Ronnie Soviar was born March 28, 1954, in Toledo, Ohio, to Alice and Paul A. Soviar. He passed away February 12, 2017, at Burns Flat, Oklahoma, at the age of 62 years, ten months and 14 days. Ronnie grew up in Toledo, Ohio, where he attended and graduated from St. Francis High School in 1972. After graduation he furthered his education at Georgia Tech where he had a scholarship for track and field, and football. Ronnie returned to Toledo and worked for a glass factory and moved to Perryton, Texas, where he worked on the Ellzey ranch for his brother-in-law. In the late 70’s, he began his career in the oil field working for Halliburton in Pampa, Texas, and in Burns Flat, Oklahoma. He was married to Karen Lyn (Jordan) Soviar at Cordell, Oklahoma, on November 12, 1980. After their marriage they made their home in Burns Flat. In 1991, Ronnie began going overseas with Halliburton and continued until his retirement in May of 2015. Ronnie enjoyed fishing, reading, relaxing in his pool and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife. Ronnie is survived by his daughter, Stephanie Richardson and husband, Paul of Dewey, Oklahoma; two sons, Jeffrey Soviar of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Ryan Soviar of Burns Flat, Oklahoma; three grandsons, Cade, Conner, and Cole Richardson of Dewey, Oklahoma; five siblings, Janet Ellzey, Jerry Soviar and wife, Mary Ann, Michael Soviar and wife, Michelle, Raymond Soviar and wife, Susie, and Nancy Meyers and husband, John; and a host of other relatives and friends. The family suggest memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society. Memorial services will be held Friday, February 17, 2017, at 11:00 a.m., at Burns Flat First Baptist Church officiated by Carl Thionnet. Arrangements are under the direction of Whinery- Savage Funeral Service. Condolences can be made online at www.whineryfs.com.

"Chip" Roy Earl Spencer was born August 13, 1962, in Baldwin Park, California, to Peggy Joy Locke. He was raised and attended school in Cordell. Chip loved to go fishing, camping, and tell jokes. He was a jack of all trades working in carpentry, painting, CNA, oilfield, and welding. Chip was preceded in death by parents, Buddy and Peggy Maddox; sisters, Darla Burch and Sandra Serratt; and a twin brother, at birth. He is survived by daughter, Brittany Apald; and grandchildren, Karizma and Kamden of Wichita Falls, Texas; sisters, Carolyn Tucker of Ridgecrest, California, Pat Serratt of Cordell, Oklahoma, and Mickie Collins of Burns Flat, Oklahoma; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends. Visitation for Chip Spencer will be held on Friday, February 3, 2017, 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., at Ray and Martha's Funeral Home in Cordell

Rheda June Butler, 78, passed away on Friday, January 27, 2017, surrounded by her loving family at her daughters home in Mangum, Oklahoma. She was born on March 16, 1938, in Hobart, Oklahoma, to Lewis Christian and Annie Mae (Davis) Pendleton. Rheda married Clifford "Bud" Butler on January 7, 1957, in Ada, Oklahoma. She worked many years at Robertson Curtain Factory in Cordell, Oklahoma. Rheda knew how to operate all of the machinery there, but spent most of her time on the Pleat Tronic machine. She lived most of her life in Cordell, and was very active in supporting the school activities of her children. Rheda loved Jesus more than anything, along with reading her Bible. She was a member of the New Beginning Assembly of God Church in Cordell. Rheda and Bud were very active in church and they would cook for the church every Wednesday night, until her health prevented them from doing that service. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Rheda enjoyed sewing, especially crocheting, and playing in numerous heated games of Chicken Foot at Grandma Jewel's house. She is survived by her husband, Clifford "Bud" Butler of the home in Cordell, Oklahoma; her son and his wife, Randy and Ginger Butler of Cordell, Oklahoma; her daughter and her husband, Candy and Shawn Johnson of Mangum, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Blake and Leighton Butler of Colorado, Blaire and Raleigh Wall of Cordell, Oklahoma, Danielle Johnson of Mangum, Oklahoma, and Amanda Johnson of Mangum, Oklahoma; great-grandchildren, Brennan and Cameron Butler, and Easton and Jaci Wall; sisters, Evelyn Swanda of Carnegie, Oklahoma, Pat Coss of Lawton, Oklahoma, and Eula Mae Wilson of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; brother, Bill Pendleton of Louisiana; extended family members, Levoy and Sheila Ringo of Dill City, Oklahoma, Landon Ringo of Dill City, Oklahoma, Michael and Devon Bonewitz of Altus, Oklahoma, and Maybalee Bonewitz of Altus, Oklahoma. Rheda was preceded in death by her parents, Lewis and Annie Mae Pendleton; step-mother, Jewel Pendleton; granddaughter, Brianna Butler; brothers, Afton Daniel and Vernon Pendleton; and sisters, Opal Carrol and Ruby Taylor Graveside services were held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, January 30, 2017, at the Odessa Cemetery, North of Gotebo, Oklahoma. Officiating was Pastor Shawn Johnson and Pastor Mike Southerland. Interment followed at the Odessa Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Fort Cobb Funeral Home, Fort Cobb, Oklahoma. Messages of condolences may be sent to: www.smithfuneralservices. com.

