Charlotte Lea Sawyer was born January 24, 1966 at Marianna, Arkansas to Joh and Avis Lea Hunter and passed away Monday, October 10, 2016 at the age of 50. She was a resident of the Watonga community for 25 years where she was the secretary for Watonga Middles School, and former owner and operator of Hitek Designs. Charlotte graduated from Lee Senior High School in Marianna, Arkansas and was a member of the Nazarene Church in Watonga, OK. Charlotte loved spending time outdoors, enjoying her horses and her many animals. Training her own horses was a pastime she enjoyed. She was the 4-H leader for many years helping with the 4H horse shows She married Bart Sawyer in Watonga, OK on November 15, 1991. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, John A. and Vella Pruett; brother, Shawn Hunter; Father-in-law and mother-in-law, James and Doris Sawyer. She is survived by her husband Bart Sawyer of the home in Watonga, OK; One son: Wes Sawyer of Watonga, OK. Three daughters: Heather Spangler and husband Gerald of Watonga, OK; Morgan Sawyer of Watonga, OK; Catherine Sawyer of Watonga, OK ; One brother: Lance Hunter and wife Jill of Albuquerque, NM; Mother, Avis Hunter of Watonga, OK; Father, John Hunter of Kingfisher, OK; Two grandchildren: Kayden Spangler and Kynzli Spangler of Watonga, OK., as well as numerous other relatives and friends. Funeral services for Charlotte will be held Thursday October 13 at 10 am at the Nazarene church in Watonga. Burial will follow in the IOOF cemetery in Watonga. Memorials may be made to the Watonga All Sports Association and the Watonga Band.
Melva Beth Matli was born in Hitchcock, Oklahoma to Harry Edward and Wand E. (Shipley) Wanzer and passed away on Thursday October 6, 2016 at the age of 78. She was a resident of Watonga community for the past 60 years, where she was a homemaker. She attended Thomas High school and was a member of the First Christian Church, CWF and also worked many years with the Blaine County Election Board. She was married to Carl Matli in Thomas, Oklahoma on July 26, 1957. Beth loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed travel and was an avid reader. She was proceeded in death by her parents, two sisters, and Dorene and Dolores. She was survived her husband Carl Matli of Watonga, Oklahoma. Two Sons: Gary and Marsha Matli and Tracy and Kristy Matli of Watonga, Oklahoma. One Daughter: Gena Finch of Geary, Oklahoma. Two Sisters: Janette Huff of Ponca City, Oklahoma and Dorothy Kaizer of Wichita, Kansas. Eight Grandchildren- Carina Levins, Bryan Matli, Mellodie Humbert, C.J. Matli, Christopher Finch, Elizabeth Finch, Michelle Golden, and Travis Richardson. 5 great grandchildren as well as numerous other relatives and friends. A Celebration of Life for Beth Matli will held by the family at a later date.
Jerry Earl Benson was born in Watonga on October 13, 1946, to Grace Ellen (McBride) Benson and Earl Lewis Benson, and he passed away on Wednesday, October 5, 2016, at the age of 69. Jerry was a resident of the Watonga community for over 50 years where he was an Attorney and a Missionary. He graduated from Watonga High School in 1964, and after graduation he served seven years in the U.S. Navy during which he achieved the rank of Second Class Petty Officer Radioman. As a Vietnam War Veteran, he was awarded a Good Conduct Medal, a National Defense Medal, and a Moratorium Unit Citation Medal. After leaving the Navy in 1971, he attended the University of Oklahoma and Southwestern State College, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a Minor in English. In 1974, he began his studies at Oklahoma City University Law School and received a Juris Doctorate Degree in 1977. Beginning in 1976, he worked full-time as a Legal Intern for the Oklahoma City University Legal Aid Society and in the beginning of 1978, he worked as a Legal Intern for Oklahoma Attorney General Larry Derryberry. After receiving his license to practice law during the following summer, he was appointed as an Assistant Attorney General where he served until the early part of 1979. He then joined Tom Morgan’s law office where he remained until 1989. From 1979 until 1989, he served as the Watonga Municipal Judge. From 1989 to 1991, he attended Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri. He returned to full time private practice of law in Watonga until his death from cancer on October 5, 2016. He also served on the Blaine County Excise Board and the Blaine County Equalization Board for many years. He entered into a personal relationship with the Lord in 1980 and actively served him as a Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, Deacon and Youth Leader in various churches for years, and he attended the Trinity Baptist Church in Watonga. He was also active in American Legion, Kiwanis, and the Baptist Foreign Mission Board and Disaster Relief, and he participated in 90 foreign mission projects in 21 countries. He was preceded in death by his parents; Earl and Grace Benson. He is survived by his three children: Caroline Snowden and husband Jay, Jennifer Russell and husband Daniel, and Billy Benson and wife Kari. Brothers: Jimmy Benson and Jack Benson and wife Sheri. Two Sisters: Joyce Goddard and husband Bud, and Janetta Maples. Nine Grandchildren: Jayden, Abigail, and Aisley Snowden, Mathew and Emily Plemons and Meaghan Russell, and Hannah, LeeAnna, and Caleb Benson. Funeral services for Jerry Earl Benson were held Tuesday, October 11, 2016, at the First Baptist Church in Watonga. Burial followed at the East Mt. Pleasant Cemetery east of Watonga. Arrangements by Wilkinson Mortuary of Watonga. Memorial contributions may be made to the following mission organizations: Central Baptist Association: PO Box 45, Kingfisher, OK 73750 Way of the Cross Ministries: 224 N. F. Street, Harlingen, TX 78550. www.wotc.org
