Carmen Smith rites Tuesday
Funeral services for Carmen Smith, age 90 of Clinton, will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Broadway Heights Baptist Church in Clinton with Rev. Buck Nicholson and Rev. Alvis Merrill officiating. Carmen Glendene Meek was born on Aug. 22, 1913 in Woodward, the daughter of J.B. and Myrtle Meek. She died Sunday, Dec. 14, 2003, in the Methodist Health Care Center at Clinton. At an early age, she moved with her family to Rocky where she attended school and met Doug Smith. They were married on Nov. 8, 1933 in Rocky. In 1940, the Smiths moved to Clinton and lived there until 1945 when they returned to Rocky. While living in Rocky, Carmen operated the locker plant and later ran the Rocky Hotel. In 1952 they moved back to Clinton, and Carmen worked at the Morrison Motel until her retirement in 1984. A member of the Broadway Heights Baptist Church, she faithfully attended until her health failed. After retiring, Carmen was active with the local AARP and RSVP organizations. In 1985, Carmen moved to Mustang and resided at Strawberry Fields Independent Living Center where she was very active and enjoyed helping others. In 1999, she returned to Clinton to reside at the Methodist Health Care Center and was very active there until she broke a hip in 2001. Preceding her in death were her husband, Doug; her parents, J.B. and Myrtle Meek; two brothers, J.C. Meek and Woodrow Meek; and a sister, Katherine Cotton. Burial will conclude in the Clinton Cemetery under the direction of the Stanley-Lee Funeral Home of Clinton. Survivors include three daughters, Glendene Goucher and her husband, Wayne, of Clinton, Gayle Beauchamp and her husband, Jake, of Woodward, Marcia Burrows and her husband, Phil, of Oklahoma City; three brothers, Dow Meek of Rush Springs, Grady Meek of Moore, John Meek of Green Valley, Ariz.; two sisters, Ezella Struble of Green Valley, Ariz., Louise Siegfried of Oklahoma City; a sister-in-law, Lavelle Smith of Lawton; five grandchildren, Mark Goucher of Clinton, Taunia Bozarth of Seiling, Kristy Snider of Woodward, Greg Beauchamp of Woodward, Tanner Burrows of Oklahoma City; 16 great grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. The family has requested that those who desire may make memorial contributions in her honor to the Methodist Health Care Center, P.O. Box 578, Clinton, OK 73601.

Shride rites held today
Funeral services for Clinton native Margaret Louise Shride, age 65 of Wheat Ridge, Colo., were held this afternoon at the Chapel at Crown Hill in Wheat Ridge with Martin Hunkle officiating. Shride died Thursday, Dec. 11, 2003. She was born in Clinton on Feb. 16, 1938, the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Ross Deputy of Clinton. Burial was in the Crown Hill Cemetery at Wheat Ridge, Colo. Survivors include her husband, Bill; daughters, Suzie and Allison; and granddaughters, Sierra and Reyna. The family suggests that those who desire may make memorial contributions in Shride’s honor to the National Jewish Medical & Research Center, 1400 Jackson St., Denver, CO 80206, Attn. Memorial Dept., telephone 1-800-423-8891, ext. 1590.

Monday, December 08, 2003
Former doctor locally dies
Word was received today of the death of former longtime physician Dr. Roberto G. Corona, a resident of Dallas, Texas, at a Dallas hospital on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2003. Dr. Corona was a highly respected physician at Clinton Regional Hospital. His wife, Betty, was supervisor of the Obstetrics Department at the hospital. Survivors include his wife, Betty, of the home in Dallas, Texas; a daughter, Vicki (Mrs. Tom) Kiesau of Yukon; and two sons, Ricky Corona of Dallas, Texas and Tony Kiesau and his family of Denver, Colo. as well as many relatives living in Mexico City.

Saturday, December 06, 2003
Clete Leigh funeral held
Funeral services for Cletis Bryan Leigh (Clete) were held at the Hill Country Baptist Church in Junction, Texas on Nov. 28 with Pastor Wade Copeland officiating, it was learned here this week. Leigh died on Nov. 24, 2003 at his family home. He was born on March 14, 1932 in Southland, Iowa, the son of Virgil and Letha (Linderman) Leigh. The family moved to Washington state when he was very young. He was reared there by an aunt. Being an independent person, he was on his own from age 11 until he joined the Navy at age 15 where he served on the S.S. Toledo in the South Pacific until 1949. Leigh then settled in California. His passion for horses led him to team roping. His friend and partner was actor Ben Johnson, who was his heeler. Leigh worked in California for Operating Engineers for 43 years. Much of this time he was running heavy equipment, building roads in the desert. During the latter years of his work for Operators, he served as a district representative and business agent for the current president, Bill Waggoner. After retirement, Clete tried ranching in Montana and had a welding shop. He then moved to Washington state to farm. He married Wanza Anderson on Sept. 16, 1991, in Reno, Nev. Leigh worked with the London, Texas Fire Department. He also made trips around the country with friends in RV's. Interment for the cremated remains is scheduled at Butler in Oklahoma at a time yet to be determined. Survivors include five daughters, Linda Mulldoon, JoAnn Foy and Barbara Oldfield (twins) and Cynthia Youngs, all of California, and Janis Leigh of Washington; and three stepdaughters, Carlotta Jarratt and Tomi Mosby of Washington and Alana Brock of Texas; six grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; numerous nephews and nieces; and a brother, Lowell Leigh. Preceding him in death, along with his parents, was a younger brother, Gilbert, in 1972. The family suggests that those who desire may make memorial contributions in his honor to the organization of their choice.