Kenneth Harold Meharg, 60, of Rocky, Oklahoma, passed away on January 13, 2017, in Cordell, Oklahoma. Ken was born in Pensacola, Florida, to Harold Lloyd and Clara Evelyn Meharg on February 11, 1956. He went to Tate High School in Gonzalez, Florida. Ken married Sharon Nowak Meharg on August 30, 1980, in Pensacola, Florida. He graduated from Auburn University with his Bachelor’s Degree and the University of West Florida with his Master’s Degree. Ken worked as an agricultural education teacher for 36 years and was an advocate for the National FFA Organization, having been an FFA advisor in both Florida and Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Meharg; stepfather, Jack Brown; and father- in-law, Ernest Nowak. Ken is survived by his wife of 36 years, Sharon Meharg; daughters, Allison Meharg (Jacob Schachle), and Lynsey Meharg McAnally (Cameron); siblings, Perian Herring (Eddie), Michael Brown (Vernie), Donald Brown (RitaLynn), and Rory Brown; brother-in-law, Jimmy Nowak; sister-in-law, Sandi Laird (Roy); mother, Evelyn Brown; mother-in-law, Ethel Nowak; grandson, Finnegan Schachle; nieces, Leanna Herring and SherriLynn Brown; and nephews, Logan Herring and Cortney Jennings. He was an avid outdoorsman, an advocate for vocational agriculture, and had a tremendous heart for students. With that in mind, his family asks that - in lieu of flowers - donations be made in his name to the Florida FFA Foundation to fund the Florida FFA State Outdoor Recreation Proficiency Award. Anyone wishing to contribute in Ken's honor can do so by mailing a check to: Florida FFA Foundation, 5600 SW 34th Street, Gainesville, Florida 32608. * Please specify in memory of Ken Meharg. Donations can also be made online at: https://donorbox.org/ kmeharg. Honorary pallbearers were Tom Farish, John Kelley, Randy Meharg, Jake Adams, Matt Adams, Swinson Shipman, Ronnie Gilley, Eddie Hewes, Gary Loggins, and Doug Robbins. Services were held Wednesday, January 25, 2016, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, Cantonment, Florida. Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 Highway S. 29, Cantonment, Florida, was in charge of arrangements. You may express your condolences online at www.fcfhs.com.

Pearl I. Easter, 97, of Cordell, was born to Jack and Lou (Palmer) Williams in Lula, Oklahoma, and passed away on January 29, 2017, in Cordell, Oklahoma. Pearl was a homemaker. She was a loving mother and grandmother. Pearl was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Francis Blair in 1951; daughters, Delores Loyall, and Sandra Gail Schmidt; grandson, Buddy Loyall; great-great-grand-daughter, Jessica; and grandson- in-law, Bob Sealey. Her survivors include daughter, Karen Louise Proffitt and husband, Mason of Cordell; stepson, Charles Andrews and wife, Rinda of Washington; ten grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and 21 great-great-grandchildren. Visitation was at 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 31, and Wednesday February 1, 2017, at Ray and Martha’s Funeral Home in Cordell, Oklahoma. Graveside services for Pearl Easter will be Thursday, February 2, 2017, 3:00 p.m., at the El Reno Cemetery, El Reno, Oklahoma, with Chris Perrey officiating. Services are under the direction of Ray and Martha’s Funeral Home of Cordell, Oklahoma.

Brandyn Lee Gideon, 16, of Cordell was born March 1, 2000, in Russellville, Arkansas, and died February 5, 2017, in Washita County, Oklahoma.

Brandyn attended Cordell High School where he was a member of the junior class.

He was a very active young man who made friends easily.

Brandyn wrestled as a heavy weight on the Cordell Blue Devil Wrestling team, played left guard on the football team wearing #66, and played spring soccer.

He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed spending time with his family camping and fishing.

Brandyn was an active member of The Edge Church and SWITCH youth ministry.

