Contributed Obituaries, "B" Surnames

MISCELLANEOUS SCOTT COUNTY OBITUARIES
SURNAME "B"

The following obituaries were contributed for the use of Scott County researchers. If you have an obituary with a Scott County connection and would like to have it posted here, please send it to Delaine Edwards.

Last Updated 1 May 2008

Contributed by William Highfill
The Heavener Ledger
Thursday, April 17, 2003, p.9
HOLLIS BAIN

Hollis K. Bain, 91, of Heavener, died Friday, April 11, 2003 at his home. He was a long time resident of Heavener, retired maintenance supervisor for the U.S. Forest Service and a member of the Church of Christ. Graveside service was Sunday, April 13, 2003 at Memorial Park in Heavener under direction of Dowden Funeral Home of Heavener. Survivors include six daughters, Shirley Crouch, Betty Hairrell, Linda Wilson, Marsha Bain, all of Heavener, Sonya Kelley of Cauthron, Ark., and Kaye O'Brien of St. Francis, Kansas; two sons, Dwayne of Muldrow and Roger of Heavener; 21 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dollie, two daughters, Cynthia Bain and Nancy Duncan, two infant sons and one infant daughter.

Contributed by Allen Syler
Waldron News
Thursday June 28, 1979, page 11
WAYNE BALLENTINE

Funeral services for Wayne Ballentine, 67, of Waldron who died Tuesday from injuries suffered in a one car accident near Parks were held at 2 p.m. Friday at the Mansfield Assembly of God Church. Burial was in Buggy Hill Cemetery under the direction of Martin Funeral Home. Survivors include 11 daughters, Sue Colver, Melba Balentine, Betty Amos, and Mona Morse all of Fort Smith, Lynn McKee of Denfunkiak Springs, Fla., Joann Whitworth of St. Louis, MO. Joan Motsenbocker of Gould, OK, Diana Ballentine of Dallas, Paula Callen of Cache, OK, Xaren Longbine of Childress, TX, and Tena Balentine of Omaha, Neb., six sons, Bill of Waldron, Mac of Lawton, Jimmy of Hollis, OK, and Ronald, Gary and Johnny all of Frederick, OK, four sisters Beatrice Hatford, of Stockton, CA, Belle Watkins of Booneville, Mary Wiseley of Mansfield, and Nuetie Williams of Van Buren, three brothers, J.L. of Houston, CA, Boone of Huntington, and Allen of Mayes, OK, 41 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Contributed by Pauline Davis
From the Stockton, Calif.paper
NETTIE BEALL

Comments: Nettie was the daughter of Lee Davis and Amanda ”Viney” Sullivan of Blackfork, Scott Co., AR and the only sister to John I. Davis. Nettie was born in Blackfork, AR.

In Stockton, Oct.27, 1953, Nettie Beall, loving mother of Mrs. Florence Weber of Stockton, Daniel and David Albert of Stockton, and John Albert of San Francisco. Sister, Mary Martin of Wasco, Calif. Edith Lancaster of ForT Bragg and John Davis of Texas, daughter of Lee Davis of Arkansas, a native of Arkansas, aged 55 years, 1 month and 27 dayS. Friends are invited to attend funeral services Thursday Oct. 29, 1953 at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of the Martin Funeral Home, 445 N. American St. Committed will be at the Rural Cemetery.

Contributed by William Highfill
Booneville Democrat (online edition)
Wednesday, 15 November 2007
MARY NEAMO BECKETT

Tuesday, November 7, 2006 2:23 PM CST. Mary Neamo Beckett, 80, of Booneville, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2006 in Paris. She was born Aug. 2, 1926 in Blue Ball. She was retired from Ace Comb plant and the Booneville Human Development Center. She is preceded in death by her parents, Lewis and Hettie Lunsford, and her husband, William Calvin Beckett. A funeral service was held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 4, at Lakeview Pentecostal Church in Booneville with burial at Corley Cemetery in the Corley community. She is survived by two sons, Calvin Beckett of Ozark and Steve Beckett of Magazine; three daughters, Mary Jane Grahn of Lowell, Betty Ann Nelson of Booneville and Ruth Ann Craven of Jacksonville, Fla.; a brother, Kenneth Lunsford of Liberty, Mo.; a sister, Shirley Dorough of Woodward, Okla.; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. Pallbearers were Shawn Beckett, Jonathan Beckett, Jeff Cox, Daniel Cox, Andy Grahn and Douglas Cotton.

