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LeFlore County legals
West pursues legislative pay resolution
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Rick West, R-Heavener, is again pursuing legislation that would send to a vote of the people a question regarding future legislative pay changes.
West is drafting a resolution to require a statewide vote to determine whether legislative pay increases or decreases should face a vote of the people each time they are recommended. House bills and resolutions must be filed by Jan. 15. The next legislative session convenes Feb. 2.
“I made a promise to the people in my district that I would attempt to let them vote on whether or not legislators deserved a pay raise,” West said.
West said this would not do away with the Oklahoma Legislative Compensation Board or the Statewide Official Compensation Commission, both of which have the same members appointed by the governor, the speaker of the House and the president pro tem of the state Senate as well as non-voting members from the Office of Management and Enterprise Services and the Oklahoma Tax Commission.
These entities could still meet to make the recommendation for legislative pay and explain their rationale, West said, but the ultimate decision would be in the hands of voting Oklahomans.
West has filed identical resolutions since being re-elected to serve his House district in 2020. None have ever advanced from committee.
“I’m hopeful this will be the year this advances,” West said.
West declined to take a 35 percent increase in legislative pay that was approved by the Compensation Board for state lawmakers starting in 2019. At the time, West was not in office. But, he said he pledged to voters that upon taking his seat in 2020, he would instead donate the amount to charities in his House district.
The board in 2023 voted to increase by 5 percent stipends paid to legislative leaders. This year, both the board and the commission voted to increase base legislative pay by $7,400 – from $47,500 to $54,900. Also approved were bonus stipends of $27,450 for leaders of both legislative chambers, as well as $18,117 for others in legislative leadership positions.
West said these amounts exceed the median household income of $50,027 in LeFlore County, where his House District 3 is located.
Rick West serves District 3 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes part of LeFlore County.
Political parties keep primaries closed
State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax announced Wednesday that no political party filed a notice to allow Independents to vote in its primaries and runoff primaries during the 2026-2027 election years. Since no political party provided a notification to the State Election Board Secretary by the statutory deadline, all primaries will remain closed for the 2026-2027 election years. Oklahoma has three recognized political parties: Democratic, Libertarian, and Republican.
Oklahoma is a modified closed primary state. In order to participate in a party’s primary or runoff primary, you must be a registered voter of that party; however, there is an exception. In every odd-numbered year between November 1 and November 30, state law allows all recognized political parties in Oklahoma the opportunity to open their primaries and runoff primaries to Independents during the next two election years by notifying the Secretary of the State Election Board. If a party chooses to open its primaries, the deadline is extended to December 15 for the other recognized parties to respond or change their response. If no notice is provided, a party’s primary remains closed under state law.
Voters who would like to change their party affiliation should do so before April 1, 2026. State law prohibits party affiliation changes April 1 through August 31 of even-numbered years. Party affiliation changes submitted during the closed period will be processed on September 1, 2026.
More information about political parties is available on the State Election Board website.
URL Guide: Political parties: https://oklahoma.gov/elections/voter-registration/political-party-info.html
LeFlore County commissioners’ meeting
LeFlore County commissioners met in a regular business meeting Monday with Chairman Jamie Oliver presiding. Also present were Member Mike Parker, Member Josh Blaylock and County Clerk Kelli Ford.
The following action was taken by the board:
(1.) Chairman Jamie Oliver called meeting to order.
(2.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Mike Parker to approve the minutes of regular meeting held December 1, 2025. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(3.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve purchase orders as presented. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(4.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Mike Parker to approve monthly fee reports as presented by the Court Clerk and Election Board. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(5.) Motion was made by Mike Parker and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve the following transfer of appropriations:
· $75,000 from URG/D2-26 Unpaved Road Grant account to CBRI/ D2 account.
· $4,000 from FDTAL-2R Lease & Rental account to FDTAL-2 Maintenance & Operations and FDTAL-3 Capital Outlay accounts ($2,000 to each account).
· $15,000 from Spec911-2 Maintenance & Operations account to Spec911-1A Personal Services account.
Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(6.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Mike Parker to approve blanket purchase orders as presented and are on file in the office of the County Clerk. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(7.) New Business: None discussed.
(8.) Contract Labor/ Service Agreements, Annual Contracts: None presented.
(9.) Burn Ban: Not needed at this time. No discussion.
(10.) After public meeting held on December 8, 2025 at 8:30 a.m., motion was made by Josh Blaylock and seconded by Mike Parker to approve resolution and order to keep all of Laboskey Road, lying in or adjacent to Sections 1 – 4, Township 5 North, Range 22 East, open completely and maintained as a County road, pursuant to Okla. Stat. Title 19, Section 339(A)(3) (2011) and Okla. Stat. Title 69, Section 646(C) (2011). Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(11.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve resolution appointing Ivette Moreno as 1st Deputy to the LeFlore County Assessors’ Office. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(12.) Motion was made by Mike Parker and seconded by Jamie Oliver to approve resolution to remove Deanna Morrison as Requisitioning Officer and Judd Maxwell as Receiving Officer from all County Assessor accounts and add Ivette Moreno as Requisitioning Officer to all County Assessor accounts. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(13.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Mike Parker to table resolution setting base pay for Elected Officials pending Assessors review. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(14.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Mike Parker to review and acknowledge the certified election results for LeFlore County Commissioner District #1. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(15.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Mike Parker to approve declarations of surplus for the following County inventory:
· D3-304.032, 2007 John Deere Tractor, serial number L06615A494194, purchased May 30, 2007 in the amount of $39,839.75.
· D3-307.092, 2007 Caterpillar Motor Grader, serial number CCA04151, purchased September 12, 2007 in the amount of $23,000.
· D3-307.093, 2007 Caterpillar Motor Grader, serial number CCA04123, purchased September 17, 2007 in the amount of $33,000.
· D3-441.040, 2014 Rhino Brushcutter, serial number 15808, purchased July 23, 2014 in the amount of $8,500.
· D3-304.026, 1979 Ford Tractor, serial number 8566510, purchased May 6, 2002 in the amount of $24,975.
· D3-446.015, 1996 Dura Asphalt Patching Machine, serial number 1419, purchased July 1, 1996 in the amount of $55,536.75.
Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(16.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve resolutions for disposing of equipment for the following County inventory items to benefit County Commissioner District #3:
· D3-304.032, 2007 John Deere Tractor, serial number L06615A494194, purchased May 30, 2007 in the amount of $39,839.75, sold by Purple Wave Auction to Legacy OFS Construction in the amount of $19,500.
· D3-307.092, 2007 Caterpillar Motor Grader, serial number CCA04151, purchased September 12, 2007 in the amount of $23,000, sold by Purple Wave Auction to FCL Trucking in the amount of $57,000.
· D3-307.093, 2007 Caterpillar Motor Grader, serial number CCA04123, purchased September 17, 2007 in the amount of $33,000, sold by Purple Wave Auction to FCL Trucking in the amount of $56,000.
· D3-441.040, 2014 Rhino Brushcutter, serial number 15808, purchased July 23, 2014 in the amount of $8,500, sold by Purple Wave Auction to Fernando Cardenas in the amount of $3,200.
· D3-304.026, 1979 Ford Tractor, serial number 8566510, purchased May 6, 2002 in the amount of $24,975, sold by Purple Wave Auction to Julio Navarro in the amount of $3,700.
· D3-446.015, 1996 Dura Asphalt Patching Machine, serial number 1419, purchased July 1, 1996 in the amount of $55,536.75, sold by Purple Wave Auction to Beeline Stripling in the amount of $875.
Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(17.) Motion was made by Mike Parker and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve programming resolution for CBRI project number 26-CBRI-D1-RD-P115 regarding improvements on Joe Farrar Road in LeFlore County Commissioner District #1. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(18.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Mike Parker to approve flood plain development permit application number 12082025576 as submitted by ACRS Telecommunications Engineers regarding installation of fiber optic lines within county right of way located in LeFlore County Commissioner District #3, Section 6, Township 4 North, Range 24 East. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(19.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve flood plain development permit application numbers 12082025575, 12082025577, 12082025583, 12082025585 as submitted by ACRS Telecommunications Engineers regarding installation of fiber optic lines within county right of way located in LeFlore County Commissioner District #3, Section 6, Township 4 North, Range 25 East. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(20.) Motion was made by Mike Parker and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve flood plain development permit application numbers 120820255778, 12082025579, 12082025580 as submitted by ACRS Telecommunications Engineers regarding installation of fiber optic lines within county right of way located in LeFlore County Commissioner District #3, Section 36, Township 5 North, Range 24 East. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(21.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve flood plain development permit application numbers 12082025581 and 12082025584 as submitted by ACRS Telecommunications Engineers regarding installation of fiber optic lines within county right of way located in LeFlore County Commissioner District #3, Section 5, Township 4 North, Range 25 East. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(22.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve flood plain development permit application number 12082025582 as submitted by ACRS Telecommunications Engineers regarding installation of fiber optic lines within county right of way located in LeFlore County Commissioner District #3, Section 4, Township 4 North, Range 25 East. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
Talihina plays Hominy for state championship
Talihina plays Hominy for the Class A-II state championship at noon Thursday at the University of Central Oklahoma.
Top-ranked Talihina enters the contest with a 13-0 record after surviving a 47-46 win over Fairview in the semifinals last week.
Hominy is 11-2, losing to a pair of Class A-I schools in Pawhuska and Pawnee. Both teams won district championships this season.
Game tickets can be purchased online HERE.
Talihina was the leading scoring and defensive team in LeFlore County this season after making it to the championship game last season before losing to Woodland.
The Golden Tigers will go for their second gold ball to go along with a state championship won in 1966.
Hominy is going for its sixth state championship in football and the first one since 2016. The Bucks enter the game ranked second.
The two teams last met in 2017 with Hominy winning at Talihina, 36-22, in the state playoffs.
Talihina wins thriller over Fairland
Talihina scored in the last minute as the Golden Tigers edged Fairland, 47-46, in a Class A-II football semifinal at Beggs Friday night.
Talihina advances to the championship game at the University of Central Oklahoma at noon Thursday against Hominy, a 44-21 winner over Allen in the other semifinal game.
Pocola was not quite as fortunate in a Class A-I semifinal, losing to Tonkawa in its semifinal game, 37-12.
The Indians finish 10-3, losing to a team they defeated in the first round of the playoffs last season.
After Fairland scored and completed a two-point conversion with under a minute left, Talihina answered on a 66-yard touchdown pass from Landen Griffith to Noah Lloyd for a touchdown and Kaden Cossey added the extra point as the Golden Tigers edged Fairland, 47-46.
The Tigers had taken the lead with under two minutes left on a touchdown score from Griffith to Jake Sherer. The PAT failed and Fairland responded with another touchdown to take the lead with under a minute left before Talihina answered.
Talihina opened the scoring in the first quarter on a scoring play from Griffith to Cy Ammons.
After a Fairland touchdown and PAT, Griffith scored on a rushing touchdown to give Talihina the lead. The Owls scored a touchdown and made the PAT to go head 14-12 late in the first quarter.
Fairland increased its lead to 21-12 midway through the second quarter before Gavin Brown scored on a rushing touchdown and Griffith scored on the two-point conversion to narrow the deficit to 21-20.
The Owls scored again with less than a minute remaining in the second quarter to lead, 28-20 at halftime.
Fairland added a field goal to increase its lead to 31-20. Talihina answered with a touchdown pass from Griffith to Noah Lloyd, but the two-point conversion failed, leaving Fairland added 31-26.
The Owls scored again to increase the lead to 38-26 before Brown scored and the two-point conversion was good from Griffith to Cy Ammons, setting the stage to the late dramatics.
Talihina improved to 13-0 and will try to capture the school’s second state championship after losing to Woodland in last year’s championship game.
Fairland ends its season at 10-3.
The Tigers’ only state championship came in 1966.