Murphy rites on Tuesday
Funeral services for Samuel Murphy, age 84 of Burns Flat, will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the First Baptist Church in Burns Flat. Murphy died Thursday, Dec. 4, 2003, at the Clinton Veterans Center. He was born on July 21, 1919 in Scotland, the son of Edward and Jane Carson Murphy. Growing up in Dearborn, Mich. he spent a number of years working for the General Motors plant there. He moved to Burns Flat in 1988 and married Ruby Opal Murphy. Murphy spent his time buying and selling real estate. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of the Shriners. He also was a member of the First Baptist Church, Chamber of Commerce and Lions Club. Burial will follow in the North Burns Cemetery under the direction of the Kiesau-Marler Funeral Home in Clinton. Survivors include two sons, Richard Murphy and his wife, Doris, of Arizona, Donald Murphy and his wife, Linda, of Dearborn, Mich.; two brothers, John Murphy of Burns Flat, Bill Murphy and his wife, Ethel, of Michigan; two sisters, Ruth Tucker of Michigan, Minnie Everet and her husband, William, of Texas; grandchildren, Cheryl Murphy, Kirstan Murphy, Steven Murphy; a sister-in-law, Billie Scott and a niece, Annette Wilson, both of Burns Flat. Perhaps one of the best days in Murphy’s life was when he became a United States citizen on May 11, 1936.

Linda Nelson rites Saturday
Funeral services for Linda Kay Nelson, age 59 of Hutchinson, Kans., will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday in the First Church of God in Clinton with Rev. Roy Dobbs and Troy Dobbs officiating. Nelson died early Thursday, Dec. 4, 2003, in the hospital at Hutchinson. She was born on Oct. 5, 1944 in Clinton, the daughter of Lonnie and Alice (Devore) Nelson. Linda and her family moved to Medicine Lodge, Kans. when she was a third-grader, and she graduated from high school there in 1962. She continued her education at Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, graduating in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science in education. Nelson taught school and was a librarian for four years in Kingman, Kans.; three years in Moscow, Kans.; and 29 years at Burrton, Kans. She was a member of both the National and Kansas Education Associations. Preceding her in death were her father, Lonnie; and two brothers, Roger and Robert. Burial will conclude in the Clinton Cemetery under the direction of the Stanley-Lee Funeral Home in Clinton. Survivors include her mother, Alice Nelson of Clinton; a sister-in-law, Sue Nelson-McKinney of Medicine Lodge, Kans.; nieces and nephews, Kelly Metheny, Matthew Nelson, Bobby Nelson, all of Clinton, Alicia Nily and Lonni Nelson, both of Amarillo, Texas, Genie Wells of Stillwater; three great nephews; and three great nieces.

Thursday, December 04, 2003
Nadine Hoover services set
Funeral services for Nadine Carol Hoover, age 51 of Arapaho, will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at the Gospel Tabernacle Church in Arapaho with pastors Weldon Holt and Wendell Folsom officiating. Hoover died Sunday, Nov. 30, 2003, at Integris Clinton Regional Hospital. She was born on Dec. 18, 1951 at San Diego, Calif., the daughter of Everett and Francis Cage. Growing up in Idabel, she graduated from Gray High School. She spent much of her adult life in Pennsylvania where she worked as a dance teacher, artist, homemaker, mother, wife and seamstress. Survivors include her husband, Robert “Sonny” Hoover of the home; three sons, Adam, Jason and Tye Smith, all of Newville, Pa.; two brothers, Robert Craig Cage of Clinton, Arvil Cage of Nixa, Mo.; a sister, Lydean Sharon Taylor of Arapaho; and five grandchildren, Joshua, Jerrika, Johnny, Justin and Jimmy, all of Pennsylvania. Preceding her in death were her parents and a daughter.

Paul Walker funeral set
Funeral services for Paul Myron Walker, age 49 of Arcadia, Calif., will be held at 1 p.m. Friday in the chapel of the Stanley-Lee Funeral Home in Clinton with family members officiating. Walker died Thursday, Nov. 27, 2003, in Arcadia. He was born on Feb. 27, 1954 in Arcadia, Calif., the son of Robert C. and Paula (Jones) Walker. His father preceded him in death. Burial will conclude in the Butler Cemetery. Survivors include his mother, Paula, of Arcadia, Calif.; two daughters, Victoria and Michelle of the home; a son, John Walker; three brothers, Robert, Samuel, Lawrence; and a sister, Virginia Gilfort.

