Durant; his father of Huntsville, Texas; niece, Candis Battice of Durant; nephews, Cameron Battice of Durant and Dairyen Chavez of Durant; companion, Theresa Urias of Fort Smith; grandparents, Annie Betsey of Durant and Adam Betsey of McAlester; uncles, Danny Betsey of Granby, Missouri, Enos Betsey of Durant and Kennard Betsey of Atoka; aunts, Gloria Loftin of Atoka, Darlene Connell of Seneca, Diane Taylor of Seneca, Tina Betsey of Coalgate, Pam Betsey of Atoka, and Donna Edwards of Tulsa; grandmother, Betty Smith of Sherman; and numerous other relatives and many dear and loved friends.

Velma McClure Branham

Born: 10/22/1911

Died: 7/27/2008

Maiden Name: McClure

Honorific: n/a

Velma McClure Branham, 96, of Lexington passed away on July 27, 2008. She was born on October 22, 1911, in Tuskahoma. Her parents were Willis McClure and Zona Anderson McClure. While Velma was a young child, her mother Zone, married Watson James Wright.

Velma was full-blood Choctaw and was a lovely lady. She was dearly loved by all and will be sorely missed. Her education was an Indian girls’ school. After the school she was attending burned down, she moved to Chilocco girls’ school. Barton, her younger brother, attended Jones Academy . As a single parent, she felt her greatest accomplishment was raising her sons. During World War II, Velma worked for the government sewing canvas canteen covers, tents, utility belts, etc. She loved life, family, people, and laughter. Though she never learned to drive, Velma loved to travel and to go fishing with Jimmy. Later in life, she took care of stray cats and had said that was the main reason she got out of bed in the morning.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Jimmy Braham, and younger brother, Barton William Wright.

Survivors include sons, Paul King of San Diego, California, and George King of Maywood, California; nephews, Barton William Wright Jr. of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Melvin Wright of Mesquite, Nevada, Roger Edwin Wright of Buena Park, California; niece, Patricia Ann Wright Ammann of San Antonio, Texas, and numerous stepchildren.

Joe Brent Burgess

Born: 6/29/1956

Died: 7/18/2008

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Joe Brent Burgess, 52, of Kemp , Oklahoma, passed away on July 18, 2008, in Denison , Texas . He was born June 29, 1956, in Denison , Texas , to Byron and Bobbie Turnbull Burgess.

He attended schools in Kemp and Yuba, and was a graduate of Yuba High School . He attended Grayson County College for four years receiving his electrician license and was an electrician for most of his life. He later attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University in the photography field. He was a member of the Kemp Baptist Church and was a lifelong resident of Kemp.

He was preceeded in death by a brother, Ronald Burgess.

He is survived by his parents; daughter, Tessa Manning and her husband, Sam, of Irving, Texas; son, Ty Burgess of Dallas, Texas; brother, Barry Burgess of Kemp; nephew, Baron Burgess, and niece, Bailey Burgess of Kemp.

Wanda Joe Boen

Born: 5/19/1932

Died: 2/14/1994

Maiden Name: Harrell

Honorific: n/a

Wanda Joe Bowen was born on May 19, 1932 in Stigler, Oklahoma to Ava F. McGaughy Harrell and Leamon Harrell. She passed away on February 14, 1994 in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

She married Kenneth Paul Bowen. Wanda was the mother of four and grandmother to ten.

Her burial was at Whitefield Cemetery.

She is survived by her husband, Kenneth of Fort Smith; two daughters, Ava Culver of Van Buren, Arkansas and Mary Cason of Fort Smith; two sons, Leamon Bowen of Olsburg, Kansas and Larry Bowen of Fort Smith; two sisters, Helen Lowery of Paris, Arkansas and Jean Trickett of Stigler, Oklahoma.

William Bill Jennings Bryan

Born: 4/18/1929

Died: 1/23/1995

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

William Jennings Bryan, age 65, of Durant, Oklahoma passed away on January 23, 1995 at Wister.

He was born on April 18, 1929 to Clyde and Neva Bryan in Wister. He married Betty Hammer of March 6, 1950 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was a restaurant owner.

Bill graduated from Wister High School and attended Poteau Community College. He was a retired Rock Island agent with 23 years of service. He then continued working in life as co-owner of several Kentucky Fried Chicken franchises. He was a 25 year member of the Durant Elks Lodge.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Wister.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Hanmer; his parents, Clyde and Neba Bryan; his brother, Carroll Bryan and a grandson, Michael Nicolas Bryan.

His survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Peggy Gail and Larry McAlester of LeFlore, Oklahoma and Elizabeth and Mack Taylor of Durant; one son and daughter-ion-law Stephen Lawrence and Jan Bryan of Oklahoma City and eight grandchildren, Keith, Mindy, Kimberly, Jeff, Dustin, Angie, Victoria and Lindsay Beth.

DeWitt Billy, Jr.

Born: 10/12/1941

Died: 3/8/1995

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Services for DeWitt Billy, Jr., 53, of Bennington was at Sulphur Springs Methodist Church. Mark Wesley officiated.

Billy was born October 12, 1941 in Talihina. He died March 8, 1995 at Fort Smith, Arkansas. He lived in Bryan County most of his life and worked at Texoma Printing. Billy was a member of Sulphur Springs Methodist Church and served in the Air Force.

On November 19, 1966 he married Nelda Lee Hendrick in Bokchito. She was his ex-wife.

Preceding him in death were his father, DeWitt Billy, Sr. in 1962; mother Rosa Mabel James Billy on December 16, 1992 and brothers, Charles Billy in 1992 and Herman Lee Billy in 1957.

Survivors include son, Tommy Billy of Durant; daughter, Christine Jones of Durant; brother, Virgil James of Bokchito; sister, Delores Hurst of DeSoto, Texas; one grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.

Burial was in Sulphur Springs Cemetery. Pallbearers were Dock Dill, Jimmy Dill, Junior Dill, Ron Washer, Dick Polk, Charles Robinson and George Crawford.

Vera Mae Wesley Bonaparte

Born: 9/30/1930

Died: 1/7/1995

Maiden Name: Wesley / Taylor

Honorific: n/a

Vera Mae Wesley Bonaparte of Albion, Oklahoma passed away on January 7, 1995 at Choctaw Nation Indian Hospital in Talihina.

She was born September 30, 1930 in Rufe, Oklahoma to Eben Wesley and Agnes Taylor.

She was preceded in death by mother, Agnes Taylor and son, Larry Walker.

She was a member of the St. Paul Indian Methodist Church of Talihina, Oklahoma and served as Treasurer.

Survivors included are three sons, Joe Walker, Jerry Walker and Johnny Walker, all of Albion; one daughter, Linda Bluebird of Talihina, Oklahoma and seven grandchildren.

Susie Ann Bohanon

Born: 10/25/1926

Died: 12/6/1995

Maiden Name: Melton

Honorific: n/a

Susie Ann Bohanon, age 69, of Talihina, Oklahoma was born on October 25, 1926 to Lymon and Etta Mae Melton at Lenox, Oklahoma. She passed away at Sparks Regional Medical Center, Ft. Smith, Arkansas on December 6, 1995.

She was a lifetime resident of the Talihina area. She was a member of the Good Springs United Methodist Church of Lenox, Oklahoma. Until her retirement, she had worked with the Head Start education program at Muse, Oklahoma.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Bohanon, her father, Lymon Melton, one brother, Larry Melton and one sister, Francis Mings.