He greatly enjoyed spending time and hanging out with friends.

Brandyn had a very unique way of keeping everyone around him laughing with his jokes and cheerful personality.

He was preceded in death by grandparents, Ronnie Crone, Charles Lloyd Gideon, Sr., and Judy Gideon.

Brandyn is survived by his parents, Selena and Chuck Gideon of the home; father, Don Barrick of Ferris Texas; one sister, Katie Gideon of the home; three brothers, Mark Hampton of Ardmore, Oklahoma, and Matthew and Bobby Gideon, both of Clinton, Oklahoma; maternal grandmother, Ruth Nichols of Cordell; paternal grandparents, Emmit and Katie Barrick of Mena, Arkansas; aunts and uncles, Louis and Mel Crone, Barbara and Joe Odom, April Crone, Ronnie Crone, Eddie Crone, Tracy Coor, Heidi Fulton, Pat Horton, Kathy Barrick, and Harold Barrick; special friend, Allyson Rees; and nieces, nephews, and a host of dear cousins and friends.

Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 11, 2017, at the Cordell High School Auditorium, Cordell Oklahoma.

Johnny Ray Berry, 67, former Cordell resident, passed away Friday, February 3, 2017, in Oklahoma City.

He was born May 23, 1949, in Delano, California, to Dalton and Rosa (Martin) Berry.

Johnny graduated from Cordell High School and later joined the U.S. Navy, serving from 1968 to 1972.

He trained Quarter Horses for many years for Ann Miller. Johnny was a member of the Cordell VFW Post #4613 and the Clinton American Legion Post #0041.

He has been a resident of the Clinton Veterans Center for the past 17 years.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, Dalton and Rosa (Martin) Berry; and brother, Jerry Berry

His survivors include daughter, Lynde Coy and husband, Neil of Elk City, Oklahoma; sister, Illa (Berry) Johnson and husband, Allen of Cordell, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Cameron and Carli Coy of Elk City, Oklahoma; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends.

Funeral service were held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 7, 2017, under the direction of Ray and Martha's Funeral Home, Cordell, Oklahoma.

Interment followed in Strickland Cemetery, Cordell, Oklahoma, under the direction of Ray and Martha's Funeral Home, Cordell, Oklahoma.

Ronnie Soviar was born March 28, 1954, in Toledo, Ohio, to Alice and Paul A. Soviar. He passed away February 12, 2017, at Burns Flat, Oklahoma, at the age of 62 years, ten months and 14 days. Ronnie grew up in Toledo, Ohio, where he attended and graduated from St. Francis High School in 1972. After graduation he furthered his education at Georgia Tech where he had a scholarship for track and field, and football. Ronnie returned to Toledo and worked for a glass factory and moved to Perryton, Texas, where he worked on the Ellzey ranch for his brother-in-law. In the late 70’s, he began his career in the oil field working for Halliburton in Pampa, Texas, and in Burns Flat, Oklahoma. He was married to Karen Lyn (Jordan) Soviar at Cordell, Oklahoma, on November 12, 1980. After their marriage they made their home in Burns Flat. In 1991, Ronnie began going overseas with Halliburton and continued until his retirement in May of 2015. Ronnie enjoyed fishing, reading, relaxing in his pool and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife. Ronnie is survived by his daughter, Stephanie Richardson and husband, Paul of Dewey, Oklahoma; two sons, Jeffrey Soviar of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Ryan Soviar of Burns Flat, Oklahoma; three grandsons, Cade, Conner, and Cole Richardson of Dewey, Oklahoma; five siblings, Janet Ellzey, Jerry Soviar and wife, Mary Ann, Michael Soviar and wife, Michelle, Raymond Soviar and wife, Susie, and Nancy Meyers and husband, John; and a host of other relatives and friends. The family suggest memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society. Memorial services will be held Friday, February 17, 2017, at 11:00 a.m., at Burns Flat First Baptist Church officiated by Carl Thionnet. Arrangements are under the direction of Whinery- Savage Funeral Service. Condolences can be made online at www.whineryfs.com.

Funeral Services for Kenneth LeDon Thornbrough, 77, of Mountain View were held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 21, 2017, in the Kiesau Memorial Chapel, officiated by Rev. Aaron Lawrence.

Burial followed in the Arapaho Cemetery, in Arapaho, Oklahoma, under the direction of the Kiesau-Lee Funeral Home.

Kenneth LeDon Thornbrough was born October 2, 1939, to Zora and Lela (Goff) Thornbrough in Rhea, Oklahoma and passed away early Saturday, February 18, 2017, in the Integris Hospital in Edmond, Oklahoma.