Skinner rites on Thursday
Funeral services for Marjorie May Skinner, 89-year-old resident of Woodward, will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Fifth Street Church of Christ in Woodward with James Rucker officiating. Skinner died Monday, Dec. 1, 2003, at the Crystal Wood Nursing Center in Woodward. She was born on Jan. 9, 1914 at Medicine Lodge, Kans., the daughter of Jay and Ivy (Axtell) Warren. She attended school in Medicine Lodge and was married there to Henry Clay Skinner on June 8, 1939. She was a member of the Fifth Street Church of Christ in Woodward. Burial will follow in the Highland Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. at Medicine Lodge, Kans. under the direction of the Zwanziger Funeral Home in Woodward. Survivors include four daughters, Mary Catherine Scott and her husband, George, of Clinton, Janice Skinner of Woodward, Sue Keller and her husband, Stan, of Skiatook, Rita Holms and her husband, Kenneth, of Sallisaw; two brothers, Wendell Warren of Medicine Lodge, Kans., Tom Warren of Wagoner; four sisters, Oma Burge of Medicine Lodge, Kans., Hazel Kaminska of Medicine Lodge, Kans., Flora P. Piper of Market, Kans., Betty Sterns of Harper, Kans.; 13 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren; and a great-great grandchild. Preceding her in death, along with her parents and her husband, were a son; seven brothers; and three sisters.

Wednesday, December 03, 2003
Bull Coming services set
Funeral services for Vernon Ray Bull Coming, age 40 of Hammon, will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday in the Hammon High School Auditorium with Rev. Max Malone, Rev. Dolan Ivey and Rev. Joe Osage officiating. A traditional all-night wake service is set tonight at the Hammon Indian Baptist Church. The family will do a traditional feed after the funeral service on Thursday in the Hammon Indian Community Center. Bull Coming died Sunday, Nov. 30, 2003, at Great Plains Regional Medical Center in Elk City. He was born on Feb. 28, 1963 in Clinton, the son of George and Carol Joyce (Finger Nail) Bull Coming. Reared in Hammon, he attended Hammon High School before moving to Hobart and doing farm labor. After doing that for a couple of years he moved back to Hammon and farmed around that area until his death. He was a member of the Native American Church and the Hammon Indian Baptist Church. Preceding him in death were his father; a brother, George Bull Coming; maternal grandparents, Pete and Martha Finger Nail and Bird Finger Nail; his paternal grandfather, Roy Bull Coming; and an uncle, Martin Finger Nail. Burial will be in the Hammon Indian Mennonite Cemetery under the direction of the Stanley-Lee Funeral Home in Clinton. Survivors include a daughter, Clarice Bull Coming of Taos, N.M.; his mother, Carol Joyce Bull Coming of Hammon; a sister, Maureen Bull Coming of Taos, N.M.; a brother, Bary Bull Coming of Hammon; a paternal grandmother, Kathryn Bull Coming of Seiling; aunts, Christine Starr of Hammon, Louise White Eagle of Hammon, Toni Sankey of Canton; uncles, John David White Eagle of Hammon, Vernon Bull Coming of Seiling, Donald Bull Coming of Espanoza, N.M., Roy Dean Bull Coming of Seiling; several nieces and nephews, including Bailey, Renea Bull Coming of Hammon, twin nephews Chad and Chance Bull Coming of Hammon; and an adopted grandmother, Elenore Red Cherries of Seiling.

'Vi' Vowell rites slated
Funeral services for Viola “Vi” Vowell, age 89 of Clinton, will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Clinton with Rev. Dale Nease officiating. Vowell died today, Dec. 2, 2003, at Integris Clinton Regional Hospital. She was born on June 10, 1914 in Cloud Chief, the daughter of Ben and Josie (McCaughey) Inman. She grew up in the Cloud Chief and Alfalfa area, graduating from Alfalfa High School and later attending Hardin Carnegie Business College from which she graduated in 1937. Marrying Lester “Short” Vowell on Aug. 17, 1939 in Cordell, and they lived in the Stafford area for many years. Viola worked as a cook supervisor at the Clinton Tuberculosis Sanitarium and later as a waitress at Miller’s Café in Watonga. The Vowells retired in 1980 and moved back to Clinton. She enjoyed cooking and sewing and was a longtime member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church where she was active in CPW. Interment will be in the Stafford Cemetery under the direction of the Kiesau-Marler Funeral Home in Clinton. Survivors include her husband of 64 years, Lester “Short” Vowell of Clinton; sons, Dwayne Vowell and his wife, Bobbi, of Clinton, Eddie Vowell and his wife, Jan, of Commerce, Texas; a brother, Raymond Inman and his wife, Kathrine, of Apple Valley, Calif.; sisters-in-law, Lib Rosenbaum of Clinton, Lillie Anthony of Tulare, Calif. Opal McKee of LaHabra, Calif; grandchildren, Robin Shipman and husband, Puckett, Canda Dupree and husband, Danny, Scott Vowell and wife, Jennifer, Bobbi Jo Ward and husband, William; great grandchildren, Jarrett, Andrew and Ethan Shipman, Addison and Austin Dupree, Chelsei and Bowman Vowell, Poima, Tabitha, Carissa and William Pierce Ward. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers and sister, Clark Anthony, Lois Anthony Lovel, Lee Anthony, Jim Inman, Shelby Inman and Odus Inman.