Oklahoma fishing report
NORTHEAST
Grand: December 6. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 53°F and murky. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits and plastic baits around brush structure and points. Blue catfish good on cut bait and shad below the dam, main lake, and river channel. Crappie good on hair jigs and jigs around brush structure and docks. Report submitted by Riley Willman, game warden stationed in Delaware County.
Kaw: December 8. Elevation is 2 ft. above normal and rising, water temperature 38°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait, shad, stinkbait, and worms below the dam and main lake. Striped bass hybrids and white bass slow on crankbaits, jigs, sassy shad, and shad below the dam. Crappie slow on hair jigs, jigs, minnows, and tube jigs around brush structure, main lake, riprap, and standing timber. Report submitted by Spencer Grace, game warden stationed in Kay County.
Keystone: December 8. Elevation is 3 ft. above normal and falling, water temperature 57°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass fair on Alabama rigs, bill baits, crankbaits, in-line spinnerbaits, jerk baits, plastic baits, small lures, and spinnerbaits around brush structure and rocks. Blue and channel catfish good on live bait and live shad around main lake. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure and rocks. Report submitted by Tracer Wagner, game warden stationed in Creek County.
Lower Illinois River: December 5. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 58°F and clear. Rainbow trout fair on caddis flies, in-line spinnerbaits, midges, nymphs, PowerBait, and worms below the dam, shallows, and shorelines. Report submitted by Jerry Henry, game warden stationed in Sequoyah County.
SOUTHEAST
Blue River: December 9. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 50°F and clear. (USGS Lake Level) Rainbow trout good on caddis flies, in-line spinnerbaits, midges, nymphs, PowerBait, and worms around brush structure, channels, river channel, and rocks. Report submitted by Ethan Lovelace, biologist at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Hugo: December 5. Elevation is 0.5 ft. below normal and rising, water temperature 55°F and murky. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth, spotted, and white bass fair on crankbaits, jigs, plastic baits, and spoons around creek channels, points, riprap, and river channel. Crappie slow on minnows and tube jigs around brush structure, points, riprap, and standing timber. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish slow on chicken liver, cut bait, and live bait around below the dam, dam, river channel, and spillway. Report submitted by Chance Phillips, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: December 7. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 56°F and clear. Largemouth bass good on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, and plastic baits around main lake, points, river channel, and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass good on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, and live shad around coves, discharge, inlet, main lake, and river channel. Channel catfish slow on chicken liver, cut bait, and shrimp around inlet, riprap, and rocks. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
McGee Creek: December 5. Elevation is 4 ft. below normal and falling, water temperature 59°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth and spotted bass good on Alabama rigs, bill baits, crankbaits, in-line spinnerbaits, and plastic baits around brush structure, docks, shallows, shorelines, and standing timber. Flathead and channel catfish good on cut bait, shrimp, and stinkbait around channels, creek channels, and main lake. Report submitted by Shay Loudermilk, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Sardis: December 5. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 58°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass fair on bill baits, crankbaits, lipless baits, plastic baits, and spinnerbaits around brush structure and standing timber. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, sunfish, and worms around brush structure, channels, main lake, and points. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: December 7. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 53°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Striped bass good on flukes and live shad around channels, main lake, points, and river channel. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on cut bait, live shad, punch bait, and stinkbait around channels, docks, points, river channel, and river mouth. Crappie fair on hair jigs, jigs, minnows, and nymphs around brush structure, coves, docks, and standing timber. Comments: Fishing this week has been great. Striper are dealing do well on live bait and dead sticking. Quality boxes of fish are being caught right now. Catfish are also good on live shad around river channels and the mouth of the river. Crappie are doing good near docks with brush piles. Report submitted by Garrett Beam, game warden stationed in Marshall County.
Down memory lane
ONE YEAR AGO
2024—Services held for HHS graduate Randy Haynes… Howe Trustees appointed Leslie Pierce to the Board of Trustees in the regularly scheduled meeting Thursday in Howe’s City Hall. Trustees also approved the hiring of Michael Huber as a reserve officer for Howe and approved improvements for the fire department station… Talihina advances to the Clas A-II state championship game with a 20-14 win over fourth-ranked Thomas-Fay-Custer in Harrah Friday night. The No. 6 Golden Tigers will play Woodland in the finals 7 p.m. Friday at the University of Central Oklahoma.