Kenneth was raised in Rhea and Clinton and graduated from Clinton High School in 1957.

He soon enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves and was a helicopter pilot and achieved the Rank of Warrant Officer.

Kenneth married Charlene Miller on November 23, 1958, in Rhea. They have made their homes in Clinton and Mountain View.

He owned and operated a construction company, farmed, and served as a soil technician for the Soil Conservation Service, and was an Agriculture Pilot and pilot instructor. Kenneth retired in 1998, but continued to farm.

His greatest enjoyment was the time spent with his children and grandchildren.

Kenneth enjoyed working on electronic devices and is a U.S. Patent holder.

As one of his hobbies he worked on and remodeled Model T cars and enjoyed sharing them with others.

Kenneth also served on the Washita County Farm Bureau Board of Directors.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant twin sons, Mark and Marvin; two sisters, Geraldine Follis and Janie Hire; and a brother, Leaford Thornbrough.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Charlene, of the home; three daughters, Donna Parker and Dwayne King of Dewey, Oklahoma, Denise Worley and husband, Thomas of Mountain View, Oklahoma, and Lela Susan Pirtle and husband, Randy of Copan, Oklahoma; a son, Kenneth Thornbrough, Jr. and wife, Rhonda of Yukon, Oklahoma; three sisters, Evalyene Williams of Leedey, Oklahoma, Marlene Renison and husband, Bill of Clinton, Oklahoma, and Pat Bodkin and husband, Don of Edmond, Oklahoma; a brother, Samuel Thornbrough and wife, Velda of Sayre, Oklahoma; eight grandchildren, Halee Lawrence and husband, Aaron, Erin Rainey and husband, Nathan, Aspen Pirtle and Jesse Scribner, Charles Worley, Brenna Parker, Cassie Green and husband, Cory, Corbin Thornbrough and Shelby Heise and Colin Thornbrough; two great-grandchildren, Grady Rainey and Maverick Scribner; and two foster great-grandchildren.

In Lieu of lowers, the family has requested memorial contributions be made to the Ronald McDonald House,1301 Northeast 14th Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73117.

Imogene Holt, 90, of Cordell, Oklahoma, passed away on Monday, February 20, 2017, in Cordell.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Friday, February 24, 2017, at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Amanda B.P. Lockwood and Pastor Marvin J. Hudson officiating.

Burial will follow at Lawnview Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Ray and Martha’s Funeral Homes in Cordell.

Imogene was born in Cowden, Oklahoma, on December 3, 1926, to the late Carson and Otis (Treadaway) Morris.

She graduated from Cowden High School in 1945, where she played guard on the 1944-45 championship basketball team.

Following high school, Imogene attended Braun’s School of Business in Oklahoma City. Upon completion of business school, she moved to Mountain View where she was employed by First National Bank as a teller.

She was then employed by Cordell National Bank, also as a teller. Imogene married Ed Holt on October 14, 1950, in Cordell.

In 1951, she followed Ed’s Air Force career to Vance Air Force Base in Enid, Oklahoma. During this stint in Enid, they had their first child, Belinda Gail.

Shortly after in 1952, Ed and Imogene were transferred to Big Spring Air Force Base in Big Spring, Texas.

In 1954, they welcomed their second child, Eddie Morris. Later, in 1954, they moved back to Cordell where she continued to raise their two children.

Imogene worked at the curtain factory and helped Ed with Holt Farms where she hauled many loads of wheat to the elevators.

As a young girl, Imogene dedicated her life to Christ. She was a member of the Hopewell Baptist Church in the Cowden Community.

On April 1, 1956, she transferred her membership to the Cordell United Methodist Church.

Imogene was involved in numerous civic and church groups including the Cloud Chief Extension Homemakers and the United Methodist Women’s Group.

She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, and Nanny.

Imogene was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Helen Armitage.

Those left to cherish her memories are her husband, Ed Holt; daughter, Belinda Masters; son, Eddie Holt and wife, Donna; five grandchildren; Chism Holt, Kyle Masters and wife, Dayna, Tanner Holt and wife, Alicia, Brad Masters, and Colten Holt and wife, Katey; nine great-grandchildren; Keegan Holt, Sage Stewart, Kaylin Holt, Braxton Holt, Brayden Holt, Bentley Masters, Haylee Holt, Ava Willingham, and Georgia Willingham; a sister, LaVonna “Muggs” Dickerson; and numerous other family members and friends that loved her dearly.

Roger Talbott Hull, Clinton, was born on March 8, 1952, and died February 20, 2017. Services are pending with Advanced Funeral and Cremation in Oklahoma City.