Her survivors include three daughters, Chris Billy, Carolyn Bohanon, both of Talihina and Cheri Tay of Tulsa, Oklahoma; one son, Harry Bohanon of Talihina; one step-son, Dallas Sealey; three foster children, Vanessa James of Talihina, Jessie James of Tecumseh and Henry James ,l Jr. of Ft. Smith, Arkansas.; four sisters, Shirley James of Red Oak, Oklahoma, Christine Meashintubby of Talihina, Siney Noah of Pickens, Oklahoma and Ada Edwards of Keyes, California; four brothers, Willis Johnny, Ben, Sr.,. and James Melton all of Talihina; five grandchildren, nine foster grandchildren, several nieces nephews, friends and loved ones.

James A. “Jim” Beal

Born: 10/30/1900

Died: 3/3/1996

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

James A. “Jim” Beal, original enrollee, was born on October 30, 1900 in Albany, Oklahoma to Thomas Turner Beal and Verdie (Webster) Beal. He passed away on March 3, 1996 at Calera Manor Nursing Home.

He married Yvonne “Vonnie” Brese in Durant in 1925.

He attended Albany school and was a member o Odd Fellows Lodge.

He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and was of the Baptist Faith. He was retiree from Civil Service Auto Maintenance and as a jailor for the Bryan County Sheriff’s Department.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife on May 6, 1981; a brother, Earl Beal; six sisters, Anna Mae Woods, Myrtle Youree, Lillie Wright, Jane Witherspoon, Minnie Grant and Pauline Anderson.

He is survived by a son, Edward Guinn Beal of Victor, New York; a brother, Edward Lee Beal of La Luz, New Mexico; four grandchildren; 12 great-children, eight great-great-grandchildren and 18 nieces and nephews.

Jim Blemmel

Born: 6/28/1959

Died: 9/15/2008

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

James Doyle Jim Blemmel passed away September 15, 2008, at his home in Talihina. He was born June 28, 1959, to Neva Jean Cummings and Jerry Blemmel, their first son and the sunshine in their lives. He is the great-grandson of original enrollee Lof Olson. Growing up he attended Whitesboro High School where he met his future wife and camping partner, Kathy Williams.

Jim worked for OTIS engineering, then Halliburton for 27 years. He went on to work for Boots and Coots International Well Control for three years. Jim was proud of what he did as he was of his family. Every deer season, Jim filled the house with jerky and deer meat to last through the year. There was no fish that Jimmy couldn’t catch. There was no greater pleasure to him than sitting around a fire with his dogs and a fryin’ pan of fish or deer meat.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Charlie and Marie Blemmel and L.W. Paps Cummings; uncle, Charlie Blemmel; and cousin, Linda Blemmel.

Survivors include his wife; mother, Jean Thomas; father, Jerry Blemmel and wife Judy; brothers, Joe Blemmel and Mark Blemmel and their families; sister, Mary Blemmel Williams and family; grandmother, Ester Mamaw Cummings; uncle, Monty Olson; daughters, Carly Blemmel, Amber Arnold and husband Jeff; son Zach and wife Cassie Woodson; grandchildren, Cohen James Blemmel, Aubrey Arnold and Aubri and Cambri Coleman; stepsister, Jessica Watt; stepbrothers, John Watt and Joey Watt and their families; and his true and faithful friend, Buddy, and his old huntin’ pal, Nuisance.

Jay Evan Pete Bass

Born: 12/24/1963

Died: 10/1/2008

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Jay Evan Pete Bass, 44, passed away October 1, 2008, at his home in Stigler. He was born December 24, 1963, in Jacksonville, Arkansas, to Gene and Sue Hall Bass.

Mr. Bass was a 1982 graduate of Stigler High School where he was deeply involved in school leadership and was a four-year letterman in all sports. An avid OU fan, he went on to graduate from the University of Oklahoma in 1988 with a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems.

His career accomplishments are varied and impressive, serving in a management capacity in restaurants, health care and other high profile businesses. His most prized service was as city manager for his beloved hometown of Stigler.

An intensely organized manager, Pete was instrumental in the planning and construction of the recently completed Roye Parki, a great source of pride. His leadership and talents extended to many areas, with Leadership Oklahoma, a select organization of Oklahoma’s elite community and business leaders, among the most prominent. He was a proud member of the First Baptist Church of Whitefield.

He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Jim Clark; his grandparents, Jim Sr. and Ann Hall, and Elgie Bass.

Survivors include his daughter, Jaedyn Bass, and son, Lakin Bass, both of the home; his mother, Sue Clark of Stigler; his father, Gene Bass and wife Betty of McAlester; Shelli Bass and Tuesdae Riley of Stigler; one sister, Janice Bracken and husband Mike of Stigler; one brother, Jim Bass and wife Helen of Oklahoma City; grandmother, Alma Ruth Bass of Muskogee; six stepbrothers, James, Jeff and Greg Belote, David, John and Jim Clark; two nephews, two nieces and their children; and a tightknit extended family and countless number of friends and acquaintances.

Dorotha Sue Birch

Born: n/a

Died: 9/25/2008

Maiden Name: Birch

Honorific: n/a

Dorotha Sue Birch, 71, of Hudson, Massachusetts, passed away September 25, 2008, at her residence. She was born in Spiro, the daughter of the late Henry J. and Jane Ethel Hiarker Birch.

She served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1956. She resided in Ventura, California, for a short time before residing in Dover from 1967 to 1986 and has resided in the Metro West, Hudson area the past 23 years. She was employed as an admitting and registration secretary for New England Baptist Hospital of Boston and Marlboro Hospital for the past 17 years until retiring in 2005. Dorotha Sue was a kind and loving person who especially enjoyed her time as a volunteer for the Medical Reserve Corps, Region 4a of Hudson.

Survivors include her lifelong companion, Donna Dimock of Hudson, and her many nieces, nephews and cousins, including JoAnn and Dean Ferguson of Lexington, Kentucky, Sarah and Richard Tilden of Tulsa, Barbara and Raymond Reames of Blanchard, Idaho, and Sharon, Russell, Garrett and Courtney Hamm of Lexington. She was the co-parent of Beth Boelter-Dimock of Boston.

W.E. Dutch Boback

Born: 2/21/1928

Died: 10/5/2008

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

W.E. Dutch Boback, 80, longtime resident of the Keetonville area near Claremore, passed away October 5, 2008. He was born February 21, 1928, at Bokoshe to Rudolph and Gertrude Barnett Boback.

He was raised and educated at Bokoshe and graduated with the Bokoshe High School Class of 1946. He was called to serve his country with the U.S. Navy and served during World War II. After his honorable discharge, he continued his education at Poteau College in Poteau. He was married to Wanda Eidschun on September 1, 1951, in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Mr. Boback spent most of his working life as a sheet metal mechanic with American Airlines in Tulsa. He enjoyed a variety of pastimes including spending time outdoors working around his home on the tractor or with his cattle. His priority in life was his love for his wife and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

Survivors include his wife of over 57 years of the home; daughter, Pam Boback Self of Owasso; son and daughter-in-law, Eddie and Rhonda Boback of Claremore; and his only grandson, James Edward Self.

Dixie Oehler Bundy

Born: 8/29/1921

Died: 6/26/2008

Maiden Name: Oehler

Honorific: n/a

Dixie Oehler Bundy, 86, of Sherman, Texas, passed away June 26, 2008, at Texoma Medical Center. She was born on August 29, 1921, in Broken Bow to Dick and Lela Stiles Oehler.

She attended elementary school in Broken Bow and high school in Sulphur. She went on to East Central State University in Ada, earning a B.S. degree in speech. She married Arthur H. Bundy on December 14, 1975, in Pauls Valley. He passed away on May 20, 1978.

A devoted Methodist, she served as a missionary teacher in the Yucca Valley of California and on the foreign field in Singapore. After retiring to Broken Bow, she moved to Sherman in 1998.

