Contributed Obituaries, "S" Surnames

MISCELLANEOUS SCOTT COUNTY OBITUARIES
SURNAME "S"

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 7 May 2011

Contributed by William Highfill
Greenwood Democrat
(Online edition)
Tuesday, March 22, 2007
RICKY SALLEE

Ricky Ray Sallee, 50, of Bakersfield, Calif. died Friday, March 4, 2005, in Bakersfield. He was preceded in death by his father, Lee Cline Sallee and his mother, Elouise "Hunt" Sallee. Burial was Friday, March 11, 2005, at Chant Cemetery at Y City under the direction of Martin Funeral Home of Waldron. He is survived by two daughters, Ashley and Kimberly Sallee; two sons, Eric and Nicholas Sallee; and three brothers, Jack Sallee of Little Rock, Jerry Sallee of Fort Smith and Tracy Sallee of Texarkana, Ark.

Contributed by Sandi Suggs

ANNA FAYE BLACKWELL SAMPLER

Mrs. Anna Faye Sampler died in the Adair hospital at Clarendon Sept. 23. She had not been sick but a short time, but her condition grew worse and she was taken to the hospital Saturday and died Sunday. Mrs. Sampler was born Feb. 16, 1919. She was converted in 1932 at Bray. She was married to Ralph Sampler Dec. 17, 1933 at McKnight. She is survived by her husband, her parents, Mr. and Mrs. F.S. Blackwell, her brothers, Rube, Lowell and Huey Lee Blackwell, her sisters, Mrs. Bertha Koontz of Clarendon, Mrs. Eunice Johnson and Mrs. Ollie Malone. Funeral services were held at 2 o'clock Sunday, Sept. 23 at the First Baptist church, conducted by Rev. M.E. Wells. And another young life has gone out to meet the Father who gave it. Her young husband is left so lonely, and mother and father, brothers and sisters hearts are bleeding because of her passing. But how consoling the thought that you may some day be reunited around the Great White Throne, where heartaches are not known and where we can dwell together throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity, where there is no separation and where all is well and we are happy who live for the Master in Heaven. She is free from pain now as she lies in her tomb, resting from all her labors. Loved ones, you may not grieve as those who have no hope, but have the consolation that she gave her heart to God and passed from death unto life. A Friend.

Contributed by Debbie Johnson
The Heavener Ledger, page 1
6 November 1969
MARLOW SANDERS

Funeral service for Marlow Sanders, 45, Howe resident, was to be held Thursday at 2 p.m. at the Bates Baptist Church. Burial will be in the Gipson Cemetery at Bates under direction of Dowden Funeral Home. Rev. Gene Shelton will officiate at the rites. Born January 17, 1924 at Bates, Mr. Sanders died Nov. 4 at the Poteau hospital. He was a member of the Bates church. Survivors include his wife Lois; father, Everett Sanders, Sr., Heavener; five sons, Larry of Bates, John of Tulsa, Jerry, Ricky and Randy of the home; four daughters, all of the home, Connie, Bonnie, Mary and Tammie; two brothers, Everett, Jr. of Bates and Elvin of Bates; one sister, Betty Oaks; two grandchildren.

Contributed by Debbie Johnson
The Heavener Ledger, page 10
16 January 1968
CLAY SANFORD

Funeral service for Clay Sanford, 79-year-old Heavener resident, was conducted Monday afternoon in the Dowden Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Gordon Patterson, pastor of the church, officiated, and burial was in the Oakdale Cemetery under direction of Dowden Funeral Home. Born March 19, 1888 at Waldron, Mr. Sanford had been a resident of Heavener since 1918. He was a retired fireman from the Kansas City Southern; was a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen and the First Methodist Church. Mr. Sanford died Friday at a nursing home in Poteau where he had made his home recently. Survivors include his wife Hattie; one son Tom of Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; one daughter Mrs. Lucille Bellingham of Arlington, Va.; one brother Ray of Heavener; and one sister Lela of Heavener; two grandchildren. Pallbearers were Hugh Bennett, Ralph Vandiver, Norris White, Ivy Little, Ted Sexton and Clyde Olive.

Contributed by William Highfill
Heavener (OK) Ledger
Thursday, 04 August 2008
CURIA SCOTT

Curia Genevieve (Forman) Scott, 83, of Hodgen, passed away Satgurday, August 6, 2008, in Hodgen. She was born March 6, 1925, in Hodgen, to John Foreman and Iona (Talley) Foreman. She was a life-long resident of the Hodgen area and a member of the Stapp-Zoe Baptist Church. She is survived by four daughters, Bert Burden, of Oklahoma City, Janna Byrd, of Hodgen, Lynda Long and husband Mel, of Howe, Deanna Scribner and husband Dale, of Edmond; three sons, Bill Connall and wife Etta, of Vale, Okla., Ceb Scott and wife Annette, of Zoe, Scotty Scott and wife Tresa of Hodgen; three sisters, Mary Birmingham, of Grove, Okla., Betty Sue Deere, of Waldron, Ark., Wanda Sherril, of Blanchard, Okla., 18 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren; 14 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband C.O. (Scotty) Scott and an infant daughtrer, Bonnie Sue Scott.

Contributed by William Highfill
Shelby County Today (online edition)
Center, Texas
Thursday, 17 December 2009
PAUL SEAY
September 27, 1925 – December 15, 2009

Graveside services for Mr. Paul Seay, age 84, of Yoakum, TX, formerly of Tenaha, TX, will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009, at Restland Cemetery in Tenaha with Dr. Lee Evans officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until 12 Noon on Saturday at the funeral home prior to the service. Mr. Seay passed away on Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 15, 2009, in Bonham, TX. Paul Seay was born on September 27, 1925, in Spartanburg, SC to Paul and Annie Belle Belcher Seay. He graduated from Spartanburg High School. Mr. Seay married Lois Jean Pruett on Dec. 20, 1957, in San Francisco. Mr. Seay served his county in the U.S. Navy, retiring after 20 years. He later worked for Daniels Construction in Greenville, SC as safety engineer for over 20 years. Mr. Seay moved to Tenaha in 1985, from South Carolina. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Tenaha. Mr. Seay is survived by two sons, Dr. Michael Seay and wife Belinda of Yoakum, and David Seay and wife Doris of Waldron, Arkansas; two grandchildren, Dusty Seay of Longview and George Seay of Yoakum; and three step-grandchildren, Maranda Hammons of Longview, Erin Nahgahnub and husband Joe of Barksdale A.F.B., and Holly Hammons of Tulsa. If desired, memorials may be made to Restland Cemetery Assn., C/o Mr. Jerry Smith, 8195 SH 96 N., Tenaha, TX 75974.