10 YEARS AGO
2015—Heavener School Board rehired Superintendent Ed Wilson…Ralph Perdue Jr. and Dylan Roberts file for school board seats…Heavener FCCLA attends star event…Seth Anderson, Jessica Drury named to honor choir…Heavener hog show is Saturday…Toys from Cops program planned…Lions Club donated coats to local schools…FNB donates to Angel Tree program…Susan Manlove named teacher of the year at Pansy Kidd Middle School in Poteau…Hodgen boys finish third in tournament…Heavener girls, Talihina boys win conference matchup.
20 YEARS AGO
2005—County towns eligible for REAP grants…Heavener School gets good audit report…Panel recommends sales tax for jail…EMS board buys new ambulance…HHS drama class to perform Improv…Danny Blair of Heavener honored by Masons…Heavener softball team recognized for academics.
30 YEARS AGO
1995—Suggestions made for new park in Heavener…Congressman Bill Brewster retires…Heavener’s own television station goes on the air…Gene and Linda Hill celebrate 30th anniversary…Talks ongoing about county-wide 911 system…Tre Evans scores 26 points, but Wolves lose to Hartshorne…Michael Vickers, Joe Queen file for school board.
40 YEARS AGO
1985—James Shupert, Michael Vickers file for school board…Heavener’s Green Country Cloggers to appear on national television…Local industry 3-D Motor Repair plans expansion…Howe gets $200.000 for sewer expansion…Wortz Biscuit Company considers move to Poteau…Shady Point Elementary School burns.
50 YEARS AGO
1975—Burglars attempt to enter T&M Pharmacy. A First National Bank employee heard footsteps upstairs and notified police. No arrests were made…Burglars also strike Hodgen Post Office and Champlin Service Station in Howe…Disney’s “One of our dinosaurs is missing” is playing at the Liberty Theater”.
60 YEARS AGO
1965—Heavener City Manager John Owen announces the city will provide free parking downtown on Christmas Eve…Two men discover a burning saddle in the woods while searching for a Christmas tree. It was one of three saddles recently stolen in Poteau…Hembree Chevrolet in Heavener has a used 1954 Ford for sale for $395.
70 YEARS AGO
1955—This year shaping up to be an extremely dry one. Normal rainfall is 45 inches per year while only 34 inches have been recorded…W.I. Beavers announces new barber shop will be built in front of his home…Five men of the alcohol commission arrested two men of Lodi and charged them with making illegal whiskey…Westmoreland Motor has a 1951 Kaiser car for sale.
90 YEARS AGO
1935—Heavener High School gymnasium burns. A plan of construction for a new gymnasium built by the WPA is being delivered…Liberty Theater replaces old talking machines which were only five years old…Recent water shortages have been blamed on clearing the city well…The new 1936 Pontiac automobiles can be seen at Swinney Motor Company.
100 YEARS AGO
1925—Howard Priddy of Heavener is accepting money to purchase gifts for the poor…Annual initiation of Heavener freshman class is held.
Nice day again Thursday
Weather forecast for Thursday is for mostly clear skies and a nice day for Heavener, LeFlore County and the area.
The high is forecast to be 63 degrees with a low of 41 degrees.
Sunrise was 7:16 a.m. Sunset is 5:07 p.m.
Wednesday’s high was 61 with a low of 31. No rain was recorded, leaving the monthly total at 0.17 inches. December’s average rainfall is 3.10 inches.
Average temperature for Dec. 11 are a high of 55 and low of 28. Records for the date were a high of 71 in 1975 and a low of 11 in 1978.
Last year on Dec. 8, the high was 62 with a low of 32.
Winter Solstice celebration planned
Winter solstice celebration planned for Dec. 20 at the Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center with a series of guided tours in celebration of the winter solstice.
The tours will be led by Anna Vincent, current director of Spiro Mounds. Two tours will be offered, one at 11 a.m. and another at 4 p.m. The afternoon walk will conclude with a viewing of the sunset on the upper terrace, followed by a bonfire and hot chocolate at the visitor center. In the event of inclement weather, talks will be given inside the visitor center.
