Pittsburg County, Oklahoma Genealogy Trails OBituaries and Death Notices

Pittsburg County

Obituaries and Death Notices

David Foster and Irene Chaney
Irene, Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George M. Chaney, and David M. Foster depart this life
The Chaney-Becker store is mantled in sorrow today. Last night David N. Foster, its most trusted and efficient employee, died at his home in East Delaware avenue, and this morning Mr. Chaney's little daughter Irene, passed away.

Mr. Foster was 41 years of age, and has been in the employ of the firm for fourteen years. a courteous, honorable gentleman, quiet and unassuming, but singular efficient as a business man, he was a valued employe and a loved friend. He leaves a wife but no children to mourn his loss. He was born in Ohio and came to South McAlester nearly fifteen years ago. His funeral will take place at 3 o'clock tomorrow from the house. Interment at Oak Hill cemetery.

Irene, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George M. Chaney, would have been 6 years of age the 3rd of next January. Two weeks ago she was taken ill with typhoid fever, and though everything was done for her that loving thoughts could devise, she grew steadily weaker until this morning. The funeral services will be held from the Cumberland Presbyterian church Friday at 2 p.m. Interment at Oak Hill cemetery.
The bereaved relatives have the heartfelt sympathy of a host of friends, who join with them in their mourning.
[Submitted by Lona Laughlin Boudreaux]

Mrs. Cavanaugh
After a long and continued illness, Mrs. Cavanaugh, devoted wife of our fellow townsman, P. Cavanaugh passed away on last Monday evenirg at 7:30. Funeral services where held from St. Joseph's Catholic Church on Wednesday morning after which the remains were laid to rest in Oak Hill cemetery.
[The Oklahoma Miner, January 22, 1914 - Submitted by a Friend of Free Genealogy]

Robert W. Church
R. W. Church Passes Away.
Robert W. Church, known all over the eastern part of the state as "Bob" Church, died at his home. 213 East Van Buren Ave. McAlester, Monday night, Dec. 1, 1913, shortly after 8 o'clock, of stomach trouble which refused to yield to the best obtainable medical ability.
The news of the death of Mr. Church came to his many friends as a great shock as he was on the street last Tuesday in his usual excellent health with no thought of illness.
Mr. Church was born in Crittenden county. Ky.. sixty-three years ago and for the last thirty years had been a resident of what was formerly old Indian Territory, most of that time having been spent at Krebs, Lehigh, Lutie and McAlester. He became a coal miner when a boy in Kentucky but. endowed with a splendid intellect, he would seek the best in any avocation he might adopt and it was so in the coal business. From a boy in the pit, later digging coal as he grew large enough, he became pitt boss, foreman and later superintendant, the latter position he held tor many years before retiring.
During the administration of Governor C. N. Haskell, when Pete Hanraty. chief mine inspector, resigned to accept the mayoralty of McAlester. Mr. Church was appointed by Gov; Haskell to till out the unexpired term. So well did he perform the duties of the office that he has recently been petitioned by hundreds of miners to become a candidate for the place at the next election and had he lived, he probably would have been a candidate. He was always the friend of the miner and had at all times the highest esteem of the operator.
He was a man of wonderful executive ability and while he insisted on absolute obedience to orders, he would never demand of a man under him any task he himself would not undertake. He was charitable to a degree and there are scores of old miners throughout the district who revere his memory and recall aid Mr. Church had brought to them in time of need. His acts of charity were always carried out in an unostentatious way and but few outside the party assisted knew of it.
He was a 32 degree Mason. Knight Templar and held the highest office in the state some years ago in the Odd Fellows. He was a delegate to the last meeting of the, grand lodge of Odd Fellows at Oklahoma City, from Cyclone Lodge of Krehs, where he always kept his membership and was always fond of his association with the membership. He often remarked that it felt like home to him.
His acquaintance was extensive among all classes He was one of the organizers of the Kentucky club of Oklahoma City and at the recent state fair there attended on "Kentucky Day." Of this visit he talked frequently and of the many friends he met there. He was a most lovable man. There was none better. Of the highest integrity, he despised anything small or unfair. Of pleasing appearance and address he attracted attention in any gathering.
Mr. Church had been married twice. His first wife was Miss Sarah Craygon and of that marriage the following children survive: Mrs. T. B. McAtpine and Robt. Church, of Lutie: Mrs. C. E. Baumert, George and Alex Church, of McAlester. After the death of Mrs. Church he married Mrs. Susie Edwards who is still living.
Funeral was held Wednesday at 2:80 after which the remains were laid to rest in McAlester cemetery.
This paper extends sympathy to the bereaved ones.
[The Oklahoma Miner, December 4 , 1913 - Submitted by a Friend of Free Genealogy]