She was also preceded in death by her parents.

Survivors include her friend and caregiver, Felton Cash of Leonard, Texas, a stepson; three nieces; many cousins and a host of other friends.

Clora Mabil Brookshear

Born: 10/27/1918

Died: 7/10/2008

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Clora Mabil Brookshear passed away on July 10, 2008, at Pico Rivera, California. She was born on October 27, 1918.

She is survived by her husband, Cecil; sons, Bondie, Cleo and Dannie; 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Robert J. “Bobby” Blackburn

Born: 10/2/1960

Died: 4/17/2008

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Robert J. Bobby Blackburn, 47, passed away on April 17, 2008, in Elgin. He was born on October 2, 1960, in Fort Sill to Robert J. and Willa Blackburn.

Bobby was raised and attended school in Lawton. He worked for the City of Talihina for 12 years and was the director of the Talihina Emergency Management Services. Robert traveled all over the United States and had many adventures in his life before settling down in Talihina. He married Carolyn Gravitt in Talihina on February 27, 1984.

Bobby was passionate about fishing and hunting. He enjoyed baseball. He coached his stepson’s little league team and cheered him on when he played school ball. He could make you laugh when you were sad and encourage you when you had a bad day. He was a generous, selfless man who will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn.

Survivors include his mother and stepfather, Willa and Jim Caudill; his stepson and spouses, Kelly Wayne and Ashley Gravitt of Talihina and William Wayne and Shannon Gravitt of Stillwater; brothers, Richard Martin Nance of Germany and David Mitchell Nance of Oklahoma City; sister and her spouse, Trudi and Robert Glass of Elgin; grandchildren, Wayne, Austin and Aubrey Gravitt of Stillwater; nieces and nephews, Betty Sue Archambault and Richard Nance, both of Florida, Heather, Holly and Hanna Glass of Elgin, and Callie, Larry Jr., Crystal and Justin Edwards, all of Panama; and special friends, Robert Solenburg, Travis Klinegardner, Dolores Ward, Robert and Christi Hubbard.

Steven Wendell Baxter Jr.

Born: 7/10/1978

Died: 8/4/2008

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Steven Wendell Baxer Jr., 30, passed away on August 4, 2008, in Talihina. He was born in McAlester on July 10, 1978, to Steven Baxter and Odessa Marie Stepp Baxter Hamilton.

He worked as a firefighter.

He was preceded in death by grandparents, Lois Stepp, George Stepp and Jack Baxter.

Steven is survived by his parents; stepfather, Glenn Hamilton; stepmother, Lanie Baxter; daughters, Caitlyn and McKenzie, both of Wagoner, Tatum and Kobie, both of Savannah, and son, Jarit of Buffalo Valley; brother, Tony Stepp; nephew, Kayden Stepp; sister; Ally, grandmother; Marie Baxter; great-grandmother; Vera Stepp; step-grandparents, Ace and Joyce Hamilton; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Frank Burns

Born: 8/7/1911

Died: 11/15/1994

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Frank Burns, 83, of LeQuire, Oklahoma died on Tuesday November 15, 1994 in Haskell County Hospital.

He was born on August 7, 1911 in LeFlore Oklahoma. He was a farmer and rancher. He was a life member of VFW and a member of the Church of Christ of LeQuire.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth of the home; one daughter, Juanita Faye Shoemake of Montana; four brothers, Henry Burns of Fort Worth Texas, Charles Burns of Red Oak Oklahoma, Hershel Burns of Oklahoma City and Vernon Burns of LeFlore and a host of nieces and nephews.

Donny Ray Burris

Born: 5/11/1960

Died: 8/22/1994

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Donny Ray Burris was born on May 11, 1960 in Talihina, Oklahoma to Rev. Lee Burris and Mildred Bohanon Burris. He was killed in an automobile accident on August 22, 1994 at the age of 34.

Donny graduated from Tupelo High School in 1978 and was active in baseball. He enjoyed playing co-ed softball and horseshoes and was a member of Round Lake Church.

He was preceded in death by his father, Rev. Lee Burris and his twin sister, Dorena.

Survivors include his mother, Mildred Burris of the home; two brothers, Noah Burris and David Burris, both of Coalgate; four sisters, Vickie McClure and Doris Ludlow of Tupelo, Fay Ratcliff of Coalgate and Gwendolyn Harry of Ada Oklahoma; four half-sisters, Leona Murphy and Ola Burris both of Coalgate, Sue Amos of McAlester, Oklahoma and Veronica McDaniel of Atoka, Oklahoma and numerous nieces and nephews.

Music was provided by Shelia Scott, Stella Hardy, Margaret Gipson, Carrie Robinson, Ronnie Scott and Bill.

John Billy

Born: n/a

Died: 1/18/1994

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

John Thomas Billy was born on July 31, 1918 in Hickory Oklahoma to Richmond and Minnie Thomas Billy. He passed away on January 18 in Coalgate, Oklahoma.

He was a member of High Hill Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Pearline Alberson Billy of the home; six daughters, Wanda Bick of Coalgate, Carolyn Billy of Tupelo Oklahoma, Barbara Alfred of Stonewall, Oklahoma, Leona Lacher of Lewisville, Texas, Virginia Aguilar of Ada Oklahoma and Jennifer Williams of Irving Texas; a step son Chester Walker of Tulsa; a sister Laura Flynn of Ada.

Clark R. Bohanon

Born: 7/8/1938

Died: 3/2/2009

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Clark R. Bohanon, 69, of Atoka passed away March 2, 2009, at Wilson N. Jones Medical Center, Sherman, Texas. He was born July 8, 1939, in Ludlow, the son of David and Emeline Ludlow Bohanon.

Clark was a van driver for Choctaw Nation. He was a prayer warrior and member of the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. He loved gospel singing, church activities and spending time with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father; son, Marty Bohanon; brother, Esias Bohanon; sister, Alicetine Bohanon.

Survivors include his mother; four daughters, Rosemary Bohanon, Jacqueline Bohanon and Lucy Bohanon, all of Atoka, and Brenda Barrett of Wicks, Arkansas; one son, Mark Evans of Atoka; five sisters and four brothers-in-law, Leona and Richard Samuel of Smithville, Ella and Ramsey Willis of Tulsa; Lodie and Stan Mitchell of Lawton, Della Jones of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Corene and the Rev. Melvin Palmer of Idabel; one brother and sister-in-law, Randel and Ruthie Bohanon of Smithville; one grandson, Jonathan Bohanon; many uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.

Velma Horton Betts

Born: 1/29/1915

Died: 2/18/2009

Maiden Name: Bench

Honorific: n/a

Velma Horton Betts passed away February 18, 2009. She was born January 29, 1915, in Tupelo to John and Mary Magdaline Swaffer Bench.

She married William Leon Horton on April 8, 1933. He preceded her in death on December 9, 1985. She later married Jess Betts. He preceded her in death on November 11, 1997.

Mrs. Betts was a homemaker, a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She volunteered for organizations within the Chickasaw Nation, receiving a reward for her service from Governor Anoatubby. She was a member of the local Native American senior citizens group, playing tambourine in the band. She was a Christian and had attended The Evangelistic Temple in Ada.

She was preceded in death by her parents; twin brother, Velton Bench; brothers, Emmit, Clay and Lloyd Bench; sisters, Johnie Payton, Oma Lee Holman; two daughters, Ruby Laxton, and Cookie Hasball; son D.Leon Horton; granddaughter, Tammy Laxton; and great-grandson, Billy Hood.

She loved her family, music, and flowers. She’s now surrounded by all three.

