LCJ newsletter 4-17-2025

Thursday's newsletter

Daily Bible verse

I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”

John 6:51

Linda Lou Lockhart

Memorial service for Linda Lou Lockhart, 73, of Heavener is 2 p.m. Friday at the Church of Christ in Poteau with Brother Steve Breedlove officiating. Cremation is under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau.

Linda was born Dec. 19, 1951, in Heavener to Oles (Chronister) Bentley and Bethel Bentley. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on April 11, 2025, in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Linda Lou was a devoted member of the Poteau Church of Christ, where she found great joy in fellowship by singing. Her love for music was matched only by her passion for her community and family. Whether she was enjoying a game of Bingo or dominoes, or cheering on her nieces and nephews at their sporting events, Linda’s lively spirit and boundless energy were always evident.

She adored her family and made a point to be present in the lives of her loved ones, especially her great-nieces and nephews, who brought her immense joy. Aunt Linda took great pride in being an aunt.

She is survived by her brother Benny Bentley and wife Nancy; sisters Sue Carty and husband Jim, Janice Osburn and husband Roger; sisters-in-law: Carolyn Bentley and Diana Bentley, nieces Kathy Jones and husband Billy, Cindy Khoury and husband Todd, Sandra Thompson and husband Brad, Johanna Easterling and husband Ray, Deidre Durant and husband Marty, Shawn Holladay and husband Chris, Tara Kilgore, Raechel Bentley, Meagan Osburn and Hannah Osburn; nephews Mike Bentley and wife Cindy, Jeff Bentley and wife Michelle, Kevin Bentley and wife Rana, Dalton Bentley and wife Tamara, Damon Bentley and wife Christy, Dean Bentley, Jayson Bentley and wife Shalene; numerous great-nieces and nephews and their families.

Linda spent much of her time with her cherished great-nieces and nephews Kristen Morrison and husband Jess, and their children Caleb, Bryce and Haylee Morrison, Christopher Jones and wife Kristina, and their children Brentley Jones and Ryker Jones, Jackson Jones and his son Kass Jones.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Carl Lockhart; her son, James Cory Buckner; her brothers, Kenneth Bentley, Tommy Bentley and his wives Carol and June Bentley, Don Bentley, Ronald Bentley; and her nephews, David Bentley and Jimmy Carty, Jr.

Linda Lou Lockhart leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering support for those she held dear. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her memory will continue to inspire all who knew her.

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

Rostell (Rosie) Ann Lynch

Rostell (Rosie) Ann Lynch of Heavener went home to her Lord and Savior on April 11, 2025. Rosie was born Oct. 7, 1934 in Stapp to O. D. and Neva (Mitchell) Childers.

Funeral services were Wednesday at the Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Heavener, with Brother Dan Lynch officiating. Burial will follow in Heavener Memorial Park, under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener.

Rosie was a 1952 graduate of Heavener High School and of Draughons Business School in OKC. She was a pastor’s wife for 38 years where she especially loved Children's ministry. She was a member of Sugarloaf Art Association, painting with friend Ruth Gardenhire. She was a retired florist and a member of the Stapp/Zoe Baptist Church. She wrote scripture cards and loved handing them out to people. She would tell you she was just a sinner saved by Grace.

She is survived by three sons Kenneth Scott Lynch of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Dan Alan Lynch and wife Kenna of Heavener, and Terry Wade Lynch and wife Diane of Heavener; seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren Kiley Lynch, Ryan Lynch and wife Carrie (Katie Sue), Lauren Reames and husband Adam (Stella) Daniel Keith Lynch and wife Madison (Asher, Jonah, Eden), Melyssa Lynch, Malory Hutson and husband Brinley (Hayden, William) and Seth Michael Lynch; one precious sister, Dorlis Ward of Greenbriar, Arkansas and children Rebel and Christy; a sister-in-law, Susan Childers, of Greenbrier, Arkansas and children Taryn and Brandyn; the Richmond family Bob, Neva, Sandee and Bill; the Lynch family Jim and Jeannie Lynch, Josephine Sandburg, Shirley Miller, Cindy and Michael Franklin, Edward and Carla Ellis; numerous family, friends and the family of God in the churches they were blessed to serve with.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved “Preacher” husband of 53 years, Bill E. Lynch; a brother, Bennett Childers; a sister, Coleen Sue Richmond and husband Manuel; and a host of cherished family and friends.

The family is grateful for the Staff at Heavener Nursing Home and all who sent cards, visited and loved on her throughout her 90 years.

Pallbearers were her family.

To sign Rosie’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.

Leonard “Butch” Steelman obituary

Leonard Carl “Butch” Steelman, 76, of the Haw Creek community in Heavener was born May 16, 1948 in Haw Creek to Clyde P., Sr. and Eva Marie (Davis) Steelman and departed this life surrounded by family on April 10, 2025 at his home.

A funeral service celebrating Butch’s life is 2 p.m. April 19, 2025 at the Big Creek Baptist Church in Haw Creek with Reverend Philip Jones officiating. Burial will follow in Reichert Cemetery under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener.

Butch was a long-time resident of the area, an equipment operator for the LeFlore County Highway Department District #3 from October, 1972 until he retired in May, 1999, and was a member of the Big Creek Baptist Church. Poppy was one of a kind. He enjoyed life with a passion. Whether he was hunting deer, coon, rabbit, birds, or whatever season it was, fishing, or even riding mules or roping….. every moment he enjoyed it. Butch loved the outdoors and it was very evident by his adventures. He loved his family and loved BIG. He was also loved, by many people. Butch could tell a story like no other. Those stories were very funny and would have you crying from laughing so hard. Most of those stories were true events that he experienced. I don’t think he ever met a stranger because Butch was a friend to everyone! He will be deeply missed by all whom knew and loved him.

Survivors are his wife, Emma Steelman, of the home; one daughter, Rhonda Tamplin, of Heavener; one son Ron Steelman and wife Sheila of Heavener; one step-daughter Pamela Bennett and husband Chris of Claremore; one step-son Joe Box and wife Teri of Heavener; two sisters Naomi Cundieff of Lake Jackson, Texas, and Regina Rowland and husband Dean of Ozark, Arkansas; seven grandchildren Allan Tamplin and fiancé Hailee Parks of Melissa, Texas; Jessica Montgomery of Heavener; Shannon Ludington and spouse Kristian of Yukon; Ronald Steelman, Jr. of North Lake, Texas; Sooner Joe Box of Heavener; Tyler Box and wife Jensen of Poteau; and Shyla Rowzee of Corpus Christi, Texas; four great-grandchildren; numerous cousins, other loved ones, and friends.

Butch was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde, Sr. and Eva Marie Steelman; two brothers Clyde Steelman, Jr. and Keith Steelman; and his grandparents, Calvin and Jenny Davis and Joel Leonard and Anna Beatrice (Rhind) Steelman.

Pallbearers are Joe Allen, Duane Caughern, Joey Chitwood, Mike Deere, Brandon Faulkenberry, Case Haynes, Ceb Scott, and Cecil Williams. Honorary pallbearers are Garrett Allen, Mike Andrews, Randy Burgess, John Dennington, Johnny Johnston, Mike Yarberry, Gerald McKay, Norman Wilhite and Wes Falls.

Viewing is from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the funeral home.

The family will visit with friends on Friday from 6 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

To sign Butch’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.