Participants will learn about this unique prehistoric mound site, including the different types of mounds, their purposes, the significance of the solstices and the solar alignments that occur at Spiro. Vincent will share the history of excavations at the site, discuss Native ceremonies and stories, recount unusual events associated with the mounds and answer questions from visitors.
Admission to the site, including the solstice tours, is currently free. Reservations are required only for large groups.
Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center is the only prehistoric Native American site open
to the public in Oklahoma and is administered by the Oklahoma Historical Society. The center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to the site is currently free while updates are made to the visitor center and grounds. The center is located three miles east of Spiro on Highway 9/271 and four miles north on Lock and Dam Road. For more information or to schedule a group or school tour, please contact Anna Vincent at 918-962-2062 or [email protected].
The Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications, the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit okhistory.org.
Today in history
1936
Edward VIII announces his abdication
After ruling for less than one year, Edward VIII becomes the first English monarch to voluntarily abdicate the throne. He chose to abdicate after the British government, public, and the Church of England condemned his decision to marry the American divorcée Wallis Warfield Simpson. On the evening... read more
1990s
1994
1997
21st Century
2019
American Revolution
1777
Arts & Entertainment
1964
Asian History
1915
Cold War
1969
Crime
1963
1978
2008
LGBTQ+ History
1973
Vietnam War
1961
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1941
1946
Donald Edward Entmeier
Donald Edward Entmeier, 79, passed away Dec. 6, 2025, surrounded by family in Poteau. He was born in Freeport, Illinois Sept. 5, 1946, to Wilma Pearl Entmeier and Roland John Munda.
A funeral service to honor Don’s life is 1 p.m. Saturday at the Dowden-Roberts Funeral & Cremation Center Chapel, 28919 205th Avenue in Poteau with Pastor Anthony Jiminez and Kendall Ballew officiating. Interment will follow in the Greenhill Cemetery in Cameron, with military honors provided by the Poteau DAV Chapter #63. Arrangements are under the care of Dowden-Roberts Funeral & Cremation Center of Poteau.
He was the former owner of Okie-Dokey Foods on Douglas Street in Freeport, Illinois. Later after selling the business, he moved to Oklahoma with his family in 1981.
Don was a Veteran of the United States Army, where he served on the C Battery 1st Battalion 81st Artillery USARSEVEN.
Don retired in 2013 from Rheem Manufacturing in Fort Smith, Arkansas after 29 years of service. He was also a former member of the LeFlore County Sheriff’s Department, where he worked as a Deputy and a former Police Officer at the Shady Point Police Department. He affectionately was known in the community as “Papa Don”.
Survivors are one daughter, Kristie Entmeier, of Poteau; three grandsons Addisen Entmeier and wife Marithza Luna of Cameron, Garrett Entmeier and wife McKenzie of Shady Point, and Vallard Campbell, IV and wife Morgan of Spokane, Washington; one granddaughter Katelyn Campbell Landin and husband Sebastian of Spiro; eight great-grandchildren Anakin Entmeier, Vyker Entmeier, Vallard Campbell V, Liam Campbell, Lucian Landin, Rhett Entmeier, Cheznie Wiley, and Hagan Wiley; numerous other loved ones and a friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father; his son, Rick Allen Entmeier; his brothers Joseph Walter Munda and Roland John “Jack” Munda, Jr.; and two great-grandsons Sage River Campbell and Tregen Vaughn Landin.
Pallbearers are Addisen Entmeier, Garrett Entmeier, Vallard Campbell IV, Mark Jiminez, Josh Ralls and Sebastian Landin. Honorary pallbearers are Kendall Ballew, Gary Mathis, Eddie Ford, Henry Wells and Donnie Edwards.
Viewing is from noon until 8 p.m. Friday at the Dowden-Roberts Funeral & Cremation Center Chapel, 28918 205th Avenue in Poteau.
The family will visit with friends from 6 until 8 p.m., Friday at the funeral home.