Joseph H. Edwards
McAlester native, newspaper man, dies
A man who grew up in McAlester and attended college in Wilburton has died in Bartlesville. Joseph H. "Joe" Edwards, 64, of Bartlesville, died Saturday at the Heritage Villa Nursing Center. Edwards was the son of former U.S. Congressman Joe "Plowboy" Edwards. He also became well-known as a newspaperman and served as publisher of the Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise for the past 13 years. Memorial services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Bartlesville with Father Lee Stephens officiating. Edwards was born June 1, 1942 in Holdenville, Okla., to Collins and Edna Marguerite Edwards. He was raised in McAlester. Known as "Plowboy," Edward's father was a member of the Oklahoma State Legislature for 14 years and had a colorful career in "Little Dixie" politics of Southeast Oklahoma. His mother was a schoolteacher. Raised in McAlester, Edwards graduated from McAlester High School and also attended Eastern Oklahoma A&M College in nearby Wilburton. He continued his education at Nevada Community College with an associate degree, and graduated with a bachelor of science degree from Oklahoma Wesleyan University in 1996. He started his career with Donrey Media ' predecessor of the Examiner-Enterprise's current owner, Stephens Media Group ' in 1978 at the Nevada Appeal in Carson City, Nev. He joined the advertising sales department and progressed rapidly through the ranks. In 1982 he assumed the role of subscriber services manager. In 1984, Joe was promoted to publisher of the Fort Bragg, Calif. Advocate-News and Mendocino, Calif. Beacon. In 1989 he was named publisher of the Ukiah Daily Journal. Edwards returned to his home state of Oklahoma in 1993 as publisher of the Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise, a position he held until his death. Edwards also had a long association with the U.S. military. He served in the First Battalion ” 180th Infantry Reg. of the U.S. Army National Guard until retiring in the 1990s. His military service took him to Panama in 1989 as U.S. forces captured military strongman Manuel Noriega. In the early 1960s, Edwards served aboard ship with the U.S. Navy. In addition, he was one of the oldest men to ever graduate at the top of his class from Army drill sergeant school. He was honored as an "Ambassador" by the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame in 2004. Edwards considered this the top acknowledgment he ever received. He wrote of his induction: "To be in a room with the heroes of World War II, Korea and Vietnam was humbling, these men are what democracy is all about." Prior to his newspaper career, Edwards had stints as a bull rider, boxer, miner and truck driver. Edwards is survived by his wife, Linda of Rochester, Minn. and one son, Wade Edwards, of Ventura, Calif.
[Published: November 14, 2006]

Abraham Freigi
Drowned in Brushy.
A Serian peddler by the name of Abraham Freigi and supposed to be from Ft. Smith was picked up at about 1 ½ miles below the crossing on Brushy Creek between Krebs and Adamson this morning (Friday) by J. W. Sparkman the Adamson liveryman and party of searchers. His horse and hack were found yesterday, the horse being dead, and a search for the body was soon commenced. He was about 25 years of age. Undertaker Schade went to Adamson to prepare the body for burial. A boot (with) $112 was found on his person.
[The Oklahoma Miner, April 03, 1913 - Submitted by a Friend of Free Genealogy]