Contributed by Bryce Self
January 25, 2005
JAMES ALVIN EUGENE "GENE" SELF

James Alvin Eugene “Gene” Self, 79, of Grand Junction, Colorado passed from this life on Sunday, January 23, 2005 at a hospital in Denver from complications of pneumonia. Mr. Self was born February 10, 1925, in Kansas City, Missouri, the youngest of four children, to Arvil Almer and Fern Ruth (Huston) Self. Gene was raised on the family place near Greenridge and carried with him a lifelong delight in the wooded hills and waters of his childhood home in Scott county. As a teenager, he lived for a time with his eldest brother, Beryl, near Kansas City, and graduated there in 1942 from Pleasant Hill High School. Soon afterward he joined the United States Marine Corps, serving during W.W.II as a military policeman in the Pacific Theatre. Seven months after his discharge, Gene was married on May 24, 1947, in Fort Smith to Miss Doris Marie Speaks, daughter of Jesse H. and Pearl Josephine (Black) Speaks. No children were born to this union, which ended in divorce in 1952 in Tulsa. It was there that Mr. Self remarried on March 25 1956 to Virginia Mae (Peet) Kruger of Alden, Iowa, the youngest of twelve children of Edward Wheelock and Nellie Hart (Hogeland) Peet. By this marriage, Gene became stepfather to Ricky Lane Kruger, whom he loved as his own. Gene and Virginia’s two children together were Jeanine, who died in infancy, and Bryce Wheelock Self. This marriage also ended in divorce in 1961 in Muskogee. Mr. Self never married again, and afterward lost contact with his family back home. Arvil and Fern never saw their youngest son again. Gene’s mother went on to be with her Lord in 1975. His father survived, a fixture in many Scott county lives and hearts until 1993, when he departed at the age of 101. A few years before, Gene’s son Bryce had sought and found his father’s family, and was honored to bring to Arvil’s last years some measure of comfort for Gene’s disappearance. On Christmas Eve of 1994, Bryce traveled to Grand Junction to meet his Dad for the first time in over 30 years. The following summer, Bryce accompanied Gene back to the old home to be reunited with his remaining brother and sister, Bill Self and Freddye Martin. Within six months, Mrs. Martin has also passed away, and Gene was always grateful for that brief but happy reunion. Mr. Self was predeceased by his parents, sister, eldest brother, daughter, stepson, and first wife. He is survived by his son Bryce of Redwood City, California, brother and sister-in-law Bill and Ruth Self, numerous nieces and nephews with their families, former wife Virginia Taylor of Ceres, California, and a special friend and neighbor, Pat Lewis of Grand Junction, Colorado, whose care, aid and friendship has been profoundly appreciated. Special thanks are due for superb care to the following and their staffs: Dr. Cordoban and Veterans’ Hospital of Grand Junction, Dr. Bechtel and St. Mary’s Hospital of Grand Junction, and Dr. Yaeger and Kindred Hospital of Denver. The personal attendance of his nurse Tammy as Gene left us was especially meaningful and appreciated. Arrangements are in care of All-Veteran’s Mortuary of Denver, Colorado. Services and interment will take place at a future date in the Self family plot of Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mount Pleasant Cemetery Association. There is a safe and everlasting home for all prodigals in the arms of Jesus Christ.

Contributed by Marcene Ammons Blatt
SUSAN IDA SELF

Susan Ida Self, was born at Jackson, County, Mississippi to James and Sarah Ammons, November 4, 1870, and died January 26, 1928 at her home northeast of Waldron where she has lived for several years. She was married to R. L. Self January 7, 1894. To this home five children were born, three boys and two girls: Roy Self, of Waldron, Mrs. Ora Terry, of Heavener, Orester Self, of Waldron, Tom Self of Fort Smith and Mrs. Roxie Killion, of Waldron. She professed religion at an early date and joined the Missionary Baptist church, and has lived a Christian from that time until her death. Her last words were not to grieve of her going, "For I am ready." The funeral services were conducted at the Mount Pleasant Church Cemetery Saturday evening at 2 o'clock by Brother Huston and Brother Cagle. She leaves to mourn her loss, her husband, five children, three brothers, R.L. Ammons, W.F. Ammons, James Turner Ammons, all of Waldron, two sisters, Mrs. Molly Starr of Blair, Oklahoma, Mrs. Mattie Cummings, Dela, Oklahoma and a host of friends.

Contributed by William Highfill
Ft. Smith Times Record (online edition)
Tuesday, 09 February 2010
MABEL MARIE PRESSON SELPH

Mabel Marie Presson Selph, 98, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2010, at her home of over 70 years in Greenwood. She was born Aug. 7, 1911, in the Dayton community. She married Dave Selph and lived on the family farm in what is now Fort Chaffee. Mabel worked at the Fort Chaffee base during World War II, then, she and her husband operated the Selph Cafe in Mansfield for many years. Following that, she worked at Stewart Drug Store in Greenwood, was a substitute teacher at Jenny Lind School and a substitute cafeteria worker at Greenwood Schools, as well as an Emmons Jewelry representative for many years. Mabel was a member of First Baptist Church in Greenwood for over 40 years and later New Hope Baptist Church in Greenwood and was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Lavaca until illness prevented her attendance. During her lifetime, she was an active volunteer in several organizations and was well known for her flower and vegetable gardening as well as her culinary skills. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter S. Presson and Willie Elmyra Presson Dill; and her brothers and sisters, Faye Selph, Fern Meeks, Ollie Presson, Leffel Presson and Evelyn Farmer. Survivors include a daughter and her husband, Zelda and Larry Hoaglan of Pine Bluff; two grandsons, David Hoaglan of Shawnee, Kan., and Jordan Hoaglan of Fayetteville; and five generations of nieces and nephews. Funeral services were Feb. 6, 2010, in the McConnell Funeral Home Chapel in Greenwood with interment at Gentry Cemetery. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 100 Main Street, Lavaca, AR 72941, or the South Sebastian County Historical Society, P.O. Box 523, Greenwood, AR 72936.

Contributed by Hartzell Sherrill
VERA MARIE SHERRILL

Vera Marie Sherrill departed this earth January 6, 2013, into the welcoming arms of her Savior with the love of her life and best friend, Hartzell Sherrill, by her side. She passed away peacefully after battling complications from a fall and head injury. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, dedicated grandmother and beautiful person inside and out. Born January 31, 1922, in Houston, Marie was the youngest child of John Daniel Rather and Ludie Ellen Wade Rather. Raised in the family homestead in the Houston Heights during the Depression, she was a resourceful, creative, determined individual, much stronger than her petite body would reveal. As a young woman, she spent many hours training with the Houston Conservatory of Music as a concert violinist. When she was fortunate enough to be offered a job her junior and senior year of high school at Star Engraving to help with family expenses, she proved to be a tenacious and loyal employee – a trait that didn’t go unnoticed by Mr. Robert Higginbotham who encouraged her to go to college, and helped her get a part-time job to support her while at North Texas State Teachers College in Denton where she studied journalism. In the summer of 1941, she returned home to Houston where she met the love of her life, Hartzell Leolen Sherrill, on a blind date. Only months later, Pearl Harbor was attacked, he left for the Navy and she used borrowed train fare to travel alone to Washington, D.C., to work in the Office of War Information for 15 months. At the young age of 21, alone and far from home, she returned to Houston where she worked for the Reconstruction Finance Corp. and lived with her mother. Marie and Hartzell married April 19, 1946, in the North Shepherd Church of Christ in Houston, upon his return from the War. Their love and commitment to each other were an inspiration and example for their children and all who met them. They had three children: Robert Kenneth, William Sydney and Sue Ellen. In 1948, Marie accepted Christ and was baptized, and devoted her life to serving Him by serving and teaching others, and setting an example of a Godly woman. In 1958, the family moved to Beaumont where they would live for the next 21 years. Even as a busy mother of three young children, she committed to completing the college degree cut short by World War II. She graduated from Lamar College of Technology (now Lamar University) in 1963 with a bachelor’s in elementary education. Many students and families were blessed by having her as a teacher at Amelia Elementary where she taught second and third grades and later was the first ombudsman in the South Park School District until her retirement. In 1979, they were transferred to Houston where Marie and Hartzell spent many happy and busy years traveling with grandkids, visiting their extended network of friends, pursuing hobbies, tending to her growing menagerie of pets including birds, cats and Tooter the dog, and volunteering with Candlelight Church of Christ. Upon retirement, they moved back to the area of their roots, Wharton, Texas. There, they made many new friendships and renewed old ones, and continued an active, busy life of service to others. In addition to teaching in public school, she led Bible studies and Sunday School classes until her late years. She was a wonderful cook, and her chocolate cakes, pear pies and pumpkin breads were always sought after at any family or church event. She also was a gifted seamstress who stitched many an outfit for her daughter and grandchildren, and created cherished needlecrafts like the embroidered Christmas stockings she made for each grandchild. She loved reading and writing, maintaining her many plants and keeping a warm and welcoming home. Her favorite times were spent when the house was full of family and she was in the kitchen, on long shopping outings with her daughter and grandchildren, camping with the family at Inks Lake in the camper Hartzell built, and ‘floating down the river’ in New Braunfels with all the kids. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Daniel and Ludie Ellen Rather; brothers Daniel Irvin and John Taylor Rather II and their spouses; and nephew John Taylor Rather Jr. Marie leaves behind her loving husband of 66 years, Hartzell Leolen; son, Robert Kenneth, and wife, Janis, of Houston; son, William Sidney and wife, Peggy, of Wharton; daughter, Sue Ellen Sherrill Durio and husband, John Keith Durio, of Austin; her grandchildren whom she adored: Kaylyn Miska (Carter), Courtney Lynch (Matt), Austin Sherrill (Pia), Jenna Durio and Lani Durio; great-granddaughters Kaylie and Chloe Miska, and Carlotta Sherrill; nephews Don, Dan and Tyrone Rather and their families; and niece Patricia Thompson and family. She also is survived by a large extended family and friends too numerous to count. Pallbearers will be Austin Sherrill, Ty Rather, James McNeil, Randy Ashley, Bill Edwards and Van O’Quinn. Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation at xxx. A celebration of her life will be held at Abell St. Church of Christ, 501 Abell St., in Wharton with grave side services at the Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mission Fund at the Abell Street Church of Christ.

