LCJ newsletter 4-24-2025

Thursday's newsletter

Daily Bible verse

So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.

1 Corinthians 3:7

Obituary for Denise Caughern

On April 21, 2025, at 3:30 p.m., Denise (Dayhoff) Caughern departed the arms of her beloved husband, Jeff, and entered comfort and peace in the arms of Christ.

Funeral services for Denise Caughern are 2 p.m. Friday at Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Heavener with Brother Clay Caughern officiating. Interment will follow in Hodgen Cemetery, under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Heavener.

She was born Feb. 19, 1954, at March Air Force Base in Riverside, California, to Vernon D. Dayhoff and Alma “Margaret” (Rogers) Dayhoff. Denise was a 1972 graduate of Heavener High School. That same year, on July 21, she married the love of her life, Gary "Jeff" Caughern, beginning a 52-year journey of faith, family and friendship.

Denise was a dedicated stay-at-home mother, raising her children, Casey (Caughern) Perez and Kit Caughern, with warmth, creativity and an open heart. She had an unmatched talent for making any space feel like home, greeting everyone with a comforting smile and a welcoming spirit. Whether it was through her decorating, her thoughtful handmade gifts, or her cheerful hospitality, Denise made people feel loved and seen.

She found joy in the simple pleasures—photography, writing, crocheting, crafting, and staying up late with a good book or old movie. Her laughter—joyful and ever-present—echoed through her home and into the hearts of all who knew her.

Denise is survived by her devoted husband, Jeff Caughern, of Greenbrier, Arkansas; their daughter Casey Perez and husband Robert of Clinton; their son Kit Caughern and wife Carrie of Greenbrier, Arkansas; and her sister, Brenda "Diane" Keyser, of Tempe, Arizona. She was a proud grandmother to Jordan (Landry) Pope and husband Kris, Race Landry, Liam Perez, Katie (San Nichols) Curtis and husband Andy, Daxton Caughern, Kyrston Smith and husband Devin, Garron Rice, Dylan Rice, and Mason Shilling. Her great-grandchildren, Leighton Smith and Emery Rice, brought her immense joy. She also leaves behind a multitude of nieces, nephews, extended family, and cherished friends whose lives she touched with her warmth and unwavering love.

She was preceded in death by her father, Vernon D. Dayhoff of York, PA, and her mother, Alma "Margaret" Rogers of Savannah, Georgia, and her precious daughter-in-law, Holli (Taylor) Caughern.

Denise and Jeff shared a passion for ministry, joyfully spreading the love and hope of Christ to family and friends throughout Oklahoma and Arkansas. In honor of her heart for missions, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Bible Education and Missionary Service (BEAMS) in lieu of flowers. More information: www.beamsbibles.com | (222) 832-1096 | office@beamsbibles.com

Denise’s legacy of love, laughter, and faith will forever be remembered by those who knew her. She lived with grace and joy, and her memory will remain a guiding light in the lives of many.

Pallbearers are her family.

Viewing is from noon until 8 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Friday.

The family will visit with friends Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

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

Graveside services for JR Surratt set

Graveside services for JR Surratt, age 85, of Pocola are 2 p.m. Friday at Macedonia Cemetery in Pocola, with Pastor Kyle Been officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Mallory-Martin Funeral Home in Spiro.

JR was born Sept. 23, 1939, in Arkansas to Liddie Seymour (Campbell) Surratt and Franklin Ira Surratt. He passed away April 23, 2025, in Pocola.

JR was a man who found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved to brush hog, enjoyed raising chickens, and cherished the company of his beloved dogs.

He was married to Sharon "Spud" Surratt, who preceded him in death on March 11, 2025, after 40 years of marriage. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Nanett Surratt; sisters, Von Sherrod, Hazel Cordell, and Jewell Surratt; and brothers, WB Surratt and Nual Dean Surratt.

Survivors are his children daughters Rhonda Cann and husband Barry, Joy Reynolds, and Leah Short and husband Scott; son Andy Pipkins and wife Lori. He was a proud grandfather to Jarryd Cann, Trevor Cann (and wife Rebecca), Houston Reynolds, Ashtyn Reynolds, Kyle Been (and wife Kristin), Ethan Cluck (and wife Kayla), Eli Cluck (and wife Sommer), and Macae Jones (and spouse Anthony). His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Peyton, Bentley, Sailor, Hondo, Maudie, Harlow and Willow. He is also survived by his brother JB Surratt and wife Dorothy; brothers-in-law, Gary "Fuzz" Howard and wife Susan, Danny "Danzo" Howard and wife Robin as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends who loved him dearly.