Lois Glee Linn passed away from this life on Tuesday, February 21, 2017. She was born in the family home at Hollis, Oklahoma, on June 4, 1918, to the late Charlie and Agnes Smith.

Lois married JD Linn on July 27, 1935, in Dill City, Oklahoma.

She and JD farmed in Oklahoma and Colorado, returning to their home in Dill City, Oklahoma, in July, 1994.

Lois then moved to The Village in Cordell, Oklahoma, in May, of 2010, and then to St. Bernard’s Village in Jonesboro, Arkansas, in 2015.

She loved the Lord and served her fellowman in many ways throughout her life.

The last decade of her life, she pieced quilts for the children’s homes; designed and sewed bibs for various nursing homes, and was a caregiver for many.

Lois was a faithful and active member of the Church of Christ. She deeply cared for and treasured her family and many friends.

In addition to her parents, Charlie and Agnes Smith, Lois was preceded in death by her husband, JD, of 66 years; sisters, Doris Jeter and Zella Mae Gray; and brothers, Denzil Smith, Burnard Smith, Everett Smith, Valton Smith and U.L. Smith.

Lois’s survivors include two children, daughter, Ina Brown and husband, Jim Brown of Jonesboro, Arkansas, and son, Keith Linn and wife, Linda of Sterling, Colorado; five grandchildren, Lance Brown and wife, Marty of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Tracy Foster and husband, Dr. Gil Foster of Little Rock, Arkansas, Paula Combs and husband, Randy of Denver, Nan Benson of Denver, and Kenny Linn and wife, Roxanne of Sterling, Colorado; nine great-grandchildren, Dylan Brown, Bailey Brown, Taryn Foster, Sydney Foster, Haily Combs, Carson Combs, Sarah Benson, and Ryan and Colin Linn; brother, Herbert Smith and wife, Joy of San Antonio, Texas; and sisters, Frances Mullins of Dumas, Texas, and Cleta Haney of Chickasha, Oklahoma.

Funeral services were held on Friday, February 24, 2017, with Ronnie McKee officiating. Interment followed at the Lawnview Cemetery.

Services were under the direction of Ray and Martha’s Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the St. Bernard’s Hospice House, 1148 E. Matthews, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401.  

Roger Talbott Hull, 64, of Clinton, Oklahoma, passed away Monday, February 20, 2017, at Grace Living Center, in Clinton, surrounded by loved ones.

Roger was born in Cordell, Oklahoma, on March 8, 1952, to the late Harley and Lorene (Snell) Hull.

He attended Cordell Schools, where he was active in speech productions, ran track, and played basketball. Roger graduated with the class of 1971.

Following high school, Roger attended SWOSU, as well as OSU. Over the years, he had many jobs.

Roger was a former proprietor of the Loose Lodge, in Weatherford, on a seismograph crew, worked for a cable company, climbing poles and splicing cable, an oilfield worker, did masonry work, construction, welding, worked for years at Security Metal Products, in Clinton, and for Walker Enterprises, and at the laundromat.

He was a well-rounded, avid reader, with knowledge on most every subject.

Roger was an excellent mechanic and was in a motorcycle club for years, where he made many friends.

He would do anything for everyone and never ask anything in return.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Marlin Hull; and a great niece, Bellamy Ball.

He is survived by one brother, Alan Hull and wife, Vickie of Cordell; one sister, Rosemary Hull Dick and husband, James Dick, of Bessie; four nephews, Bryan Hull, Andy Hull, Les Hull, and Richie Hull; four nieces, Beth Hull Gollob, Deidra Ball, Danielle Ivey, and Darcie L. Fuller; ten great-nephews, Andrew Jones, Max Hull, Gunnar Gollob, Cordell Gollob, Cooper Hull, Hudson Hull, Dixon Ivey, Durham Ivey, James Fuller, and Ezra Fuller; and ten great-nieces, Bryn Hull, Alyssa Hull, Megan Hull, Annika Hull, Mieka Hull, Brenyn Ball, Blakely Ball, Brylee Ball, Bennett Ball, and Dakota Ivey; as well as a host of other family and friends who were like family to Roger.

A celebration of life honoring Roger will be held Saturday, March 11, at 1:00 p.m., at the Bessie Gym/Auditorium, followed by a pot luck dinner. In

lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions could be made to the American Cancer Society.

James Robert “Bob” Black was born August 9, 1938, to Luther and Opal (Sanders) Black in Claude, Oklahoma.

He went to be with the Lord on February 24, 2017, at his home in Burns Flat, Oklahoma, at the age of 78 years, six months, and 16 days.