Survivors include three daughters, Reva Sue Willoughby and husband Leroy of Oil Center, Leota Howard and spouse Terry Hopper of Ada, Deloris Trobaugh and husband Neal of Eufaula; son-in-law, Vernon Laxton and wife Della of Ada; sister, Mildred Green of Ada; 16 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; 24 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Jamie Denise Motes Bishop

Born: 2/25/1964

Died: 3/26/2009

Maiden Name: Motes

Honorific: n/a

Jamie Denise Motes Bishop, 45, of McAlester, formerly of Ada, passed away March 26, 2009, at a Shawnee hospital. She was born February 25, 1964, at Ada to Paul Motes Sr. and Willena Fountain Motes. She graduated from Ada High School in 1982 where she was a member of the Cougar High School Band. She attended East Central University for three years and the Kiamichi Vo-Tech where she was the president and vice president of the Business Professionals of America from 2005-2006.

She married Bruce Allen Bishop on October 18, 2002, at Fort Smith, Arkansas. She was a cashier for Dollar General Store and a Bingo caller for the Chickasaw Nation for three years.

Survivors include her husband of the home; one daughter, Miranda Kaylee Ball of McAlester; mother, Willena Kay Wiley and husband Ed of Davis; father, Paul Motes Sr. and friend Linda of McAlester; brother, Paul Franklin Motes Jr. of McAlester; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Gracie Billy

Born: n/a

Died: 12/27/1991

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Funeral services for Gracie Billy, 78, of Broken Bow, Oklahoma were held at Oka Achukma Presbyterian Church on December 27, 1991.

Ms. Billy was born in Broken Bow, and was very active in her church work until her illness. She was also active in Broken Bow Nursing home for the past three years. She had lived in the community all her life. She was a dedicated member of Oka Achukma Presbyterian Church.

She is survived by a daughter and son in law, Julia and John McKinney of Broken Bow, Oklahoma; two sisters and one brother in law, Alice James of Broken Bow, Oklahoma, Juanita and Aaron Baker of Battiest, Oklahoma; three brothers and two sisters in law, Daniel Billy of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Cleland and Rose Billy of Midwest City, Oklahoma and Ed and Cynthia Billy of Broken Bow, Oklahoma; six grandchildren, Lyndon Kary and Janis McKinney, Alan Dean McKinney, Sandra and Willard Frazier, all of Broken Bow, Ronald Keith McKinney of Chamberlin South Dakota and Carla McKinney and Marissa McKinney , also of Broken Bow, Oklahoma. Eleven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral services were officiated by the Commissioned Lay Preachers, Cleland Willas and John McKinney.

Lewis Bullard, Sr.

Born: 5/18/1903

Died: 1/1/1991

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Lewis Bullard, Sr. died at the Northeast Community Hospital, Bedford, Texas. He was 88.

Bullard was born May 18, 1903 at Kinta, Indian Territory, the son of Dr. A.C. and Villa Herron Bullard. He was one of the last originally enrolled Choctaws, Having roll No. NB 561.

He was a lifelong rancher and resident of Tucker Knob, near Quinton. He was married to the former Esther Mae Haughey on August 24, 1925 at Crowder. He was a member of the Quinton First Baptist Church and former member of the Quinton Masonic Lodge and Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association.

Bullard was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, a grand-daughter and two sisters, Orena Upton and Pocahontas Bullard.

Survivors include two daughters, Ramona Smith of Arlington, Texas, and Dorothy Spivey and Husband Ray Spivey of Grand Prairie Texas; two sons and daughters in law, Lewis Bullard, Jr. and Billie of Kinta and merle and Darlene Bullard of Quinton; six grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at the Quinton First Baptist Church with the Rev. Larry Stevenson and Rev. Leonard Karch officiating. Interment was at Quinton Cemetery. Music was provided by the Bush Sisters.

Pallbearers were Joe Bullard, George Bullard, Mike Spivey, Bruce Lowe, Walt Smith and Chris Bullard. Honorary pallbearers were Sherman Stockton, Merl Stockton, Charles Lowrimore, Jr., Donald Howell, Stanley Monks, Manuel Higgins, Chow Higgins and Larry Connor, Jr.

Ephriam Billy

Born: 9/20/1891

Died: 1/19/1989

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Ephriam Billy, 97, of Talihina, died Jan. 19 at the Choctaw Nation Indian Hospital in Talihina. He was born Sept. 20, 1891 in LeFlore County, Indian Territory. He was a lifetime resident of the Talihina area. He was a member of Lennox Christ Church. His vocation was farming.

Survivors include three daughters: Roberta James of Talihina, Josephine Lenard of Louisiana, Vera Lou Dunkel of Maryland; two sons: Philistine Billy of Talihina and Bennie Nilly of Whitesboro; a sister, Lucinda Sterling of Muskogee; a brother, W.C. Billy of New Jersey.

Homer Ray Bryant

Born: 7/7/1937

Died: 1/26/1989

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Homey Ray Bryant of Collinsville, Oklahoma died Jan. 26, 1989 at his home. He was born July 7, 1937 in Minden, La. To Arnold and Connie Crandord Bryant. He attended Allen Schools and was a self employed truck driver.

He was a member of Allen First Baptist Church and served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean conflict.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth of the home; one daughter, Linda Layton, Arlington, Texas; one son, Homer R. Bryant, Jr. Arlington, Tx.; one stepson Wayne Glover, Tulsa; his mother Connie Bryant, Allen; one brother Jack Bryant, Schulter; one sister, Arlana Rohrbough, Iowa Park, Tx.; and five grandchildren. His late grandmother was Mary E. Cranford.

Abe Burgess

Born: 7/29/1930

Died: 4/11/1989

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Abe N. Burgess, Jr., of Millerton, died in Oklahoma City at the V.A. Hospital on April 11, 1989.

He was born July 29, 1930 and was employed at Choctaw Nation Alcohol Treatment Center at Wheelock.

Services were at Spring Baptist Church in Sasakwa.

He is survived by his wife, Lou; 4 sons, 1 daughter, 3 step-daughters, 9 grandchildren, one brother and 7 sisters. Burial was at the Spring Baptist Church Cemetery.

James H. Byington

Born: 7/2/1943

Died: 1/1/1989

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

James Howard Byington, a resident of Talihina for the past 20 years has passed away at the age of 45. Byington was born July 2, 1943. He was of the Methodist Faith.

Survivors include a sister, Teresa Byington of Talihina and a brother, Jerome Byington of Midwest City.

Interment was at the new Talihina Cemetery.

Elizabeth Mae Jefferson Bradsher

Born: 7/28/1925

Died: 3/21/1989

Maiden Name: Jefferson

Honorific: n/a

Elizabeth Mae Jefferson Bradsher, 4/4 Choctaw of Oklahoma City, passed away at the age of 63 March 21, 1989.

She was born in Achilee July 28, 1925.

Survivors include two daughters, Shirley Davis Towers and Bonnie Davis; four sons, Jeffery, Muriel, Elliot and Rubert; and one sister, Ella Mae Jefferson Corthran; her mother, Mary B. Battiest Wilcox and 11 grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Joseph Jefferson.

Ronald Andrew Berry

Born: 6/26/1947

Died: 11/22/2006

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Ronald Andrew Ron Berry, 59, passed away November 22, 2006, at Ardmore. He was born June 26, 1947, at Ardmore to Andrew and Gertrude Peters Berry.

Ron graduated from Plainview High School in 1966 and attended college at Lawrence, Kansas. He worked for E. Don Flannagan as a car salesman. Ron was a member of the Jaycees, working with Jaycees Rodeo. He was a member of Blue Lodge #31. He received his Master Mason degree by the Indian Degree team of the State of Oklahoma and served as past master in 1995. He was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite and also a Shriner clown.

