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LeFlore County legals for this week.

Mortgages pdf

Legals 1 pdf

Legals 2 pdf

Legals 3 pdf

OKLAHOMA CITY- The Oklahoma City Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City released its latest issue of the Oklahoma Economist, titled “Hiring in Oklahoma Slows, but Unemployment Remains Low.” This edition uses data from the Kansas City Fed’s manufacturing and services surveys to examine the underlying causes of a historic hiring slowdown in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma firms cite demand-based factors like growth expectations and economic uncertainty as the top restraints on hiring, while fewer businesses cite the inability to find workers than in the past, according to Cortney Cowley, assistant vice president and Oklahoma City Branch executive of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.

“Business cycle factors so far have contributed more than structural reductions in labor needs,” she said. “Very few survey respondents reported using AI as a substitute for hiring, but some use it as a complement to increase the productivity of existing workers.”

Cowley said while employment growth in Oklahoma has slowed slightly alongside the sharp decline in the hiring rate, Oklahoma’s job market remains relatively steadier compared to the broader United States.

“Most firms have yet to reduce headcount and the state’s unemployment rate remains low, indicating Oklahomans continue to remain employed even in a less dynamic labor market,” she said. “Although hiring is low compared to historical norms, most firms are maintaining their employment levels and potentially reevaluating specific roles as they are vacated.”

The complete issue is available at www.kansascityfed.org/oklahomacity/oklahoma-economist.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City serves the Tenth Federal Reserve District, encompassing the western third of Missouri; all of Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Wyoming; and the northern half of New Mexico. As part of the nation’s central bank, the Bank participates in setting national monetary policy, supervising and regulating numerous commercial banks and bank holding companies, and providing financial services to depository institutions. More information is available online at www.kansascityfed.org.

Ryan J. Moore, 23, of Heavener died in an accident Friday at 9:13 a.m.in Idabel when he was disassembling a counterweight off the back of a CAT 365C excavator. The counterweight fell and struck him.

The accident was investigated by Trooper Hunter Brown.

MUSKOGEE – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Gustavo Olivares-Ramirez, a/k/a Rogelio Madrigal, a/k/a Gustavo Olivares, Gustavo Ramirez Olivares, a Mexican national unlawfully present in LeFlore County was sentenced to eight months in prison for one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien.

The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Heavener Police Department.

On Sept. 4, 2025, Olivares-Ramirez pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on June 3, 2025, Olivares-Ramirez, an alien, was found in the United States without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States after having been previously removed on November 12, 1997.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, Senior U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Olivares-Ramirez will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Cornell represented the United States at sentencing.

LeFlore County commissioners met in a regular business meeting Monday with Chairman Jamie Oliver presiding. Also, present were Vice- Chair Mike Parker, Member Josh Blaylock and County Clerk Kelli Ford.

The following action was taken by the board:

(2.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Mike Parker to approve the minutes of regular meeting held February 2, 2026. Motion carried, all voting yes.

(3.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve purchase orders as presented. Motion carried, all voting yes.

(4.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Mike Parker to approve monthly fee reports as presented by the Election Board and Court Clerk. Motion carried, all voting yes.

(5.) Motion was made by Mike Parker and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve the following transfers of appropriations:

Motion carried, 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 carried, 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.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Mike Parker to approve Form 969, in accordance with the provisions of Title 62 Section 193 of the Oklahoma Statutes, regarding loss of revenue due to the additional homestead exemption allowed for the year 2025, as submitted by the LeFlore County Assessor. Motion carried, all voting yes.

(11.) Motion was made by Josh Blaylock and seconded by Mike Parker to approve payment of insurance deductible in the amount of $50,000 to ACCO under claim number GCIN078770 for a 2013 Caterpillar 140M2 Motor Grader that caught fire on January 22, 2026, with payment to be made from the County Deductible Fund. Motion carried, all voting yes.

(12.) Motion was made by Josh Blaylock and seconded by Mike Parker to approve resolution authorizing LeFlore County Commissioner District 2 to apply for a grant under the Oklahoma Unpaved Roads Program in the amount of $75,000 for the benefit of County Commissioner District 2. Motion carried, all voting yes.

(13.) Motion was made by Josh Blaylock and seconded by Mike Parker to approve programming resolution for project number 26-CBRI-D2-RD-P092 related to improvements on 360th Avenue, located in LeFlore County Commissioner District 2. Motion carried, all voting yes.

(14.) Motion was made by Mike Parker and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve programming resolution for project number 26-CBRI-D1-RD-P117 regarding improvements on Quays Road, located in LeFlore County Commissioner District 1. Motion carried, all voting yes.