Contributed by Hartzell Sherrill
VERLIE SHERRILL

Verlie Selvin Sherrill, age 95, of Wharton, passed away Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28, at the Wharton Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation was from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Wharton Funeral Home. Burial was held at Wharton City Cemetery. He was born May 8, 1918 to Charlie and Stella Stewart Sherrill in Scott County, Ark. Mr. Sherrill was a well-known barber in Wharton and owned his shop for more than 65 years. Verlie was also a member of First Presbyterian Church in Wharton. He married Helen Waters in 1939 in Wharton and was a faithful husband for almost 75 years. Mr. Sherrill is preceded in death by a daughter, Retha O'Quinn Sherrill, in 2009. Survivors include his wife Helen Sherrill; son, Verlie Sherrill, Jr. of Wharton; sisters, Lessie B. Kocurek and Charlene Kocurek; brothers, Harold and James Sherrill; grandchildren, Jeannie Suhr, David Wayne Suhr, Jr., Sherri Scheffer, Todd Sherrill, Kelly Burke and Allison Noriega; eight great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Presbyterian Church of Wharton. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home.

Contributed by Jeanette Shiel
MARGE RUDOLPH "MICKEY" SHIEL

HADLEY -- Marge Rudolph "Mickey" Shiel, age 81, of Third Avenue, died Monday morning, Feb. 21, 2005, at his home. Born on April 7, 1923, in Booth, Ark., he was the youngest of five children of Rudolph and Rebecca (Starr) Shiel. Mickey served in the United States Army during World War II in Italy and Africa in the military police, and had earned the Victory Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and two bronze service stars prior to his honorable discharge in November of 1945. He married Ida Scofield on April 6, 1955, at the Rockwell Falls Presbyterian Church, Lake Luzerne, with the Rev. H. Borden Adams, presiding. He was a life member of the Hudson Sacandaga V.F.W. Post No. 5836, Hadley and a member of the William J. Varney American Legion Post 862, Lake Luzerne. Mickey had worked for the town of Hadley for many years and had also operated a barber shop in Lake Luzerne and Hadley for several years. He had worked on construction and his last employment was for the transportation department of The Sagamore resort in Bolton Landing. Mickey was predeceased by his parents, two brothers, Emile Shiel and Edward Shiel; one sister, Clara Carson; and two nephews; Joseph Shiel and Wayne Shiel. Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Ida Shiel of Hadley; two daughters and four sons: Roger Boor of Queensbury, Deborah Kirkpatrick and her husband, Paul, of Stony Creek, Julie Wait of Luray, Va., Randy Shiel and his companion, Marla, of Hadley, Eric Shiel and his companion, Lena, of Lake Luzerne, and Kevin Shiel and his wife, Amy, of Saratoga Springs; seven grandchildren: Ronald Myers of Lake Luzerne, Nicholas Myers of Stony Creek, Rudy Wait of Schuylerville, Robin Wait of Luray, Va., Amanda Shiel of Hadley, Serena Shiel of Saratoga and Eric Shiel of Lake Luzerne; one sister, Josephine Fuller of Corinth; a sister-in-law, Helen Allen of Lake Luzerne; one niece, Carol Sim of British Columbia; three nephews, Robert Shiel of Lake Luzerne, John Carson of Greenwich and Gary Fuller of Corinth and their extended families. Special thanks to Nia Miller for her daily help and care and Dr. Pitkin for his weekly visits. At Mickey's request, there will be no calling hours or funeral services scheduled. Burial with full military honors will be at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, at the convenience of the family. Contributions in Mickey's memory may be directed to the Hadley-Luzerne Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 215, Lake Luzerne, NY 12846 or to a charity of one's choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Brewer Funeral Home, Inc., 24 Church St., Lake Luzerne.

Contributed by Debbie Johnson
The Heavener Ledger, page 5
24 April 1969
BERTHA SIMS

Funeral service for Mrs. Bertha Mae Sims, 69, Waldron, who died Sunday at Waldron, was held Tuesday at Independence Baptist Church near Heavener. Burial was at Heavener Memorial Park by Dowden Funeral Home. A member of Independence Baptist Church, she was a long-time resident of Heavener prior to moving to Waldron over a year ago. Rev. Lawrence Glenn officiated at the funeral service. Mrs. Sims was born Feb. 19, 1900 at Heavener. Survivors include her husband Elmo; two sons, Hershal, Waldron, and Lloyd, Heavener; four daughters, Mrs. Verna Blackwell, Barnsdall, Okla., Mrs. Gracie Crownover, Heavener, Mrs. Patsy Elder, Howe, and Mrs. Glenda Elder, Muskogee; one brother, Estel Victor, Heavener; one sister, Mrs. Opal Cox, Howe; 19 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Contributed by William Highfill
Poteau (Oklahoma) Daily News (Electronic version)
Wednesday, June 9, 2004
HAZEL LEE SIMMONS

Hazel Lee Simmons, 93, of Heavener passed away Monday, June 7, 2004 in Heavener. She was a lifelong resident of the area. She was of the Baptist faith and a homemaker. Suvivors include four nieces, Mary Evelyn Sunderman of Willows, Calif., Teresa Manas of Winters, Calif., Margie Evans of Waldron, Ark. and Georgia Sue Shaddon of Panama; one nephew, Ernest Hattabaugh of Vacaville, Calif; a host of great-nieces and nephews. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 10 at Dowden Funeral Home Chapel in Heavener. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery at Heavener under the direction of Dowden Funeral Home of Heavener.

Contributed by Paula Doyle-Bicket
MAUDIE ELLEN (DOYLE) SIMMONS

Maudie Ellen Simmons, 67, of Rt. 1 Box 234, Pasco WA died Monday February 3, 1975 in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. She was born in Bates, AR, moved to Washington in 1960 from Bakersfield, CA and lived in the Pasco area since 1967. She was a member of the Southern Baptist Church. Survivors include daughters, Juanita Tucker and Betty Haworth, both Pasco, brother Bill Doyle, Heavener, OK, sister, Carnella Elliott, Bakersfield, CA and Viola Coughern, Hodgen, Okla.; four grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. Burial in City View Cemetery.

Contributed by Paula Doyle-Bicket
NUEL SYLVESTER SIMMONS

Nuel Sylvester Simmons, born February 28, 1900 in Wing Ark. Died Sunday November 8, 1970. Retired Lane Wells Perforator. He died of Black Lung Disease from working in the coalmines and oil fields. He is survived by brothers Aurtor Simmons of Cauthorn, Ark., Auburly Simmons, Oklahoma City, Okla.; sisters Mrs. W.C. (America) Wiles, of Rayville, LA, and Mrs. Ann Mathis, of Heavener, Okla. Burial in City View Cemetery.