Contributed by William Highfill
Fayetteville (AR) Democrat
Saturday evening, 07 April 1923, Pages 1, 2.
Body of Mr. Bell Laid to Rest

Funeral services for C. H. Bell were held this morning at ten o’clock from Central Presbyterian Church, conducted by the Rev. M. L. Gillespie. The church was filled with friends of the deceased and of the family. Interment was in Evergreen Cemetery. Pall bearers were: Active: H. K. Wade, J. A. Fallin, Frank Ogden, J. C. White, J. H. McIlroy, F. P. Earl, Bruce Holcomb, W. H. Morton, Scott Hamilton. Honorary: R. F. Bell, E. B. Harrison, D. F. McMillan, T. L. Oates, G. H. King, Harrison Hale, W. F. Tilly, H. D. Wood, W. F. Sanders. The following tribute to the deceased was paid by Dr. Gillespie: “Charles Henry, son of Jesse and Lucinda Bell, was born in Sebastian County, Arkansas, December 31, 1851. He died at his home, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, April 5, 1923. Aged 71 years, 3 months and 4 days. When he was but a lad, his father moved to Scott County, Arkansas, where he grew to manhood, taking full advantage of meager school provision of Civil War days and immediately following. In 1872, he made his way to Fayetteville and entered the University, just in the beginning of its life. He spent a year here in study but was not able to return. While here he roomed at a house immediately east of his home, in which he has lived for several years and died, where the Hamilton house is located. A short time he lived in the home of “Uncle Dan” Jobe, who but recently went to his reward. March 25, 1877, Mr. Bell was united in marriage to Miss Ella Hall, and with his young bride soon thereafter went to Waldron, Arkansas, where he entered the general mercantile business with his uncle, Dr. J. K. Bell. The partnership continued until the firm was changed to that of Bell & Edwards, Mr. D. A. Edwards coming into the firm as his partner. This firm prospered for many years, closing out about the year 1906, but the interests of these two men remained together until the death of Mr. Edwards in 1915. Mr. Bell moved to Fayetteville in August, 1896, partly on account of his health, but chiefly on account of the desire for educational advantages for his children. He erected a home on West Dickson Street, where Mrs. O. P. McDonald now lives. After a few years he sold that and purchased the present home on Dickson Street and never did a man take more pride in his home or love it better. Soon after coming to Fayetteville his health improved and he opened a mercantile business under the firm name of Bell and Edwards. Later he became associated with J. J. Baggett and Theo. Evins in the wholesale grocery business under the name of The Fayetteville Grocery Co. The present Ozark Grocery Company is the successor to this firm. It was while associated with this company that he superintended the erection of the building now occupied by the Ozark Grocery Co. During the years that he has been a resident of Fayetteville, he has been the owner of many valuable properties and erected several substantial buildings among which is the splendid business building occupied by Lewis Brothers. Mr. Bell continued active in business until his break down in health last September, but during recent years his interests have been chiefly in south Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas. He has been uniformly successful and was counted by his associates as a man of business sagacity. But it is of Mr. Bell as a man, a Christian and a friend that I desire at this time to speak and I feel keenly that I must speak under great restraint, I, knew him better than anyone outside of his own family circle. It is with greater pain than others can understand that I am saying farewell to the closest personal friend I had on earth, aside from my own family. Mr. Bell was a Christian man. None who was near him ever doubted that for a moment. Early in life he professed faith in Christ and united with the Presbyterian Church at Waldron, Arkansas, and remained a steadfast member until the day of his death. After removing to this city he united, with his family, with Central Presbyterian Church and was soon made a ruling elder, which office he held until called to his reward. There was no man in the church more highly esteemed or more dearly loved than he. He loved his church, next to his home, better than anything else in the world and was ready with any service or sacrifice for its good. He was always present at its services when in town and was an inspiration to its pastor and its brethern. On the session his judgment was always sound, his counsel wise and his spirit charitable. He had a firm, unshakable faith in his Lord and lived in fellowship with him. Mr. Bell was a man of strong and positive convictions, always found with the courage to be true to them whether popular or unpopular; yet he was always open to reason and had the greatest respect for those who sincerely differed with him. He could be as stern as incarnate justice when his face was set against that which he believed to be wrong; and yet his heart was as tender as the heart of a woman in the presence of suffering or the erring. He had that particular faculty for moral discernment that comes from an incisive intellect and a righteous life, and he was most generally found on the right side of moral and political questions. Perhaps there was no man here whose counsel was sought by others more than his. As a friend, he could see the faults of friends and had that rare faculty of delicately pointing them out and helping to remedy them. He was a man of unimpeachable integrity of heart. If by his action another was wronged he suffered keenly and had no rest until it was made right. His judgment may have erred, and doubtless did, but his heart was as steady as the stars. For nearly 15 years we have lived our way each into the life of the other. He was the first man I knew in Fayetteville, stopping in his home on my first visit here. A few weeks later I came to be his pastor and during these years a friendship has ripened our lives and come to be one of the priceless treasures of a life-time. I have had no burden that was not his, nor a heartache that he has not shared, nor do I believe that the great windows of his great soul have ever been closed to me. Naturally, therefore I exalt and magnify those great qualities of soul I knew in my friend and brother, and yet I know, too, how conscious he was of his own human frailties and faults and how severely he dealt with himself; how he hated sham and ostentation; how he despised fulsome or extravagant eulogy. Nothing could be so distasteful to him as to have his friend to magnify his virtues or minify his faults or say he was a perfect man. There are some things, however, that must be said in loyalty and friendship: Like all true men, Mr. Bell was at his best in his home and in his own family circle. It was here he found his chief joy, and it is here the blow of his going falls hardest. Never have I known a more devoted husband, or indulgent and loving father and grandfather than he. He seemed never to take a thought for himself, but always for his dear ones. Though his children were all married and in homes of their own, his constant thought was for their comfort, their happiness and their good, and constantly entering into his plans were his grandchildren whom he loved passionately. His chief source of happiness was ministering to them and planning for their future. Even in the mental bewilderment of his long sickness those whom he loved were the burden of his heart. Mr. Bell suffered long and intensely and made a heroic fight for life, but as the end approached all his mental confusion seemed to clear away and he was as calm and peaceful as a child on its mother’s breast as he went to sleep on his Master’s bosom. It was a triumphant moment when his great, heroic, gentle soul, liberated from his emaciated body, hampered no longer by disease which had temporarily dimmed his brilliant mind, went sweeping through the gates to his eternal home where ‘they shall never grow old’ and where the inhabitants shall never say ‘I am sick.’ Mr. Bell is survived by his wife and three children: Mrs. W. H. Beauchamp of this city, Mrs. H. S. McKenna of Poteau, Oklahoma and Carl K. Bell also of this city. There are seven grandchildren: Ella Bell, Frances and Miriam McKenna, and Charles Henry, Raymond, Mildred and Elizabeth Beauchamp. His is the first death in the family circle. He also leaves two brothers, J. C. Bell of Fort Worth, Texas and C. C. Bell of Childress, Texas, and a half sister, Mrs. Byron Yaden of Fort Worth, Texas, besides a large number of nephews, nieces, and other near relatives. To them all, the sympathy of a host of friends goes out in this hour of bereavement. A great vacancy is left in this church which he loved and served so faithfully and well. We can only rejoice in the midst of our sorrow at his victory over death and pray for his mantel to fall upon those left behind.”