(15.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Mike Parker to approve declarations of surplus as submitted by OSU Extension regarding county inventory items E-610.016, Recon handheld computer, serial number DS03A10649, purchased July 22, 2008 in the amount of $1,370 and item E-610.017, Bluetooth stick reader, serial number C00409939, purchased June 16, 2009 in the amount of $1,363.95. Motion carried, all voting yes.

(16.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Mike Parker to approve resolutions for disposing of equipment as submitted by OSU Extension regarding county inventory items E-610.016, Recon handheld computer, serial number DS03A10649, purchased July 22, 2008 in the amount of $1,370 and item E-610.017, Bluetooth stick reader, serial number C00409939, purchased June 16, 2009 in the amount of $1,363.95. Motion carried, all voting yes.

(17.) Motion was made by Mike Parker and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve flood plain development permit application number 209202644 as submitted by CoxCom, LLC regarding construction within county right of way located in LeFlore County Commissioner District 1, Section 25, Township 8 North, Range 25 East. Motion carried, all voting yes.

(18.) Motion was made by Mike Parker and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve flood plain development permit application numbers 209202645 and 209202646 as submitted by CoxCom, LLC regarding construction within county right of way located in LeFlore County Commissioner District 1, Section 30, Township 8 North, Range 26 East. Motion carried, all voting yes.

(19.) Motion was made by Mike Parker and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve flood plain development permit application number 209202646 as submitted by CoxCom, LLC regarding construction within county right of way located in LeFlore County Commissioner District 1, Section 20, Township 8 North, Range 26 East. Motion carried, all voting yes.

(20.) Motion was made by Mike Parker and seconded by Jamie Oliver to approve flood plain development permit application number 209202647 as submitted by CoxCom, LLC regarding construction within county right of way located in LeFlore County Commissioner District 1, Section 31, Township 8 North, Range 26 East. Motion carried, all voting yes.

(21.) Motion was made by Mike Parker and seconded by Jamie Oliver to approve flood plain development permit application number 209202648 as submitted by Summit Utilities regarding construction within county right of way located in LeFlore County Commissioner District 2, Section 3, Township 6 North, Range 25 East. Motion carried, all voting yes.

(22.) Motion was made by Mike Parker and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve flood plain development permit application number 209202649 as submitted by CoxCom, LLC regarding construction within county right of way located in LeFlore County Commissioner District 2, Section 35, Township 8 North, Range 26 East. Motion carried, all voting yes.

(23.) Motion was made by Mike Parker and seconded by Jamie Oliver to approve flood plain development permit application number 209202650 as submitted by CoxCom, LLC regarding construction within county right of way located in LeFlore County Commissioner District 1, Section 27, Township 8 North, Range 26 East. Motion carried, all voting yes.

(24.) Motion was made by Mike Parker and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve flood plain development permit application numbers 209202651 and 209202652 as submitted by CoxCom, LLC regarding construction within county right of way located in LeFlore County Commissioner District 1, Section 26, Township 8 North, Range 26 East. Motion carried, all voting yes.

(25.) Motion was made by Mike Parker and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve flood plain development permit application number 209202653 as submitted by CoxCom, LLC regarding construction within county right of way located in LeFlore County Commissioner District 1, Section 27, Township 8 North, Range 26 East. Motion carried, all voting yes.

Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to adjourn. Motion was approved all voting yes, Oliver-yes, Parker-yes, Blaylock-yes.

Unemployment rates were higher in December in all 77 Oklahoma counties than they were in December of the previous year according to the latest report by the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission.

See the whole report HERE.

Love County had the highest unemployment rate in the state at 6.5 percent and Hughes County had the second highest rate at 5.8 percent. Dewey and Texas Counties had the lowest rate at 2.2 percent.

LeFlore County’s rate for December was 4.6 percent compared to 3.6 percent in December of 2024. The county’s rate for November was 3.6 percent.

The rate increased from 4.5 percent in November of 2025. The county has the 62nd highest unemployment rate in Oklahoma for December.

For the month, LeFlore County had a workforce of 19,694 with 18,796 people employed and 898 people unemployed. That compared to a workforce of 19,703 in November with 18,809 people employed and 894 people unemployed.

Three LeFlore County players were were named to the football east all-state team and will play in the all-state football game July 30 at the University of Central Oklahoma.

Heavener’s Jerami Castille and Poteau’s Camden Crew were selected to offense while Talihina’s Jake Sherer was named to the defensive team.

Castille was selected as an offensive lineman, Crew made the team as a tight end and Sherer as a defensive back. Castille was coached by Jeff Broyles, Crew’s coach was Jake Hayes and Sherer’s coach was Kelly Gravitt.