Bob attended school in Dill City, Oklahoma, and graduated in 1958. He married Sharon Kay Duffield on January 3, 1972, in Wheeler, Texas.

Bob worked as a lineman, and became a journeyman in 1965. He worked for various contractors, until his career with PSO.

Bob retired from PSO in 1999. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed crafting projects, including stained glass and making knives.

Bob was a member of the Elk City Masonic Lodge and was a 32nd Degree Mason, and a Shriner. He was also a member of the Eastern Star.

Bob’s first love was his family, and he enjoyed being Papa. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Burns Flat.

Bob was preceded in death by his mother and father; sister, Omega Wolf; and brother, Wayne.

He is survived by his wife, of 45 years; his three children, James Wayne Black and wife, Debbie of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Lee Edward Black and wife, Mary of Lawton, Oklahoma, and Justin Keith Black and wife, Catrina of Lawton, Oklahoma; six grandchildren, James Wayne Jr. and wife, Keyomi, Jodie Lee, Jackie Keith, Savannah Maxine, Olivia Marie, and Raylan Cooper; one great-grandchild, James King; one sister, Ojuana Thomas of Little Rock, Arkansas; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Services were held Wednesday, March 1, 2017, at 10:00 a.m., at Burns Flat First Baptist Church, officiated by Carl Thionnet. Burial was at the South Burns Cemetery, under the direction of Whinery-Savage Funeral Service. Condolences can be made online at www.whineryfs.com.

Funeral services for Loy Bernard Luekenga, 87 yearold Colony, Oklahoma resident, were held Thursday, February 23, 2017, 10:00 a.m., at the Church of Christ in Colony, with Bruce Mayfield officiating.

Burial followed in the Bethany Cemetery, under the direction of Lockstone Funeral Home.

Loy was born November 5, 1929, east of Colony, Oklahoma, to Ben Henry and Jenny Lynn (Graham) Luekenga and passed away Monday, February 20, 2017, at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

He was raised in Colony and attended Colony Schools.

Loy married his sweetheart, Grace Ginevra Richmond, in Dill City, Oklahoma, on March 7, 1948.

Their very special, life-long friends, Leland and Mary Lee Crissman were the best man and matron of honor at their wedding.

Loy and Grace made their home northeast of Colony for many years, where he farmed the “home place” before moving to town, in 1972.

He enjoyed farming nearly his entire life, starting at the age of 17 and continuing until December, of 2016.

Loy’s passion for his career was evident in his bountiful crops of peanuts, cotton, and wheat. He was a resourceful farmer, making the most of his land and equipment.

Loy valued honesty, simplicity, hard work, and was a selfless man.

He supported his community by serving as mayor for 33 years, retiring in 2015, and was a long time member of the Colony Fire Department.

Loy was an active school board member of Colony Schools, and later helped organize the merging of Colony and Corn public schools into Washita Heights school, serving on that board as well.

He was an active member of the Church Of Christ and received his Lord through baptism in 2003.

Loy loved to talk about the early days with his good friends and family. He enjoyed recalling his time playing sports at Colony Schools.

Loy’s happy heart and positive outlook on life will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by two daughters, Sandra Dickerson and husband, Danny of Ft. Smith, Arkansas, and Karen Epperly and husband, Raymond of Colony, Oklahoma; four grandchildren, Angie Dickerson of Edmond, Oklahoma, Kristi Gabriel of Edmond, Oklahoma, Amber Lawles and husband, Jason Lawles of Weatherford, Oklahoma, and Brad Epperly of Orange, California; five great-grandchildren, Bayli, Bentli, and Blayke Lawles, and Gavin and Grant Gabriel; and special nephew, Mark Richmond of Austin, Texas, his children, Atticus, Gemma, and Beckham Richmond, and their mother, Vicki Richmond of Austin, Texas.

Loy was preceded in death by his parents; wife; one brother, Gene Luekenga; and two sisters, Murl Mulder and Ruby Bottom.

Memorials may be made to Westview Boys Home in Hollis, Oklahoma, or the American Heart Association.

Dale L. Jones, 88 of Cordell, Oklahoma, passed away March 1, 2017, in Weatherford, Oklahoma. He was born on February 26, 1929, in Cordell, to Frank W. and Vera Fern (Brubaker) Jones.

Dale went to school in Cloud Chief, Oklahoma, and drove the school bus his junior and senior years.

He met his wife, Zettie Lee Lapel, at Camp Spring Lake and they later married on July 1, 1955.