Brian Underwood, 57 year old Woodward resident, died Tuesday, October 11, 2016 in Monahans, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Thursday, October 20, 2016 in the Billings Funeral Home Chapel with Barry Underwood officiating. Brian Douglas Underwood was born on August 28, 1959 in Los Angeles, California to Eli McKinley and Marian Louise (Jackson) Underwood. Brian spent his childhood in Little Rock, California and Palm Dale, California where he graduated from high school. Brian’s work took him to various locations some of which were Omaha, Nebraska, Portland, Oregon, Watonga and most recently Woodward. Brian was united in marriage to Tamara Lynn (Tammy) Widener on January 19, 2005 in Hutchinson, Kansas. Brian most recently was spending time in Monahans, Texas at the time of his death. Brian loved his family and loved spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. In his spare time Brian enjoyed playing golf, reading, and he was a huge fan of the Rams, Lakers, and the Dodgers. Brian is survived by his wife Tammy Underwood of the home; sons, Andre Underwood and wife Alexis; Zachary Underwood; Chance Widener and wife Christina; and Nevada Widener; daughters, Deserie Monzo and husband Francisco; Shavon Woodyard and husband Richard; Sierra Widener and husband Michael; Quanaisha Underwood; and Chasity Widener; grandchildren, Bailey; Dylan; Kendyll; Isabella; Logan; Vincent; Isaac; Sophia; Lily; Alice; Aiden; Francisco Jr.; Cheyenne; Olivia; Virgil; brothers, Barry Underwood and wife Sharon; Bruce Underwood and wife Karen; mother-in-law, Helen Chism; several nieces, nephews other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Marian; father, Eli; brother, Eli; and sister, Isabella. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation for Muscular Dystrophy with the funeral home accepting the contributions. Remembrances may be shared online at www.billingsfuneralhomewoodward.com
Melva Elizabeth “Beth” Matli was born on July 9, 1938 in Hitchcock, Oklahoma to Harry Edward and Wanda E. (Shipley) Wanzer and passed away on Thursday October 6, 2016 at the age of 78. She was a resident of Watonga community for the past 60 years, where she was a homemaker. She attended Thomas High school and was a member of the First Christian Church, CWF and also worked many years with the Blaine County Election Board. She was married to Carl Matli in Thomas, Oklahoma on July 26, 1957. Beth loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed travel and was an avid reader. She was proceeded in death by her parents, two sisters, and Dorene and Dolores. She was survived her husband Carl Matli of Watonga, Oklahoma. Two Sons: Gary and Marsha Matli and Tracy and Christy Matli of Watonga, Oklahoma. One Daughter: Gena Finch of Geary, Oklahoma. Two Sisters: Janette Huff of Ponca City, Oklahoma and Dorothy Kaizer of Wichita, Kansas. Eight Grandchildren-Carina Levins, Bryan Matli,Mellodie Humbert, C.J. Matli, Christopher Finch, Elizabeth Finch, Michelle Golden, and Travis Richardson. 15 great grandchildren as well as numerous other relatives and friends. A Celebration of Life for Beth Matli will held by the family at a later date.
1927~2016
Gwen passed away quietly at her residence in Niceville, Florida on November 13, 2016.
Gwen was born May 7, 1927 at 9:00 am in Spartanburg, S. Carolina to her parents Jesse Forist and Gladys Dupree who have predeceased her. She was also predeceased by 4 brothers Forist Gleaton Dupree, Charles Dupree, Gary Dupree & Mike Dupree.
Gwen grew up in Valdosta, Georgia, attended Armstrong Junior College in Savannah, Georgia as a Home Economics major. She was awarded the honor of being the Outstanding Senior of 1948. She went on to attend The University of Georgia in Athens, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree. In 1951 Gwen joined the Women’s Medical Specialist Corps as a 2nd Lt Dietitian and was stationed at Madigan Hospital at Fort Lewis, Washington. In that capacity, she met William W. Woolman in 1952 who was hospitalized. She used to joke about meeting her husband for the first time and he was in his pajamas. They were married in Savannah, Georgia on March 29, 1953 where her parents resided and were married for 57 years until the death of her husband on August 27, 2010. When Gwen left the Service she had achieved the rank of 1st Lt. Gwen continued to serve many hospitals and Nursing Homes as their dietitian until her retirement. Many small hospitals would not have gotten their accreditation without her services.
