Memorials

Kay Delores Metzer was called home on Thursday, November 18, 2010. She was born to Harold Bernard Metzer & Elizabeth (Swimmer) Metzer on December 8, 1932 at Presbyterian Hospital in Denver, CO while the family was on vacation. Kay attended and graduated from the Oklahoma School for the Blind in the eighth grade. She has been an active member of First Baptist Church for her entire life and received a fifty year pin for perfect Sunday School attendance, but has already passed the sixty year mark.

Kay was a charter member of the Sheltered Work Activity Program, known as SWAP since its inception, and was still working in the workshop at her passing. Kay enjoyed competing in the Oklahoma Special Olympics and had many gold, silver, and bronze medals in track and field, bowling and music. She was featured in the Daily Oklahoman as the oldest competing Oklahoma Special Olympian. She was an accomplished piano player and enjoyed playing for her friends at SWAP. She enjoyed dancing and was a member of the “MARC Squares” square dance group. She also sang in the SWAP choir. In addition, she enjoyed many years of camping at the Kiwanis Camp for the disabled, now known as Camp Bennett.

In later life Kay traveled to Arizona to visit Chris, at the time her last surviving family member. She enjoyed many visits to Branson with her SWAP friends, spent a week at Disneyland, made a trip to Memphis, and in 2009 sailed to Mexico on a Carnival cruise with several of her SWAP friends. She leaves behind many good friends at First Baptist Church, Greenleaf Apartments, and INCOR who mourn her passing. We rejoice that she will, at last, be rejoining the love of her life, Mr. Ozzie Beymer who passed in January, 1999.

A celebration of Kay’s life was held Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at the First Baptist Church Chapel with Reverend Clint Hayes officiating. Interment followed in Greenhill Cemetery with Michael Pease, Josh Adair, Derrick Reed, Ed Breen, Chris Reynolds, and Omari Gray serving as pallbearers. Shawn O Reilly-Vaughn and Quinton Vaughn were honorary pallbearers.

61, passed away Friday, February 23, 2007 at Integris Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma City. She was born on June 13, 1945 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Judy was survived by her husband, Don Hansen. Services were held on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at Smith and Kernke Chapel, 1401 NW 23rd ST.

Clenton Lawrence Wilks was born in Beland, Oklahoma to Strawder and Ollie Beard Wilks, on November 21, 1941. Lawrence attended Beland Public School and graduated from Manual Training High School. He continued his education by attending and graduating from Northeastern State University. He served thirty-four years as a public school teacher. He enjoyed his time at the Moton Pubic Schools and Oklahoma School for the Blind. He was a faithful and loving husband to Linda Wilson, whom he married after graduating from Northeastern. Lawrence believed in stressing the importance of all people getting an education, and loved to help people in any way he could. He was a faithful and dedicated member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, were he served as a deacon. God decided to call his child, Lawrence home on January 19th, 2007, while he was staying at York Manor, which served as an emergency shelter during the power outages in Lawrence’s neighborhood during the ice storm.

The family he left behind to thank the Lord for the celebration of his life include his wife, Linda of the home, two daughters Candi Washington, of Muskogee, OK and Christy Washington, of Oklahoma City, OK. Two grandchildren, Lauren Wilks and Nathaniel Washington, both of Oklahoma City, OK. Two brothers, Eddie Wilkes, of Tulsa, OK and Charles Wilkes, of Muskogee, OK. Four nieces, three nephews, along with other relatives.

Funeral Services for Bro. Lawrence, were held Saturday, January 27th, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, with Rev. David Ragsdale Jr. serving as host Pastor. Officiating the services was Rev. Paul S. Washington, Pastor of Little Rose Baptist Church, under the direction of Ragsdale Funeral Center.

Capteon Brown III, son of Capteon and Dorothy Mae (Board) Brown II was born September 25, 1946 in Louisville, Kentucky. He attended Cotter Elementary School, Duvalle Middle School and Central High School.

He confessed a belief in Christ, was later baptized and became a member of the Church of Christ where the family worshipped.

Affectionately known as “Jackie” by his family and friends, he was very obedient, respectful and dependable. At the age of six he began taking care of younger siblings due to his mother’s extensive work hours and father’s declining health. He would often tell his siblings, “I raised you all.”

Capteon started his work experience as a young man in a local restaurant and later began work in the Supply Department at the Kentucky School for the Blind, where his mother worked as a cook.