Contributed by William Highfill
Heavener (OK) Ledger
Thursday, 12 July 2007 Page 8
CHESTER BENEFIELD

Chester Allen Benefield, 61, of Heavener, passed away Monday, July 2, 2007, in Blackfork, Ark. He was a graduate of Heavener High School. He was retired from KCS. He was a veteran of the Vietnam Conflict. He was a member of the American Legion. He was a member of the Hontubby Baptist Church. Graveside services were held Thursday, July 5, 2007, at Hontubby Cemetery, under the direction of Dowden Funeral Home. He is survived by three daughters, April and husband Matt Lemon, Amanda and husband John Minton all of Pittsburg, Kan., and Aimee and husband Kenny Gavin of Jacksonville, Fla.; a son, Joshua Benefield of Jacksonville, Fla.; a brother, Sidney Benefield of Haw Creek; 10 grandchildren.

Contributed by William Highfill
Heavener Ledger
Thursday, 30 May 2002, page 8
BARBARA BENNETT

Barbara Bennett, 63, of Howe, OK died Tuesday, May 28, 2002 in Waldron, Ark. She was a member of the Church of God Seventh Day in Wister, OK. Funeral service will be Friday, May 31, 2002, at 10 a.m. at the Dowden Funeral Home Chapel with burial at Howe Cemetery, Howe, Okla. under the direction of Dowden Funeral Home of Heavener. She is survived by husband John T. of the home; 2 daughters, Aurelia Miller of Cavina, Calif.; Laura Clepper of Waldron, Ark., 1 step daughter, Connie Harrison of Sun City, Calif.; 4 sons, Oscar Benson of Farmington, New Mex.; Michael Benson of Redfield, Ark.; Timmy Benson of Midlothian, Tex.; Kevin Benson of Menominee, Mich.; 1 stepson, Russell Bennett of Shady Point, Okla.; 3 sisters, Joan Jolly of Wynnewood, Okla.; Wilma Sweetman of Wynnewood, Okla.; Linda Graham of Maysville, Okla.; 2 brothers, J. L. Whiteaker of Oklahoma City; Donald Joe Whiteaker of Wynnewood, Okla.; 13 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchildren (sic--Will).

Contributed by William Highfill
Ft. Smith Times Record (online edition)
06 February 2007
MARLIN TYLIS BILLY, JR.

Marlin Tylis Billy Jr., 57, of Waldron died Friday, Feb. 2, 2007, in Waldron. Marlin was preceded in death by his parents, Marlin Sr. and Josephine Billy, and his brother-in-law, Ernest “Corky” Balentine. He loved hunting, fishing and playing with his grandchildren. Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2007, at Eastwood Assembly of God with burial at Howe Cemetery in Howe under the direction of Mallory-Martin Funeral Home of Stigler. He is survived by three daughters, Angel Billy Najar and husband Jason of Waldron, Megan Billy of Waldron and Natasha Collins and husband Randy of Russellville; three sons, Tylis Billy Sr. of Waldron, Dustin Billy of Pocola and Shawn Watson of Hot Springs; four sisters, Ruby Terrell of McCurtain, Imogene Terrell of Kinta, Ramona Baker of McCurtain and Linda Mitchell of Arkoma; and eight grandchildren, Tylis Billy Jr., Emily Billy, Jerrod Najar, Adrian Najar, LaKota Humphrey, Joshua Humphrey, Michael Humphrey and Hylan Watson. Pallbearers will be John Hattabaugh, Kelly Billy, Joseph Williams, Brett McConnell, Robert Rodriguez, Nathan Patterson, Robert Standridge and Robert Heath. The family will visit with friends from 3 to 5 p.m. today, Feb. 5, 2007.

