Robert Lee Jones was born January 4, 1933 at Okemah Oklahoma too William and Verda Jones and passed away July 27, 2017 at the age of 84. He was a resident of the Watonga community where he was in education, teaching, counseling and an administrator later working for the State Department of Transportation. He graduated from Southwestern and received his Masters from Southwestern and OSU, and was a member of the First Baptist Church, Senior Citizen Board, Masons, and a past member of many local organizations. He was married to Mervyn Rawson at Clinton, OK on April 21, 1956. He was preceded in death by: his parents, William and Verda Jones, Stepfather Raymond, Brothers: Charles Ray and Bill Jones, Sisters: Faye Gustafson and Wanda Carreto, and a daughter-in-law Penny Jones. He is survived by: Mervyn of the home in Watonga, Son: Steve Jones and wife Jena of Woodward OK, Daughter: Kim Reeder and husband Ronny of Lovington, New Mexico. His brother, Melvin Jones and wife Colleen of Auburn, Washington and a sister, Melba Wetherby of Tulsa, OK. Grandchildren: Dusty Reeder and wife Stacy of Lovington, New Mexico, Chris Jones and wife Jen of Edmond, OK, Remy Reeder and wife Zan of Hobbs, New Mexico, Kirk Jones of Yukon, OK, and Chelsey Powers and Husband Blake of Weatherford OK . Great grandchildren: Ethan Williams, Hudson Jones, Jadyn Cambell, Audrey Frey, Kasen Jones, Kayden Jones, Chloe Powers, Maddox and Drew Reeder, Atle’e and Lincoln Reeder. Funeral services for Bob will be held, Monday, July 31, 2017, at 10:00 at the First Baptist Church in Watonga OK with Jim Westmoreland officiating, the family will gather after services for visitation with friends. A private burial will follow in the IOOF cemetery at 1:30 with Wilkinson Mortuary in Charge of arrangements. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS MAY BE MADE TO the Foundation for Academic Excellence at Cornerstone Bank in Watonga, OK.

Seth Alexander Youngbird died July 23, 2017 at Calumet, Okla. He was born July 9, 1999 in Kingfisher and graduated from El Reno High School in 2017. Seth is survived by his father, Byron Dyer; mother, Winona Youngbird of the home in Watonga; maternal grandparents, Daisy Tailfeathers of Lihue, Hawaii, Rhoda Youngbird Braxton of El Reno and William Bo Little Elk of Calumet; brothers, Creighton Levi Youngbird Pedro and Tracy Hornsby, Jr. both of the home; sister, Sierra Seneca of Buffalo, N.Y. and other paternal siblings. His paternal grandparents, Samuel Dyer and Elva Whitethunder Dyer and maternal grandfather, Hubert Youngbird, preceded him in death.

Colleen Gail Hernandez, 58, died July 23, 2017, in Lyons, KS. She was born November 7, 1958, in Clovis, New Mexico, the daughter of Leon and Edith Onita (Autrey) Dickerson. She has resided in Watonga, OK, since 1996, formerly of Geary, OK. Colleen was a housewife. On July 18, 1989, she was united in marriage with John A. Hernandez in Geary, OK, he survives of the home. Other survivors include son, John K. Hernandez; two daughters, Jayme L. Hernandez and Michelle Gregory; brother, Rodney Dickerson; sister, Tiffany Dickerson; three grandchildren, Marissa Perez, Dominique “Bubba” Perez and Gavin Gregory; and one great grandchild, Laykin Lewis. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leon and Edith Onita Dickerson. Memorial services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons.