In 1965, Capteon met Billy Joyce (Beckner) Epps. In 1967 they married in Gary, Indiana. Later, the couple moved back to her hometown of Muskogee, Oklahoma. To this union three children were born; Captoria, William and Eugene. Capteon and Billy Joyce were married 26 years, until the dissolution of the marriage in 1993.

Capteon along with his family were united with the Flipper Chapel A.M.E. Church where his father-in-law, the late Rev. B. J. Beckner served as Pastor. Following his father-in-law's reassignment, the family later united with Bethel A.M.E. Church, where Capteon served faithfully on the Usher Board.

After establishing residence in Muskogee, Capteon labored as a custodian at the Taft State Hospital and witnessed the hospital's transition to the Oklahoma Childrens Center and eventually to The Jess Dunn Correctional Center. It was during this time that Capteon transferred his employment to Parkview School (Oklahoma School for the Blind), Muskogee, Oklahoma, working until his retirement after 32 years of service. Capteon also worked for Tackett-East Janitorial Service as a second job for several years.

Capteon was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Mae (Board) Brown and two brothers, Earl Gillian and Private Donald Brown.

He left to cherish his memory his daughter, Captoria Brown, Irving, TX; two sons, E. Eugene Brown and Rev. William James Brown (Janice), both of Muskogee, OK; the mother of his children, Billye Joyce Brown Woodfork, Tulsa, OK; three step-grandchildren, Orteca Nunley, Irving,TX, Laticia Nunley, Muskogee, OK and Patricia and Lang (Robert), Boynton, OK and one step-great-granddaughter. Also to cherish his memory he leaves, his father, Capteon Brown II (Joan); two brothers, Leon Brown and Bruce Brown; four sisters, Rosetta Brown, Marva Jean Finley (Darrell), Pamela Mitchell and Francis Johnson, all of Louisville, KY; four aunts, Velma Yovonne (Board) Calhoun, Mildred Board, Mae Francis Board and Robert Board all of Louisville, KY; two special cousins, Love Priest and Terri Board both if Louisville, KY; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

A service of memory was conducted, Saturday, 11 a.m. in the Flipper Chapel A.M.E. Church Taft, OK with his son minister William Brown delivering the eulogy. Interment followed in Booker T. Washington Cemetery. The family was cared for by Granger-House of Winn.

Bernice Marie Williams was born March 3, 1921, in Mexia, Texas to Henry and Sylvester Lila Gertrude Newton Williams. She was the youngest of seven children. Bernice began her formal education in Muskogee, Oklahoma and graduated from Manuel Training High School in 1938, she also studied cosmetology under Ms. Miller and enjoyed doing hair.

In November of 1940, she married the love of her life Denyveaus Olden Elliott, Sr. This marriage was blessed with four children, but Patricia Elliott died at birth. Bernice worked 61 years, and retired at the age of 78. The last 30 years she worked with Parkview School for the Blind. Bernice was a very proud wife, mother, and friend to others. Bernice for a majority of her life was a straight shooter, if you did not mean her or her family any harm, “love” would prevail; if not, you would understand where you stood with her.

Bernice accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at a very early age; her father was a Deacon. She was a active member at First Missionary Baptist Church for many years serving in the Choir, Women’s Missionary Union, Sunday School, and various other committees. She was also a member at One In Christ Outreach Christian Center.

Bernice’s parents (Henry and Sylvester), husband (Denyveaus, Sr.) of 45 years, her daughter (Patricia), four sisters (Jenny, Lola, Utrrie, and Henryetta) and two brothers (Murphy and James) preceded her in death.

She left to cherish her special memories: her daughter Denise Elliott; two sons Denyveaus Elliott, Jr. and Darrell Elliott, Sr.; one daughter-in-law Glenda Cheadle Elliott; four granddaughter’s Lila Johnson, Stephanie Davis Derrick, Jordyn Elliott, and Ryan Elliott; three grandsons Denyveaus Elliott, III, Stephen Johnson, and Darrell Elliott, II; three great-granddaughters Sydney Johnson, Ebony Derrick and Hunter-Denise Johnson; two nieces Renette Johnson and Vetrial Calvert; one sister-in-law Collotta Guest, and a host of relatives and friends.

Funeral Services for our beloved Bernice were held Saturday May 5, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at First Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Michael McDaniel officiating. She was laid to rest eternally in Booker T. Washington Cemetery under the direction of Ragsdale Funeral Center.