Elmore Gill
Commits Suicide -- The sad news was flashed over the wires from Oklahoma City last Saturday afternoon that Elmore, eldest son of Gus A. Gill, of McAlester had committed suicide at his home in that city by shooting himself in the head with a .18 calibre revolver. No cause was attached to the rash act unless it was ill health and a case of despondancy.
Deceased was an exemplary young man having been reared in McAlester and his friends were numbered by the score.
Besides his father, mother, three brothers and a sister, he leaves a wife and two children.
The remains were followed to their last resting place in McAIester by a large concourse of sorrowing friends.
This paper extends sympathy.
[The Oklahoma Miner, August 7, 1913 - Submitted by a Friend of Free Genealogy]

Eliza Herd
Pioneer Settler Died Sunday
One the most highly esteemed citizens and a pioneer of this city, Mrs. Eliza Herd, wife of Amos Herd, died Sunday morning after a short illness, death being caused by rheumatism of the heart. Mrs. Herd had begun the preparation of breakfast and complaining that she was feeling bad asked her husband to call Mrs. Watson. Mrs. Watson came and administered unto the wants of the sick woman, who had retired to her room, and feeling much relieved she told Mrs. Watson she could return home. Mr. Herd finished preparing breakfast, and was in adjoining room when he heard his wife coughing and entering her room found her in a dying condition. She died soon afterwards.
The deceased was born in Newton county, Missouri, and was married there to Amos Herd in 1873. They moved to Krebs April 8, 1888, and have resided here continuously. Deceased was a member of M. E. Church, Royal Neighbors and Eastern Star lodges.
The funeral was held from the family residence Tuesday afternoon and was in charge of the Eastern Star lodge. Services were conducted by Rev. Hubbard, pastor of the, North Methodist church, and interment in the Masonic cemetery at McAlester. The deceased is survived by her husband to whom all Krebs extends sympathy.
Quite a concourse of relatives and friends attended the funeral and there was a large number of floral offerings. Practically all the business houses were closed during the funeral service.
[The Oklahoma Miner April 19, 1917 - Submitted by a Friend of Free Genealogy]

Ben Hughes
Ben Hughes, aged about 43 years, died very suddenly Saturday afternoon while at work in the Osage Mine No. 5. The deceased has resided at Busby for a number of years and was well known throughout the mining district. He is survived by an aged mother with whom he made his home, and two brothers.
[The Oklahoma Miner April 19, 1917 - Submitted by a Friend of Free Genealogy]

Jarrell
Killed by the Flyer -- The 5 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. John JarrelI of Chambers was killed Sunday afternoon by the Katy flyer at the Chambers crossing while following his father across the tracks. The body was thrown a considerable distance and was badly mangled.
Funeral services were held at Chambers Monday afternoon, and the remains laid to rest in the cemetery at that place.
[The Oklahoma Miner, May 29, 1913 - Submitted by a Friend of Free Genealogy]

Wm. T. Lewis
Wm. T. Lewis for a number of years a resident of Krebs, passed away at his home in the south part of the city on last Monday morning. Deceased was a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge and the funeral was held under the auspices of that order. A large crowd of sympathizing friends accompanied the remains to their last resting place in the McAlester cemetery.
[The Oklahoma Miner, January 22, 1914 - Submitted by a Friend of Free Genealogy]