Contributed by William Highfill
Poteau Daily News (Online edition)
Wednesday, 12 March 2008
EVELYN EVE BISHOP

Evelyn Eve Bishop, 71, of Poteau, passed away March 10, 2008, at The Oaks Healthcare Center in Poteau. She was born Sept. 9, 1936 in Waldron, Ark., and was retired from the LeFlore County office of the Oklahoma State Department of Health. She had also worked at Holton's Grocery and Poteau Food Market. She is preceded in death by her first husband, James Ray Branscum; a son, Michael Branscum; and her parents, Thomas Tilden and Ethal (Glaze) Graham; and five siblings.She is survived by her husband, James Bishop of the home; one son, Randy Branscum and wife Maggie of Shady Point; one daughter, Lisa Morgan and husband Robert of Poteau; five step-children, Kathy Rose, Nancy Bishop, Sharon Kletter, Dwayne Bishop and Margaret Bishop; one brother, Dale Graham of Collinsville; two sisters, Reba Skinner of Rockchester, Wash., and Faye Essman of Tulsa; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; numerous other relatives, friends and loved ones. Funeral services will be conducted Friday at 2 p.m. at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, with Rev. Jimmy D. Cook and Rev. Wayne Kersh officiating. Interment will follow at the Loving Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Robert Morgan, Tony Stimac, Jimmy Graham, Travis Branscum, Casey Branscum and J.D. Graham. Arrangements are under direction of Evans and Miller Funeral Home in Poteau.

Contributed by William Highfill
Heavener (OK) Ledger
Thursday, 21 June 2007 Page 10
PAT BLACK

Patricia "Pat" Richey Black, 49, of Las Vegas, Nev., passed away April 15, 2007, in Las Vegas, Nev. She was born April 25, 1957, in Black Fork, Ark. She is survived by a son, Keneth Magness; two daughters, Amanda and Kyla Black; four grandchildren, Kelly, Gabby, Kohn, and Katie; five siblings, Tommy Richey of Edmond, Ivan Richey and Lois Mendenhall both of Waldron, Ark., Joy Richey and Robin Richey both of Heavener; her mother, Robbie Richey of Heavener; an uncle, Sonny Hairrell of Bakersfield, Calif.; five aunts, Betty Thaxton of El Derado, Ark., Louise Workman of Arthur City, Txas, Jan Hunt and Celia Mae Dehart both of Mena, Ark.

Contributed by Allen Syler
Arkansas Democrat
Tuesday Sept 14, 1976
CLARENCE BLACKBURN

WALDRON-Fred Clarence Blackburn, 83, of Waldron, a farmer, died Sunday night. Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Lorene Browning of Waldron, Mrs. Pauline Thomas and Mrs. Darlene Miller, both of Benton; a sister, Mrs. Dessie Owens of Oakland, Calif.; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Funeral was today at Rice-Martin funeral Home. Burial was in Oliver Cemetery.

Contributed by Sandi Suggs

ANNIE R. BLACKWELL

White Deer--Mrs. Annie Roxie Blackwell, 90, died yesterday in Claude. Services will be at 2 p.m. tomorrow at First Baptist Church in Hedley with Johnny Hoggatt of Tulia officiating. Burial will be in Rowe Cemetery at Hedley by Spicer Funeral Home in Memphis. Mrs. Blackwell, a native of Indian Territory, Okla., had been a longtime resident of Hedley before moving to White Deer three years ago. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Hedley. Her husband, Fount Stone Blackwell, died in 1964. Survivors are two daughters, Mrs. Charlie Johnson and Mrs. Ollie Malone, both of White Deer; two sons, L.D. of Amarillo and Huey Lee of Louisville, Ky; 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren.

Contributed by Sandi Suggs

FOUNT STREETSTONE BLACKWELL

Another long time resident of Hedley, Fount Street Blackwell, 76, passed away Sunday in a Memphis hospital. Funeral services were held Tuesday in the First Baptist Church here by Rev. Robert Estes and Rev. Douglas Dubose. Burial was in Rowe Cemetery under direction of Spicer Funeral Home. Pallbearers were Alfred Johnson, Frank Murray, Delbert Koontz, Vergil McPherson, Dalton Malone and Vernie Wade. Mr. Blackwell was born Aug. 24, 1887 at Boles, Scott County, Ark. He was united in marriage to Miss Annie Roxie Green on July 3, 1905 at Boles. The family moved to Hedley in 1925. Two sons and one daughter have preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. F.S. Blackwell of Hedley; two sons, Lowell of Amarillo and H.L. of Dallas; three daughters, Mrs. C.C. Clark and Mrs. H.A. Malone of Anaheim, Calif. and Mrs. C.A. Johnson of Hedley; two sisters, Mrs. Riller Alley of Okemah, Okla. and Mrs. Doshie Presley of Garden Grove, Calif; 14 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. Mr. Blackwell was a member of the First Baptist Church of Hedley.