Joyce Marie Torix - Food Service, Cook
1935- 2007

Funeral services for Joyce Marie Torix, 71, of Ft. Gibson, OK., were held at 1:00 P.M. Monday, June 11, 2007 in Millsap Funeral Service Chapel with Reverend Rick Harris officiating. Pallbearers were Billy Parker, Robert Trammell, Robert Parker, Terry Parker, Joe Dale Parker and Donald Trammell. Burial was in Pettit Cemetery in Keys, OK.

Mrs. Torix was born July 21, 1935 at Cookson, OK., the daughter of Ralph and Nola (Trammell) Parker and died Thursday, June 7, 2007 at Tahlequah. On January 3, 1955 she married Skeet Torix in Fort Gibson. She was a senior cook at the Oklahoma School for the Blind and a member of the Old Mission Church.

Survivors included her husband, Skeet of the home; two daughters, Lisa Gaunt and husband, Chris, of Fort Gibson, Tracy Taylor of Fort Gibson; two sons, Jeff Torix and wife, Paula, of Stigler, Leon Torix and wife, Joyce, of Keys; four brothers, Bill Parker and Lois of Tahlequah, Tom Parker of Inola, Jimmy Parker and Joy of Fort Gibson, Charlie Parker of Fort Gibson; six grandchildren, Kyle Tyer, Ashley Carman, Kallie Morgan, Gary Torix, Justin Torix, Shanda Torix, one great-grandchild, Krissy Torix; special family members, Kelly St. Clair, Billy Parker and Robert Parker. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Joyce; granddaughter, Amy; grandson, Greg Torix; one great-grandson, Austin Torix; four brothers, Bobby Wayne Parker, Ralph Parker Jr., Raymond Parker, Joe Parker and parents.

Carter, Billie Wilda (Mallard), age 85, passed away peacefully at home on June 25, 2007. She was born to John Edward and Pearl (Johnston) Mallard in Western Grove, Arkansas on July 31, 1921. She loved school as she was growing up, and from her earliest memories, she always wanted to be a teacher. In 1942, she graduated from Northeastern State University (NSU) in Tahlequah with a double major in elementary education and English. In 1968, she received a Master of Education from NSU, and she also completed postgraduate work at the University of Oklahoma and the University of Texas. On August 16, 1940, she married Von Richard “Dick” Carter of Muskogee. They loved and adored each other until his death in 1987. Dick was the superintendent at the Oklahoma School for the Blind (later Parkview School) in Muskogee and Billie taught elementary school there for thirty years.

She was survived by, son Richard and wife Mary Carter, Broken Arrow, daughters, Janis and husband Bill Farr, Broken Arrow, Kathlyn Smith, Broken Arrow, Marilyn and husband Tom Litteer, Hamburg, NJ, eight grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren.

A memorial service was at 2:00 PM, Thursday, June 28, 2007 at Highland Park Christian Church in Tulsa.

Obie L. Mullen - Maintenance
1930-2007

Funeral services for Obie L. Mullen, 77, of Muskogee were held at 10:00 A.M. Monday, July 2, 2007 at the graveside at Warner Memorial Cemetery with Reverend Adrian Totty officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Lescher-Millsap Funeral Home.

Obie Mullen was born on January 24, 1930 in Braggs, Oklahoma, the son of Corbette and Ida (Mannon) Mullen and died June 28, 2007 in Tulsa. He was a lifelong Muskogee resident. He married Imogene Wickett on May 29, 1951 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He retired in 1986 from the Oklahoma School for the Blind. He and his sons were avid auction attendees. He loved fishing, boating and camping. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of his life.

Survivors included his wife Imogene Wickett of the home; two sons Rick Mullen and wife, Brenda, of Muskogee, Randy Mullen and wife, Lisa, of Muskogee; three brothers Charles Mullen, George Mullins of Webbers Falls, J.D. Mullen and wife, Lillian, of San Jose, CA.; two sisters, Ima Hodges of San Jose, CA., Dortha Fowler and husband, Roy, of Salem, OR.; brother-in-law Spud Lipe of Coalinga, CA.; three grandchildren Lori and Brian Partain of Westville, Staci and Brent Cole of Westville, Nick Mullen and Tiffany of Muskogee; seven great-grandchildren Brittany, Briant, Morgan, Hailey, Dusti, Ruger and Zachary; a special aunt, Wanda Kirk of Fort Gibson; and number of nieces and nephews.