Contributed by Paula Doyle-Bicket
Heavener Legend
MANDY (DOYLE) SISCO

Mrs. Willie Sisco died at her home, two miles South of Hodgens at 7:20 o'clock, last Saturday after a short illness of six weeks. She was born September 26, 1911 at Black Fork, Arkansas and moved to Hodgens in 1918 and has lived close around ever since. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S.L. Doyle and was united in marriage to Willie Sisco in July, 1926. She is survived by a husband; a six-week-old son, mother and five sisters, also two brothers, all of whom were present when she passed away. For the past two years, Mrs. Sisco has been a member of the First Baptist Church of Hodgens. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. E. W. Westmoreland, of Heavener at two-thirty Sunday afternoon at the Baptist Church in Hodgens.

Contributed by William Highfill
Pine Bluff Commercial (online edition)
Wednesday, 02 April 2008
THURMAN SIZEMORE

Thurman Harvey Sizemore, 69, a resident of Pine Bluff, passed away March 31, 2008, at his home. He was born the third son to the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry Harvey Sizemore on Aug. 4, 1938, in Boles, Ark. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Shirley Winston Sizemore of Pine Bluff; two sons, William Harvey Sizemore and his wife, Rhonda of Pine Bluff, Micheal Lynn Sizemore and his wife, Marla of Pine Bluff; one daughter, Lisa Ann Mehrabi, and her husband, Dr. Amir Mehrabi of Memphis, Tenn.; and seven grandchildren, Suzannah Sizemore Jackson of San Diego, Calif., Bryant Sizemore of Little Rock, Winston, Scout, and Weston Sizemore of Pine Bluff, and Alexander and Barrett Mehrabi of Memphis, Tenn.; two brothers, Bill Sizemore of Pine Bluff, Eddie Sizemore of Hot Springs; and a sister, Betty Jeter of Russellville. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Vernon, Marlin, and Bobby Sizemore. Thurman moved to Pine Bluff from McGehee in the late 1950s where he met his wife Shirley and began his career in the auto parts business. He started out as a delivery boy and within one year had worked his way up to a management position. Shortly after Mr. Sizemore opened 720 Auto Parts at 720 Main St. in Pine Bluff his business would quickly expand to over 13 stores from Texas to Mississippi. The store was open seven days a week and was the first auto parts store to offer a delivery service to customers. The business sold in the early seventies and he began a new business with his sons called Mr. Parts on U.S. 79. Soon, he placed his efforts in development and real estate. He developed East Plaza, Olive Street Plaza, West 28th Street Plaza, University Plaza, Chapel Village, and Regency Square. In his later years, he built, bought, managed or sold single family homes, duplexes, apartments, office buildings and shopping centers. He was the President of Sizemore Properties. He has always had a strong belief in the future growth and potential of Pine Bluff as well as in the auto parts business. He worked hard all of his life to fulfill his dream, and through his hard work and drive, he succeeded. He was a Baptist and devoted husband who enjoyed spending time with his children and loved watching his grandchildren grow. The family will receive friends at Ralph Robinson & Son on Wednesday, April 2, from 5-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 3 at 1:30 p.m. at Olive Branch Baptist Church with Rev. Roger Stewart and Rev. Tony Williams officiating. Burial will follow at Lost Creek Cemetery in Sheridan, Ark., by Ralph Robinson & Son. The family requests that memorials take the form of contributions to Olive Branch Baptist Church, 5130 Bobo Road, Pine Bluff, Ark., 71603.

Contributed by William Highfill
Petit Jean County Headlight (online edition)
26 August 2005
VERNON SIZEMORE

Vernon Marvin Sizemore, age 72, of Morrilton, Arkansas, went to be with the Lord Thursday, August 18. He was born August 21, 1932, in Boles, Arkansas, to the late Harvey and Mattie Sizemore. He is survived by one daughter, Sandy (Ronnie) Horn; five granddaughters, Ashley, Allison, Erica, Lindsey, and Whitney Horn; three brothers, Thurman (Shirley) Sizemore of Pine Bluff, Eddie Sizemore of Hot Springs, and Bill (Sue) Sizemore of Pine Bluff; a sister, Betty Jetter, of Russellville; and numerous nieces and nephews. After graduating from Arkansas Tech and receiving his master’s degree from the University of Arkansas, he started a teaching and coaching career that lasted many years. After teaching and coaching, he opened Northwestern Sporting Goods store where he continued to be involved with sports. His other passion in life was his daughter and granddaughters, who he loved, cherished and was so very proud of. Funeral services were 2 p.m. Saturday, August 20, at First Baptist Church with Dr. Bill Brown officiating. Burial was at Elmwood Cemetery by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton. Pallbearers were David Stobaugh, Frankie Vines, Tommy Tice, Johnny Watson, John Crow, Ray Holbrook, Joey Fisher, and Barry Fisher.

Contributed by William Highfill
Poteau Daily News (online edition)
Wednesday, September 8,2004
CLAUDIE O. SKINNER

Claudie O. Skinner, 85, of Poteau, passed away Monday Sept. 6, 2004. She was born Feb. 14, 1919, at Cauthron, Ark. She was a member of First Assembly of God Church in Poteau for 60+ years. She was a member of DAV Auxiliary and a nurse (retired). Survivors include her husband, Luther E. Skinner of the home; two sons, Garry Skinner of Cameron and Carl Edward Skinner of DeBerry, Texas; three sisters, Jean Shaw of Poteau, Jimmie Baldwin of Wister and Ophelia Plummer of Idabel; one brother, Carl Latta of Chickasha; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; numerous other relatives and loved ones; and a host of beloved friends. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 9 at Evans Chapel of Memories at Poteau with the Rev. Roger Mattox officiating. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery at Poteau under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau. Pallbearers will be Larry Baldwin, Brandon Basldwin, Caleb Baldwin, Ben Baldwin, J.T. Baldwin and Josh Baldwin.

Contributed by William Highfill
Ft. Smith Times Record (online edition)
Sunday, 23 May 2010
WINFORD A. SKINNER

Winford A. Skinner, 86, of Muldrow went into his rest Friday, May 21, 2010, with family at his bedside. He was born Sept.12, 1923, in Mansfield and was preceded in death by his son, Lin Skinner, and great-grandson, Blake Skinner, both of Greenwood. He was a World War II veteran and after seeing many of his friends killed decided there must be a better way to solve differences. Upon returning home with several metals, he married and began a study of religions. He found that Jesus being King of the Kingdom and Price of Peace promised life with no more war, sickness or death and was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses on Feb. 2, 1951. He served as an elder in several congregations including Arkansas, California and Oklahoma. He was also an accopmpished self-taught musician. He played the fiddle, bass fiddle, mandolin, harmonica and trombone. He was a retired barber and owner/operator of Skinner's Barber Shop in Fort Smith. His last nine years were spent in Muldrow with his wife, Oneta, where his grandson Mark and wife Paula and great-grandchildren built him a small home and provided for their care in his final days. Memorial services will be Monday at noon at Lewis Funeral Chapel in Fort Smith. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Oneta; their daughter, Lana Nicols and husband, Jerry, of Greenwood; grandson Mark Skinner and wife Paula of Muldrow; granddaughter Stephanie Daniels of Sanford, Fla.; six great- grandchildren; two stepgreat-grandchildren; and many friends who considered him as part of their family and will miss his compassion, honesty and wit. The family will visit with friends 1-5 p.m. Monday at Creekmore Park Rose Room with a covered dish luncheon following the service.

Contributed by William Highfill
Ft. Smith Times Record (online edition)
Monday, 04 May 2009
VELMA SMALLWOOD

HEAVENER — Velma Kate “Ford” Smallwood, 87, of Heavener died Sunday, May 3, 2009, in Heavener. She was born Feb. 17, 1922, in Albion, Okla. She was of the Pentecostal faith and the widow of Fred Smallwood. Funeral will be 4 p.m. Tuesday at First Assembly of God in Heavener with burial at Hontubby Cemetery in Heavener under the direction of Dowden Funeral Home of Heavener. She is survived by three daughters, Barbara Collins of Summerfield, Okla., and Mary Taylor and Nellie Watts, both of Heavener; six sons, Edward of Waldron, J.R., Carol, Jesse and Paul, all of Heavener, and Clarence of Bates; 30 grandchildren, 59 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren.

