HOL newsletter 1-13-2024

HOL newsletter for Saturday

The HOL/LCJ daily newsletter covers LeFlore County, southeastern Oklahoma and west central Arkansas. To receive new posts and support us, pay $5 per month or $50 per year to receive our newsletter every day. You can also sign up as a free subscriber and receive all editions, just at a later time than paying subscribers.

Saturday’s Bible verse

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

--Psalms 46-1

Obituary for Preston Robinson

Funeral service for Preston Kelly Robinson of Heavener is 10 a.m. Tuesday at Dowden-Roberts Funeral Chapel in Heavener with Reverend Joe Ray officiating.

Burial will follow in the Heavener Memorial Park, under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener.

He was born December 25, 1961 in Tahlequah to Gillan Dean and Bettye J. (Stringer) Robinson and passed away Jan. 10, 2024 in Fort Smith, Arkansas at the age of 62.

Preston was a life-long resident of the area and a 1980 graduate of Heavener High School. He worked as the Fueling Technician for McAlester Transportation. Preston was very proud of his Cherokee Heritage. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Preston will be deeply missed.  

Surviving family members are his wife, Kimberly (Scantling) Robinson, of the home; two daughters Jessica Marie McGee of Dallas, Texas and Rachel Mae Snook of Heavener; one son, Andrew Tyler Stacy, of western Oklahoma; one sister Arminda Morales and husband Jesus of Poteau; nine grandchildren Zoey Grebb, Annabelle Snook, Ryder Snook, Amelia McGee, Quinn McGee, Sean McGee, Connor Stacy, Kynleigh Moss and Piper Stacy; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and a host of many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gillian and Bettye (Stringer) Robinson; and his grandparents.

Pallbearers are Phineas Riddley, PJ Riddley, Casey Goodyear and Justin Robinson. Honorary pallbearers are Bobby Taylor and David Tamplin.

Viewing is from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. Monday.

The family will visit with friends and family from 6 until 8 p.m., Monday at the funeral home.

To sign Preston’s online guestbook

visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.

Obituary for Judy Thompson

Funeral service for Judy Thompson is 2 p.m. Saturday at Mallory-Martin Chapel in Spiro with Pastor Tim Pool officiating. 

Burial will follow in Blue Spring Cemetery in Gideon, at a later date.   Funeral services are under the direction of Mallory-Martin Funeral Home of Spiro, Oklahoma. You can sign Judy's online quest book at www.MalloryMartinFuneralHomeSpiro.com

Judy Ann (Jones) Thompson was born at home in Nicut, Sept. 3, 1947 to Dallas and Aileen (Nelson) Jones and passed away at home in Eufaula surrounded by her children and brother Jan. 10, 2024.

Judy is survived by her daughter Sandie Kirkpatrick and husband Robert of Eufaula; daughter Crystal Howery and husband Lewis of Spiro; son Zachary Thompson and wife Bethany of Arlington, Texas; grandchildren Nate Kirkpatrick, Kylia Eastman and husband Harry, Katylin Howery and companion Richard Cochran. Daniel Howery and wife Chloe, Samuel Howery and fiance Ashley Swindle, Melody Thompson and Noah Thompson; great grandchildren: Trenton Blair, Charlee Martin, Cole Paulson, Willow Howery, Indie Howery and Wyatt Cochran; one brother Dallas (Snook) Jones and wife Kelly of Sallisaw; and numerous nieces & nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband Loyd Thompson; mother Aileen and father Dallas Jones; sister Susie Pendergrass; and brother Tony Jones, Fred Jones and Jack Jones.

Judy was a devoted Christian her entire life. She was the church secretary and Sunday school teacher for many years. Her family described her as the most selfless, caring, and loving mother and Nana. She was the rock for her entire family; always there whenever she was wanted and needed. Judy always welcomed everyone into her home with open arms. She truly had a pure heart of gold. She loved shopping for others and was rarely seen without her hair and makeup done to perfection. She enjoyed a good boardgame and was extremely competitive. She was an avid gardener and also loved to mow the lawn. She loved cooking for family meals; always making sure everyone had a full belly (and something sweet afterwards).

Losing Judy feels like losing the sun. Our world feels a bit dimmer without her radiant light. But the beautiful thing about the sun is, even when it sets, it never truly leaves. It leaves behind a lingering glow, a beautiful promise of a new day. She has left us, but she leaves behind the glow of her love, the echo of her laughter, the memories of her stories, her values, her lessons and the imprints of her kindness. She will continue to live in each and every one of us.

As we bid farewill for now, let us remember not with tears, but with smiles. Let us remember her heart, warming laughter, her selfless love, and her unwavering spirit. Let us celebrate her life and forever carry her in our hearts. Although she may be gone from this earth, her boundless love will continue to live on through her children and grandchildren.

Pallbearers are Zachary Thompson, Nate Kikpatrick, Daniel Howery, Samuel Howery, Trenton Blair and Alvin Blaylock.  Honorary pallbearers are Lewis Howery and Robert Kirkpatrick.

Obituary for Eloise Gamble

FORT SMITH, Ark.--A memorial service for Eloise Powell Gamble, 99, of Fort Smith, Arkansas was Friday at Mallory-Martin Chapel in Spiro with Reverend Mike Franklin officiating. 

Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Mallory-Martin Funeral Home of Spiro.

Eloise was born Dec. 30, 1924 in Bokoshe to Mabel Pauline (Folsom) Powell and Rufus Augustus Powell and passed away Jan. 1, 2024 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. 

Eloise was a world traveler and visited all 50 states and 35 countries.  She loved to cook, crochet, and do other needle work and loved her family and friends dearly.  
Survivors include her daughters Kiawana Altman, Gayle Anne Schardt, and Teresa Norris; daughter-in-law, Ja Gamble.; five granddaughters; three grandsons; and numerous great grand children.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Gamble; sons Robert Todd Gamble, R.C. Gamble, Jr., Dan Gamble and Lincoln Gamble; sister, Maxine Taylor; niece, Glenna Taylor; son-in-law; Doyle Schardt; and daughter-in-law, Loretta House Gamble.

Service set for Virginia Patton

Funeral service for Virginia Lee Patton, 87, of Pocola is 10 a.m. Wednesday at Trinity Baptist Church in Pocola with Brother Paul Walker, Brother Jeff Beshears and Brother Kyle Jarnagin officiating.

Burial will follow at the Old Bokoshe Cemetery in Bokoshe, under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau.

She was born Oct. 20, 1936 in Bokoshe to Naomi Lee Branson and Everett Statham and passed away Jan. 12, 2024 in Greenwood, Arkansas.  

Survivors include sons Brian Croy Patton, James Keith Patton and wife Trina; grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren

She was preceded in death by her parents, and  husband James Patton.

Pallbearers are Brian Lee Patton, Brian James Patton, Christopher Jackson, Joseph Nester, Eli Nester and Daniel Thomas.

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