Helen Leavell - Front Office
1924-2008

84, died Monday February 18, 2008, Service 1 p.m. Wednesday, Memorial Park Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel. Lescher-Millsap.

Kenneth Eugene Laningham, 81, of Muskogee, passed away Saturday, November 14, 2009, at the Muskogee VA Hospital. Kenneth was born on March 2, 1928, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, the son of Calvin Nathaniel and Grady Lelia (Dennis) Laningham. Kenneth enlisted in the United Stated Navy on April 27, 1945 and was honorably discharged on June 1, 1946. Kenneth then enlisted in the United States Air Force on August 17, 1947 and was honorably discharged on September 16, 1953. He married Betty Ruth Spradley on January 9, 1957 in Muskogee. They were happily married for 52 years. Kenneth worked for the Muskogee Fire Department for over twenty-five years. While serving as a firefighter, Kenneth was promoted to Drill Master/Assistant Fire Marshal under Chief John Stevens with rank of Assistant Chief. He was later changed to Training Officer. He also worked part-time as a State Instructor for Oklahoma State University Fire Service Training teaching volunteer fire departments. Kenneth attended Connors during night school while working at the fire department and received his Associates Degree. He retired from the Oklahoma School for the Blind after 17 years plus war time credit. Kenneth was a member of the Muskogee Church of Christ and he taught bible classes at the West Side Church of Christ. Survivors include: his wife, Betty, of the home; his son, Steven Laningham of Muskogee; his daughters, Paula Morgan and husband Jack of Fort Smith, Kimberly Edwards of Edmond and Carla Johnson and husband Jimmy of Hulbert; his brothers, Thomas "Butch" Caster and wife Brenda of Muskogee, Calvin Laningham and wife Debbie of Fayetteville and Curtis Laningham and wife Jeanette of Fayetteville; his sisters, Donna Ford and husband Billy of Coweta, Lee Roberts and husband Ted of Fayetteville and Louis Loghry and husband Mike of Fayetteville; seven grandchildren, Bart Jones and wife Shawnda, Kendy Brown and husband Adam, John Michael Palovik, Krista Palovik, Aubree Johnson, Landon Johnson and Chase Johnson and six great grandchildren, Jordan Jones, Noah Brown, Cameryn Jones, Alexis Johnson, Kane Brown and Morgan Jones. Kenneth is preceded in death by his parents.Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 18, 2009, at the Muskogee Church of Christ on Okay Road with Minister Bart Jones and Bill Johnson officiating. Pallbearers will be Jack Morgan, Adam Brown, Jimmy Johnson, Landon Johnson, Chase Johnson, John Michael Palovik, Josh Ford and Brandon Caster. Burial will follow at the Greenlawn Cemetery in Checotah. Services are under the direction of Hunn, Black and Merritt Funeral Home and Crematory of Eufaula.

Margaret A. Lindsay, age 84, passed away December 22, 2009 in North Olmsted, Ohio. Loving daughter of the late Thomas and Mary, Miss Lindsay taught piano for 37 years at the Oklahoma School for the Blind. She was the dear sister of Thomas Lindsay (Joanne), Marie Koch (Jack) and the late Joan Lindsay-Ihde; aunt of Donna, Mary Jo, Nancy, Jack, Jean, Tom, Kathy and Linda. The memorial service was conducted Monday, December 28, 2009, 11:30AM, at Lakewood Presbyterian Church, 14502 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107. Private family interment at Sunset Memorial Park, North Olmsted, OH. For those who wish to make a memorial contribution, the family suggests the Cleveland Sight Center, PO Box 1988, Cleveland, OH 44106-8696 or the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Dostal Funeral Service www.dostalservices.com.

ANNA MARIE LOVEJOY HUNT, 84, of Scott Depot WV, passed away Monday, July 5, 2010, at her residence. She was born August 15, 1925, at Palermo WV, a daughter of the late Hobert and Elwa Hill Lovejoy. She was a member of the Trinity Methodist Church, Hamlin WV, active member of the American Federation for the Blind, a retired teacher and choir director for the blind in Muskogee OK, and a retired teacher and choir director at Hamlin High School. She was also preceded in death by three brothers, Harold "Bill" Lovejoy, Ralph Edward "Tom" Lovejoy and Jack Lovejoy. She is survived by one brother, Sharrell (Lillian) Lovejoy of Hamlin WV; two sisters, Iva Dean (George) Cook of Scott Depot WV, and Mary Lou (Gerald) Jones of Bridgeport WV; nieces Brenda Sue Burford, Pamela Ann Marks-Shulman, Kim Clayton, Beth Midkiff, Suzanne Lopez, Lee Ann Bills and Tessa Cooper; nephews David Lovejoy, Doug Lovejoy, Ralph Lovejoy, Jack G. Lovejoy, Jeff Jones and Perry Jones; many great- and great- great-nieces and nephews. Funeral services were Saturday, July 10, 2010, at Handley Funeral Home, Hamlin WV, with burial in the Lovejoy Cemetery, Palermo WV. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the West Virginia Federation of the Blind.