Contributed by William Highfill
Ft. Smith Times Record (online edition)
Friday, 22 July 2005
MARY SMITH

RATCLIFF — Mary Jane P. Smith, 78, of Ratcliff died Wednesday, July 20, 2005, in Ozark. She was born Oct. 12, 1926, in Pennyfarms, Fla. She was a sewing machine operator in New York and a member of Ozark Seventh- day Adventist. No services are scheduled. The body was cremated under the direction of Shaffer Funeral Home of Ozark. She is survived by three daughters, Maella Smith of Ratcliff, Ellen Kinney of Illion, N.Y., and Esther Smith of Waldron; a son, Raymond Smith of Clinton, N.Y.; three brothers, David Pointon of Johnstown, N.Y., Clifford of Pepperall, Mass., and Norman Pointon of Phoenix; seven grandchildren; and three great- grandchildren.

Contributed by William Highfill
Ft. Smith Times-Record Online edition
Thursday, 02 October 2008
JEAN SNELL

Jean Snell, 83, of Longview, Texas, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2008, at Good Shepard Hospital in Longview. She was born Nov. 30, 1924, in Waldron to Mae Beal and Claude Winters, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Rocky Snell. She was a homemaker and member of Calvary Baptist Church since 1957. She is survived by one daughter, Paula Gamble and husband Martin of Chandler, Ariz.; one son, Jeff Sutton and wife Carol of Longview, Texas; one brother, Franklin Winters of Uniontown; three grandchildren, Josh and Jason Sutton and Daegen Kluxdal; three great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; grandnieces and grandnephews. Funeral will be held Friday, Oct. 3, 2008, at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with burial at Liberty Cemetery in Greenwood under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. The family will greet friends at Edwards Funeral Home today from 5 to 7 p.m.

Contributed by William Highfill
Johnson County (AR) Graphic (online edition)
25 November 2009
CLAUDE L. SNOW

Claude L. Tinsley Edwards Snow, 87, of Van Buren died Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, at her home. She was a native of Hartman, former co-owner of Smith Mortuary and Wilbert Vault Company in Charleston, and was preceded in death by her husbands, M. L. (Bill) Edwards and Fred E. Snow; and one son, Ray Edwards. Survivors include two daughters, Cindy Young and husband, Garry, of Waldron and Theresa Snow of Riverside, Calif.; seven grandchildren, Kevin and Karen Brown, Athena, Christie and Ray Edwards II, Morgan and Alexandra Young; and 16 great-grandchildren. Funeral was at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Rusty Bushong officiating. Burial was at Roselawn Cemetery in Fort Smith. Pallbearers were Donnie and David Clay, Ray Chastain, Chris Brazil and Gary Woodard. Memorials may be made to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, #1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C. 28201

Contributed by William Highfill
Greenwood Democrat (online edition)
Sunday, 18 March 2007
JAMES SOLLEY

James Ronnie Solley, 64, of Mansfield, Ark. died Wednesday, March 7, 2007, in a Fort Smith hospital. He was a retired truck driver and a Navy veteran of the Vietnam War. Funeral services were March 10, 2007, at First Baptist Church in Jenny Lind with burial at Old Jenny Lind Cemetery under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood. He is survived by a daughter, Tammy Taylor of Bella Vista; a brother, Don Solley of Greenwood; and two grandchildren. Pallbearers were Jason and Keith Solley, Will and Brandon Robinson, Terry Bottoms and Johnny Chastain.

Contributed by David Eick
Orange County Register
Feb 2, 2001
IVA MAE SPARKS

COMMENTS: Iva was raised in the Winfield area of Scott County, Arkansas. She was preceded in death by her husband Otis Sparks, her father, Frank C. Neff and mother Ersie Metcalf Neff, formerly of Winfield, Arkansas, and her brother Lee Hawthorne of Winfield. Her brother Vernon Neff, of Santa Ana, CA, recently preceded her, as did her sister Helen Audry Neff Murphy of Orange, CA. Burial will be this week at Sehorn Cemetery, Winfield, Arkansas.
David Eick, g-nephew and family history buff, Colorado

Iva Mae Sparks, 87, of Orange, a homemaker, died Jan. 31, 2001, of natural causes. Visitation: 3-8 p.m. today, Shannon-Donegan Mortuary, Orange. Services out of state. She is survived by daughter, Dorothy Harris; sons, Jerry DeWitt, Wayne Sparks; sisters, Opal Fitch, Mildred Farnsworth; brother, Don Neff; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren.

Contributed by William Highfill
The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tennessee
Sunday, 07 March 2010, (online edition)
TRUMAN ROBERT SPURGIN

Munford - TRUMAN ROBERT SPURGIN, Born May 19, 1925 in Konawa, OK to Thomas Jefferson Spurgin and Meda Skelton Spurgin. He went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 4, 2010, in Bartlett, TN. Truman leaves his beloved wife of 63 years, Melba Lois Sparks Spurgin. Truman also leaves three children: Randal Truman Spurgin (Panda) of Berryville, AR, Beverly Ann Hale (Fred) of Bartlett, TN, Cristi Lynn Carver (Kevin) of Germantown, TN; granddaughters, Emily Jane (Travis) Nichols of Overland Park, KS; Lora Ellen Spurgin of Little Rock, AR, Erica Lynn Camille Wagner (David) of Bartlett, TN; grandsons, Bradley Dale McGee (Alison) of Bartlett, TN, Kevin Michael Carver, Jr. of Germantown, TN, and Robert Benton Carver of Germantown, TN; great-grandson, David Hale Wagner of Bartlett, TN. Truman graduated from East Central College of Ada, OK with a degree in math. He also received a degree from the Institute of Mortuary Science in Dallas, TX. He completed formal education receiving his Master of Divinity degree in 1959 from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX. Truman was ordained to the Gospel Ministry in the First Baptist church of Ada, OK. He went on to pastor the First Baptist Church of Francis, OK, and later First Baptist Church of Rolf, OK. He served as pastor of the First Baptist Church of Waldron, AR from 1960 to 1967. He was then called as pastor of the First Baptist Church of Parkin, AR, serving from 1967 to 1978. During his years of ministry, he served on the Executive Board of both the Arkansas and Tennessee Baptist State Conventions. He retired from active ministry from the First Baptist Church of Halls, TN in 1987, yet spent his retirement years preaching God’s word as interim pastor of various Baptist churches in the West Tennessee area until his health began to fail. Over the years, Truman enjoyed traveling with his family, mostly to Southern Baptist Conventions around the country. A trip to the Holy Lands was his trip of a lifetime. Truman was a loving husband and father as well as a dedicated pastor to his church congregations. He was faithful to God’s word and will throughout his life. He loved preaching God’s word from the pulpit. He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed, but those who knew him know he is now standing at the foot of the throne singing “I Stand Amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene.“ Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. Sunday, March 7 and funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 8, both at Munford Funeral Home, Munford Chapel. Memorials may be sent to Brighton Baptist Church, Brighton, TN or to Mission: Dignity, a ministry which helps financially struggling ministers or their widows, Mission: Dignity, Guidestone Financial Resources, SBC, 2401 Cedar Springs Rd., Dallas, TX 75201-1498. Munford Funeral Home Munford Chapel (901)837-0123

Contributed by William Highfill
Poteau Daily News (online edition)
10 Narch 2011
DENA SARAH ELIZABETH BENSON STACY

Dena Sarah Elizabeth Benson Stacy, 96, of Shady Point, passed away March 7, 2011, in Shady Point. She was born May 16, 1914 in Waldron, Ark. She was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin Cameron and DeLanie H. (Jackson) Benson; her husband, Lee Stacy; son, Dale Stacy; brothers, J.C. Benson, D. B. Benson, Cameron Benson, Clarence Benson, and Orviller Benson. She is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Will and Edna Stacy of Shady Point; one daughter and son-in-law, Alma and Eulice Butler of Shady Point; ten grandchilden; nine great grandchilden; five great great grandchildren; two brothers, Delmer Benson of Heavener, James Irvin of Heavener; numerous other relatives, friends, and loved ones. Funeral services will be conducted March 10 at 10 p.m. at Calvary Assembly of God Church, Poteau, with Rev. Lynn Bullard officiating. Interment will follow in Howe Cemetery. The family will be at the funeral home this evening from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. to visit with friends and realtives. Evans and Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, is in charge of arrangements.