Robt. W McPhail
Robt. W McPhail came from Bethgate, Scotland to America on the 1st day of May. 1887, 26 yrs. ago: lived in Wanvnsburg, Mo., until 1898 when he came to the then Indian Territory. Feb, 13 1898 he located in Krebs, Okla. where he has lived ever since.
Deceased was a respected citizen, well known and loved by his many friends in Lehigh, McAlester, Henryetta and other neighboring towns where he worked at the stone mason trade.
He was a member of the Presbyterian church here and a trustee of same at the time of his death: he was also a member of the Order of Red Man of which he was treasure, the lodge turning out in a body and marching in uniform. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. A. K. Faust of McAlester in a most touching manner his text being "He has fallen asleep." The songs selected were appropriate and beautiful. After the services at the. church the body was taken in charge by the Rod Men lodge and conveyed to Oak Hill cemetery in McAlester. The floral offerings were beautiful, coming from the lodge and friends.
He leaves a widow and two sons Arch and Robert Many friends and relatives from Missouri and Arkansas and adjoining towns were in attendance.
He was one of the tender flowers God picked out of His earthly garden and transph noted in a brighter and sunnier clime, there to bloom forever, free from toil and pain. There is no death just the sun going down to rise upon some fairer shore.
respected citizen. He was in his eighty-fourth year.
[The Oklahoma Miner, March 27, 1913 - Submitted by a Friend of Free Genealogy]

Dr. Faye Mozelle Leach, died Thursday, March 26, 2009, at Presbyterian Hospital in Denton, Texas.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Monday at Dalton-Holmes Chapel. The Rev. James Robinson will be officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Dalton-Holmes Funeral Home of Durant.
Born May 12, 1919, in Caney, she was the next to youngest member of her family.
She was a lifelong teacher and began her teaching career in a rural Pittsburg County school in 1941. She later taught in McAlester and Tulsa school systems.
After receiving her doctorate degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1974, she joined the staff at Mississippi State University. She retired in 1989 and moved to Durant. She was married to the late Clarence Leach, from Durant.
She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Durant.
Survivors include two children, Susan Nelms, Denton, Texas, and Charles Leach, of Choctaw; five grandchildren, David Leach, of Midwest City, Jonathan Leach, of Norman, Dr. Jeffery Nelms, Bedford, Texas, Brian Nelms, Denton, Texas, and Stephanie Nelms-Wright, Denton, Texas; four great-granddaughters, Haley Leach, of Oklahoma City, Sydney and Shelby Nelms-Wright, Denton, Texas, and Camille Nelms, Bedford, Texas.

Mrs. Jno. Powell Dead.
While enroute home from Colorado where she went with her husband a few month ago in the hopes of recuperating her health. Mrs. John Powell of this city died at Elk City. Okla. Wednesday of dropsy. The trip to the mountains failed to benefit her and realizing her condition, requested that she be brought back home to die.
The remains arrived here last night and she was laid to rest today in the McAlester cemetery.
The sorrowing ones have the sympathy of the entire city in this, the saddest of all earthly trouble.
[The Oklahoma Miner, August 7, 1913 - Submitted by a Friend of Free Genealogy]

Dovie Sartin, 78, of Owasso, died Friday, March 27, 2009, in Owasso.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 today at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home in Hartshorne.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Brumley-Mills Chapel with the Rev. Raymond Shann officiating. Burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Brumley-Mills Funeral Home of Hartshorne.
Born Jan. 5, 1931, in Bluffton, Ark., she was the daughter of Jerry W. and Osa Estelle (Rayles) Holt. She came to the Bache area with her family when she was a young child and had lived in Bache and Dow most of her life.
She lived in McAlester for a few years before moving to Owasso 10 years ago to be near her children.
She married J. W. Sartin on April 24, 1948, in Rock Springs, Wyo. and he preceded her in death in 1976.
She had worked at Rockwell as an inspector for 26 years.
She enjoyed crocheting and sewing and loved to play cards
She was of the Baptist faith.
Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Dennis and Donna Sartin, of Claremore, and Roger and Pam Sartin, of Skiatook; grandchildren, Stacy and Steve Edwards, Wichita, Kan., Mark and Tori Sartin, of Tulsa, Amy Giles, of Skiatook, and Jessee and Amanda Herrera, of McAlester.
Also, great-grandchildren, Averi Edwards, Hannah Edwards, Sage Edwards, Alex Loveland, Elijah Sartin, Grace Sartin, Dillon Foudray, Della Deckard and Jonah Herrera; three brothers and one sister-in-law, Jerry and Mable Holt, Longview, Wash., Dale Holt, Vancouver, Wash., and Gerald Holt, Longview, Wash.
And, two sisters, Dorothy Ennis, Longview, Wash., and Wanda Rankin, of Hartshorne, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Lilly Owens, Martha Winningham and Bonnie Shann, and two brothers, Jim Holt and Haskell Holt.
Pallbearers will be Mark Sartin, Steve Edwards, David Arnold, Michael Rankin, Pete McCullar and Jessee Herrera.