Sandra Jo Hilbern, of Muskogee, loving mother, grandmother, teacher and friend was called to Heaven, Tuesday, July 27, 2010. She was born July 2, 1945 to Curtis Tom & Freda Pauline (Stout) Hamilton. Sandra graduated from Muskogee Central High School with the class of 1963. She served in the U.S. Army 1966-1969, earned a bachelor degree from Northeastern State University in 1970, and a masters degree in 1976.

Sandra began her teaching career with Okay Public Schools where she remained for 5 years. She accepted employment as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with the Oklahoma Division of Rehabilitation where she was employed for 28 years until her retirement in 1998. She also taught as an adjunct professor for Connors State College 1989-2000. She returned to NSU and received her certification as a librarian in 2001. Sandra remained at the Oklahoma School for the Blind as the librarian until her retirement in January 2008. She was a member of the Chandler Road Church of Christ and the Ladies Red Hat Society. Sandra enjoyed spending time with her three grandchildren and her friends, reading, and doing various crafts.

Those left to cherish her memory are her son & daughter-in-law, Jamie & Jenny Hilbern of Muskogee; grandchildren, Jake Hilbern, Jodi Hilbern, and Janna Hilbern; her brother, Tom Hamilton & wife, Jan; sister, Jewel Corley & husband, Mark; sister, Melinda Jaynes & husband, Jerry; brother, Mike Daniels & wife, Annette, and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and many friends. Family and friends gathered to celebrate her life Friday, July 30, 2010 with Jimie-Wray Mead and Donny Branscum officiating. She was laid to rest in Fort Gibson National Cemetery with Mark Corley, Brian Kirkhart, Kevin Corley, Steven Kirkhart, Jerry Jaynes, and Ray Walters serving as pallbearers.

Mary Carolyn (Parks) Wheeler was born December 25, 1942 in Muskogee, OK to L. L. “Cotton” and Clara (Cannon) Parks. After living in Wagoner her first few years Carolyn moved with her family to Muskogee where she made her home all her life. She graduated from Muskogee Central High School in 1961 and attended Draughn’s Business School and Northeastern State College. Carolyn was a member of the Boston Avenue Baptist Church and ESA. She enjoyed flowers and liked to garden, an activity she and her son, Irvin did together. Carolyn was a teacher and had been employed at the VA Regional Office and with the Assisted Daily Living program at the Oklahoma School for the Blind before retirement.

Carolyn died Tuesday, December 28, 2010 in Muskogee, OK. She was preceded in death by her husband, Irvin Glenn Wheeler; a daughter, Edith (Wheeler) Bingham; her father, Cotton Parks; and grandparents, Thomas Bessie and Bess Cannon. Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Irvin and Kim Wheeler of Muskogee; her mother, Clara (Cannon) Parks of Muskogee; grandchildren, Whitney Wheeler, Shelby Lee Bingham and Russell Wayne Bingham; a sister and brother-in-law, Janet and Ray Grandstaff of Checotah, OK; many cousins, nephews and nieces; and many friends, including her best friend, Gayle Cooley.

A funeral service was held Monday, January 3, 2011 at the Boston Avenue Baptist Church in Muskogee. The Reverend John Curtis and the Reverend Donny Echols officiated. Pallbearers were David Anderson, Purvis McDaniels, Lester Wheeler, Darrel Armstrong, Jeff Blankenship, Bill Goodwin and Harvey Edwards. Interment was in Elmwood Cemetery in Wagoner, OK.