Dale primarily farmed and retired from John Deere after over 20 years of work, but never gave up his love for tinkering with balers and various farm equipment.

He also worked at the Cordell cotton gin and helped to build homes in the area.

Dale had a deep love for his family, especially his wife Zettie, and always understood the importance of professing his love to them.

He appreciated the little things in life such as the changing of seasons, new life into the world, and the beauty of nature.

Dale never hesitated to put others before himself. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

His survivors include wife, Zettie Jones of Cordell, Oklahoma; two sons, Terry Jones and wife, Donna of Cordell, Oklahoma, and Randy Jones of Cordell, Oklahoma; and four grandchildren, Jessica Handy and husband, Anthony and their children, Haley, Tyler, Nathan, Camden, and Statham of Weatherford, Oklahoma, Lindsey Daingkau and husband, George and their daughter, Hannah of Anadarko, Oklahoma, Michael Martin and his children, Kayda and Madison of Del City, Oklahoma, and Allen Martin and his children, Ashley and Bryanna of Dill City, Oklahoma.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Mildred (Millie) Roberts, and Dorothy Kemp; brother, Wayne Jones; and numerous other family members.

Visitation was held on Friday, March 3, 2017, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 pm.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 4, 2017, at the First Baptist Church, Cordell, Oklahoma.

Interment was at the Lawnview Cemetery, Cordell, Oklahoma, under the direction of Ray and Martha's Funeral Home, Cordell.

Elmer G. Dick was born on October 2, 1922, to Herman Dick and Marie Geisner in Bessie, Oklahoma, and passed away Monday, February 27, 2017, in the Corn Heritage Village in Weatherford, Oklahoma.

Elmer was raised in Bessie and graduated from Bessie High School in 1940.

He entered the military in 1946, and spent a year in Germany serving as liaison to the American Red Cross, immediately after WWII.

Elmer returned to western Oklahoma, and settled in Bessie. He was married to Victoria Jakschich on November 16, 1947, in Germany.

They made their home in Bessie, where he spent a lifetime farming, as well as serving as postmaster for over thirty years.

He was a longtime faithful member of Peace Lutheran Church; he loved nature and farming and loved to read and learn.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and a sister, Helen Jean Goeringer.

He is survived by a daughter, Mary Ann Peters, and husband Edmund of Oklahoma City; three nephews, Mike Goeringer, Steve Goeringer and wife, Karlene, and Greg Goeringer and wife, Donna.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests giving a memorial contribution to the Corn Heritage Village in Weatherford or to the Peace Lutheran Church in Bessie, Oklahoma.

Graveside services for Elmer Dick, 94, Bessie resident, were held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, March 2, 2017, in the Peace Lutheran Cemetery, officiated by Jerry Lamb, under the direction of the Kiesau Lee Funeral Home.

Joe E. Martin, 85, of Stillwater, passed away on Friday, March 3, 2017. He was a resident of the Primrose Retirement Communities in Stillwater and took part in numerous programs there.

Joe was a member of the activities committee, led many card games, and was a champion pool player.

He also had a repertoire of one-or two-line jokes which he told every morning at breakfast.

Joe was born on May 4, 1931, in Bristow, Oklahoma, to James and Maude Martin, and was a graduate of Rocky High School, Rocky, Oklahoma.

He married his high school sweetheart, Benna, in 1951.

Joe was a retired school administrator, coach, and teacher for schools in Lookeba, Cordell, Shawnee, and Hobart.

When he retired in 1990, he was principal at Hobart High School.

During his career, he served as the state president of the Oklahoma Association of Secondary School Principals, representing the association at state and national meetings.

His leadership to public education in Oklahoma made a lasting impact on many lives, and on the schools in which he served.

Joe proudly served in the United States Air Force during the early 1950s, with assignments at Luke Field in Arizona, Great Falls Air Force Base in Montana, and Keflavik in Iceland, before attending and graduating from Southwestern Oklahoma State University with both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

He also completed post-graduate work at the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University.

Joe was an avid Oklahoma State University supporter and enjoyed nothing more than wearing orange and attending games to watch his granddaughter Emily perform as a member of the OSU pom squad.

His beloved wife, Benna G. (Deeds) Martin, died February 25, 2016, after their celebration of almost 65 years of marriage.

He is survived by a son, Joel Martin (USAF retired) of Minden, Louisiana; daughter-in- law, Elizabeth; a daughter, Pamela Fry of Stillwater; sonin- law, Don; three sisters, Nadine Frazier and Genae Rahhal, both of Cordell, and Sue Farris of Oklahoma City; brother, John Martin of Verden; and three grandchildren, Adam Fry of Norman, Jared Fry of Oklahoma City, and Emily Fry of Stillwater.