On the all-star by class, Sherer and Malachi Releford of Panama was named to the Class A offense and Jackson Parker on defense for the east.

In 2A, Castill was on the offense.

The Class 4A east had Poteau’s Sam Tecla as a defensive back, Crew as a tight end and Spencer Perry as a running back.

2-10-2026

Basketball

Boys

Arkoma 50, Clayton 36

Cameron 72, Scranton, Arkansas 51

LeFlore 61, Keota 54

Spiro 62, Panama 51

Muldrow 63, Poteau 50

Central 47, Talihina 38

Girls

Arkoma 32, Clayton 30

Keota 46, LeFlore 35

Spiro 40, Panama 35

Muldrow 49, Poteau 26

Talihina 34, Central 35

To make an addition or correction, text (918) 649-4712.

2-9-2026

Basketball

Boys

Keota 63, Bokoshe 36

Pocola 63, Heavener 48

Howe 74, Vian 55

Gore 69, Panama 68

Stigler 52, Talihina 40

Girls

Whitesboro 59, Arkoma 11

Keota 63, Bokoshe 22

Heavener 57, Pocola 27

Howe 61, Vian 23

Panama 62, Gore 49

Talihina 43, Stigler 32

2-6-2026

Oklahoma

Boys

Broken Bow 71, Howe 58

Cameron 70, Red Oak 28

Hartshorne 61, Pocola 51

Stigler 65, Heavener 63

Keys 64, Panama 55

Wister 56, Spiro 51

Talihina 38, Wilburton 31

Whitesboro 61, Moyers 21

Girls

Howe 50, Broken Bow 40

Red Oak 85, Cameron 11

Poteau 48, Checotah 25

Hartshorne 59, Pocola 16

Stigler 48, Heavener 33

Panama 61, Keys 45

Spiro 58, Wister 28

Talihina 66, Wilburton 30

Whitesboro 53, Moyers 21

2-5-2026

Basketball

Oklahoma

Boys

Clayton 37, LeFlore 34

Vian 56, Talihina 42

Girls

LeFlore 36, Clayton 15

Talihina 53, Vian 13

Class 4A district tournament bracket for Poteau.

Heavener and Spiro will meet in the basketball districts for the time this season in a Class 3A Area III tournament.

Spiro’s girls have won both meetings in fairly close fashion while the boys have split their two games.

Class 3A Area III pdf

Class 2A basketball districts have been set for LeFlore County teams Howe, Panama and Pocola.

Class 2A Area III assignments pdf

See the 2A areas for all of Oklahoma HERE.

Small school district basketball tournament brackets have been released by the OSSAA.

Class A

Boys

Area IV

Girls

Area IV

Class BI

Boys

Area III

Girls

Area III

Class BII

Boys

Area IV

Girls

Area IV

Wister Lake fishing report for this week.

Wister: February 6. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 46°F and stained. (USACE Current Lake Level) Largemouth bass fair on jigs and spinnerbaits around brush structure, creek channels, main lake, and river channel. Blue catfish good on cut bait and shad around main lake. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around brush structure, main lake, and river channel. Report submitted by James Williams, game warden stationed in Le Flore County.

Poteau seventh and eighth grade students of the month for February.

Eighth grade

Name: Katherine Riley

Parents: Jaclyn Riley, Michael Riley

Electives: Advanced art, media, FACS

Favorite school memory: My favorite school memory is probably leaving school at the end of the day.

Name: John Bond

Parents: Katherine Phillips, John Bond, Andrew Phillips

Electives: Football, basketball, track

Favorite school memory: When I got a pick 6 against Stigler this year in football.

Seventh grade

Name: Nikya Carroll

Parent: Amber Morton

Electives: Art, band, STEM and FACS

Favorite school memory: “When I was in fourth grade, I was in art and made a picture and quote for the trash poster for 2025 and my quote made it into the calendar for the trash posters.

Name: Breck Hackler

Parents: Jami and Todd Hackler

Electives: Athletics, media, STEM

Favorite school memory When on the last day of school, we had a teacher throw up the football and we all jumped and then I came down with the ball.

Weather forecast for Thursday is for mostly clear skies with moderate temperatures for Heavener, LeFlore County, southeastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas..

The high is forecast to be 69 degrees with a low of 45 degrees.

Sunrise was 7:07 a.m. Sunset is 5:58 p.m.

See the whole story HERE.