Online condolences may be left at www.mallettfuneralhome.com

Deborah Jean (Strange) Vecchio 1951-2010 Speech-Language Pathologist

Deborah Jean (Strange) Vecchio passed away at home on Monday January 24 after her courageous year and a half battle with ovarian cancer, at the age of 59. Born in Topeka, Kansas Debbie grew up in Marysville, Kansas. After high school she attended Cottey College, a two year women’s college in Missouri. After her graduation in 1971 she continued her education at Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts in Chickasha, Oklahoma where she would meet her future husband John. Following her graduation with a BA in speech therapy she earned her masters degree in speech-language pathology from the University of Tulsa in 1975.

Debbie spent two years working in Western Kansas then moving to Muskogee, Oklahoma where she worked as a speech-language pathologist for the Oklahoma School for the Blind until her retirement in 2004. Debbie and John were married in 1977 and had one daughter, Kat, in 1982.

After family Debbie’s great love was P.E.O., a women’s philanthropic educational organization. P.E.O’s mission is to promote educational opportunities for women through six philanthropies, including the ownership of Cottey College. Debbie became a member in 1971, and was a current member of Chapter AO in Muskogee. She served as the Oklahoma State Cottey Chairman for eight years before being elected to the Oklahoma State Board. She was serving as the Oklahoma State Board President this year.

Debbie was also an avid quilter, and had many great friends in the area guilds. She was a member of the Muskogee Area Quilters Guild, The Eufaula Piece Makers Quilters Guild, Green Country Guild in Tulsa, OQSO and on the Quilters Powwow Committee.

She was preceded in death by her mother Reva Strange of Grove, Oklahoma. She is survived by her husband John Vecchio, of the home, and their daughter Katherine Vecchio of Brooklyn, New York, her father Bill Strange of Grove, Oklahoma, her brother Stan Strange of Colby, Kansas, her sister Sheri Beck of Spiro, Oklahoma and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers gifts in her memory can be made to: Cottey College, P.E.O. International Headquarters, 3700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312-2806 or Oklahoma P.E.O. Projects Fund, Cottey Scholarship Fund Oklahoma State Chapter, Executive Assistant, P.O. Box 153, Leonard, OK 74043-0153. A memorial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, January 28, 2011 at St. Paul United Methodist Church with Larry Bailey BIL and Reverend Mark Jardine officiating. The family has entrusted Bradley Family Funeral Service of Muskogee with the arrangements.

R. L. Updike 1917 - 2011 Band Teacher

Randolph Lloyd “R.L.” Updike, 93, of Tulsa, Oklahoma passed away on April 8, 2011. He was born July 10, 1917 in King, Arkansas to Freedie Leroy and Willa Mae Updike. He graduated from Seminole High School and later received a bachelor’s degree in music from Oklahoma University. He also played trumpet in the OU marching band. He was in the Air Force during WWII.

R.L. married his wife of 62 years, Aileen Martin, in 1940. They had two children together, Jay and Linda. He taught band at Jenks High School and Oklahoma School for the Blind. He later opened his own music store, Updike Music Co., which he owned until he retired in 1987. On October 3, 2003 he married Velma Nelson Updike.

R.L. was a deacon at First Baptist Church, Muskogee; a member of the Muskogee City Council and on the board of the Salvation Army. He enjoyed antique cars, writing missionaries, gospel rescue mission work, Shriner’s band, jail ministry and weekly Bible study with Les Feldick.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 62 years, Aileen Updike; and sister, Gloe Updike Stith. R. L. is survived by his wife, Velma of Tulsa, OK; daughter, Linda Matthews of Mulberry, Arkansas; son, Jay Updike of Muskogee, OK; four grandchildren; Julie Matthews Hoffman of Kissimmee, Florida; Chris Matthews of New Haven, Connecticut; Jennifer Updike of Dallas, Texas; and Martin Updike of Muskogee, OK; two great granddaughters, Shiloh and Sophia Matthews; one great grandson, Ethan Matthews; and one nephew Jim Stith of Chicago, Illinois.

Funeral services were held Monday, April 11, 2011; at First Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m. Burial was at Greenhill Cemetery. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cornerstoneofmuskogee.com. Cornerstone Funeral Home and Crematory, 1830 North York Street, Muskogee, OK.

Minnie Madeline McCutcheon 1915 - 2011 DCS

Funeral services for Minnie Madeline McCutcheon, 95, of Braggs, OK, were held Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at Lescher-Millsap Chapel in Muskogee with Pastor Mike Gamble officiating. Grandsons served as pallbearers. Burial was in Holland Cemetery in Tahlequah.