1923~2017

Leona Ilene Pierce Tolbert was born March 28, 1923 in Woodward, OK, to Jesse James Hancock and Mary Ellen ”Mae” (Unwin) Hancock. Leona passed away Tuesday, August 1, 2017 in Okeene, OK at the age of 94. She graduated from Seiling High School in Seiling, OK. She married W.L. “Bud” Pierce in Taloga, OK in 1942. Born into this union were daughters, Linda Leigh (Pierce) Fisher and Lynne Robin (Pierce) Babbit, and one son Lanny Gail Pierce. Leona and Bud along with their children lived in Southard, OK until the graduation of their three children. During this time, Leona took a job at the Lodge at Roman Nose State Park in Watonga, OK, where she started out as a waitress, then receptionist and retired as a bookkeeper. In 1978, she married H.G. “Hod” Tolbert and made their home in Watonga, OK. During this time, she enjoyed sewing, crocheting, quilting, cross-stitching, gardening. She and Hod enjoyed traveling extensively across the United States. She loved visiting family and friends and always received compliments on being such a sweet lady. Leona was a beloved Mom, Grandma and Grammy. Her family was the joy of her life. Leona was preceded in death by her parents Mae and Jesse Hancock, her husband Hod Tolbert, her oldest daughter Linda Fisher, also the father of Leona’s children, W.L. “Bud” Pierce, brother in-law Lester Perkins and nephew Jimmy Zaubi. Survivors include: sister, Lola Perkins, El Reno, OK; Son in-law, Larry “Casey” Fisher, El Reno, OK; Son, Lanny Pierce and wife Linda, Choctaw, OK; Daughter, Lynne Babbit and husband David, El Reno, OK; Step-Children, Veva Daugherty, Watonga, OK; Susan Tolbert, New Braunfels, TX; Hal Tolbert and wife June, Santa Rosa, CA. Granddaughters, Kimy Arndt, Yukon, OK; Kristy Ellis and husband Jeff, Yukon, OK; Kelli Barton and Hank Anderson, Wellston, OK; Leigh Williamson and Shane Russell, Mustang, OK; Sherry Abercrombie, Mustang, OK; Sheila Babbit, Oklahoma City, OK; Step-grandchildren, Ashley Stewart and husband Shawn, Mustang, OK; Neal Riley and wife Amanda, Watonga, OK; John Tolbert, Santa Rosa, CA; Rebekah Skopp and husband Greg, Santa Rosa, CA; Cara Panebianco and husband Dave Stallard, Oakland, CA; AJ and husband Mike Keyser, New Braunfels, TX; 20 great-grandchildren and 2 great great-grandchildren. Services were held Monday, August 7, 2017 at the First Christian Church in Yukon. Burial followed at the Yukon Cemetery. Officiating her service were family members Neil Unwin and Orville White. Neil, Orville and Orville’s wife Sherry sang Leona’s requested Hymns. Services were under the direction of Yanda and Son Funeral Home, Yukon, OK. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. Online condolences may be signed at www.yandafuneral.com.

1932~2017

Richard Glen Bixler was born on March 10 , 1932, in Watonga,Oklahoma to Henry and Lucille Bixler. He passed away July 20th, 2017, at the age of 85. He graduated from Watonga High School in 1950. He then attended Draughon Business School in Oklahoma City. He was drafted into the US Army during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1955 at the rank of Staff Sargent. After serving in the Army, he attended Southwestern College in Weatherford, OK. Dick went into business with his father and mother and operated Bixler's Men's Wear in Watonga. He also served several years as the City Treasurer of Watonga. In 1975, he was named the Director of the Labor Program at Opportunities, Inc. a community action agency. He became Director of the agency in 1985 and served as state president of labor directors and state president of the Oklahoma Community Action Directors Association. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Barbara Jo Bixler. They had 4 children. Janet Keatts of Montgomery, TX, Rick Bixler of Shallowater, TX, Brad Bixler of Watonga and Ryan Bixler of Edmond, OK, They have eight grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren

1978~2017

Brendon Wayne Gibson was born July 27, 1978 in Lawton, OK to Richard and Kathy Gibson. He passed to his new heavenly home on August 1, 2017, shortly after his 39th birthday, at Baptist Integris Hospital Oklahoma City, OK, where he lost his battle with lung disease. A Memorial Service was held Saturday August 5th at the Oasis Church in Watonga officiated by Pastors Zac Brack, Dwain Richey and Colton Hightower. Brendon graduated from Palmer High School in 1996 in Colorado Springs, CO where he spent the first 22 years of his life. He also attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, OK. He married Angel Barrett on December 23, 2003 in Las Vegas, NV and had one son, Jackson Gibson age 11, who was his best buddy. He resided in Watonga the past 14 years where he was employed at Cornerstone Bank as Vice President of eBanking. He coached and pitched youth baseball and volunteered for the Watonga Foundation of Academic Excellence. Brendon was a loving and devoted husband and father. Nothing gave him more pleasure than spending time with JJ. He was a cherished and loved son, adored brother, treasured and devoted friend. Brendon loved spending time with family, sports – especially the Oklahoma Sooners, the Colorado mountains and was an amazing cook. He was incredibly creative and kind to everyone he met. Brendon left behind his wife Angel and son Jackson both of Watonga. He is survived by his parents, Richard and Kathy Gibson of Mountain View, OK, two brothers, Aric Gibson and Travis Gibson, both of Weatherford, OK, his maternal grandmother Sandra Simpson of Thomas, OK, and numerous loving aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Richard and Imogene Stinnett, and his paternal grandfathers Jerry Gibson and Gary Simpson. Memorial contributions may be made to the Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute at Baptist Integris Hospital in Oklahoma City, OK.

Anita Luean Wellnitz was born December 4, 1973 to Gerald Vernon and Rosie (Hall) Allen in Tonkawa, OK. She passed away Thursday, August 3, 2017 at the Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma City, OK at the age of 43. Luean is survived by her husband, Terry Wellnitz of the home, Watonga, OK; children, Billy Horstman and his wife Teresa of Enid, OK, Johnny Horstman and his wife Amber and Terry Horstman and his wife Veronica all of Watonga, OK, and thirteen grandchildren. Services: Oasis Church, Sunday, 2:00 pm, August 6, 2017, Watonga, OK. Officiating: Rev. Zachary Brack. Burial: Sunset Cemetery, Geary, OK under the direction of Turner Funeral Home, Geary, Oklahoma, condolences may be sent to the family at turnerfuneralhomes@gmail.com, or you can find us on facebook. com (Turner Funeral Homes).

Funeral services for Teddy Jay Oyler, 45 year-old Watonga, Oklahoma resident, were held Tuesday, August 15, 2017, 2:00 P.M. at the Nazarene Church in Watonga. Teddy was born June 26, 1972, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Maurice and Kay (Wahling) Oyler and passed away at home in Watonga, Oklahoma on Thursday, August 10, 2017.

Karina (Ramos) Wilczek was born October 16, 1986 in Teocaltiche, Jalisco, Mexico to Casimiro and Micaela Ramos, and passed away Saturday, August 19, 2017 at the age of 30 years. She was a resident of the Loyal and Kingfisher communities for ten years where she was an executive secretary at Lomega Schools. She attended Catoosa High School and Tulsa Technology Center for Accounting and was a member of the Okeene Seventh-day Adventist Church where she served as the Women's Ministry Leader. She was married to the love of her life, David Wilczek, on September 8, 2007 in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Karina was preceded in death by her son Taylor Lane and daughter Mikaela Rose, and grandfathers Casimiro Ramos Sr. and Emilio Rodriguez. She is survived by her husband, David, her parents Casimiro and Micaela of Tulsa; sister Araceli and her husband Aaron and daughter Liliana Sharp of Broken Arrow; brother Eric Ramos of Tulsa; father and mother-inlaw David and Rose Wilczek of Loyal; sister-in-law Amanda and her husband William and sons Marshall and Leam Denton of Canton; her beloved Tom and Beverly Leatherman of Fairview, and numerous family and treasured friends. Funeral services for Karina will be held on Friday, August 25th, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. at the Lomega High School in Omega with Pastor Walter Martinez officiating. She will be laid to rest alongside her children in the Parvin Cemetary in Okeene with Wilkinson Mortuary of Okeene in charge of arrangements. Public viewing and visitation will begin Thursday, August 24, 2017.