Contributed by Sandi Suggs

HUEY LEE BLACKWELL

Amarillo--Huey Lee Blackwell, 71, died Thursday, Oct. 12, 1995. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Rowe Cemetery in Hedley, with the Rev. Calvin Winters, pastor of First Baptist Church of White Deer, officiating. Arrangements are with Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors of Pampa. Mr. Blackwell was born March 19, 1924 in Healdton, Okla. He lived in Hedley as a child and had been a resident of White Deer for 10 years before moving to Amarillo in 1994. He worked for Phillips Petroleum for five years in Borger at the end of World War II after being discharged from the U.S. Navy. He later worked for Ford Motor Co. for 30 years, spending 17 years in Dallas and then 13 years in Louisville, Ky., until his retirement. He married Elsie Marshall on Dec. 20, 1941 in Memphis. They owned and operated Elsie's Flea Market in Pampa from 1988 to 1993. He attended First Baptist Church in White Deer. He was preceded in death by three brothers, two sisters and two sons, Dwight and Lee Blackwell. He is survived by his wife, Elsie; two sisters, Ollie Malone of Amarillo and Eunice Johnson of White Deer; several nices, nephews and cousins. The family requests memorials to the Rowe Cemetery Association in Hedley.

Contributed by Sandi Suggs

W.R. "RUBE" BLACKWELL

Hedley friends were shocked and grieved this week to learn of the death of W.R. (Rube) Blackwell, who passed away of a heart attack Monday at his home at 2616 N.W. 5th St. in Amarillo. Funeral services were held today (Thursday) from the First Baptist Church here by Rev. W.S. Sibley of Amarillo, assisted by Rev. E.H. Coston. Pallbearers were Hugh Watson, Slim Noel and Lewis Johnson of Amarillo, R.E. Darnell, Tom Lamberson and Winfield Mosley. Burial was in Rowe Cemetery here with Womack Funeral Home in charge. William Rube Blackwell was born May 18, 1908 at Boles, Ark. He came to Hedley from Oklahoma in 1925, and lived here until he moved to Amarillo about six years ago. He was married Dec. 21, 1932, to Laura Johnson, who survives him. He leaves two sons, Jackie and Billie, one daughter, Carolyn Sure, and one step-daughter, Lois Marie Horton. He is also survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. F.S. Blackwell of Hedley, three sisters, Mrs. Bertha Koontz of Anaheim, Calif., Mrs. Eunice Johnson of Hedley and Mrs. Ollie Malone of Pampa, and two brothers, Lowell Blackwell of Amarillo and Huey Lee Blackwell of Borger. He was converted at an early age and united with the Hedley Baptist Church, in which he still held membership.

Contributed by William Highfill
Ft. Smith Times Record (online edition)
Friday, September 2, 2005
OUIDA BLACKWOOD

HODGEN — Ouida Blackwood, 82, of Hodgen died Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2005, in her home. She was born April 18, 1923, in Waldron. Funeral will be 1 p.m. Friday at First Baptist Church in Heavener with burial at Sehorn Cemetery in Waldron under the direction of Grace Manor Funeral Home of Poteau. She is survived by her husband, R.M.; three daughters, Barbara Gipson of Sallisaw, Teresa Devorak of Little Rock, and Karen Sullivan of Hodgen; three sisters, Leah Campbell of Heavener, Doris Deatherage of Hodgen, and Alberta Long of Prague, Okla.; a brother, Lee Crutchfield of Choctaw, Okla.; six grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Jeremey Devorak, J.R. and Heath Sullivan, Robbie Gipson, Lance Faddis and Jarret Hetherington. The family will visit with friends from 6 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to International Baptist Mission Board (World Hunger), P.O. Box 6767, Richmond, VA 23230-0767; Gideon International, P.O. Box 691, Poteau, OK 74953; or Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief Team, BGCO, 3800 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73112; or World Hunger.

Contributed by William Highfill
Ft. Smith Times Record (online edition)
Wednesday, 2 August 2006
MELBA BONDS

OZARK — Melba A. Bonds, 87, of Ozark died Monday, July 31, 2006, in Ozark. She was born May 5, 1919, in Waldron. She was a homemaker and a member of Faith Missionary Baptist Church. Funeral will be 2 p.m. today at Faith Missionary Baptist Church with burial at Cemetery Ridge Cemetery south of Ozark under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home of Charleston. She is survived by her husband, Rudy; four daughters, Avery Mantooth, Willa Pruitt and Carol Willhite, all of Ozark, and Ione Daniel of Clarksville; two sons, Earl Bonds of Ozark and Jack Bonds of Cecil; a sister, Louella Shaw of Ratcliff; 16 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be her grandsons, James and Billy Gude, Kevin, Paul and Randall Bonds, Bryan Pruitt, Greg Willhite and John Daniel. Honorary pallbearers will be her granddaughters.