Monday, December 01, 2003
Adams rites held
Funeral services for Angie Marie Adams Avant, age 60 of Cordell, were held Saturday at the Assembly of God Church in Cordell with burial in the Cave Creek Cemetery at Vinson. Avant died at the Elk View Hospital at Hobart.

James Hogg dies
Graveside services for James Lester Hogg, will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday in the Shirley Cemetery at Leedey under the direction of the Shaw Funeral Home of Leedey. Hogg died Sunday, Nov. 30, 2003, in Leedey at the age of 85.

Saturday, November 29, 2003
Ruth Lisk rites held
Graveside services for L. Ruth Lisk, age 90 and a former Western Oklahoma resident, were held Saturday morning in the Liberty Bell Cemetery south of Dill City with Rev. Cameron Williams officiating. Lisk died Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2003, at St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City. She was born on April 23, 1914 in Oklahoma City and was reared and graduated from high school there. She attended nursing school and was commissioned in the U.S. Navy, serving during World War II from May of 1945 until July of 1946. Lisk had made her homes in Oklahoma City, Custer City and Amarillo, Texas before settling back in Oklahoma City. She married Connie O. “Jimmie” Lisk on Dec. 17, 1948 in Cordell, and he preceded her in death in 1987. Arrangements were under the direction of the Stanley-Lee Funeral Home in Clinton. She is survived by Al and Mary Graham of Oklahoma City.

Waverly Davis rites Monday
Funeral services for C. Waverly Davis, age 94 of Clinton, will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the First Baptist Church in Clinton with Rev. Bryan Gilbert officiating. Cecil Waverly Davis died Friday, Nov. 28, 2003, at Grace Living Center in Clinton. He was born on Sept. 21, 1909 near Butler, the son of James and Lula (Goin) Davis. Reared in the Butler area, he attended the Evergreen Country School that later consolidated with Prairie Hill. He went on to graduate from Independence High School. He attended Southwestern Normal School and received a Lifetime Teachers Certificate and went on to Oklahoma A&M. He married Miss Verna Maria Ommen on Sept. 23, 1933. Davis taught school at Solid Rock, Friendship and Quartermaster Country Schools for eight years. They moved to Butler in 1940 where they purchased a farm and raised cattle, wheat and cotton before moving to Clinton in 1959. He was a member of the First Baptist Church and Farmers Union. Preceding him in death were a son, L.E. Davis; two sisters, Goldie Cook and Wreatha Warren; a brother, Walter Davis; and a grandson, Alan Davis. Burial will conclude in the Arapaho Cemetery under the direction of the Stanley-Lee Funeral Home in Clinton. Survivors include his wife of the home; two daughters, Patricia Kelley and her husband, Jack, of Clinton, Sylvia Conant and her husband, Michael, of Berkeley, Calif.; two sons, Dale Davis and his wife, Joan, of Lubbock, Texas, Ronald Davis and his wife, Mona, of Dallas, Texas; two sisters, Lueva Miller of Thomas, Effie Anderson of Petersburg, Va.; two brothers, Lawerence Davis of Billings, Mont., Oliver Davis of Westminister, Mass.; 11 grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren.