Melvin Ray DeSpain was born on July 1, 1934 in Cogar, Oklahoma to William Roy DeSpain and Zela Blaylock DeSpain and passed away on August 17, 2017 at the age of 83. He was a resident of Watonga, Oklahoma since 1962 where he was a farmer/rancher. Melvin graduated from Hinton High School in 1954. He attended Oklahoma City University on a basketball scholarship where he was coached by Abe Lemmons. Melvin married Patricia Boston on August 23, 1957 at the First Baptist Church in Watonga. They had two children, Kim DeSpain Tweed and Greg DeSpain. Melvin was married to Glenda Cranfill on June 24, 1998. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Wanda Brogden, William Dub DeSpain and Donald DeSpain. He is survived by Glenda of the home in Watonga, son Greg DeSpain, daughter Kim Tweed and husband Randy of Mustang, OK; brother Marvin DeSpain and wife Janet of Pocola, OK, sisters Imogene Eager of Riverton, WY, Gerry Dodson of Broken Bow, OK and sister-in-law Sue DeSpain of Southern Pines, NC; grandchildren Jennifer Dyer and husband Mick of Castle Rock, CO, Lance DeSpain of Moore, OK, Ashleigh Fields and husband Josh of Edmond, OK, Kasey Rhodes and husband Tyler of Edmond, OK and Jackie DeSpain of Tuttle, OK; great grandchildren Cooper, Chloe and Camden Dyer, Tucker and Greyson DeSpain, and Kaden, Jackson and Karleigh Fields as well as numerous other relatives and friends. A Celebration of Life for Melvin was held on Tuesday, August 22, 2017, at the First Baptist Church in Watonga, OK with Daniel Mosburg officiating, Wilkinson Mortuary of Watonga were entrusted with the arrangements.

Theodore'"Teddy" Jay Oyler was born June 26, 1972, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Maurice Edward and Kay LeRae (Wahling) Oyler and passed away at home in Watonga, Oklahoma on Thursday, August 10, 2017, at the age of 45 years, 1 month, and 14 days. Teddy was raised and attended school in Watonga, graduating from Watonga High School in 1990. After graduating high school he attended one semester at Okmulgee. He worked at Eskridge Collision Center for several years in Oklahoma City. Teddy then moved back to Watonga and started working for the Ada KIMY Radio Station (Watonga Branch) broadcasting the local football and basketball games. He did have a love for sports, attending several Thunder basketball games. Teddy was also an avid OSU fan, keeping up with all their football and basketball games. Since the death of his father you could always see Teddy and Iris attending social events around western Oklahoma. Teddy is survived by his step-mother, Iris (Spain) Oyler of Watonga, Oklahoma; two aunts, Sandra San Nicholas of Kansas City, Missouri and Alice Wahling of Loyal, Oklahoma; and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and two infant brothers, Jeffrey Don and Larry Ray.

1918~2017

Alma Goldie (Marrs) Dailey, passed away at her home on August .23, 2017 at the age of 99 years, 7 months and one day. She was born Jan. 12, 1918 at Watonga, OK to Elmer Andrew and Zylpha Belle (Morlan) Marrs. Alma married Robert C. Dailey on April 11, 1936 in Watonga, OK and 4 children were born to this union. She retired from Southwestern Bell after 35 years and loved being with her family. Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Robert C. Dailey; daughter, Patricia A. Gettle; son, Lynn W. Dailey; grandson, Galen E. Gordon; great grandson, Tony Bessmer and two brothers, Vernon and Wayne Marrs.. Alma is survived by son, Robert V. (Susan) Dailey; daughter, Mary Gordon (Gayle); brother, W. Ward Marrs; 12 Grandchildren; 24 Great Grandchildren and 14 Great Great Grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Thursday, Aug 31, 2017 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Old Mission Mortuary. Funeral Service is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 1, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at Metropolitan Baptist Church with Graveside service at 2:00 p.m. at Old Mission Cemetery. Memorials have been established with Metropolitan Baptist Church, 525 W. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67213. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.oldmissionmortuary.com