Ron was on the Chickasaw Tribe bowling team and was in the past a baseball coach for youth and an umpire. He was an avid sports fan and a supporter of OU. He was involved with adult co-ed softball.

He was preceded in death by his father and one niece, Lisa Flowers.

Survivors include his mother of Ardmore; sisters, Dewana and her husband, Ted Smith, of Ardmore and Debby and her husband, Dale Taylor, of Lone Grove; brothers, Tommy Berry and Dale Berry, both of Ardmore; nieces, Kara Payne of Lone Grove and Leah Berry of Little Rock, Arkansas; nephews, Teddy, Jody and Cody Smith, all of Ardmore, Chris Taylor of Lone Grove and Michael Berry Parker of Ardmore; grand-nieces, Tiffany Smith of Tulsa and Marlee Taylor of Lone Grove; grand-nephews, Jayden and Tyler Smith of Ardmore; and his K-9 companion, Little Man.

A. E. Beal

Born: 1/2/1931

Died: 11/20/2006

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

A.E. Beal of Kingfisher passed away on November 20, 2006. A former resident of Broken Arrow and Tulsa, he was born January 2, 1931, in Durant to Daisy and Andy Claud Beal.

At the age of four, his family moved to the Frederick, Oklahoma, area where he attended Weaver schools.

In 1952, during the Korean Conflict, he entered the U.S. Army and was a member of the U.S. Paratroopers 82nd Airborne Division as a T/Sgt.

He married Beverly Faller in Frederick in 1953. This was a very close relationship for all of its 53 years. Two children, Rodney and Shari, were born to the union.

A.E. worked for Mistletoe Express Service for over 20 years as a driver then as operations manager in the Tulsa office. He worked for Ford Motor Co., and then in the Tulsa Glass Plant for over 18 years where he retired in 1994. After retirement, A.E. and Beverly spent the winters in the Texas Gulf Coast area.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, D.C., M.P. and Robert Beal.

Survivors include wife Beverly of the home; son Rodney Beal and wife Terri of Owasso; daughter Shari Dean and husband David of Kingfisher; four sisters, Juanita Clark and Mona Hobbs, both of Bakersfield, California, Gracie Gilbert of Cabool, Missouri, and Annie and husband Glenn Peters of Modesto, California; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

James Herndon Biard

Born: n/a

Died: 1/8/2006

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

James Herndon Biard, 78, passed away January 8, 2006, at his home. He was the son of Alice Herndon Biard, an original Choctaw enrollee, and Rafe Semms Biard.

He was a graduate of Paris, Texas, High School, where he participated on the football team, and of Paris Junior College. A Naval veteran of both World War II and the Korean Conflict, he was stationed for a time at Eniwetok, Marshall Islands, where a hydrogen bomb was being tested.

He and his wife, Catherine, to whom he was married 57 years, moved to Valliant, Oklahoma, from Paris in 1990. He was engaged in ranching there.

A longtime employee of the Shamrock Oil and Gas refinery in Dumas, Texas, he later owned and operated Go-Low Records in Amarillo.

Recently, he was honored by the Choctaw Nation as the Outstanding Choctaw Elder of District 1. An active participant in tribal events, he was also affiliated with Valliant First Methodist Church and the Idabel American Legion.

Both parents and a brother, Rafe Biard Jr., preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife of the home; daughter, Elizabeth of Fort Worth; two sons, Richard of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Scott of Amarillo; daughter-in-law, Rhonda of Amarillo; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Sisen Baker

Born: 4/16/1918

Died: 1/9/2006

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Sisen Baker, 87, of Hartshorne, Oklahoma, passed away January 9, 2006, at McAlester Regional Health Center. She was born April 16, 1918, in Weathers, Oklahoma, the daughter of Ada Muckintubby James.

She married David L. Baker in March of 1932 in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. Sisen lived most of her life in the Jack Fork Community. She was a lifetime member of the Sardis Indian Baptist Church where she served in various ways. She was the church clerk, children’s Sunday School teacher, songleader, cook, and was always willing to do whatever needed to be done for the furtherance of the Gospel.

Her favorite hobbies were gardening and quilting. She loved Gospel singing and for many years celebrated her birthday with an all-night Gospel singing at Sardis.

She was preceded in death by her husband; a daughter and son-in-law, Cecelia and Joe Williams; mother; and a sister, Malinda Cacy.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Arnold and Patti Baker of Hartshorne; two daughters, Ruth Kemp of McAlester and Christine Baker of Oklahoma City, 14 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, eight great-great-grandchildren, and many other family members and friends.

Juanita Baker

Born: 3/19/1926

Died: 11/16/1999

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Juanita Baker was born on March 19, 1926 to the Rev. Simon and Mary Amos Billy at Broken Bow, Oklahoma. She passed away on November 16, 1999 in Tulsa, Oklahoma after living her entire life in McCurtain County. Juanita married Aaron Baker 56 years ago on September 4, 1943 and they made their home in Battiest. They had eight children.

Prior to moving to Tulsa for health reasons, Juanita was a member of the Battiest Baptist Church. Soon after her move to Tulsa she transferred her membership to the Belview Baptist Church in Tulsa where she sang in the choir and made many new friends.

To her family and friends she will be remembered for her smile, her christian faith , her positive attitude, her personality and always having a kind word for everyone she met. She will be remembered by many for her black berry cobbler, fried pies and her banaha”.

Shirley Laurie Beal

Born: n/a

Died: 1/17/2000

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Shirley Laurie Beal, 64, of Amarillo, Texas passed away Monday, January 17, 2000. She was born in Canadian, Okalhoma and raised near Darrouzett where she graduated from high school in 1953. In 1972, she graduated from West Texas State University.

Mrs. Beal taught in Dimmitt and Rolling Hills before retiring in 1980. She was a member of the order of Eastern Star and St. Stephens United Methodist Church.

She married Billy Beal in 1977 at Amarillo.

Survivors include her husband; a son, David Beal of Amarillo; four daughters, Cindy Jenkins of Guymon, Oklahoma, Laurie Benedetti, Gayla Phillips and Debbie Green, all of Amarillo; three brothers, Jimmie Laurie of Roby, Texas, R.T. Laurie of White Deer, Texas and David Laurie of Booker, Texas; three sisters, Cheri Steed of Bakersfield, California, Katheryn Paul of Lipscomb and Karen Minyen of Canadian; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Mary Frances Brewer

Born: 5/4/1920

Died: 9/24/2001

Maiden Name: McMurtrey

Honorific: n/a

Mary Frances Brewer, 81, great-granddaughter of Benjamin Franklin Smallwood, former Chief of the Choctaw Nation, passed away September 24, 2001 in Payson, Arizona. She was born May 4, 1920 at Atoka, Oklahoma to Lora and Irene McMurtrey.

She married Woodson Lee Brewer on November 29, 1939.

Her parents and two brothers, Guy (Jack) and Claude, and a sister, Ruth Offield, preceded her in death.

Survivors include two sisters, Beatrice Anderson of San Antonio, Texas and Mildred Faulkenberry of Phoenix, Arizona; two sons, Jerry Brewer of Ahwatukee, Arizona and Michael Brewer of Temple, Arizona; four daughters, Janice Brewer and Dee Falk of Payson, Arizona, Imogene Hale of Christopher Creek, Arizona and Brenda Molloy of Tustin, California; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Gertrude Kathryn Beene

Born: n/a

Died: 2/1/2005

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Gertrude Kathryn Beene passed away in her home on February 1, 2005, where she had been lovingly cared for by her children in the last few months. Born Gertrude Kathryn West in Whitefield, Oklahoma, in 1910, Mrs. Beene was the daughter of original enrollee Jennie Taylor West, and niece of World War I Choctaw code talker Robert Taylor.