Peg Walsh died Friday
Margaret “Peg” Walsh died Friday, Nov. 28, 2003, at the Grace Living Center in Clinton. Funeral services will be announced at a future time. Walsh was born on June 26, 1915 at Okarche, the daughter of Casper M. and Catherine (Weeman) Determan. She married Richard P. Walsh on Sept. 30, 1939 in Chicago, Ill. She retired as a secretary in 1990. Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband and a son, James P. Walsh. Arrangements are under the direction of the Kiesau-Marler Funeral Home in Clinton. Survivors include four sisters, Rita J. Duffy of Oklahoma City and formerly of Clinton, Mrs. John Campbell of Seattle, Wash., Mrs. Larry Reynaud of Sun City, Ariz., Mrs. M.F. Stober of Colorado Springs, Colo.; two grandchildren, Alison Walsh and Kimberly Walsh, both of Berwin, Pa.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Vondine Stratton services Monday
Funeral services for Vondine Stratton, age 71 of Clinton, will be held at 10 a.m. Monday in the Church of Christ at 2601 Custer Avenue in Clinton with Patrick Peters, Steven Cardenas and Jay Stratton officiating. S. Vondine Stratton was born on Dec. 22, 1931 in Weatherford, the daughter of Orville M. and Dempil Bernice (Walker) Powers. She died Friday morning, Nov. 28, 2003, in the Deaconess Hospital at Oklahoma City. Reared in Weatherford as a small child, she moved to Clinton at the age of 10, attended the Clinton Schools and graduated from Clinton High School in 1950. She married Jesse Glenn Stratton, Jr. on June 4, 1950 and attended Oklahoma State University for one year. She and Jesse moved home and began helping with the Stratton farming operations. Vondine was very active in her church, teaching Sunday school, Ladies Lunch Bunch and Bible studies. She was a member of the Junior Service League, having served as president; a charter member of Chapter FR of P.E.O.; Senior Mothers Club; and had served on the PTA for more than 25 years. Stratton loved to play bridge and follow her grandchildren’s school and sporting events. She also loved to sing with her family, deliver Meals on Wheels and cook and work on genealogy. Preceding her in death, along with her parents, were a brother, Jerry Powers; and a grandson, Jayson Stratton. Burial will conclude in the Clinton Cemetery under the direction of the Stanley-Lee Funeral Home in Clinton. Survivors include her husband of 53 years, Jesse Glenn Stratton, Jr. of the home; two daughters, Deidre Stratton-Meacham of Edmond, Dacia Phillips and her husband, Richard, of Clinton; four sons, Jay Stratton and his wife, Kelli, and Brett Stratton and his wife, Holly, all of Clinton, Ryan Stratton and his wife, Melinda, of Bartlesville, and John Thornton and his wife, Elizabeth, of Huntington Beach, Calif.; 15 grandchildren, Morgendee Flannery and her husband, Neal, of Florida, Macey Waller and her husband, J.D., of Clinton, McKenna Meacham of Edmond, J.G. Stratton IV, Kaden Stratton, Kamden Stratton, Chase, Grant and Ashton Phillips, all of Clinton, Bryce Stratton, Emma Stratton, Zoe Stratton, Bartlesville, John Thornton, Jr. of Oregon, Brittany and Noley Thornton of Huntington Beach, Calif.; two great grandchildren, Deuce and Livy Lu Waller of Clinton; and a sister-in-law, Barbara Powers-Delk of Clinton. Members of Vondine’s class of 1950 at CHS are invited to sit together at the funeral.

Friday, November 28, 2003
Baumstark rites set
Funeral services for Frank C. Baumstark, 88, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Kiesau Memorial Chapel of the Kisau-Marler Funeral Home with Father Carl Janocha officiating. Baumstark died Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2003, at Integris Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma City. He was a longtime Clinton resident and had moved early this year to the local Veterans Center. Born April 30, 1915, at Glen Ullin, N.D., he was the son of Stephan and Magdalena (Meissner) Baumstark. Growing up on the North Dakota plains, Baumstark developed a love for flying at an early age. He built his own airplane from a kit and soloed in 1934 when he was just 17 years old. Drafted into the Army five months after Pearl Harbor, he spent 2½ years at Fort Sill as an instructor in small airplanes used for observation. While at Fort Sill he met a Sulphur school teacher named Inez Leonard, and they were married July 30, 1943, in Wichita, Kan. In 1944 he was sent to The Philippines, which was still in Japanese hands. He later would downplay any role he may have had in helping prepare the island for Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s return in October that year. After 4½ years in the Army, Baumstark was discharged and settled here in Clinton, where his wife had taken a job with the Welfare Department while he was overseas. He joined the Oklahoma State Employment Service and worked 31 years before retiring in 1977. During that time he turned down numerous opportunities to become the manager of offices elsewhere in the state, preferring to remain in Clinton. During his nearly 58 years here, Baumstark did a lot of volunteer work. An Eagle Scout himself, he helped with both the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, serving several years as a scoutmaster. He was a member of the Clinton Kiwanis Club for 32 years and was frequently the top ticket salesman for Pancake Day, the club’s annual fundraiser. About 1970 he was appointed to the three-person City of Clinton Personnel Board, which heard grievances from city employees. His biggest case was in 1994, when he and his cohorts recommended the reinstatement of Bill Weedon as police chief. Later he would say that the city managers under which he served seldom followed the board’s advice but that time was an exception. Weedon was reinstated and served two more years. Baumstark was a lifetime member of the American Legion and VFW as well as the Disabled American Veterans and held various positions in those organizations, especially the Legion. Survivors include one daughter, Alice Baumstark Ranger, and her husband, Rick, of Albuquerque, N.M.; a brother, Johnny Baumstark, Morton, Minn.; and two granddaughters, Shelby and Molly Ranger of Albuquerque. His wife, Alice, died in 1979. Also preceding him in death were a son, Keith Lynn Baumstark; a daughter, Mary Ann Baumstark; one sister and three brothers. Interment will be in the Clinton Cemetery.