1949~2017

John Homer Michael Mahoney was born on November 11, 1949 to John Harold Michael and Virginia May (Kirkhuff) Mahoney in Okarche, OK. He passed away on Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at the Integris Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City at the age of 67. Mike graduated from Geary High School in 1968 and graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford with a BS Degree in Accounting. While in college, Mike was active in the Sigma Tau Fraternity while upon graduation, received the Outstanding Accounting Student. Mike married Joyce Elaine Long on August 13, 1971. After graduating from SWOSU in 1972, he served in the US Army completing eight weeks of basic training and attending Officer's Candidate School as a 2nd Lieutenant. With the Vietnam War ending, Mike returned home to Geary to await the birth of his child. On August 1973, Mike began working as a bookkeeper for the Wheeler Brothers Feedlot, not knowing that his first adult job would be his last that lasted a span of 43 years with the Wheeler Brothers family ending with him serving the last 16 years as president of Wheeler Brothers Grain Company and was instrumental in expanding the company from 3 to 19 grain elevators. Mike retired from the job he loved in January of 2017. Mike was later united in marriage to Lanee Baker on July 16, 1983 in Watonga, OK. Mike and Lanee shared a lifetime of friendships and was able to share so many memories with friends as mike served on the Board of Directors for the Oklahoma Grain & Feed Association, National Grain and Feed Association, the Transportation Elevator and Grain Merchants Association in which he received a lifetime achievement award by TEGMA for his service to the grain industry, The Grain Elevator and Processors, and was a member of Oklahoma Wheat Growers Association, Oklahoma State President's Advisory Council, was an original Charter Board member of the Plains Grain, served as arbitrator for the National Grain & Feed Association, was president of the OGFA, and was named Oklahoma Grain Man of the Year. Mike loved working and loved his family. He called farming his hobby in the beginning but it quickly turned into his passion so the golfing and hunting soon took a backseat. No one was more proud of his children and grandchildren than Mike and he loved to share his family with everyone. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, John and Virginia Mahoney. Survivors Include his wife Lanee Mahoney of Watonga, OK; his children, Bethany Parham and her husband Loren of Watonga, OK, Dustin Mahoney of Yukon, OK, Lacey Savage and her husband Will of Oklahoma City, OK, and Hilary Mahoney of Oklahoma City; ten grandchildren, Caden, Kinsley, Kyler, and Creed Parham, Gracie and Carson Mahoney, Maverick and Everett Savage, and Jordan Martinez, and his Godson, Ryan Abrams; his siblings, Patricia Maib and husband Billy of Geary, OK, Pat Mahoney and wife DeAnn and Melody Mahoney all of Geary, OK; mother and father-in-law, Snip and Penny Baker of Watonga, OK; brothers-and sisters in laws, Allen and Janice Stinson of Fay, OK, Gary and Phyllis Hightower and Rod and Trinna Caldwell all of Watonga, OK as well as many other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations :The Mike Mahoney family is in the process of establishing a scholarship for high school students in Watonga or Geary with medical or familial challenges, yet they are overcoming and excelling in their life goals. This scholarship is the family's preference for donations, but memorials may also be made to the National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders. Services were at the First Christian Church, Saturday, August 26, 2017, Watonga, OK; Officiating: Mr. Adam Lovitt Burial: Mount Hope Cemetery, Fay, OK; Services entrusted to Turner Funeral Home, Geary, Oklahoma. Condolences may be sent to the family at turnerfuneralhomes@ gmail.com, turnerfh.net, or you can find us on facebook.com (Turner Funeral Homes).