Upon Bill’s retirement as Superintendent of a small school system in Yarbrough, Oklahoma, they moved to Shell Knob, Missouri where they lived for 33 years. Gwen remained in Shell Knob for 2 years after Bill passed away. They were members of the Central Community Methodist Church of Shell Knob for all of the time they resided in Shell Knob.
They had 3 sons, Paul D., Bruce A. and Daniel N. Woolman These three sons joined with Bill's older children Rocky Woolman & Pat Woolman. They had a full house, Christian home filled with love, respect and caring.
Gwen is survived by her sons LTC (Ret) Paul D. Woolman and wife Debbie of Niceville, FL; LTC (Ret) Dr. Bruce A. Woolman and wife Debra of Estes Park, CO; CPT (USAR) Daniel N. (Danny) Woolman and wife Shanda of Lake Wales, FL; Step-Children, COL (Ret) William W. (Rocky) Woolman of Antlers, OK; Patricia A. Brady and husband Dave of Shell Knob, MO. Brothers Ike Dupree and wife Judy of Wake Forest, N. Carolina, Dan Dupree and wife Hoa of Fairborn, OH. Sisters-in-law, Mary Beth Woolman Myers of Ada, OK; Jaline Dupree of Sumter, S. Carolina; Margot Dupree of Ormand Beach, FL and Becky Dupree of Shell Knob, MO. 14 Grandchildren, 23 Great- Grandchildren and 4 Great, Great Grandchildren. Also many loving nieces and nephews.
A viewing will be held Saturday, November 19, 2016. Following services will be at 2:00 p.m., graveside, at Watonga IOOF Cemetery in Watonga, Oklahoma on Gwen’s Grandson, Rev. Daniel Heath Woolman of Kissimmee, Fl., will be officiating.
1927~2016
Funeral service for William (Bill) Allen West of Thomas, OK were held on Saturday, November 12, 2016, in the First Christian Church of Thomas with Rex Yoder, Pastor Jerry Yoder and Pastor Jason Williams officiating. Burial followed at the Mound Valley Cemetery under the direction of Lockstone Funeral Home of Thomas.
Bill West was born on April 8, 1927 in Oakwood, OK to Jim and Blanche (Marshall) West and passed away on Tuesday, November 8, 2016 in Weatherford, OK, having reached the age of 89 years, 7 months.
Bill was raised in the Oakwood/Thomas area and graduated from Thomas High School in 1945. He joined the United States Army in 1946 and was stationed in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Bill and Twana Mae Fry were united in marriage on February 19, 1946 in Watonga, Oklahoma, and they made their home in the Thomas area. Bill was employed at Hooper Brothers Sinclair Station in 1953. In 1962, Bill and Twana Mae bought the station and renamed it West Oil and Tire Company. They ran the station until 1978. During this time he became Mayor of Thomas for eight years and served on the Thomas volunteer fire department for 20 years. He went to work in the oil field in 1979 where he took care of the Watonga pipe yard. While working at the pipe yard he received Boss of the Year through the Watonga Chamber of Commerce and later retired with Marathon in 1992. After retirement, Bill and Twana Mae traveled to many places with family and friends and even went on an Alaskan Cruise. In 1998, Twana Mae became ill with cancer and Bill took the rest of his time caring for her until her passing in 2000. In 2005, Bill received his 50 year pin from the Thomas Masonic Lodge. He spent most of his time going to the grandkids activities, hanging out with his sister in law, Lea Elma Slagle, going to the Casino’s on the Baldwin Bus, and driving his golf cart to Millers and Fast Lane. Bill was such an amazing man with a huge heart for his family. He never met a stranger and had a story and a smile for everyone he came in contact with. Memorials may be made to The First Christian Church of Thomas, Oklahoma.
Bill is survived by his daughter, Jeanne Lewis and husband, Donnie of Thomas; grandchildren, Alen West of Skiatook, Nikki Bates and husband, Travis of Thomas, Jeanna Williamson and husband, Chad of Skiatook, Angie Wichert and husband, Barry of Thomas, Lorna Altland and husband, Michael of Weatherford; great grandchildren, Alyssa, Chad, Chelsea, Kenzie, Peyton, Chandler, Garrett, Kaycee, Heidi, Zoie, Connor, Chesney and Brittan; 3 great great-grandchildren; sister in law, Lea Elma Slagle; brothers in law, Elton Fry and wife, Linda, Bud Ames and wife, Michaella, and Larry Fry; and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Blanche; wife, Twana Mae; son, Jimmy; granddaughter, Lisa Lewis; sister in law, Gay Ames; brother in law, Warren (Slick) Slagle; and a niece, Cheryl Ames.