2002

Former Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic goes on trial for war crimes

On February 12, 2002, former Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic goes on trial at The Hague, Netherlands, on charges of genocide and war crimes in Bosnia, Croatia and Kosovo. Milosevic served as his own attorney for much of the prolonged trial, which ended without a verdict when the so-called... read more

1950s

1947

Christian Dior launches his scandalizing “New Look” postwar fashions

1970s

1970

Joseph Searles III becomes first Black member of the New York Stock Exchange

American Revolution

1789

Ethan Allen dies

Arts & Entertainment

1924

“Rhapsody In Blue,” by George Gershwin, performed for first time

1938

Judy Blume, popular young-adult author, is born

2005

Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s “The Gates” opens in New York’s Central Park

2008

Hollywood writers’ strike ends after 100 days

Asian History

1912

Last emperor of China abdicates

Black History

1909

The NAACP is founded

Crime

1976

Actor Sal Mineo is killed in Hollywood

Latin American & Caribbean History

1817

Revolutionary leader José de San Martín routs Spanish forces in Chile

Slavery

1793

The US enacts first fugitive slave law

U.S. Presidents

1809

Abraham Lincoln is born

1999

President Bill Clinton acquitted on both articles of impeachment

Vietnam War

1972

Cambodians launch attack to retake Angkor Wat

1973

Release of U.S. POWs begins

World War I

1917

American schooner Lyman M. Law is sunk

World War II

1941

German General Erwin Rommel arrives in Africa

Oklahpma market report for this week can be seen HERE.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Patience Wilson, a senior at Panama High School, paged for Rep. Rick West, R-Heavener, the week of Feb. 2-5, at the Oklahoma State Capitol.

She is the daughter of Rick and Jacolyn Martinez.

Wilson, who suffered a traumatic brain injury in an accident when she was seven, shared her story with West during the week she paged for him. She wrote that her doctors believed she would never talk or walk again after her injury. Two months later, she walked out of the hospital without her wheelchair. Several months after that, she was back at school with accommodations.

She said it wasn’t long before her parents realized she was relearning things faster than expected. “They wanted me to have a push, to do more,” she wrote, “but my doctors did not agree.”

So, the family moved from Dodge City, Kansas to Panama for a fresh start. Wilson said one of her teachers, Jennifer Toney, looked at her case and tested her ability to see what her needs were, placing her in a regular first-grade class with accommodations.

Since then, Wilson said she has been achieving more than was thought possible or expected with her disability.

She’s attained a high school grade point average of 3.96 and is ranked third in her class of 49 students. She’s taking concurrent classes at Carl Albert State College where her college GPA is 3.76. After studying at Carl Albert, she plans to transfer to the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma for a degree in English.

Wilson won a beauty pageant and several Special Olympics track meets and was recognized as the Athlete of the Year for Area 10 in the Oklahoma Special Olympics in 2025. She’s a member of her school’s Quiz Bowl, on the Student Council and Youth Advisory Board and a member of Family Career and Community Leaders of America. She taught herself to play piano using only one hand and played basketball for two years.

Her goal is to become a book editor or an English teacher. She also wants to help people with disabilities “to know that it does not limit them as a person.”

West said, “Patience is a remarkable young woman who has overcome a lot of things in her life. She’s incredibly smart, and she has a heartwarming story to share with others.”

Both West and Patience expressed appreciation for the many teachers at Panama Schools that have helped her reach where she is today. She also thanked her mom and dad and her siblings who she said have been with her since day one after her accident.

Rick West serves District 3 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes part of LeFlore County.

Funeral services for Frank “Big Daddy” Mendoza, 71, of Spiro are 2 p.m. on Friday at Mallory-Martin Funeral Home Chapel in Spiro with Pastor Stan Ledford officiating.

Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Fort Smith, Arkansas, under the direction of Mallory-Martin Funeral Home of Spiro.Frank was born on Aug. 11, 1954, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to Bernice and Alex Mendoza, Sr.. He passed away on Feb. 10, 2026, in Spiro.Frank spent most of his life working in the oil field, a career that reflected his strong work ethic and dedication to providing for his family. He loved driving big trucks and took great pride in his 1957 Chevy, which he proudly showcased at many car shows over the years.