John Dale Gooden, 80, of Alvin Texas passed away Friday, August 25, 2017, in Houston, Texas surrounded by family. John was born on January 22, 1937 in Watonga, Oklahoma and was a resident of Alvin for 40 years. John graduated from Watonga High School in 1955 where he played football, baseball and was involved in the FFA. After graduating high school, John proudly serve his country for 22 years in the United States Air Force. Upon retiring from the Air Force in 1977, John moved his family from San Antonio to Alvin where he began his second career at UTMB in Galveston; retiring again in 1999. John enjoyed spending his free time in the Texas Hill Country, especially fishing in the Guadalupe River. John also enjoyed gardening, watching old Westerns and reading in his recliner with his dog, Twitch, by his side. John was preceded in death by his parents, Thurmel and Ruby Gooden, and brother Troy Wayne Gooden. John is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Eriko Gooden; daughter Debbie Peltier and husband, Todd of Friendswood; sister Darlene Ray of Watonga, Ok; sister Carol Winn and husband Bert of Watonga, Ok; grandchildren Brittany Morton and husband, Trey; Christopher McGilvray, Allison Peltier, great grandson Sawyer Morton and many other loving family and friends. John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend to many. Visitation was held from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at Scott Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 11:15 AM, Thursday, September 7, 2017 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Wounded Warrior Project (https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate) or a charity of your choice. Arrangements under the direction of the Scott Family, 1421 East Hwy 6, Alvin Texas 77511 (281) 585-1000 www.scottfuneralhome.net.

1927~2017

Barbara Ray (Owen) Hinkle, 90, of Kingfisher, OK went to be with our Lord on September 4, 2017. Barbara, the oldest child of Clarence and Lydia (Mackelmann) Owen, was born on June 6, 1927 in Oklahoma City, OK. Barbara attended Capital Hill High School where she graduated in 1945. She then went on to attend Draughon’s Business College. On April 20, 1949, she married Leland Hinkle and they made their home in Oklahoma City, OK. A few years later they moved to Watonga, OK where they raised their two children, Leland Ray and Linda. Barbara resided in Watonga until 2005 when she moved to Kingfisher to be near her daughter. Barbara was an active member of the Watonga Church of the Nazarene and later the Kingfisher Church of the Nazarene. She enjoyed gardening and taking care of her children and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leland Hinkle; her son, Leland Ray Hinkle; her parents, Clarence, Sr. and Lydia Owen; her brother, Clarence Owen, Jr.; her sister, Betty Gaines; her mother-in-law, Uva Hinkle; and her father-in-law, Howard Hinkle. She is survived by her daughter, Linda Coughlan and husband, Jim of Kingfisher, OK; her daughter-in-law, Melda Fischer and husband, Ken of Kingfisher, OK; her grandchildren, Cindy Curington and husband, Gregg of Yukon, OK; Leland Wayne Hinkle and wife, Adrian of Mustang, OK; Jenni Fosbenner and husband, Kevin of Edmond, OK; Jason (Jake) Coughlan and wife, Kate of Kingfisher, OK; Kendra Sprague and husband, Clint of Piedmont, OK; Andra Fischer of Piedmont, OK; her great-grandchildren, Kellan Curington of Yukon, OK; Elaina Hinkle, Leland Grant Hinkle and Lauren Hinkle all of Mustang, OK; Olivia Fosbenner and Isiah Fosbenner of Edmond, OK; Jaren Sprague, Griffin Sprague, Garrett Sprague, Dalton Dykes, and Mason Dykes all of Piedmont, OK; her brother-in-law, Howard P. Hinkle and wife, Paula of Harrison, AR; as well as many more friends and family. Funeral services were held at 10:00 AM on Friday, September 8, 2017 at Kingfisher Church of the Nazarene, 414 W. Hill Dr., Kingfisher, OK, followed by a burial at Watonga IOOF Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: The Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma or the charity of your choice.

Luke Hartfield passed away September 9th at Mercy Hospital. Services will be at the Nazarene Church, 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 16th, 2017.