Minnie was born August 8, 1915 at Fort Gibson, OK, the daughter of Pink and Mahala (Rider) Crossland and died Saturday, May 7, 2011 at Tahlequah. Minnie was a lifelong resident of the area and of the Baptist faith. She was a retired house parent from the

Oklahoma School for the Blind and the Methodist Boys Ranch. She was also a long time owner of Muskogee Poultry.

Survivors include her children, Billye Jean Allen of Fort Gibson, Morris Eddie McCutcheon and Mary of Winnsboro, TX, Julia Lee Garban and Lorant of Dickinson, TX, Rose Marie McCutcheon of Braggs, Bobby McCutcheon and Kathy of Wagoner, Marilyn Sue Frazier and Larry of Houston, TX, Sammy Ray McCutcheon of Braggs; grandchildren Susan, Michael, Eva Lynn, Shelley, Mary Ellen, Boogie, Kathy, Kelly, Becky, Stephanie, Stacey, Rusty, Jeff, Whitney and Lisa; and numerous great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; children Kay Frances Armstrong and Tommy Joe McCutcheon; numerous brothers and sisters; and two grandsons, Gerold Armstrong and Mark McCutcheon.


On July 29, 1963, a baby boy was born to Ulysses Augusta Houston and Patricia Ann Alford in Muskogee, OK. They named him Ulysses Augusta Houston, better known by family and friends as "Bug". Bug grew up in Muskogee, attended Parkview School for the Blind, and College in Ada, OK. He accepted Christ into his life at an early age and attended Turning Point New Deliverance Church from 1989 until his homegoing. As a child, he excelled in wrestling and had a passion for music . Although he could not see to read the music, one could never tell if they ever heard him play because he could play better than some that could read music. "Bug" left to mourn his mother, Patricia Ann Houston; Stepfather, Raymond Porter, Sr.; 3 sisters: Pauline (Linky) Houston (Willie Whitfield), Melinda (Duck) Houston, and Ethel (Lee Lee) Houston; 3 brothers, Stacy (Caveman) Houston, Cornelius (Corndog) Houston, Thadeus (Flip) Murray; and 1 Step Brother, Raymond (Bean) Porter, Jr. all of Muskogee; 7 nieces, 2 nephews, 8 great-nieces, 6 great-nephews, 1 (Favorite) Aunt Tyrra " Andy" Shaver, a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. The Tribute was on Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 10:00 A.M. in the Timothy Baptist Church. Pastor J. E. Harris, Officiant. Burial followed in the Booker T. Washington Cemetery.

Bobby Gene Rhyne - Maintenance
1933-2008 Bobby Gene Rhyne (Bob) was born in Fort Gibson, OK, on November 30, 1933 to Noah Oscar and Willie Edith (Bell) Rhyne. He completed 12 years of school at Fort Gibson. Bob was a carpenter and construction superintendent for several years and was proud of his accomplishments around Muskogee, including Jimmy Leake’s home and both of the then-known Phoenix Federal buildings. He had been self-employed for several years as well as working for Lindsey Construction and Rickett’s Construction Companies. Upon retiring from the State of Oklahoma Construction Crew, Bob and Ruth enjoyed their retirement by traveling and making one-day trips. Bob was of the Pentecostal faith. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Bessie Ayers and Hazel Isom, one brother, Harold Rhyne and mother and father-in-law, Lodema and Otto Kelley. He was survived by his wife of 35 years, Ruth; one daughter, Evelyn and Dan Hix of Mustang, one brother, Raymond and Kat Rhyne of Muskogee; and one sister, Marie Parnell of Fort Gibson and granddaughter, Melanie and Michael Hyden of Oklahoma City; and grandson, Stephen Hix of Mustang, and special friends, Johnny Bybee and Wayne Starr. He also was survived by sisters and brothers-in-law, Beverly and Scott Houser of Muskogee, Norma Lee of Tulsa, Joyce and Dave Reich of Sasakwa, Myrtle Rhyne of Jones, and several nieces and nephews and many friends. Also, Bob was survived by his special 4-legged friends, that were his joy and entertainment, Melvin, Dixie and Spud.Services for Bob were at the Lescher-Millsap Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. with Gary Rhyne and Rev. Bill Shirel officiating. Pallbearers were Johnny Bybee, Ron Rhyne, Dave Citty, Norman Spencer, Spencer Roth and Wayne Starr. Music was provided by Rosie Haddox, Sarah Broyles, Cindy Hart and Jeremy Hart. Interment was at Citizens Cemetery in Fort Gibson, OK.