He was a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan, enjoyed good movies, and had a deep appreciation for old gospel and classic country music. He found joy in life’s simple pleasures — a cold glass bottle of Coca-Cola, a cup of coffee, or any kind of sweet treat. Above all, Frank’s family meant everything to him. He cherished every moment spent with them and was a proud brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Emma Mendoza; daughter Nina Campbell and husband John; granddaughters Adriana Mendoza, Johna Campbell and Marina Campbell; great-granddaughter, Leya Mendoza; sisters Melinda Mendoza and Delia Awbrey; brother, Wayne “Puggy” Mendoza; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his father, Alex Mendoza, Sr.; his mother and stepfather, Bernice and Bob Riggs; his daughter, Aurora Mendoza; brothers Randy Mendoza, Cleve Mendoza and Billy Mendoza; sister, LaDonna Weir; and stepbrothers Tony Riggs and Craig Riggs.Pallbearers are John Campbell, Roger Wheless, J.R. Spoon, Ryan Mills, Maverick Martinez, and Maison Gray. Honorary pallbearers are Joey Mendoza and Robert Mendoza.

Viewing and visitation are Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.You may leave an online message at www.MalloryMartinFuneralHomeSpiro.com

Thelma Imogene Frazier passed away on Feb. 11, 2026, in Waldron, Arkansas and was born on Aug. 17, 1935, in Eagleton, Arkansas, to Otis Wolfenbarger and Ola Thelma (Reynolds) Wolfenbarger.

A celebration of her life is 2 p.m. Friday at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ray Jett officiating. Interment will follow at Pinecrest Cemetery in Mena, Arkansas.

Survivors are her daughters Elain Godfrey of Waldron, Arkansas, and Rhonda Hooper and husband Kennith of Sallisaw; granddaughter Teresa Hudgens and husband Shannon of Waldron, Arkansas, along with grandchildren Jeffrey Godfrey, Sonia Vines, Greg Godfrey, Otis Hooper, Dwayne Hooper, Jessica Butler and Lori Graham; and 18 great-grandchildren, numerous great-great-grandchildren, and a host of extended family members, nieces, nephews, and dear loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her parents Otis and Thelma Wolfenbarger; her sisters ArmelLee Wolfenbarger and Barbara Ann Hines; her daughters Patti Brown and Lisa Graham; son-in-law, Jimmy Graham and her granddaughter, Crystal Brown.

Pallbearers are Tucker Hardin, Caleb Martin, Dal White, Kennith Hooper, Otis Hooper and Dewayne Hooper.

Visitation is Thursday from 5 until 7 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel.

Tanja Gay Aguilar of Heavener was born on Oct. 17, 1960 in Paris, Texas to James and Gladys Whitmire and passed away on Feb. 5, 2026 in Heavener at the age of 65.

Memorial service to celebrate Tanja’s life was Wednesday at the Freedom House Fellowship Church in Heavener with Brother Sam Dyer officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the care of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home in Heavener.

Tanja passed quietly, leaving behind a family who will forever miss her music, her sharp wit, and her unmistakable presence (which, truthfully, was never subtle). She was a longtime resident of the area and retired from the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, where she worked in the Law Library for 14 years. Tanja was a gifted singer and a wonderful pianist, filling rooms—and sometimes entire the church with music. Through her time at Freedom House Church, she found her purpose again, and her faith and talent became a blessing to many who had the joy of worshiping alongside her.

Tanja was also proudly ornery and never particularly impressed by men. She kept her reflexes sharp and her shin-whacking skills finely tuned, often practicing on any unfortunate soul who wandered too close or tested their luck. Consider it a life lesson delivered swiftly and without apology.

Looking back now, those moments bring laughter first… and then a heaviness of heart. Her music, her stubborn strength, her quick reactions, and her one-of-a-kind personality leave a space that cannot be filled, only smiled about.

Tanja was deeply loved, unapologetically herself, and will be remembered always especially by those who learned to keep a respectful distance.

Survivors are one daughter, Casey Lee Aguilar; two sons Gabriel Lucas “Gabe” Aguilar and wife Jaime, and James Joseph “Joey” Aguilar; two sisters Katherine Beshirs and Gypsy Ann Towne; other loved one Karli Albert – mother of Kenzlee, Kenna, and Lawson; her grandchildren Kaydence, Kalleigh, Wynter, Hayden, Bentley, Gaitlin, Kenzlee, Kenna, Lawson, Rachel, Jaime, Jessie, John, Natalie, Emily and Lillian; numerous great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Gladys Whitmore; and granddaughter, Rayleigh Aguilar.

To sign Tanja’s guestbook, go to www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.

Joanna Faye Wade of Page was born on April 13, 1963 in Claremore to Joe Tommie and Wanda June (Boyd) Wade and passed away on Feb. 9, 2026 in Poteau at the age of 62.

A memorial service to celebrate Joanna’s life is 3 p.m. Friday at the Dowden-Roberts Funeral & Cremation Center Chapel in Poteau with Reverend Dan Lynch officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the care of Dowden-Roberts Funeral & Cremation Center in Poteau.