She and her late husband, Dewey Beene, were long-time residents of Stigler, Oklahoma, and stayed in touch with family and many friends in Haskell County in the years since moving with their family to California in 1942 during difficult economic times. Until her 90th year, when her health kept her a little closer to home, she regularly attended and took great pleasure in the Oklahoma reunions and tribal events held annually in Southern California.

Survivors include four children, daughters Retha Delois Scott of Cherry Valley, California, and Dewey June Williams of Bakersfield, and sons Frank Beene of Bakersfield and Delmar Leon Beene of Phoenix, Arizona; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, many of whom lived close enough to give her great joy in her later years.

A faithful reader of the BISHINIK, Mrs. Beene was famous in her family for keeping everyone up-to-date on Stigler friends and civic events. At her 90th birthday party in 2000, she was especially surprised and delighted to receive an authentic Trail of Tears T-shirt from Chief Gregory E. Pyle. The family wishes to acknowledge Oklahoma friends who stayed in contact and whose letters and cards eased her last year.

Teddy E. Byrns

Born: 4/2/1951

Died: 3/8/2003

Maiden Name: n/a

Honorific: n/a

Teddy E. Byrns, 51, of Moore, Oklahoma passed away on March 8, 2003 after a courageous lifelong battle with diabetes. He was born April 2, 1951 in Shawnee, Oklahoma to Louie and Judy Byrns.

Teddy was the grandson of original Choctaw enrollee Julia “Judy” (Spring) Byrns-Reust.

He was raised in South Oklahoma City and was a 1969 graduate of U.S. Grant High School. He was a master plumber for 30 years. On December 21, 1974 he married Diane Kendrix in Oklahoma City. He was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church.

Doyle Mitchell Bacon

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Dorothy Baken

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Billie Jean Barnes

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Marcus Kerry Barnett

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Jerry Allen Batson

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Frances Ella Bayless

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Oleta Folsum Bell

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Delbert E. Black

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Clifton Leon Bohanan

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Nelson Bond, Sr.

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Bobby Page Boyd

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Wanda Lee Brown Branham

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Louise Paddock Branscomb

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Lucille Butler

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Marcus Battiest

Born: 09/02/1946 Died: 11/19/1990 Maiden Name: n/a Honorific: n/a

Funeral services were held November 19, 1990 for Marcus Battiest, 70, of Wright City. Battiest was born October 6, 1920 at Mt Herman. He married Rachel Watson on September 2, 1946 at Idabel. He was a veteran of WWII and served in both Germany and Italy, and was a member of the Kulli Chitto Presbyterian Church of Bethel. He is survived by his wife; Rachel Battiest of the home; two sons; Marcus Ray Battiest of Bell Gardens, CAL., Kenneth Battiest of Los Angeles, CAL., two daughters; Oleta Martinez of Broken Bow and Naomi Carillo of DeQueen; one brother; Calvin Battiest of Ada; one sister; Catherine Battiest of Wright City; 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Burial was in Dennison Cemetery.

Margaret Burgess

Born: 9/13/1930 Died: 7/27/2011 Maiden Name: n/a Honorific: n/a

Margaret Ann Burgess passed away on July 27, 2011, in Las Vegas. She was born Sept. 13, 1930, in Alamosa, Colo., and her family moved to California when she was about 13, at the break of World War II. Margaret started her career in food service working as a waitress in the famous Chicken Dining Room at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, Calif. She later went to college and became a certified Gourmet Chef, owning her own catering business before retiring. She was a member of several culinary organizations and served on the Board of Directors as a chairman or officer. Margaret was one of the members of the culinary team from the USA that attended the Culinary Olympics held in 1984 in Frankfurt, Germany. She won a Silver Medal for her individual presentation and the team won several gold medals that year for their collaborative efforts.
Her grandmother, Elizabeth Juanita Rozell, was an original enrollee of the Choctaw Nation. Margaret and her sister, Shirley, were heavily involved in family research, taking one of their family lines, Stanton/Brashears, back to Chief Pushmataha. She loved birds and was an accomplished tole painter, especially on glass. Her sense of humor and loving heart will be greatly missed.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jurney Lee Burgess and Ruth Ann Dunagan Burgess; a brother, Edward Ledale Burgess; and one sister, Elizabeth Louise Burgess. Margaret is survived by one maternal uncle, Carroll Edward Dunagan of Pueblo, Colo.; one sister, Shirley Burgess Vanderbeck of La Verne, Calif.; a son, Allen Lee Johnson of Bullhead City, Ariz.; and three daughters, Neena Johnson Woosley, Leslie Ann Stein, both of Happy Jack, Ariz., and Lisa Gaylene Sargent of Pueblo, Colo.; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two nieces; one nephew; one great-nephew; and one great-niece.

Linda Battice

Born: 2/8/1947 Died: 7/26/2011 Maiden Name: Thomas Honorific: n/a

Linda Sue Battice, 64, passed away on July 26, 2011, in Ada. Linda was born Feb. 8, 1947, in Talihina to Clifford Thomas and Julia (Parker) Thomas. She attended the Chilocco Indian School and the Byng Nursing School. She worked as a licensed practical nurse and she worked in Oklahoma City and Ardmore at Memorial Hospital. She also worked at the Chickasaw Clinic in Ardmore. She enjoyed cooking and sewing blankets for her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. She also loved listening to the music of Elvis, especially his gospel music, and walking. She was preceded in death by her parents; two infant siblings; and two brothers, Wayne Thomas and Gary Thomas. Linda is survived by one daughter, Deborah Battice of Ada; four sons, David Battice with wife Gloria of Ardmore, William Marcus Battice of Shawnee, Stephen Battice with wife Stephanie of Cameron, and Rev. Scott Battice with wife Mandy of Ardmore; 16 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; one half-brother, Wilson Parker of Madill; and close companion Chet Underwood.

Claud Battles Jr.

Born: 04/19/1970 Died: 07/29/2011 Maiden Name: n/a Honorific: Jr

Claud Wayne Battles Jr., 41, of Oktaha passed away on July 29, 2011, in Tulsa. He was born to Claud Wayne Battles Sr. and Earleine (Wilburn) Battles April 19, 1970, in Houston. He graduated from Hartshorne High School in 1988. Claud married Cheryl McCutcheon on Jan. 16, 2004, in Miami. He worked as a trackhoe operator. Claud was an “all around cowboy” and enjoyed working as a ranch hand. He enjoyed wagon riding and hog hunting. He especially enjoyed spending time with his daughter. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Earl and Lora Wilburn; paternal grandparents, Les and Mandy Battles; and second mom, “Momma” Debbie Sharp. He is survived by his father, Claud Battles Sr. of Hartshorne; mother Earleine Battles of Hartshorne; wife Cheryl Battles of the home; daughters, Lora Battles of the home, Amber Mitchell of Texas, Samantha Hye of Tulsa, Ashley Mitchell of Muskogee; brothers, Will Battles with wife Mindi of Checotah, Keith Battles with wife Lauren of Gowen; sisters, Crystal Sharp with husband Johnnie of Lenapah, Gail Camp with husband Brad of Hartshorne; uncle Bill Battles of Hartshorne; along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and other family members and friends.