Contributed by William Highfill
The Heavener Ledger
Thursday, December 18, 2003, p. 10
LORA STAFFORD

Lora Christine Stafford, 97, of Bates, Ark., died Friday, December 12, 2003 in Bates. She was a life long resident of the area and a member of the Cedar Creek Baptist Church in Weeks, Ark. Funeral services were Monday, December 15, 2003 at the Cedar Creek Baptist Church with burial in the Weeks Cemetery in Weeks, Ark., under the direction of Dowden Funeral Home of Heavener. She is survived by seven daughters, Wynona Evans of Heavener, Aylene Martindale of Bates, Ark., Freda Pierce of Waldron, Ark., Glenda Griffin of Bates, Ark., Maggie Scott of Nashville, Ark., Modine Hall of Pocola and Sandra Leonard of Oklahoma City; four sons, Fred J. Stafford of Lovings, Bobby D. Stafford of Bates, Ark., Samuel M. Stafford of McCurtain, Gary Stafford of Lovings; one sister, Edith Cavanaugh of Jacksonville, Florida; three brothers, Bill Stevens of Austin, Texas, Lloyd Stevens of San Antonio, Texas, Sam Stevens of San Antonio, Texas; 29 grandchildren; 58 great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Fred; daughter, Geraldine.

Contributed by Marcene Ammons Blatt
GEORGIANA STAGGS

Georgiana Staggs, 41, of Waldron, died Monday, April 30, 1990 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was an employee of Tyson Foods. Funeral services are being held at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 3 at Mt. Pleasant Methodist Church. Interment will be at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. She is survived by her husband, Athel Staggs of the home; one daughter, Stepheani Michelle Staggs of the home; one son, George Douglass Staggs of the home; her mother, Lavonne Craig of Waldron; one sister, Linda Hutchens of Waldron; and one brother, Lee Roy Craig of Waldron. Funeral arrangements were made by Rice-Martin Funeral Home.

Contributed by William Highfill
Fort Smith Times-Record, Wednesday, 10 October 2007
BILLY STANFILL

GREENWOOD--Billy H. Stanfill, 80, of Greenwood died Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007, in Fort Smith. He was a member of Greenwood First Baptist Church, an Army veteran of World War II, member of Harris-Hannah VFW Post No. 6527 in Greenwood, retired from SWEPCO, member of Mansfield Lion’s Club, the Sebastian County Cattlemen’s Association and past member of the Mansfield School Board. Funeral will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Greenwood First Baptist Church with burial at Dawson Cemetery in Milltown under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood. He is survived by his wife, Joyce; three sons, Larry Stanfill of Greenwood, Terry Stanfill of Gentry and Greg Stanfill of Lowell; a brother, Carvel Stanfill of Fort Smith; five grandchildren, two stepgrandchildren, four great-grandchildren and two stepgreat- grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Eric, Joe, Addison and Harrison Stanfill, Patrick Izell and Brantley Carter. Honorary pallbearers will be the Clyde Holland Sunday School Class of Greenwood First Baptist Church. The body may be viewed from 1 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, where the family will visit with friends from 6 to 8 p.m.

Contributed by Marcene Ammons Blatt
Altus Times Democrat, Altus, Oklahoma
Tuesday January 5, 1943
John W. Starr Dies at Blair

John W. Starr, 80 year old Blair merchant, died early Tuesday at the home of his son, Carl Starr of Blair, Oklahoma following several months illness with a heart ailment. Starr was born on September3, 1858 in Arkansas and was married there in 1874 to Miss Elizabeth J. Bell, who died in 1902. He married Miss Mary E. Ammons there in 1904 and she died in 1938. He had been a resident of Jackson County since 1910. Funeral arrangements were not complete Tuesday afternoon but it was announced that services would be held in the Blair Baptist Church. Burial will be under the direction of the Merrit Funeral Home. Surviving Starr are the following sons and daughters, R. L. Starr, Frederick, Julia Smith, Arlington, Virginia, J.W. Starr, Bakersfield, California, Evie Price, Taft, California, Mrs. Jewel Ramsey, Mangum, Mrs. Florence Smith, Vallijo, California, Bessie Snodgrass, Joe Smith and Carl Starr of Blair and A.L. Onzo Starr of Altus.

Contributed by Marcene Ammons Blatt
Altus Times Democrat
Altus OK
Wednesday, March 2, 1938
Funeral Today for Mrs. Starr

Note: I have typed this the way it was in the newspaper but make note that Mary Elizabeth was born in Fayette, Lincoln County, Tennessee not Arkansas and that her husband was J.W. not G.W. Starr.

Mrs. G.W. Starr, 69, died at her home on Blair, Rt. 1. Tuesday following a two month's illness. Mrs. Starr was born in Arkansas on November 2, [1869] and was married in 1904 to G.W. Starr in Arkansas. She came to Jackson County [29] years ago making her home here since that time. She was a member of the Methodist Church in Blair. Mrs. Starr is survived by her husband, 5 sons, Wyatt Lee, Walden, Ark, Tommy Lee, Wetumka, Henry Lee, Carnegie, Floyd Lee, Carnegie and Carl Starr, Blair and two daughters, Mrs. Eva Brewer and Mrs. Jewel Starr of Blair. Funeral services were to have been held at 2 P.M. today in the Blair Methodist Church with Rev. R.N. Colyar in charge of services. Burial was to have been in the Blair Cemetery with the Merritt-Lynch Funeral Home in charge.

Contributed by William Highfill
Russellville Courier-News (online edition)
Monday, 27 October 27 2008
ALINE STEWART

DARDANELLE — Aline Stewart, 82, of El Dorado died Thursday, Oct. 23, 2008, at the John R. Williamson Hospice House following a lengthy illness. She was born April 18, 1926, in Mansfield, Ark., to Fred and Ada Owens Clopton. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Charlie V. Stewart; and five brothers and sisters. Survivors include five sons, Kenneth Clopton of Dover, Willis Stewart of Alvarado, Texas, Bill Stewart of El Dorado, Donald Stewart of Madill, Okla., and John Stewart of Joshua, Texas; two daughters, Donnia Estes of Katy, Texas, and Alice Dordon of Lucedale, Miss.; three sisters, Bestine Stafford of Arkoma, Okla., Connie Morgan of Kansas City, Mo., and Marie Smith of Hot Springs; 19 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren. Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 27, 2008, at Cornwell Chapel. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery. Arrangements are by Cornwell Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Contributed by William Highfill
Greenwood Democrat (online edition)
Friday, 23 March 2007
DR. JOHN BEEN STEWART

Dr. John Been Stewart was born April 21, 1916, in Greenwood and died March 16, 2007, at the age of 90 from cancer in his home surrounded by a team of caregivers that God hand-picked. His life consisted of many accomplishments, beginning in the sawmill town of Forester, Ark., working for Vernon Carter in the company store. Continuing from that point he attended college and medical school. He was class president of the 1940 UAMS medical students. His residency was served at Park Lane Hospital in Dallas and six months before completion of that residency he was drafted into the U.S. Army Corps, where he was a flight surgeon in the 73rd Fighter Group, 318th Squadron. While serving in the Army, he was on five different islands in the Pacific. He returned home with the rank of major and a Bronze Star. He returned to Fort Smith to begin his medical practice with Dr. Jones, where he met Sue Jean Webster and made her his wife. He then began his own private practice with Dr. Bob Thompson, Dr. Jim Thompson and Dr. Ralph Kramer. They were broad ranging doctors, performing surgeries and delivering many babies in the Fort Smith and surrounding areas. Their practice was the last of the doctors that made house calls. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, the Noon Civics Club, Wilderness Club and the Snake Root Society. He is survived by two daughters, Stacie Ashcroft and husband Norm of Kansas City, Mo., and Ann Penn and husband David of Austin, Texas; one son, Jeb Stewart of Van Buren; three grandchildren, Eric Cobb of Madison, Wis., Amy Cobb of Phoenix, Ariz., and John David Penn of Austin; and three great-grandchildren, Josh, Erin and Morgan Cobb of Madison. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sue Stewart. Memorial services were March 21, 2007, at First United Methodist Church followed by a private entombment at First United Methodist Church Columbarium under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. Following the memorial service, there was a celebration of his life at Hardscrabble Country Club. Memorials may be made to the Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Ave., Fort Smith, AR 72903; The Good Samaritan Clinic, 615 N. B St., Fort Smith AR, 72901; or Bost Foundation, 1801 S. 74th, Fort Smith, AR 72903.