Joanna was a long-time resident of the area and was a Billing Specialist at EOMC for 27 years. She was a graduate of Claremore High School and a member of Stapp-Zoe Baptist Church. Joanna loved Bigfoot, spending time with family, bonfires, road trips, and crafting. She loved life to the fullest and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors are one daughter Shanna Jorae Brown and husband Jess; one son Brandon Lee Robins and wife Amy; her mother, Wanda Wade; two sisters Sandra Taylor and Sabra Waldrup; four brothers Tommy Wade, David Wade, Darrell Wade and Ronnie Wade; five grandchildren Garrett Lane Marshall, Austyn Belle Nichols, Cheyenne Newton, Madison Cease and Cadience Goggins; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her father, Joe Wade.

To sign Joanna’s guestbook, go to www.dowdenrobertscremationcenter.com.

Jeffery Ray Caldwell of Poteau was born June 27, 1967 in Poteau to Jerry Ray Caldwell and Barbara Carroll (Traw) Silva and passed away Feb. 1, 2026 in Fort Smith, Arkansas at the age of 58.

A funeral service to honor Jeff’s life was held Feb. 7, 2026 at Dowden-Roberts Funeral & Cremation Center in Poteau with Reverend Bryan Fouts Officiating. Arrangements were under the care of Dowden-Roberts Funeral & Cremation Center in Poteau.

Jeff is survived by one daughter Cheyenne Lester and husband Derek of Talihina; one son Blake Stover and wife Ashley of Oklahoma City; two sisters Lynn Holstead and husband Jim Bo of Poteau, and Deanna Meadors and husband Eric of Mountainburg, Arkansas; four grandchildren

Kage Caldwell, Isla Lester, Mackenize Stover and Malaki Stover; one niece, Ashton Meadors, of Russellville, Arkansas; and two nephews Lance Corporal Joel Holstead of Poteau and Michael Grier of Alma, Arkansas.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents. He was a life-long resident of the area and was a ranch hand for Sebo Farms. Jeff loved to spend time with his family and cooking out. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles, operating heavy equipment, hunting, and fishing. Jeff will be missed by all who loved and knew him.

Shon William Shankle, 83, of Poteau passed away on Sunday in Pocola.

He was born on Jan. 20, 1943, in Hartford, Arkansas, to Leon Shankle and Mildred (Turner) Shankle. He was united in marriage to Frances Shankle, with whom he shared many years of life and family.

Funeral service is 1 p.m. on Friday at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau with Larry Stacy officiating. Burial will follow at the Monroe Cemetery, under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Frances Shankle; daughters Ashlea Frasher and husband Jody of Monroe, and Amber Willis of Wister; granddaughter, Holly Willis; grandsons Reid Frasher and wife Brittney, Rhett Frasher, and Shon Willis; great-granddaughter, Rayna Frasher; and sisters Sherry Barnes, Mary Roberts and Foye Jean Shankle.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Mildred Shankle, and his sister, Sydney Weaver.

Pallbearers are Jody Frasher, Justin Hoopengarner, Shon Willis, Reid Frasher, Rhett Frasher, and Pete Cepeda.

Visitation is Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home

You may leave an online message at www.evansandmillerfuneralhome.com.

Funeral services for Debra Swift, 66 of Roland are 1 p.m. Thursday at Mallory-Martin Funeral Home Chapel in Spiro with Jake Ritter officiating.

Cremation is under the direction of Mallory-Martin Funeral Home in Spiro. Debra was born May 2, 1959, in Talihina to Mary (Ritter) Elam and LeRoy Summers, and she passed away on Feb. 6, 2026, in Roland.Those left to cherish her memory include her daughters Sarah Jones and Jennifer Massey; grandchildren Grant Jones, Haylee Jones, Aaron Jones, Jr., NaTyrah Massey, Erin Massey, Christina Sivage and JaeLynn Massey; great-grandchildren Isaiah Villalba, Ivan Villalba, Hudson Sivage, Atticus Jones, Jasper Jones and Marcy Short; sisters Pamela Batts and husband Odis, Brenda Crase and husband Jimmy, and Virginia House; brothers LeRoy Summers and wife Lisa, Gary Summers, Ronald Summers and wife Sheree, and Darren Summers; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many loved ones.She was preceded in death by her father, LeRoy Summers; her mother, Mary Elam; her stepfather, Rodney Elam; her sister, Rhonda Summers; and her brother, Scott Summers.Debra loved God and was deeply proud of her Native American heritage. She cherished her grandchildren and delighted in telling them stories—often the same ones—over and over again. She was known for her joyful spirit and playful personality, never missing a chance to dance, even jumping in front of cars to shake her booty no matter her age.She was a caretaker by nature, always putting others before herself. A self-proclaimed “collector,” she saved what she believed were good things for her grandchildren. She loved clothes—some might say she had too many—and wherever Debra went, dancing was sure to follow.Above all else, she loved her daughters fiercely and was always there for them, once joking she would put wheels on her feet to get to them if she had to. One of her greatest acts of love was walking all night through freezing rain and cold from Fort Smith just to take her baby girls a coat.You may leave an online message of condolence at www.MalloryMartinFuneralHomeSpiro.com