Contributed by William Highfill
Ft. Smith Times Record (online edition)
Monday, 21 January 2008
JAMES EJ BONEY

James EJ Boney, 76, of the Sugar Grove community near Booneville was born March 19, 1931, in Waldron to Jim and Luzetta (Scott) Boney. He passed away Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2008, in Little Rock. He was a retired journeyman woodworker and was formerly employed at Wagoner Brothers in Booneville. Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008, at Sugar Grove Pentecostal Church in the Sugar Grove community near Booneville with burial at Sugar Grove Cemetery under the direction of Roberts Funeral Home. He is survived by his wife, Lucille Boney of the home; daughters, Linda Whitehead and husband Hollis, Velma Schlinker and husband Johnny, and Sherry Hughes and husband Jimmy, all of Sugar Grove community near Booneville; one brother, Henry Lee Boney of Booneville; six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Pallbearers: John Schlinker, Andi and Greg Ammons, Tracy and Rob Mosby, Holly and Brandon Marsh, Misty and Gary Simpson, Amanda and Jason Barr. Honorary pallbearer: Tyler Matthews. Obituary by Roberts Funeral Home (479) 675-3388.

Contributed by William Highfill
Poteau Daily News (electronic edition)
Friday June 11, 2004
LAWRENCE WILLIAM BOWEN

Lawrence William Bowen was born Jan. 6, 1924 at Blackfork, Ark. and passed away Monday, June 7, 2004, at the age of 80 years, 5 months and 1 day. He married Marybel Scott of Hicks, Okla. on Jan. 10, 1947 in San Diego, Calif. and remained her loving husband for 57 years. Lawrence accepted Jesus as his Savior at Blackfork, Ark. and was baptized at Highland Avenue Baptist Church in National City, Calif. on Jan. 5, 1947. Lawrence joined the CCCs in June of 1940 and remained a member until he joined the U.S. Navy in 1941. He served his country for 24 years and retired in 1965 as a Master Chief. He worked as a painter for several years, then did custom hay baling as long as his health permitted. His hobby was raising cattle. Lawrence joined Big Creek Baptist Church by letter in 1965 and served as treasurer for a couple of years. He moved his membership to the Hontubby Baptist Church in 1973 and served as the Adult Men's Sunday School teacher. He later moved his membership to the Big Creek Baptist Church. Lawrence William Bowen was preceded in death by his son, Lawrence Joseph Bowen; his parents, Jess Bowen and Luie Campbell Bowen Morrison; his stepfather, Cecil Morrison, the only father Lawrence knew from the age of 4; five brothers, Edward Bowen, J.B. Bowen, Keith Morrison, Jesse Morrison, Donald Morrison; and sister, Alice Matilda Morrison. Songs for service include "Heaven's Jubilee," "I'll have a New Life," and "Land Where Waters Flow," all in four part harmony. Survivors include his wife Marybel Scott Bowen of the home; one daughter, Sharon Gail Cox of Sperry, Okla., one grandson, Joel Keith Cox and wife Tracie Lea of Greenwood, Ark; great-grandson Connor Joseph of Greenwood, Ark; and great-granddaughter, Cathleen Michelle, also of Greenwood, Ark; one sister, Nancy Janway and husband Charlie of Heavener; six brothers, Marvin Morrison and wife Geneva, James Morris and wife Bobbie, and Kenneth Morrison and wife Brenda, all of Heavener, J.D. Morrison and wife Ruby, and Emmitt Morrison and wife Betty, all of Hawk Point, Billy Morrison and wife Brenda of Bluffton, Texas; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and loved ones; and many beloved friends. Services were held at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 9 at Big Creek Baptist Church with the Revs. Joe Hayden Hall and Lynn Phillips officiating. Burial at Hontubby Cemetery under the direction of Lewis Funeral Chapel.

Contributed by William Highfill
Greenwood Democrat (online edition)
Friday, 30 June 2006
BYRON BOYD
Byron Boyd, 78, of Dayton died Wednesday, June 21, 2006, in a Fort Smith hospital. He was the owner of Boyd's TV in Mansfield for over 40 years and a Primitive Baptist. He was preceded in death by his wife, Alfa Omega Boyd, having married July 26, 1965. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Elda Boyd; and one brother, Franklin Boyd. Funeral services were June 24, at McConnell Funeral Home Chapel in Greenwood with burial at Coop Prairie Cemetery in Mansfield. Survivors are three nephews, Tommy Boyd and wife Martha, and children, Tommy J. and Sara; Kenny Boyd and wife Beth, and children, Laura, Hope, and Caleb; Billy Boyd and wife Nancy, and children Katherine and Phillip; one sister-in-law, Edith Boyd; and seven great-nieces and great-nephews. Pallbearers were Carroll Slate, Don Hammons, Charles Whedbee, Bruce Whittaker, Roy Efurd and Larry Kiser.