Contributed by Debbie Johnson
The Heavener Ledger, page 7
20 October 1977
LELA STEWART

Lela Stewart, wife of the late Jim Stewart, died Oct. 14 in a Bakersfield, Calif. hospital after suffering multiple strokes. Lela was born Jan. 19, 1888 to Sarah and Irvin Justice at Loving, Indian Territory. She was the oldest grandchild of John and Amanda Loving from which the community is named. The Stewart family were residents of the Forrester community for many years, moving to Bakersfield some 40 years ago. She was a member of Trinity Methodist Church where her funeral was held Saturday and burial was in Union Cemetery at Bakersfield. Survivors include 3 daughters, Bucky Johnston and Mildred Owens, both of Bakersfield, and Dorotha Okuma of Oildale, Calif.; one son, Cal, of Mesa, Ariz.; 9 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; one sister, Arzena Hall of Ada; one brother, Hib Norman of Heavener.

Contributed by William Highfill
Booneville Democrat (online edition)
Thursday, 12 March 2009
MICHAEL EDWARD STILES

Michael Edward Stiles, 56, of Booneville, passed away Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009 in Booneville. He was born Jan. 18, 1953 in Ventura, Calif., to Doyle and Reba Stiles. He was a saw mill operator at Travis Lumber Company in Mansfield. He is preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Alice Stiles. A memorial service was held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 4, at Roberts Memorial Chapel in Booneville, under the direction of Roberts Funeral Home. He is survived by his wife Betty of the home; a sister, Lisa Fox of Magazine; two brothers, Roy and Steve Stiles, both of Booneville; and four nieces and four nephews.

Contributed by William Highfill
Ft. Smith Times Record (online edition)
Thursday, 11 December 2008
LESTER STINEBAUGH

Lester Stinebaugh, 91, of Huntington died Monday, Dec. 8, 2008, in Greenwood. He was a retired carpenter, member of Dayton Baptist Church and was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine Stinebaugh; one daughter, Cathy Rayne Brown; and one sister, Wynema Hanna. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11 at Fellowship Baptist Church in Witcherville with burial at Dayton Cemetery under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood. Survivors include one son, Jim Bob Stinebaugh and wife Patsy of Witcherville; five grandchildren, Kellie Sterling of Mansfield, Vanessa Waldron and husband Mike of Fort Smith, Jimmy Stinebaugh and wife Stephanie of Huntington, Angie Archer and husband Bobby of Greenwood and Rick Stinebaugh and wife Apryl of Tyler, Texas; nine great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Viewing will be 1 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home, where the family will visit with friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Pallbearers will be Nathan Sterling, Rick Stinebaugh, Jimmy Stinebaugh, Mike Waldron, Bobby Archer and Matthew Archer.

Contributed by William Highfill
Heavener Ledger
Thursday, October 28, 2004
R. E. STINSON

R. E. Stinson, 79, of Muskogee, formerly of Waldron, passed away Wednesday, Octobber 20, 2004 in Catoosa. He was a longtime resident of the area and a veteran of the Korean Conflict. Funeral services were held Saturday, October 23, 2004 at Martin Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron with burial in Weeks Cemetery, under the direction of Dowden Funeral Home, Heavener. He is survived by one daughter, Gail George and husband Vernon, of Catoosa; two sisters, Mona Brothers and Eupha Thompson, both of Bates, Arkansas and three grandchildren, Jeff George and wife, Julie, Justin and Melissa George. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rose.

Contributed by William Highfill
Russellville Courier (online edition)
Thursday, 19 January 2006
DOYLE STOCKTON

CLARKSVILLE — Doyle Patrick Stockton, 36, of Lamar died Sunday, Jan. 15, 2006, at Keokuk, Iowa. He was a millwright. Survivors include his wife, Pauline Ashalintubbi Stockton; a son, Corey Feikema of Clarksville; daughters, Lacy Stockton Wright of Benton, Mo., and Jamie Dodge Massey of Lamar; parents, John Dick and Doreen Hull Stockton of Lamar; a brother, Donald Joseph Stockton and wife, Dana, of Waldron; and grandchildren, Marland Massey and Lucas Wright. Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Roller-Cox Chapel with the Rev. DeWayne Holland officiating. Burial will be in West Mount Zion Cemetery at Hartman by Roller-Cox Funeral Service. Pallbearers: Active — Jackie Flaherty, Tom Flaherty, Jeff Arnold, Vic Farmer, Donald Clark and George Floyd. Honorary — Ray Lockard and Jack Flaherty Jr. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Contributed by William Highfill
Ft. Smith Times Record (online edition)
Friday, 21 July 2006
RICHARD STOKES

WALDRON — Richard Edward Stokes, 69, of Waldron died Thursday, July 13, 2006, in Fort Smith. He was born April 19, 1937, in Cushocton, Ohio. He was a maintenance supervisor for Kent State University. Graveside memorial service will be 10 a.m. Friday at U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith under the direction of Lewis Funeral Chapel of Fort Smith. He is survived by a daughter, Lela Stokes of Waldron; a son, Burton Stokes of Rootstown, Ohio; a sister, Virginia Hogue of Ravenna, Ohio; and two brothers, Bennie Leant of West Branch, Ohio, and Freddy Leant of Vermont.

Contributed by William Highfill
Greenwood Democrat (online edition)
Saturday, 02 February 2008
STEVEN STRANGE

Steven Strange, 54, of Jenny Lind, Ark. passed away Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008. He was self-employed in the concrete industry. He was preceded in death by his son, Robert. Survivors include his wife, Lisa of the home; one son, Joey Strange of Greenwood; two stepsons, Gerry Hamberger of Fort Smith and Josh Branham of the home; mother and stepfather, Josephine and William Hamilton of Huntington; two sisters, Brenda McCafferty of Somersworth, N.H., and Marsha Clark of Pocola; two brothers, Cecil Strange of Huntington and Leo Strange of Muldrow; and two grandchildren, Candance and Jordan Strange. Memorial services were Jan. 24, 2008, at Sehorn Cemetery in Winfield, Ark., under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home in Greenwood. Honorary pallbearers were Johnny and Ronnie Patillo, Dan Long, Leo Strange Jr., Guy Strange and Daniel Strange.

Contributed by William Highfill
Poteau Daily News
Wednesday, December 1, 2004
SABRINA MARIE STREETER

Sabrina Marie Streeter, 30, of Davidson, Mich., passed away Sunday, Nov. 28, 2004, in Flint, Mich. She was a 1992 graduate of Heavener High School and attended Carl Albert State College. She had been a resident of Davidson Mich. for the past three years. She was preceded in death by her father, James Streeter, paternal grandfather, Bud Streeter; maternal grandparents, Henry and Gertrude Ripley; and paternal grandmother, Retha Davis. Survivors include a daughter, Hannah Streeter of Davidson, Mich.; a son, Blake Streeter of Davidson, Mich.; her parents, Deborah and Joe Davis of Blackfork, Ark.; paternal grandparents, Sam Davis of Heavener, and Russ and Elaine Streeter of Houghton Lake, Mich.; a sister, Sharon Smith of Ozark, Ark.; two brothers, Leonard Joe Davis, stationed in Iraq and Jeff Sassen Hagen of Texas; several aunts, uncles, cousins and a host of friends. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4 at Big Creek Baptist Church with burial in Blackfork Cemetery at Blackfork, Ark., under the direction of Dowden Funeral Home of Heavener. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 11 at the Fountain of Grace Assembly of God Church, 2382 E. Mt. Morris Rd. in Mt. Morris, Mich.