Billie June Guinn, 80, of Heavener was born July 15, 1945, to Carlos and Myrtle Belle Guinn. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones at home on Feb. 7, 2026.

Billie’s funeral service is 2 p.m. Thursday at the Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Heavener with Brother Randy Mattox officiating. Burial will follow in Heavener Memorial Park under the care of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener.

A lifelong resident of Heavener, Billie attended local schools and graduated from Heavener High School in 1963. She was active in the band, pep club, and science club. Billie was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Heavener.

Billie was well known for a lengthy career as an LPN. She completed her nursing degree at Westark Community College in Fort Smith, Arkansas in 1975. Upon completion of nursing school, Billie worked for several employers to include St Edwards Hospital in Ft Smith, Arkansas, and Dr. Schumpert at Medical Plaza in Poteau. Billie worked in nursing for over 35 years before retiring in 2008.

Survivors are her son Brandon Guinn and wife Kimberly of Heavener; one cousin Rosemary Jedlicka and husband Frank of Fort Smith, Arkansas; five grandchildren Brandon Guinn Jr. and Angel of Locust Grove, Georgia; Blake Guinn and Jasmine of Ft. Mitchell, Alabama, Kimberly Howell of Foley, Alabama, Tyler Guinn of Irwin, Georgia, Alannah Finney & Adrian Ford of Riverdale, Georgia, and Ciara Armitage of Seale, Alabama.

Billie is also survived by a large extended family. Billie loved her family with all her heart.

She is preceded in death by her parents; Carlos and Myrtle Belle Guinn; her brothers, Carlos Jr., and George (Bobby) Guinn; and her grandson, Christian Finney.

Pallbearers are her family.

Viewing for Billie is from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home in Heavener.

To view Billie’s online guestbook, please visit www.dowdenrobertscremationcenter.com

Ryan James Moore of Heavener was born May 20, 2002 in Nocona, Texas to Derek Lyn, Sr. and Melissa Rose (Leezy) Moore and passed away Feb. 5, 2026 in Idabel at the age 23.

Ryan’s funeral service was Tuesday at the Freedom House Fellowship Church in Heavener with Brother Sam Dyer officiating. Burial followed in Heavener Memorial Park, under the care of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener.

Surviving family members are his wife, Bryleigh Grayce Moore, of Heavener; his sons Stetson Jude Moore and Stoney James Moore of Heavener; his parents Derek Lyn Moore SR and Melissa Rose Moore (Leezy) of Heavener; his brothers Derek Lyn Moore II of Heavener, David Alexander Moore and longtime partner Jessa Young of Heavener; his sisters Anastasia Nicole Moore, Annabelle Rose Moore and Alyssa Victoria Moore, all of Heavener; his grandparents (P-Grandmother) Peggy Moore of Texas, (M-Grandmother) Susan Murray of Texas and (M-Grandfather) James Leezy of Texas; his uncles and aunts (P) Peggy & Jesse Burk of Texas, (P) Barbara & Jason Reeves of Texas, (P) Matthew SR and Sharon Moore of Oklahoma, (M) Amanda Moore of Heavener, (M) Tamara and Matt Burlison of Oklahoma, (M) Daniel and Julia Blanton of Oklahoma, (M) Matthew & Chastina Murray of Texas; his parents-in-law Duwayne JR and Cami Schiffner of Heavener; his sister in-law Christian Schiffner and longtime partner Braxton Sullivan of Poteau; his grandparents in-law Duwayne SR and Shirley Schiffner of Monroe, Debbie and Jim Tiffee of Poteau; his aunt in-law, Wendy Schiffner, of Heavener; his cousins Dillon, Marshall and Abby (longtime partner, Caleb Crisler) Moore of Heavener, Jonathan Moore and wife Lexy, of Durant, Monica, Matthew II, Tyler, Preston, and Emily Moore of Oklahoma, Paul Davidson and wife Kayleigh of Texas, Aubry, Amanda, Avery, and Matti Burlison of Oklahoma, Eric, Emily and Serena Blanton of Oklahoma, Zane Murray of Texas; his nieces and nephews Cooper and Lynly Moore, Conrad Sullivan, and another nephew on the way Colten Crisler; numerous other family members and special friends

He is preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Danny Lee Moore, Sr. and paternal uncle, Danny Lee Moore, II.