Contributed by William Highfill
Poteau News (online edition)
Friday, 01 February 2008
KENNETH BRANDON

Rev. Kenneth Brandon, 86, of Pocola passed away Jan. 29, 2008, in Talihina. He was born Sept. 6, 1921 in Parks, Ark. He was a veteran of WWII where he served in the Marine Corps receiving a Purple Heart for wounds received during the Bougainville Island Campaign. He started and pastored many Free Will Baptist churches in his lifetime. He was preceded in death by his wife, Oneta; an infant son, John Lovell Brandon; and his parents, Joseph Burse "JB" and Madgie Barnes-Brandon. He is survived by a daughter, Alta Brandon of Fort Smith, Ark.; three sons, Dennis Brandon and David Brandon, both of Pocola and Carl Brandon of Oklahoma City; a sister, Montene Duckworth of Granite City, Ill.; a brother, Joseph C. Brandon of Fort Worth, Texas; 7 grandchildren; 10 grandchildren; numerous other relatives, friends and loved ones.Funeral services will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Murry Spur Free Will Baptist Church in Spiro with Rev. Bill Burgess and Rev. Jackie Edwards officiating. Interment will follow at the Macedonia Cemetery in Pocola. Pallbearers will be Thomas Lovell, Jimmy Lovell, Claude Lovell, Douglas Lovell, Allan Lovell and Joe Jones. Family will visit with friends at Evans and Miller Funeral Home in Pocola on Friday evening between 6 and 8 p.m. Arrangements under the direction of Evans and Miller Funeral Home in Pocola.

Contributed by Corban Goble
9 May 2008
BEATRICE RHEA GOBLE BRANNON

Beatrice Rhea Goble Brannon, age 94, passed away peacefully March 18, 2008 at Bellevue Retirement Center, Oklahoma City. Beatrice was a 90-year resident of LeFlore County, Oklahoma, residing in the communities of Glendale, Wister and Cameron. Beatrice was born February 23, 1914 in Boothe, Scott County, Arkansas to the late Edgar Sylverta Goble and Jenny Minerva Doss Goble. At the age of four, she and her family moved by two mule-drawn wagons to Mountain Creek, near Wister, Oklahoma. Beatrice graduated from high school at Wister, and received both Bachelor's and Master's Education degrees from Oklahoma State University. She touched the lives of more than 1,000 students during her thirty-three year teaching career. Her first teaching assignment began in a one-teacher school in the Hill community, at the age of nineteen. That was followed by teaching positions at McClure, Council Grove in Oklahoma City, Glendale, and the last twenty-three years at Cameron. Beatrice was a devout Christian, and an active member of the community. She was a member of Mountain View Baptist Church, Glendale, Oklahom, where she taught Sunday School and served in various capacities. She was Past Worthy Matron of the Mosholatubbee Chapter of the Eastern Star, Past President of the teacher's sorority, Alpha Delta Kappa, a member of the Oklahoma Education Association, and a member of the Retired Teacher's Association. She cherished her family, friends, church and home. She enjoyed playing the piano, was an accomplished artist, and undoubtedly the best cook and hostess in the world. Her graciousness, wisdom and generosity will always be remembered. She was preceded in death by her late husband of 42 years, Hubert C. Brannon and her first husband, William Richard Lackey. Beatrice was also preceded in death by her sisters, Vercue Sandlin, Euphal Lindsay, Wanda Stanton, and brothers James, Burl and Jake Goble. Beatrice is survived by her two sons and their spouses, William Richard Lackey II and Lyn of Cary, North Carolina, and Paul Lackey and Beverly of Edmond, Oklahoma; four grandchildren, Christopher Lackey and wife Lori of Piedmont, Oklahoma, Lisa Lackey Gorman and husband Brent of Anchorage, Alaska, William R. Lackey III of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Amelia Lackey of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; one great granddaughter, Kelsey Grace Lackey of Piedmont, Oklahoma, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and many dear friends. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of your choice. A memorial service and interment will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 12, 2008 at Mountain View Baptist Church, Glendale, Oklahoma.

Contributed by William Highfill
Ft. Smith Times Record (online edition)
17 September 2005
PEARL LUCILLE BRAY

Pearl Lucille Bray, 94, of Van Buren died Thursday, Sept. 15, 2005, in her home. She was a homemaker and attended Woodman Christian Church. Services are pending at Ocker Funeral Home of Van Buren. She is survived by two daughters, JoAnn Lovett of Fort Smith and Peggy Lou Owen of Van Buren; a brother, Jack Haggard of Tulsa; nine grandchildren, Mark Lovett, Lori Raible and Rhonda Harvey, all of Fort Smith, the Rev. Roger Owen of Alma, Randy Owen of Van Buren, Robin Fuller of Waldron, Retha Ogelsby and Richie Owen, both of Mount Pleasant, Texas, and the Rev. Ronald Owen of Clarksville; 26 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchild; and one great-great-great-grandchild.

Contributed by William Highfill
Ft. Smith Times Record (online edition)
Wednesday, 17 August 2005
VERNON BROWN

BOONEVILLE — Vernon Brown, 80, of Booneville died Monday, Aug. 15, 2005, in Waldron. He was born May 3, 1925, in Tulsa. He was formerly employed at Ace Comb Co. in Booneville and a Baptist. Funeral will be 10 a.m. today at Roberts Funeral Home Memorial Chapel in Booneville with burial at Neal Cemetery in Shawnee, Okla. He is survived by two sisters, Gertrude Rose of Arlington, Texas, and Geraldine Brown of Catoosa, Okla.; and two brothers, Tom Brown of Booneville and Rolland Brown of Stockton, Calif.