Monday, November 24, 2003
Lee Tidwell services set
Funeral services for Lee Tidwell, age 91 of Clinton, will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Clinton with pastor David Darling officiating. Tidwell died Sunday, Nov. 23, 2003, at Integris Clinton Regional Hospital. He was born on Jan. 28, 1912, one of 12 children born to William Carroll and Sarah Jane (Rogers) Tidwell. Growing up on a farm near Foss, he attended school at New Hope and was married to Martha Miller on Oct. 31, 1931 in Arapaho. Tidwell spent the majority of his life farming. He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church and had retired from the City of Clinton where he worked for the Street Department. The Tidwells enjoyed traveling in their trailer for many years. He enjoyed baseball and fishing. Preceding him in death, along with his parents, were brothers, Robert, William, Miles, Simon; and sisters, Ethel Leary, Lou Leary, Mary Peavyhouse, Lydia Sharum, Effie Tidwell; and half sisters, Josie Browning and Mattie Frazier. Interment will be in the Clinton Cemetery under the direction of the Kiesau-Marler Funeral Home in Clinton. Survivors include his wife of 72 years, Martha Tidwell of the home; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Saturday, November 22, 2003
Oma Digby Funeral set
Funeral services for Oma M. Digby, age 89 of Clinton, will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at the Broadway Heights Baptist Church in Clinton with Bro. Jerry Wilkins and Bro. Alvis Merrill officiating. Digby died Friday, Nov. 21, 2003, at the United Methodist Health Care Center in Clinton. She was born on Feb. 8, 1914 in Davis, one of eight children born to Robert and Laura (Akard) Wells. She grew up in the Davis area, moving to the Stafford area to live on a farm in 1946 where she worked picking cotton and milking cows. After her marriage to Jesse Digby in Davis they moved to Clinton in 1961. She was an active member of the Broadway Heights Baptist Church, attending Sunday school regularly. She attended nursing school at Burns Flat and later worked at Oklahoma General Hospital and Integris Clinton Regional Hospital for 23 years. After retirement, she was a member of the AARP where she enjoyed going on trips. She also enjoyed sewing, gardening and playing cards with her ladies group. Interment will be in the Clinton Cemetery under the direction of the Kiesau-Marler Funeral Home in Clinton. Survivors include her children, Travis Digby and his wife, Edna, of Weatherford, Robert Digby and his wife, Geneva, of Amarillo, Texas, Essie Raff and her husband, Tom, of Crawford, Susan Farmer and her husband, Redgie, of Clinton; a sister, Maxie Lee Cabaniss and her husband, Dale, of Clinton; 13 grandchildren; two step grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren; and a step great-great grandchild. Preceding her in death, along with her husband, are a grandson, Charles Wayne Digby; a great granddaughter, Jammie Sides; a great-great grandson, Skylar Marshall; brothers and sisters, Marie Hill, Linda Wells, Bill Wells, Chester Wells, Carl Wells and an infant brother. The family suggests that those who desire may make memorial contributions in Digby’s honor to the Western Oklahoma Hospice or the United Methodist Health Care Center. Oma M. Digby

Friday, November 21, 2003
Phelps
Funeral services for Florence Phelps, age 93 of Cordell, were held this afternoon at the First Presbyterian Church in Cordell with burial in the Lawnview Cemetery at Cordell. Phelps died Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2003, at the Corn Heritage Village. She was born on March 14, 1910 at Cowden. She had lived in Cordell since 1973, moving there from Hobart.

Wednesday, November 19, 2003
Bessie Lloyd funeral Friday
Funeral services for Bessie Lloyd, age 62 of Clinton, will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the True Gospel Tabernacle on Glenn Smith Road in Clinton with Rev. Jealden Carr and Rev. Billy Mucker officiating. Lloyd died late Monday, Nov. 17, 2003, at the Grace Living Center in Clinton. She was born on June 20, 1941 in Tolani, Ariz., the daughter of Elsie Riggs. Growing up in Leupp, Ariz., she graduated from Winslow High School in 1959. She moved to California for a short time and in 1965 moved to Oklahoma where she attended then Southwestern State College at Weatherford. Lloyd worked for the Department of Human Services and Tuberculosis Sanitarium while living in Clinton. In 1968 she married Arthur Lloyd in Kansas. They moved back to Leupp, Ariz. where she taught school for a short time before returning to Clinton and working for the Indian Health Services for 28 years before retiring in 2003. She loved football and following her sons’ games. Preceding her in death were her father, her husband and a daughter, Diane. Burial will conclude in the Clinton Cemetery under the direction of the Stanley-Lee Funeral Home in Clinton. Survivors include two sons, James and Arthur Lloyd, Jr., both of Clinton; a stepson, Keith Tall Bear of Watonga; her mother, Elsie Riggs of Flagstaff, Ariz.; sisters, Margaret Tom of Windowrock, Ariz., Jeanie Haskie of Tsalie, Ariz., Margery White of Flagstaff, Lorraine Yazzie, Lula Leonheart, Carol Robbins, Verleen Bowman; brothers, Joe Yazzie of Leupp, Ariz., Harry Yazzie, Harvey Riggs, Benson Riggs, Jesse Riggs, Sr. and Eugene Riggs, all of Flagstaff; four grandchildren, Morgan, Lexis, Lorenzo and Lous Lloyd; and a very dear friend, Jealden Carr of Clinton.