Ryan was larger than life, a bright light in the world of everyone who knew him. He was a fierce protector of the people he loved and would give the shirt off his back (literally) to anyone in need, even a stranger. If he loved you, he told you, and he meant it. He also found great joy in pestering the people he loved and went to great lengths to make people laugh.

He was known to dive deep into conspiracy theories and had a wealth of knowledge about just about anything.

He was extremely competitive, almost always turning the simplest things into a competition.

Card games were always intense when Ryan was involved; there were always cheating accusations when he didn’t win.

He loved to be outside, especially on the water or around a fire with his brothers. He loved music and loved to sing loudly, confident he could be an American Idol winner. He lived his life in the same way, loudly and with confidence. He was unapologetically himself, quick-witted, and had the best sense of humor.

He adored his wife, Bryleigh, which was apparent to anyone who watched them together. The Lord brought them together in a time when He knew they needed each other. After their first time together, they spent every spare second after that with one another.

She and their boys were the most important things in his world. He loved to wrestle their boys, especially right before bedtime, then wondered why they didn’t want to sleep. When their daddy was home, he was the one to put the boys to bed because mom just couldn’t do the trick when dad was around. When they were all home together, you could find them piled together on the couch.

Bryleigh and Ryan loved to go bowling (he won every time!), going to dinner, and watching movies at home (where he claimed he always picked the best movies).

Ryan lived boldly, loved deeply, and showed up fully for the people who mattered most to him.

Above all else, he adored his wife, Bryleigh, and took immense pride in the family they built together. Being her husband and the boys’ dad was the greatest joy of his life, and that love was evident in everything he did. His laughter, confidence, and larger-than-life presence filled their home and will forever be woven into the memories they carry forward.

While his absence leaves a space that can never truly be filled, his life was rich with purpose and love. The impact he made is not measured by time, but by the devotion he showed to his family and the countless lives he touched along the way. We take comfort in knowing that the same Lord who brought Ryan and Bryleigh together now holds him close, and that his legacy lives on through his boys, the stories shared, and the deep love he leaves behind.

Pallbearers were Derek Moore Sr., Derek Moore II, David Moore, Dillon Moore, Jonathan Moore, and Paul Davidson.

Honorary pallbearers were Duwayne Schiffner, Matthew Moore Sr., Marshall Moore, Matthew Moore II, Tyler Moore and Preston Moore.

To view Ryan’s online guestbook, please visit www.dowdenrobertscremationcenter.com.

James (Gene) Shackelford, 78, of Cameron passed away February 7, 2026, in Huntington, Arkansas.

He was born Aug. 27, 1947 in Summerfield to Covina (Blake) Shackelford and Harmon Eugene Shackelford.

A memorial service was Tuesday at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Jarnagin; daughters Lynn Perryman of Cameron, and Michelle Julstead and husband Karl of Cameron; sons Cody Shackelford and wife Melissa of Lavaca, Arkansas, and Clayton Shackelford and wife Tracey of Cameron; daughter-in-law, Debbie Shackelford; 10 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; brothers Dennis Shackelford and Dwayne Shackelford; and sisters, Lucendia Stamper and husband Rick, and Scottie Shackelford.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Wilma Darlene Shackelford; his son, James Lee Shackelford; his son-in-law, Robert Perryman; and his brother, Leonard Shackelford.

You may leave an online message at www.evansandmillerfuneralhome.com.

James “Joe” Niblett, 77, of Cameron passed away Feb. 6, 2026, in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

He was born Aug. 13, 1948, in Cameron to Lela (Potter) Niblett and Jess James Niblett.

Funeral services were Wednesday at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau. Burial followed at Greenhill Cemetery in Cameron, under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau.

He was a Vietnam Veteran.

Survivors include his daughter, Terry Cody, of Cameron; son, William Langdell Jr. of Sallisaw; grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and sisters Ruth Ann Beshers and Linda Harrison.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Linda Niblett; children Harold Wilson Jr. and Ginger Wilson; granddaughter, Laikland McGowan; sister, Betty Niblett; and brothers, Bob, Tommy,and Jack Niblett.

Pallbearers were Billy Langdell, Colten Langdell, Caleb Langdell, Chris Wilson, Gabriel Cody and Daniel Wassinger.

You may leave an online message at www.evansandmillerfuneralhome.com.