Marie Baxter

Born: 11/18/1925 Died: 07/11/2011 Maiden Name: Willis Honorific: n/a

Marie Baxter, 85, of McAlester passed away on July 11, 2011, in McAlester. She was born Nov. 18, 1925, in Atoka County to Preston Betsey and Frances Willis. She married Floyd Jackson Baxter Sr. on Dec. 9, 1949, in Crawford County, Ark. She grew up in Bentley and attended secondary boarding school in Antlers before graduating from Chilocco High School. She was fluent in English and the Choctaw language. She later went on to nursing school and graduated as an LPN. She worked for 30 years at the Talihina Hospital for the Choctaw Nation. She liked to watch her boys play basketball throughout their high school days. She liked to sew, crochet, do home canning and much more. She and her husband had a special place in their heart for their only daughter and the boys knew it. They also loved to travel across the county to visit their grandchildren. Later on in life she would love to sit in her rocker and hold her grandbabies for hours at a time. She loved three o’clock in the afternoon because she knew it was time for the kids to come home from school and the commotion would begin. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends but has lived an honorable life and has left a wonderful legacy to carry on her outstanding traits of compassion, integrity, trust, faith and endurance. She was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd; two grandsons, Jordan Baxter and Steve Baxter; brother, Adam Betsey; and sister, Alice Ward. She is survived by eight children, Floyd J. Baxter Jr. (Melody) of Cardston, Alberta, Virginia M. Jones (John) of McAlester, Don Baxter (Becky) of Topeka, Kan., Algernon D. Baxter (Shirley) of Spanish Fork, Utah, Gerald W. Baxter (Audrey) of Fayetteville, Ark., Robert F. Baxter (Diane) of Harlan, Iowa, Kenneth Baxter of Longview, Va., and Steve W. Baxter (Grace) of Chandler, Okla.; two sisters, Christine Benge of Tahlequah and Charlene Johnson of Oklahoma City. She left behind a wonderful posterity of 28 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren.

Dannette Beaty

Born: 08/08/1961 Died: 05/18/2011 Maiden Name: Raulston Honorific: n/a

Dannette Raulston Beaty, 49, passed away at home in Linden, Texas, on May 18, 2011. Dannette was born Aug. 8, 1961, in Clarksville, Texas, to Jack and Willie Dean Raulston. She lived in Diana, Texas, before settling in Linden, and she worked in the medical field for several years before becoming a wife and mother. Dannette was a 1979 graduate of Clarksville High School. She was a member of the New Haven Missionary Baptist Church, and her favorite pastime was fishing with her grandson. Survivors include her husband, Mark Beaty; son Joshua Beaty of Linden; daughter Nicole Beaty Owens with husband Daniel of Longview; father and stepmother, Jack and Joyce Raulston of Clarksville; mother, Willie Dean Boarden of McAlester; sisters, Debbie Haynes with husband Dudley of Linwood, Kan., Donna Dotson with husband John Charlie of Bagwell, Texas, and Sandy Wood with husband Lawrence of Wilburton; five grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and great-nieces.

Julius Bowen Jr.

Born: 02/04/1941 Died: 09/19/2011 Maiden Name: n/a Honorific: Corporal

Julius L. Bowen Jr., 70, passed away on Sept.19, 2011, in Lawton. He was born on Feb. 4, 1941, in New Haven, Ill., to Julius L. Bowen Sr. and Mary Louise Thomas. He married Andrea “Tweetie” Lyons on July 17, 1997, in Pawnee. He was affiliated with the Baptist Church, had served in the Marine Corps, League Past President, as a Boy Scout Troop Master, and on the Advisory Board at Oklahoma University for Native Americans. He was a Marine Advisor in Vietnam, serving five tours of 13 months in Vietnam, and was a Civil Engineer. Julius enlisted in the U.S. Marines in 1957 and received his honorable discharge on Sept. 26, 1966, with the military rank of Corporal. He served in Vietnam and received the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Citation, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Leaf and Frame, Vietnam Civil Action Color Medal with Palm and Frame, Republic of Vietnam Campaign with Four Bronze Stars, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with one Bronze Star, National Defense Medal, Republic of Vietnam Service Medal dated from 1962 to 1966, Combat Air Crewman Wings with three Gold Stars, Navy Parachute Wings, Meritorious Mass (for mines and booby traps) deployment in combat, and other Shooting Badges, and miscellaneous awards. His military experience included Boot Camp MCRD in San Diego, Calif., Advance Infantry Training at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sea School, MCRD at San Diego, Marine Detachment USS Helena CA-75 Cruiser, 1st Reconnaissance Bt. 1st Marine Division Camp Pendleton, Calif., (Recon Trained) HMM 363 Helicopter Squad, HMM 364 Helicopter Squadron, Navy Adviser Unit 79.3.6 Vietnam HMS 36 1st Marine Air Wing, and served from 1962 to 1966 in Vietnam. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He believed highly in God.
Julius was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Louise Swink and Julius L. Bowen Sr.; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Julius is survived by his wife, Andrea “Tweetie” Bowen of Pawnee; daughters, Sabrina Stephens with husband Gerald of Hugo, and Leah Vannoy with husband Samuel of Lawton; sons, Julius L. Bowen III of Hugo and George Russell Gardipe Jr. with wife Lisa of Lawton; 17 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Katherine Vannoy with husband John of Geronimo; brother Phillip Bowen of Van Nuys, Calif.; aunts, Ruth Fuller of Sawyer, Betty Span Hanks of Van Nuys, Calif.; niece Deborah Louise Vannoy of Geronimo; along with a number of other relatives and many friends.

Virgil Bohanan

Born: 03/05/1949 Died: 01/14/2011 Maiden Name: n/a Honorific: n/a

Virgil Ray Bohanan, 61, of Wright City, passed away on Jan. 14, 2011 at the OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City. He was the son of Robert and Melissia (Peters) Bohanan and was born on March 5, 1949 in Talihina. He lived most of his life in McCurtain County and married Carolyn Willis on Jan. 16, 1967 in Antlers. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and most of all he was his grandchildren’s greatest supporter in their events. He was a very devoted husband, father and grandfather and will be truly missed. He was preceded in death by his father; one sister, Margaret Ludlow; grandparents, Ed and Melcie Peters and Impson and Jincey Bohanan; two brothers-in-law, Wendell Ludlow and Eugene Bohanan. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn of the home; mother Melissia of Bethel; daughter Tina Parker with husband Stacey of Wright City; two sons, Virgil Jr. (Bo) Bohanan with wife Amanda of Wright City, and Michael Bohanan with wife Melissa of Broken Bow; three granddaughters, Staci (Chele) Ridenour with husband Josh, Brandy and Tara Bohanan; seven grandsons, Will and Dylan Parker, Brett and Casey Bohanan, Dusty, Dallas and Ethan Bohanan; three great-grandchildren, Micah, Kaleb and Rachel Ridenour; one brother and sister-in-law, Herb and Marvada Bohanan of Pickens; seven sisters and four brothers-in-law, Eunice Bohanan of Broken Bow, Mary Bohanan of Battiest, Linda with Austin Jefferson of Bethel, Emilou with Andy Sanchez, Betty with Jimmy Tom, all of Broken Bow, Brenda with Tony James of Hugo and Lois Bohanan of Bethel; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of church family and friends.