Graveside services for Joe E. Martin were held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 7, 2017, at the Lone Star Cemetery in Rocky, Oklahoma, officiated by Rev. Buck Nicholson.

Services were under the direction of the Kiesau-Lee Funeral Home.

A Memorial Service for Tonia Duncan, 62, of Burns Flat, will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, March 18, 2017, in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Burns Flat, Oklahoma, officiated by Dr. Tom Spence, and under the direction of the Kiesau-Lee Funeral Home.

Tonia Lee (Weber) Duncan was born February 6, 1955, to Doyle Weber and Martha Sue Dunsworth in Anadarko, Oklahoma.

She passed away Tuesday, February 14, 2017, in the Oklahoma Heart Hospital in Oklahoma City, with her family at her bedside.

Tonia was raised in Altus, Oklahoma, where she graduated from Altus High School in 1973.

She was active and participated in beauty pageants from the time she was about nine years old.

Tonia was Little Ms. Cotton in 1964, and she competed in the Ms. Altus pageant in both 1973, and again in 1974, where she won the title of Miss Altus in 1974.

She continued her education at Altus Junior College and then met and married David James in 1974, in Altus.

Moving to Kansas City, Missouri, for a short time she moved back to Altus in 1981, where she began a career in Civil Service on the Altus Air Force Base.

She climbed the ranks fast and was soon appointed supervisor.

In 1987, she married Tony Duncan and they moved from Hess to Olustee, and eventually resided on the Air Force Base in Altus.

She continued her career with Civil Service and they moved all over the country; residing on F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming; Charleston Air Force Base in Charleston, South Carolina; and Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada, where she retired in 2001.

In 2003, she moved to Burns Flat, Oklahoma, to help care for her parents who preceded her in death.

A faithful believer who loved the lord and an active member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Tonia loved to do arts/crafts and garden; she had a green thumb that could grow anything.

Tonia loved her two dogs, especially Sam, who preceded her in death, and Higgins, her miniature schnauzer.

With two children and six grandchildren she loved to spend time with her family here in Oklahoma and Ohio.

Tonia was always there when called upon and her love for the Lord always shined through in her desire to help those in need.

She is survived by her daughter, Courtney Tai Hall of Tulsa, Oklahoma; her son, Damon James and his wife, Jamie of Cincinnati, Ohio; her two brothers, Mark Weber and his wife, Jennifer of Tulsa, and Mike Weber of Moore, Oklahoma; and six grandchildren, Mattison, Brayden, Kamren, Rylin, Zander, and Gavin.

Taken from us to soon, my mother will be dearly missed by her family and friends, but we know that God has given her the wings of an angel. You will forever be loved Mom.

Please send flowers/donations to Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 205 OK-44, Burns Flat, Oklahoma 73624.

Leta Faye (Thurman) Delk, 90, of Gotebo, Oklahoma, passed away on March 11, 2017.

She was born on May 22, 1926, to Elvis Cecil and Etta Howell Thurman. Leta Faye started school at Rainy Valley which was SW of Mountain View.

They later moved to the Lake Valley Community, in 1936, where she attended the Lake Valley School and graduated in 1944.

After graduation she moved to Oklahoma City, to work at Douglas Aircraft Plant until the end of the war.

Leta Faye moved back to the Lake Valley Community and married Clifton Delk in Arapaho, Oklahoma. They had two daughters, Sandra and Donna.

She loved playing basketball all through her school years, and loved watching her kids, grandkids, and greatgrandkids participate in all their activities.

Leta Faye was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

She is survived by two daughters, Sandra Lee and husband, Richard of Gotebo, Oklahoma, and Donna Gibson and husband, Don of Gotebo, Oklahoma; five grandchildren, Shannon Lee of Gotebo, Oklahoma, Shawna Ford and husband, Dwane of Gotebo, Oklahoma, Jamie Dowdy and husband, Jim of Gotebo, Oklahoma, Heather Brunker and husband, MaCrae of Cordell, Oklahoma, and Kayla Gibson of Gotebo, Oklahoma; and six greatgrandchildren, Sterling Lee, Blaine Dowdy, Cassidy Ford, Tripp Lee, Mackinlee Brunker, and Mylee Brunker.

Leta Faye was preceded in death by parents, Elvis Cecil and Etta Thurman; and husband, Clifton Delk.

Graveside services were held Wednesday, March 15, 2017, at the Sharon cemetery in Gotebo, Oklahoma, under the direction of Hackney Funeral Home.