1923~2017

Graveside services for Everett Carl Benson were held on. Tuesday, September 19, 2017, at the Waynoka Municipal Cemetery with Jay St. Clair officiating. Interment is under the direction of Marshall Funeral Home of Waynoka, LLC. Everett Carl Benson, 93, passed away September 14, 2017 in Springfield, MO. He was born December 5, 1923 and was raised on the family farm near Watonga, OK. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in August of ’44 and served our country in WWII as a heavy mortar crewman assigned to an armored half-track unit with the 20th Armored Infantry Battalion in Germany and the larger European arena. Following the war he returned to the family farm until he went to work for Standard Oil/Amoco (now BP). Most of his time with the oil company was spent in Farmington, NM. He retired following 36 years of service. He was married to Mildred Crusinbery in 1955 who preceded him in death in April, 2009 after 54 years of marriage. Also preceding him in death were his parents, Lewis and Caroline Benson; siblings, Orville and Earl Benson and Emily Spahn. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Everett Jr. and Sharon; Grandchildren Corey and Leah (Benson) Scott, and Robert and Jody Benson; Great grandchildren Ethan, Kaylee, Kasen, and Caleb Scott and Avery, Anna, Ashton, and Adaline Benson.

1922~2017

Willie “Opal” Tucker Kelly Russworm was born September 28, 1922 in Wellston Oklahoma and passed away Thursday, September 14, 2017. Opal was preceded in death by her parents Leroy and Texie McNela, husband Kenneth Russworm and step-daughter, Marchelle Russworm. She leaves to cherish her memory one sister, Edna Maynard (Sonny) of Olathe, Kansas, one nephew, Alvin Maynard of Olathe, Kansas, one niece, Che’rell Bilquist (Dennis) of Overland Park, Kansas, one great-nephew, Skyler Taylor (Mandi),two step-sons, Kenneth and Larry Russworm of California, three step-grandsons and a host of relatives and friends.

1941~2017

Katherine Wanzer was born Febuary 24, 1941 to William and Marjorie Gribben in Grass Valley, California and passed away September 14, 2017 at Thomas, OK surrounded by loved ones. She worked in Canton at Long's Drug for a short while but mostly in her yard and home. She enjoyed her flowers, watching the birds, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and best friend Maggie Rhodes. She loved all the camping trips and all of her kids. If you were a friend you were family. She was very loving, strong, always knew how to put a smile on your face, enjoyed crocheting and making glass candy. She is survived by sisters Sherrie Pina`, Mary Vogt of California, three children, William (Billy) Wanzer of Fairview, Oklahoma, Kathy Taylor of Thomas, Oklahoma, Jose Wanzer of Ringwood, Oklahoma, along with 5 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband of 57 years Frank Wanzer, her parents William and Marjoie Gribben, step-mother Ruby Hernandez, 3 sisters Jamie Andrews, Marjoie Williams, and Victoria Meants, and 3 brothers Bill Gribben, John O`rozco, and Mark Gribben. In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to the Canton/Longdale EMS or the American Cancer Society in memory of Katherine Wanzer through the funeral home at P.O. Box 36, Canton, OK 73724. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at the Canton Christian Church with Steve Driskill officiating. Interment will follow in Oakwood Memorial (IOOF) Cemetery southwest of Oakwood under the direction of Pierce Funeral Home, Canton. Condolences may be made online at www.piercefuneralhomes.com

1934 - 2017

Don was born in Watonga on July 22, 1934 to Clyde and Lillian Robinson. He passed away on September 20, 2017 at home. He was laid to rest in his hometown September 23. He married Carmilita Harp in 1958 and they began their family in OKC. They were married for 59 years. He is survived by his wife, 2 children, 5 grandchildren, one great grandson and his brother Roy Stephen Robinson. His love of family is a legacy we look forward to fulfilling. We would also like to thank the caregivers for their compassion and support. He was known for his smile and kindness and he will be deeply missed but not forgotten.