Ron Boatright

Born: 11/29/1938 Died: 10/14/2011 Maiden Name: n/a Honorific: n/a

Ronald Joseph Boatright, 72, passed away on Oct. 14, 2011, in Ogden, Utah. He was born on Nov. 29, 1938, in El Paso, Texas.Most of Ron’s formative years were spent growing up in Fontana, Calif. His good friend and future best man A.C. Phillips grew up just a few houses down the street.After graduating from Fontana High School he joined the Coast Guard as a radio technician. He completed the Coast Guard Training School in Groton, Conn., and then continued his service in the Philippines, and in Lompoc, Calif. Ron went on to a lengthy career in construction, building materials distributing, and electronics.Ron married Dorothy Jean Waddle in Fontana on March 10, 1961. Ron and Dottie’s loving family grew larger with Dan in 1964, Ken in 1966 and Jeff in 1969. They settled in Alta Loma, Calif., in 1966. Ron’s long list of community activities took off in the mid 1960s with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Mounted Posse. He led the Mounted Posse as its commander for a couple of years. He was also a special deputy reserve on the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. It was as part of this group that he met some of his life-long friends; Tom Wickum, Bill Arthur and Phil Draper. As a businessman, Ron was active in the local Kiwanis Club which provided assistance to various community social service organizations. As a teenager in the Boy Scouts, Ron had completed the requirements necessary to achieve the designation of Eagle Scout. When his sons became teenagers it was no surprise that he became a leading fixture of the local Boy Scout Troop, serving as scoutmaster for many years. Ron had many hobbies and activities that he loved to share with family and friends. Hunting, fishing, horseback riding, camping and boating were constant sources of fun and relaxation. For a while he took flying lessons, got his private pilot license and even had his own plane.In the mid 1980s Ron and Dottie bought land and built a vacation cabin in Montana. This cabin became Ron’s favorite place to spend time. Among the various good friends he met in Montana are Dave Clarke and Ted Waldo.Given Ron’s many skills in construction and other trades, and his desire to constantly be in action, he always had projects to keep him busy. Whether he was making changes or additions to the house or cabin (often just before the holidays), rebuilding or repairing vehicles or fabricating new trailers or equipment, there were very few dull moments with him around. If he wasn’t busy with his own projects, he could often be found helping out various friends and neighbors with their efforts. Good genetics and constant activity helped Ron enjoy good physical health. Unfortunately over his final years dementia and then Alzheimer’s disease robbed all of us of Ron’s wonderful and generous personality. He was preceded in death by his father Joseph, mother Bernadine, and brother Douglas. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Dorothy; sons Daniel, Kenneth and Jeffrey; and sister Nancy.

Jerry Robert Bray

Born: 06/04/1937 Died: 04/13/2009 Maiden Name: n/a Inez Brown

Jim Blaylock

Born: 10/06/1918 Died: 07/20/2009 Maiden Name: n/a Honorific: n/a

Jim Blaylock, 90, of McCurtain passed away July 20, 2009, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was born October 6, 1918, in McCurtain to Willis Henry and Pearl Lee Rogers Blaylock. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Wilma Jean Blaylock; sister, Dixie Coffey, and brother, Doyle Blaylock. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Jean; one daughter, Diana Franklin and her husband, Billy, of Pocola; one son, Jimmy Blaylock and his wife, Bonnie, of McCurtain; two brothers, Joe Henry Blaylock of Moundridge, Kansas, and Billy Blaylock of McCurtain; five grandchildren, Leisha Hall of Panama, Michael Blaylock of McCurtain, Laura Spath of Rincon, Georgia, Mark Blaylock of Sallisaw, and Tobey Blaylock of Stigler; and several great-grandchildren.

Malcolm ‘Mack’ Davis Bronaugh Jr.

Born: 08/04/1938 Died: 07/24/2009 Maiden Name: n/a Honorific: Veteran

Malcolm “Mack” Davis Bronaugh Jr., 70, passed away July 24, 2009, in Wichita Falls, Texas. Mack was born August 4, 1938, in Ada to Malcolm D. and Thelma Moore Bronaugh. He spent his youth in Ada except for a couple of years during the war when they moved to Springfield, Missouri, while his father was stationed there with the Army. When he was 8, his family moved to Fort Worth, living on the north side where he attended Diamond Hill High School. In 1956 his childhood dream came true when he became a member of the U.S. Marines Corps. He proudly served for six years at Fort Pendleton, California, in the military police. He later became a police officer in North Richland Hills. Mack worked hard to support his family, often working two or three jobs. He worked for Lone Star Gas, drove an ambulance for Shannon’s Funeral Home and delivered for Whittin’s Drug Store. In the early ’70s, Mack also played semi-pro football for the Fort Worth Texans. In 1973, he became an insurance salesman for Banker’s Life and Casualty. He was a natural-born salesman and was often in the top 10 percent in the country. He later became an independent agent and helped fill his time with working for Stanley Tools and Certainteed in security. In 1992, Mack married Norah. They moved back to Fort Worth in 1993 and Mack worked for Nokia before becoming disabled in 1994. Mack and Norah returned to Wichita Falls in 1998. Mack was always proud of his Native American heritage and never lost his love of Oklahoma. Mack never met a stranger and loved to make people laugh. He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed by all. Mack is survived by his wife of the home; eight children, Laura Coleman of North Richland Hills, Gary and wife Dora of Bedford, Brent, Randy and wife Jennifer, Sharon and husband Craig Cooper, all of Wichita Falls, Liza Vance of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Larry Wilbur and Hank Reddin, both of St. Louis, Missouri; one sister, Betty and husband Steve Peltonon of Broken Arrow; one brother, Richard and wife Becky of Springtown; 13 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, two nieces and a nephew.

Jimmie Wade Butler

Born: 11/15/1925 Died: 02/02/2009 Maiden Name: n/a Honorific: Veteran

Jimmie Wade Butler, 83, of Poteau passed away February 2, 2009, in Talihina. He was born on November 15, 1925, in Williams to Wylie H. and Ida Ella Victor Butler. He was a teacher, a lifelong Baptist and a veteran of the U.S. Army earning the Occupation Ribbon for Japan, the Korean Service Ribbon with two bronze stars, and the United Nations ribbon. He was a member of Moshlatubbe Lodge #13 of Cameron for over 60 years. He married Nancy Coggins on June 7, 1947. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Billy W. Butler; three brothers, Billy H. Butler, Arthur Butler and Fred W. Butler and two sisters, Mildred Covey and Muriel Gould. He is survived by his wife of 61 years; a sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Cloyis Clay of Poteau; three brothers-in-law, Sam Coggins and wife Barbara of Arizona, Bill Coggins of Santa Rosa, California, and Frank Gould of Michigan; three sisters-in-law, Bea and Lee Barton of New Mexico, Mattie and Kenny Williams of Texas, and Katie and Bob Ross of California, and numerous other relatives, friends and loved ones.

Linda Sue Black

Born: 11/24/1947 Died: 05/05/2009 Maiden Name: Phillips Honorific: n/a

Linda Sue Black, 61, passed from this life on June 5, 2009, in Antlers, Oklahoma. She was born on November 24, 1947 in Bars to Elbert Allen and Betsy Ann Amos Phillips. Linda enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren, going to garage sales, riding, and going to church. Linda was preceded in death by her husband, Glynn Dale Stone; infant son, Glynn Dale Stone Jr.; parents, Elbert and Betsy Phillips; grandparents, Bennett and Cornelious Amos and Albert and Myrtle Phillips; brothers, Billy Dewayne Phillips, Ralph Edward Phillips, Johnny David Phillips and Clarence Edward Phillips; sisters, Betty Jeane Gipson, Kitty Levearn McCaulley and Dorthy Wanell Phillips and one grandchild. She is survived by her children, Glenn Phillips of Paoli, Herman Lee Black Jr. of Wynnewood, Eugene Craig Black, Christopher Allen Black, Jimmy Dale Stone, Glynn Dale Stone III and Raymond Wayne Stone, all of Antlers; brothers, Jerry Jim Phillips of Pauls Valley, Benny Allen Phillips of Ringold, Tommy Joe Phillips of Wynnewood; 22 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends.

Vencil Ratliff ‘V. R.’ Barnett

Born: 04/26/1920