Henry M. Shepler
Henry M. Shepler, Bertillon Superintendent at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary, died last Sunday morning at 8 o'clock from cancer of the stomach, age 53 years.
Mr. Shepler was one of the best known and Itest liked employes connected with the penitentiary. He had been Superintendent of this department for the past 5 years and thoroughly understood the work. He was kind and courteous to visitors at the pen, taking great pains in explaining how this work in his department was carried on.
Deceased leaves a wife and two children.
Rev. Frank Naylor, chaplain of the penitentiary conducted the funeral and the officials of that institutions acted.as pall bearers.
Besides his immediate family, his two brothers, John Shepler, engaged in the newspaper business at Lawton und Wm. Shepler of Pawnee, and his daughter
Mrs. Bennett of Chicago, were with him in his last hours.
We extend sympathy to the bereaved ones.
[The Oklahoma Miner, April 17, 1913 - Submitted by a Friend of Free Genealogy]

B.B. Smith
Carbolic Acid Route
B. B. Smith, serving a 30 days sentence on the county road, committed suicide last Sunday by swallowing carbolic acid at his home in Haileyville. It seems that he had got permission to leave the camp where the prisoners were working to visit his wife in Haileyville over Sunday. It is said he quarreled with his wife during the day which led up to the rash act of taking his life.
He was serving a term for bootlegging and gambling.
[The Oklahoma Miner, May 1, 1913 - Submitted by a Friend of Free Genealogy]

John A. Stevens, 76, of McAlester, died Sunday at McAlester Regional Health Center.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the First Assembly of God church with Rev. Monroe Stevens and Rev. Ted Froese officiating. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery under the direction of Bishop Funeral Service of McAlester.
Born May 25, 1919 in McAlester, he was the son of James Cully and Aran Lee (Arndt) Stevens. He spent his youth in McAlester and moved to California before serving in the U. S. Army.
He returned to McAlester and married Joanna Daniels on October 19, 1942 in McAlester and had lived here for several years before returning to California. While in McAlester, he worked as a rancher and contractor.
In California he was an independent business man owning several businesses including automobile sales and Stevens' and Maxwell's Camper Mart. He returned to McAlester in March 1983 opened Stevens' Trailer and R. V. with his sons.
He was of the Pentecostal faith for many years and a current member of the Abounding Grace Fellowship Church. He had also been a member of the First Assembly of God Church where he assisted teaching Bible Class and was Chaplain of the Men's fellowship.
Survivors include his wife, Joanna, of the home, two sons and daughters-in-law, Danny Lee and Von Stevens, and John Cully and Cindi Stevens, all of McAlester; a daughter and son-in-law, Brenda Sue and Rev. Ted Froese of McAlester; four brothers and sisters-in-law, Rev. Leon and Cora Stevens, Rev. Monroe and Donna Stevens, Rev. Woodrow and Pat Stevens, and Joe and Georgia Stevens, all of Oklahoma City; a sister, Mary Lee Griffith, Lodi, California and five grandchildren, John Froese, James Froese, Sarah Stevens, Cully Stevens and Jacob Stevens.
Pallbearers will be John Froese, James Froese, Gary Stevens, Padgett Stevens, Jared Stevens and Mark Stevens.
Honorary pallbearers will be Hailey Wilkerson, Clint O' Dell, Don White, Jim Rich, Bill Nicholson, Bob Masters, Leon McNutt, Ray Dix, Tom Crawford, Bobby Johnson, Gary Jones and Coy Shatley.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Pearla Mae Browne; and two brothers, J. C. Stevens and Willie Stevens.
[Transcribed by Charlotte Stevens Schneider, Niece of John A. Stevens]