To view Don’s online guestbook, www.dowdenrobertscremationcenter.com
Terry Don Holcomb
Terry Don “T.D.” Holcomb, 67, of Burr Ferry, Louisiana, passed away Nov. 27, 2025 at a hospital in Alexandria, Louisiana and was born July 1, 1958 in Heavener where he was raised by his parents, Donald R. (“Sody”) and Sue Ann Holcomb.
Graveside services were Tuesday at Central Louisiana Veteran Cemetery in Leesville, Louisiana
T.D. had a lifelong love of sports and was an avid Oklahoma Sooners fan. After graduating from Heavener High School—where he excelled in football and baseball—he attended the University of Oklahoma before enlisting in the United States Army. He served honorably, attaining the rank of E-6.
T.D.’s military career was distinguished and marked by elite service. He completed Infantry School, Advanced Infantry Training, Basic Airborne Course, Ranger School, and Air Assault School. He served in Special Operations units including the 3rd Special Forces Group, 5th Special Forces Group, and the 75th Ranger Regiment. His assignments brought him to Central America and Eastern Europe, where he served with professionalism and courage. His final duty station was with FORSCOM FC Company D, 5/187th Infantry Battalion, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).
His awards and badges included the Army Service Ribbon, Air Assault Badge, Overseas Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Expert Marksman Badge, Expert Hand Grenade Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Dutch Parachutist Badge, Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Jungle Expert Badge.Following his Army service, T.D. remained connected to the military through his work with the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, where he served as Branch Chief for Civilians on the Battlefield. When JRTC later relocated to Fort Polk, Louisiana, T.D. transferred and continued serving in that same role with dedication and pride.
On Dec. 9, 1994, T.D. married the love of his life, Teresa Ritter. Together they made their home in Burr Ferry, where they raised their family. T.D.’s devotion to family was evident in every aspect of his life. He and Teresa enjoyed raising Paint and Quarter horses, staying active with shows and rodeos, and they shared a special love for German Shepherd dogs. He also began coaching his son in baseball at the age of four and continued to do so through high school, serving as an assistant coach for the school’s baseball team.
T.D. was preceded in death by his parents, Donald R. and Sue Ann Holcomb, and by his in-laws, Douglas R. and Carolyn Jeane Ritter.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Teresa, of the home; his children, Alexandra Holcomb of Oklahoma, Shelli Jarrell (Geoffrey) of Ohio, and Justin (LaKin) Holcomb; and his treasured granddaughter, Laynee Holcomb, all of Louisiana. He is also survived by his in-laws Darbee (Dustin) Ramsey, Teri (Bun) Park, and Robert (Crystal) Ritter, all of Louisiana; as well as his nieces and nephews—Tristan (Ariana), Destiny (Kazden), Emma, Emily, Garrett, “B,” Bailey (Havn), and Kelcie—and his grandniece, Danille Mae and Reid Foster.
T.D. leaves behind a host of friends, coworkers, and brothers-in-arms who loved, respected, and admired him.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7
Jerry Donald Womack
Jerry Donald Womack, 84, of Shady Point was born on Aug. 9, 1941, in Heavener to Johnnie (Kirksey) Womack and Ernest Womack and passed away Dec. 6, 2025, in Shady Point.
A Celebration of Life was Wednesday at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau with Steve Hughes officiating. Burial followed at Shady Point Cemetery, under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau.
Survivors are his wife of 55 years and 5 months, Gloria Womack; his children Tammy Lockhart, Teresa Pace and husband Terry, and Teri Leedom and husband Tom; grandchildren Bradly Wade, Sarah Jones, Amber Peterson, Colton Leedom, Jareb Leedom and Braden Leedom; great-grandchildren Emily Wade, Jordon Jones, Austin Jones, Lucas Peterson, Andrew Peterson, Charlie Faye Leedom, Signy Leedom, Mackenzie Leedom, and Lorelai Leedom; as well as numerous great-great-grandchildren; brothers Gene Womack and Paul Womack and sister, Betty Obojkovitz.
He was preceded in death by his parents, ten brothers, and one sister.
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