Contributed by William Highfill
Ft. Smith Times Record (online edition)
Tuesday, 09 April 2008
CLAUD BULL

MANSFIELD — Claud M. Bull, 97, of Mansfield died Saturday, April 26, 2008, in a Fort Smith hospital. He was a retired dairyman, member of Fellowship Baptist Church in Witcherville and the widower of Eunice Bull. Funeral will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at McConnell Funeral Home Chapel in Greenwood with burial at Dayton Cemetery in Dayton under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood. He is survived by two daughters, Claudette Bull of the home and Janette Vincent of Dayton. Pallbearers will be Jack Bull, Tommy Boyd, Dick Huie, Jerry Welch, Tommy Whedbee and Lonnie Vincent. The body may be viewed from 1 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Contributed by William Highfill
Poteau Daily News (online edition)
Thursday, April 7, 2005
ETHEL MAE BURDEN

Ethel Mae Burden, 90, of Poteau, passed away April 5. She was born Sept. 28, 1914, at Waldron, Ark. She was a member of First Free Will Baptist Church of Poteau and she was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Clora LeMarr; her husband, Aldren; and three brothers, Bill, Short and Dude LaMarr. Survivors include a daughter, Alice and Scottie McMillin of Poteau; a son, Edwin and Norma Burden of Wister; a sister, Linnie Dodd of Claypool, Ariz.; two brothers, Otis LeMarr of Waldron, Ark. and Clifton LeMarr of Kansas City, Mo.; four grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; numerous other relatives and loved ones; and a host of beloved friends. The family will be at the funeral home from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday to visit with relatives and friends. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Evans Chapel of Memories at Poteau with Rev. Junior Phillips and Rev. Jimmy D. Cook officiating. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery at Poteau under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau. Pallbearers will be Vernon Florence, Wendell Burden, Winfred Burden, Ronnie Burden, Ralph Pickle and Kenneth Goines.

Contributed by William Highfill
Ft. Smith Times Record (online edition)
Tuesday, 11 April 2006
LULA BURGESS

POTEAU — Lula Belle “Lou” Burgess, 65, of Poteau died Sunday, April 9, 2006, in Fort Smith. She was born Feb. 16, 1941, in Poteau. She was an office manager, lifelong resident of Poteau and member of Southside Baptist Church. Funeral will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Southside Baptist Church in Poteau with burial at Oakland Cemetery in Poteau under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau. She is survived by her husband Ronald Burgess Sr.; one daughter, Rhonda Burgess of Oklahoma City; two sons, Ronald Burgess Jr. and Darren Burgess, both of Poteau; two sisters, Mildred Mitchell of Howe and Linda Killion of Poteau; one brother, Ronald Killion of Waldron; and five grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Homer Oglesby, Jeff Shore, Jon Sullivan, Terry Manlove, Dewayne Chandler and Jimmie Graves.

Contributed by Allen Syler
Arkadelphia Southern Standard
Dec 24, 1931
J.R. BURROUGHS

Our town (Okolona, Arkansas) was made sad Sunday morning Dec. 20th, when the news was flashed over town of the death of J.R. Burroughs, which occurred suddenly at the home of his sons, JIM and WILLIS BURROUGHS early Sunday morning. Funeral services were conducted Monday afternoon at the Methodist church by Rev. S.B. MANN, pastor of the Methodist church of Okolona, of which denomination Mr. BURROUGHS was a member. Burial was in the Okolona Cemetery. Mr. BURROUGHS was born Nov. 19th, 1842, at Manchester, Tenn. He moved through Arkansas during the Civil war with the northern army to East Texas, and from there to Indiana where he lived for 4 years. He then came back to Arkansas by way of St. Louis, New Orleans and Fulton and settled in Hempstead county, where he lived for 10 years, after which he moved to WALDRON, Arkansas, where he married Miss MARY FRANCES HOLLOWAY, on August 25th, 1885. To this union seven children were born, 4 girls and 3 boys. Mr. and Mrs. BURROUGHS moved to Arkadelphia in 1904 and to Okolona in 1913, where Mrs. BURROUGHS departed this life Nov. 11, 1917. Mr. BURROUGHS is survived by 5 children, Mrs. GUSTA RANDLE, JIM and WILLIE BURROUGHS of Okolona, Mrs. LILLIE TUCKER of Gurdon and Mrs. LAURA NEWSOM; and by 5 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. We extend our hearfelt sympathy to the bereaved family.

Contributed by William Highfill
Russellville Courier (online edition)
Tuesday, 18 October 2005
TINA BUTLER

DANVILLE — Tina Marie Butler, 87, of Waldron died Sunday, Oct. 16, 2005, at Waldron Nursing Center. Born June 23, 1918, she was the daughter of the late John and Willie Woodard Butler. She was a Baptist. Survivors include a nephew, Bobby Garner; a niece, Mildred McDaniel, both of McGehee; and several other nephews, nieces and cousins. Graveside service will be at 10 a.m. today at Union Hill Cemetery. Arrangements are by Cornwell Funeral Home.