Pauline Payne Stevens
Pauline Payne was born, September 9, 1920, at Wagoner, Wagoner County, Oklahoma, the daughter of Chauncy Smith Payne and Grace Lenore Yeary Payne.
The family moved to California in 1931 during the Great Depression to find work as many Oklahomans did at that time. Mother had many funny stories of their travels to California. She, her parents, and two brothers made the trip on Route 66 in a little Model T. She remembered that the Model T wouldn't make it up some of the hills on the way so they would all have to get out while Grandpa backed up the hills. Then they would all get in a go a little further until they reached California. It took quite awhile for them to get there.
She met J. C. Stevens in Shafter, California at a skating rink and they married June 19, 1938. He was from McAlester, Pittsburg County, Oklahoma, not far from her hometown of Wagoner, Wagoner County, Oklahoma. Their marriage was one that was made in heaven. They were truly soul mates. J. C. said, "She was the prettiest girl that he had ever seen." He carried the same picture of her in his wallet for the rest of his life. They were inseparable all their married life. Six children were born to them, Charlotte, Johnny, David, Paul, Michael and Samuel Stevens.
Pauline was a talented homemaker. She was a wonderful cook and loved to sew. She made dolls for all of her granddaughters and made clothes for herself, as well. She loved to garden, both vegetables and flowers. She canned a lot of vegetables that she grew and was very good at fixing any small appliance. Nothing was thrown away until she tried to fix it.
Her greatest attribute was her faith in Jesus Christ and the life that she led before others. She was a wonderful Christian woman and always had good things to say about everyone. I often heard her praying while doing housework. She was a wonderful Mother and wife. She was of The Pentecostal faith.
Survivors include, her husband, J. C. of the home: a daughter, Charlotte Schneider, of Oklahoma City; 4 sons, David Stevens, of Yukon, Paul Stevens, of Tuttle, Michael Stevens, of Oklahoma City, and Dr. Samuel Stevens of San Leandro, California and 9 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, John Cully Stevens.
Pauline was the 8th great-granddaughter of Pilgrim John Howland.
May God rest her sweet soul.
[Daughter, Charlotte Stevens Schneider]

Sukenis, Elouise " Cookie"
b 11-21-1921 Hartshorne, Oklahoma d. 1-16-2010 Hartshorne, Oklahoma --- buried Elmwood Cemetery
[Death Notice submitted by Virginia Stanbrough]

Woodrow Smith
Woodrow Smith Dies From Injuries Received In Logging Accident

Woodrow Smith, 24, died Saturday at the Sacred Heart hospital from injuries received when he was struck by the falling spar pole at the Hudspeth Bros. camp about seven miles from Springfield Friday morning. Rain had soaked the ground about the tree so that it finally toppled over. Mr. Smith was standing with his back to the tree, and did not see it as it started to fail.
Mr. Smith was from Hartshorn, Okla., the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. T. W. Smith. The body is being shipped to Hartshorn by the Poole chapel.

Monday, January 6, 1941
The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR)
Submitted by Jim Dezotell

Fitzgerald, John C.

OKLAHOMA MAN IS CLAIMED BY DEATH
John C. Fitzgerald, a former resident of McAllister, Okla., died at a local, hospital last night. Mr. Fitzgerald was born in Custer, Okla.., 40 years ago, and had been a resident of Tucson for the past three months. He Is survived by his wife. The body will be returned to McAllister for burial. It is at the Arizona Mortuary.
The Tucson Daily Citizen September 17, 1942
Submitted by Barbara Ziegenmeyer

Return to

Pittsburg County