Tuesday, November 18, 2003
Jeanne Wells funeral Friday
Funeral services for Jeanne Lavonne Smith Wells, 76, will be held in Tulsa at the First Presbyterian Church Kerr Chapel on Friday at 2 p.m. A Scottsdale, Ariz. service was held this morning at the Messenger Pinnacle Peak Chapel. Wells died at her Scottsdale home on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2003. Jeanne, formerly of Tulsa, was born in Arapaho to Miles Milbury Wilson Smith and Winnie Myrtle Bray Smith on Dec. 4, 1926. Her 3-year-old son, Richard Brent Wells, preceded her in death in 1955. She graduated from Clinton High School and attended college at Oklahoma State University where she was a majorette. Jeanne met Jim at OSU, and they married on Feb. 1, 1947 at First Presbyterian Church in Stillwater. While raising her sons in Sand Springs, OK, she was an active member of First Presbyterian Church as a Sunday school teacher and a Cub Scout mother. In the mid-70's Jim and Jeanne moved to Tulsa where she was involved in many civic and political organizations and campaigns. Jeanne was appointed to the first Board of Regents for Tulsa Junior College (now TCC) in 1969. She and Jim were members of First Presbyterian Church, and Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa. Her many volunteer activities included Children’s Day Nursery, Tulsa Children’s Home, Tulsa Opera Guild, AFS and was a member of the Seed N’ Weed Garden Club of Tulsa for over 50 years. In 1993 Jim and Jeanne established a residence in Scottsdale, Ariz., living in Terravita and their current residence in Desert Mountain. Jeanne loved playing bridge with the Newcomers Bridge Club, Terravita Bridge Group and she founded the Friday Bridge Club at Desert Mountain. Her family and friends will remember her needlepoint, her demitasse cup collection, her bridge games, her cards sent to those she loved and her jokes. The family suggests that donations in her honor be made to Hospice of the Valley, 5111 N. Scottsdale Rd, Ste 280, Scottsdale, AZ 85250 or to the charity of your choice. Interment will be at Woodland Cemetery, Sand Springs, Okla. Survivors include her husband of 56 years, James Louis Wells; three sons, Mike Wells and his wife, Peggy, Steve Wells and his wife, Nancy, and Don Wells and his wife, Becky, all of Tulsa; nine grandchildren, Elizabeth Wells Bowlds, Margaret Wells, Mary Jeanne Wells, Daniel Wells, Anna Wells, Ryan Wells, Grant Wells, Sam Wells, all of Tulsa and Dr. Matthew Wells and his wife, Rebekah, of York, Pa.; and four great-grandchildren, Jay Wells, Charlie Bowlds, Jacob Mojica, of Tulsa and Vienna Wells of York, Pa.; her sisters; Velma Ratledge of Manteca, Calif., Alma Ogle of Pacific Grove, Calif., Joyce Stockton of Clinton, Wanda Stone of Tulsa; a brother, Melvin "Pete" Smith of Newton, Kans.; and 22 nieces and nephews. Jean Smith Wells

Nellie Brehm services set
Funeral services for Nellie Brehm, age 90 of Clinton, will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Kiesau Memorial Chapel at the Kiesau-Marler Funeral Home in Clinton with Rev. Charles Murphy and Rev. Richard Deimund officiating. Brehm died Monday, Nov. 17, 2003, at the United Methodist Health Care Center in Clinton. She was born on June 7, 1913 in Gotebo, one of 14 children born to Jessie and Bessie (Bennett) McMullin. Growing up in the Colony area, she moved to Clinton in 1942. She married John Brehm on Nov. 20, 1932 on a farm south of Weatherford. Nellie worked for the Clinton Public Schools cafeterias for many years, retiring as head cook in the 60’s. She was a lifetime member of the Hub City Squares square dancing club. Brehm also was a member of the Free Will Baptist Church where she attended Sunday school. She enjoyed crocheting and cooking. Preceding her in death, along with her husband, John Brehm in 1991, and her parents, were a daughter, Ruby Brehm Hays; a son-in-law, Gordon Hays; four brothers; a sister; and two infant sisters. Interment will be in the Clinton Cemetery. Survivors include her daughters, Betty Hays and her husband, Bob, of Chickasha, Wanda Adams of Clinton, Mildred Deimund and her husband, Don, of Clinton; sons, Don Brehm and his wife, Deane, of Clinton, Jerry Brehm and his wife, Lynnell of Burns Flat, J.P. Brehm and his wife, Lorinda, of Oklahoma City, John Dale Brehm and his wife, Kay, of Weatherford; sisters, Edith VanDigelin of Oregon, Callie McMullin of Clinton, Lillian Lewellen and her husband, Ernest, of Clinton, Lois Meeks of Clinton, Alice Crawford of Oklahoma City, Violet McMullin of Clinton; 28 grandchildren; 36 great grandchildren; and 12 great-great grandchildren.