Contributed by Marcene Ammons Blatt
BARBARA J. STRINGER
(December 19, 1939 - November 9, 2017)

Barbara J. Stringer, 77, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, passed from this life on Thursday, November 9, 2017 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She was born November 19, 1939 in Harvey, Arkansas to the late Knox and Irene (Martin) Monroe. She was a hairstylist for over thirty years. She and her husband owned and operated the Hairstyle Shop in Fort Smith. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Monday, November 13, 2017 at Fentress Mortuary Chapel in Fort Smith, under the direction of Roberts Funeral Home. Cremation arrangements were under the direction of Roberts Funeral Home. She is survived by her husband, G.W. Stringer of the home in Fort Smith; two daughters, Regina Stringer Garcia of Houston Texas and Amy Stringer of Fort Smith; one son Mark Stringer and wife Maryann of Huntington; one sister, Suzy Richardson of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Brittni Stringer-Ashmore and Rachel stringer and Jessica Garcia; great grandchild, Ryan Labrun and Emma Sophia Garcia-McGrath. In lieu of flowers Memorials May be made to the Arkansas Children’s Hospital 1 Children’s way, Little Rock, Arkansas, 72202 or the charity of your choice.

Contributed by William Highfill
Ft. Smith Times-Record (online edition)
13 September 2006
CHESTER JOHN "CHET" STROM

We mourn the loss of Chester John “Chet” Strom, who died peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2006, at his house in Booneville, at 93 years of age. Chet was born in Thief River Falls, Minn., on Aug. 17, 1913. As a young man, he worked in his father’s diner, “road the rails” for a while during the Depression and then joined the Navy before the war started. He survived the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, and served in the Pacific during World War II. He was actively involved in the Battle for Midway and Guadalcanal. After the war, he switched to the newly established Air Force, from which he retired in 1960. Chet moved his large family, his wife, Sis, and seven children (six girls and one boy), to the Booneville area after retiring from the U.S. Air Force in October 1960. Two more children were born after coming to Arkansas. He operated a small farm in the Tate community for a few years before moving into Booneville with his family, and taking a job at Fort Chaffee as a refrigeration specialist. Chet was first a husband and a dad. But, he loved a good pipe, a good book, crossword puzzles, walking his dogs, gardening and telling stories to family and friends. He was a skilled “ham” radio operator. He love his country and was proud of his military service. And he especially loved his wife, his children and his grandchildren. He had just met his first great-grandchild the week before his died. He leaves a legacy of having touched thousands of live as his children pursued careers in service-oriented occupations. His smile and caring will be desperately missed. Chet and his wife, Sis, had just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in April 2006. He is a member of Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church in Booneville. He is survived by his wife, and nine children, Donna Strom of Booneville, Barbara Clare of Magazine, Judy Lovett of Waldron, Mary Petersen of Black River Falls, Wis., and John Strom, Tanya Berry, Patty Pyle, Tommy Strom and Joe Strom, all from Booneville; 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Pallbearers will be Mike Pyle, Gail Lovett, Johnny Lovett, Brady Oberman, Richard Lovett, Eddie Clare, Nathan Clare and Gary Masterson. Visitation 6 to 8 p.m. with Rosary at 7 p.m. today at Roller Funeral Home Chapel in Booneville. Mass services at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2006, at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church in Booneville with burial at 2 p.m. at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith with full military honor guard under the direction of Roller Funeral Home of Booneville.

Contributed by William Highfill
Poteau Daily News (online edition)
Wednesday, 05 March 2008
FINES FRANKLIN STURGEON

Fines Franklin Sturgeon, 88, of Poteau passed away March 2, 2008 at the Advance Care Hospital in Fort Smith, Ark. He was born Jan. 7, 1920 in Checotah to Fines and Nettie Sturgeon. He worked as a soil conservation engineer for 30 years and then for the OCC AML Program as Senior Project Inspector for 23 years. He was a member of the South Broadway Church of Christ, Poteau, and a veteran of WWII, and was recently presented with a certificate for surviving the Battle of the Bulge.He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Joe Sturgeon, Everett Sturgeon, and Horace Sturgeon; a sister, Helen Pope; a grandson, Jeff Branch and a great-granddaughter, Brittney Cox. He is survived by his wife, Goldie Sturgeon of the home; three daughters and sons-in-law, Delores and Max Manlove of Poteau, Judy and Stanley Branch of Poteau and Brenda and Fred Woodral of Bates, Ark.; three brothers, Lonnie Sturgeon Bonnie Leo Sturgeon and Wayne Sturgeon; four sisters, Lois Gould, Nina Cunningham, Hazel Utley and Patsy Mayse; seven grandchildren, Mark Manlove, Eric Manlove (currently serving in Iraq), Terry Manlove, Tammy Cox, Melody Wood, Angelia Tolleson and Robert Randolph; 10 great-grandchildren, Jacob Manlove, Cathleen Manlove, Seth Manlove, Cody Cox, Kyla Wood, Britleigh Wood, Logan Randolph, Luke Randolph, Bryce Tolleson and Brayden Tolleson; numerous other relatives, friends and loved ones. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday at 10 a.m. at the South Broadway Church of Christ, Poteau, with Rob Lungstrum officiating. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau.Pallbearers will be Terry Manlove, Cody Cox, Robert Randolph, Johnny Wood, Gene Sturgeon and Kenneth Risenhoover. Honorary pallbearers will be Mark Manlove, Eric Manlove, Bob Cooper, B.T. Davis, Kenneth Ferguson, Hershel Lucas, Bill Wallace, Ed Abernathy and Mike Kastl.Evans and Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, is in charge of arrangements.

Contributed by William Highfill
Sequoyah County (OK) Times (online edition)
Sunday, 18 April 2010
HOWARD LEE SUMPTER

Funeral services for Howard Lee Sumpter, 84, of Vian were held at 2 p.m. Friday at the Agent Chapel in Sallisaw with Bishop Gerald Treadwell officiating. Burial was in the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Vian under the direction of Agent Funeral Home of Sallisaw. Mr. Sumpter was born on Feb. 1, 1926, in Gore to Andrew Sumpter and Almeda (Brown) Sumpter. He died on Wednesday, April 14, 2010, in Fort Smith, Ark. He married Betty Frances Treadwell on January 12, 1949, in Waldron, Ark. She preceded him in death on May 6, 2006, in Sallisaw. Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Fowler Ray; one son and daughter-in-law, Johnny and Carolyn; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Doris and Ruth; two brothers, Harold and Arvil; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends. He was also preceded in death by his parents, and three brothers, Clifford, Calvin and Jim Sumpter.

Contributed by William Highfill
Ft. Smith Times Record (online edition)
Friday, 15 September 2006
SANDRA SWAIM

NATURAL DAM — Sandra Kay Swaim, 65, of Natural Dam died Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2006, in a local hospital. She was a homemaker and attended Cornerstone Community Church in Cedarville. Funeral will be 2 p.m. Friday at Hall Cemetery Arbor in Natural Dam under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home of Van Buren. She is survived by her husband, Earl; a daughter, Maelena Glass of Spotsylvania, Va.; four sons, Robert Ross of Arkoma, Frankie Ross of Waldron, Rodger Ross of Fort Smith and James Pendleton of Van Buren; a sister, Barbara Hudson of Fort Smith; three brothers, Richard and Johnnie House, both of Fort Smith, and Jim House of Dallas; 27 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. The family will visit with friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.