Shelby Uzzel services set
Graveside services for Shelby H. Uzzel, Sr., age 82 of Clinton, will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 24, at the Clinton Cemetery with minister Pat Peters officiating. Shelby Hamilton Uzzel was born on Sept. 24, 1921 at Arcadia, Ark., the son of Silas J. and Mary (Eller) Uzzel. He died early Saturday, Nov. 15, 2003, at Integris Clinton Regional Hospital. Reared at County Line near Duncan, after his schooling he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. As the result of a blind date he married Maye McCormick on March 28, 1944 at Baltimore, Md. Restationed to Florida, they lived there for a short time before his honorable discharge on Dec. 4, 1945. The young couple then moved to Edmond, and he went to work in the oil fields as a roughneck, traveling all over Oklahoma with the oilfield before settling in Woodward. He spent 25 years in the Woodward area, working his way up to tool pusher. He also operated a filling station until they moved to Clinton in 1983. He worked in the oilfield for a short time and also ran Shelby’s Lawn Service for several years. Uzzel was a member of the Church of Christ. Three years ago, his health began to fail and he moved into the Clinton Veterans Center. Preceding him in death, along with his parents, were a son, Shelby H. “Buddy” Uzzel, Jr.; and 11 brothers and sisters. Burial will conclude under the direction of the Stanley-Lee Funeral Home in Clinton. Survivors include his wife, Maye, of the home; and a sister, Elba Graham of Edmond. Shelby H. Uzzel, Sr.

Marik rites set
Funeral services for Lado Marik, age 93 of the Elk City Canute area, will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the Whinery Savage Funeral Service Chapel at 403 W. Country Club in Elk City with burial in the Canute Cemetery. Marik died on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2003, at the Bell Avenue Nursing Center in Elk City. He was born on the same date in 1911 north of Canute, the son of Louisa and Stanley Marik. He was involved in many construction projects, including Route 66, and considerable volunteer work, having served as a Canute volunteer fireman and on the town board.

Monday, November 17, 2003
Veran Waltrip services listed
Funeral services for Verna Pearl Waltrip, age 89 of Arapaho, will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the First Christian Church in Arapaho with Pastor Dean Brookshire and Rev. Sandy Shepherd officiating. Waltrip died Sunday, Nov. 16, 2003, at the Grace Living Center in Clinton. She was born on Oct. 17, 1914 in Muno, Kans., one of 12 siblings born to Otto and Eudora Pearl (Freeman) Parr. Growing up on a farm northwest of Arapaho, she married Duwayne “Trigger” Waltrip on June 29, 1936 in Arapaho. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Arapaho as well as of the Clinton Roundup Club for a number of years. She helped on the farm milking cows and often plowing. Waltrip was known for her chicken noodle soup and tomato preserves. Waltrip moved to Clinton in 1990 and attended the First Christian Church in Clinton. Interment will be in the Arapaho Cemetery under the direction of the Kiesau-Marler Funeral Home in Clinton. Survivors include her sons, Jerry Waltrip and his wife, Sharla, of Arapaho, Denver Waltrip and his wife, Carolyn, of Arapaho; brothers, Max Parr and his wife, Wilma, of Arapaho, Alvin Parr of Chickasha; sisters, Velma Wells and her husand, Jim, of Las Animas, Colo., Dorothy Cunningham of Newcastle, Gracie Hill and her husband, W.H., of California; grandchildren, Tamara Powell and her husband, Kent, DeAnn Sawsyer and her husband, Dax, Sheri Mahanay and her husband, Clint, Yvette Johnson and her husband, James; step-granddaughters, Shannon Cosper and Jennifer McCammond and her husband, Joey; great grandchildren, Dasha and Daci Sawyer, Drew and Marly Mahanay, Holden and Hudson Powell, Renee and Jonathon Johnson; and special friends, Danny and Jackie Kisinger. Preceding her in death were her husband, Duwayne “Trigger” Waltrip, in 1992; a daughter-in-law, Jackie Waltrip; and brothers and sisters, Otis Glen, Ray Charles, Elmer, Lauren, Vera and J.R. The family suggests that those who desire may make memorial contributions in Verna Waltrip’s honor to Oklahoma Medical Research.