Pallbearers are Jarryd Cann, Trevor Cann, Houston Reynolds, Ethan Cluck, Eli Cluck, Austin Parker, Tyler Howard, Trevor Howard, Cole Howard, and Chase West. Honorary Pallbearers are Bryan Howard, Matt Howard and Jake Howard.

Viewing is scheduled for Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. The family will be present to welcome friends from 6 to 8 p.m.

Online condolences may be left at www.MalloryMartinFuneralHomeSpiro.com.

George Elzie Branscum Sr.

George Elzie Branscum Sr. of Heavener was born July 8, 1932 in Texas to Roy Branscum and passed away April 19, 2025 at his home in Heavener the age of 92.

A memorial service to honor George’s life is 10 a.m. Friday at Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Heavener with Brother Ed Drury officiating. Burial is in Heavener Memorial Park. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener.

George, Sr. was a longtime resident of the area and a mechanic. He loved fishing, camping, and spending time with his family and friends. George, Sr. really enjoyed being in the outdoors and drinking Busch beer.

Survivors are four daughters Sherry Settlemoir of Heavener, Alline McGee of Heavener, Patricia Westbrook of Gulfport, Mississippi and Bonnie Christopher of Bakersfield, California; two sons George Branscum, Jr. of Heavener and Glen Bishop of Fort Sumner, New Mexico; two sisters Kay Wolf of Sugarloaf Lake, Arkansas and Marilyn Ray of Wister; numerous other loved ones and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Roy Branscum; one sister, Margaret Louise Gregory; and one brother, Max Branscum..

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

Ricky Allen Wright

Ricky Allen Wright of Heavener went home to be with the Lord and Savior April 14, 2025. Ricky was born Aug. 15, 1980 in Talihina to Donald “Buddy” Wright and Carolyn (Brimage) Wright-Conaway at the age of 44.

A memorial service to celebrate Ricky’s life is 10 a.m. Saturday at Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Heavener, with Josh James officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener.

Ricky was a longtime resident of the area and attended Heavener High School. He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at the age of 43. Ricky loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, driving a semi-truck to anywhere without hesitation. His CB handle was “Run Run Ricky”.

He is survived by two precious sons, who were the light of his life Tucker Wright and Hudson Wright of Heavener; the mother of his sons, Treasure Wright, of Heavener; three sisters Teresa Loomis and husband Jerry Don of Heavener, Sheree Burkhart of Dallas, Texas, and Donna Woodral of Claremore; nephews Christopher Bradford of Heavener, Cody Fox of Wister, Michael Fox of Heavener, and Ronald Steelman of Dallas, Texas; his nieces Nicole Fox Callahan of Poteau and Shannon Steelman Ludington of Oklahoma City; special cousins Debo and Sandy Slater of Waldron, Arkansas; several other loved ones and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Danny Ray Fox; and a nephew, Richard “Freddie” Kunze.

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

Kayle Archey

Kayle Archey of Howe was born June 14, 1950 in Indiana to Harry and Gloria (Jordan) Fulk and passed away April 18, 2025 in Howe at the age of 74.

Graveside services for Kayle were Monday at Fairhill Cemetery Pavillion in Cameron. Burial followed in Fairhill Cemetery, under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener.

Kayle was a long-time resident of the area and a miner in gold mining. Kayle was extremely steadfast in her faith. She loved spending time with her family and being outdoors. Kayle was a loving mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors are one daughter Cherlyn Forehand and husband Udell; one sister, Sarah Barnes; one brother, James Fulk; two grandchildren Michael Forehand, and Shannon Roberson and husband Dusty; 13 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; two sisters-in-law Rhonda Barnett and husband Michael, and Charlotte Perkins and husband Richie; two brothers-in-law Quint Archey, and Russell Archey and wife Darla; numerous other loved ones and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Gloria Fulk; four brothers; and one sister.

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

Thomas Ray Cruse

Thomas Ray Cruse Celebration of Life was Friday at the McBride-Cruse Family Cemetery in Hodgen with Reverend Jim Nelson officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener.

He was born March 16, 1962 in Flint, Michigan to Bobby Lee and Sandra Ann (Odykairk) Cruse and passed away April 15, 2025 at his residence in the Muse at the age of 63.

Tom was a longtime resident of the area. After high school graduation, Tom moved south and never looked back. He spent most of his career in the oil fields and then plumbing for many years. When he got sick he moved back home to the farm and spent most of his days doing what he truly loved; farming with his family, learning, hunting, and fishing. He loved Jesus, his family, and his country. Morning coffee with his parents was the best part of his day. He will be missed but we all know he is finally free.

He is survived by his wife, Lucy Cruse, of the home; his parents Bobby Lee and Sandra Ann Cruse of Muse; one step-daughter

Jasmine Cole and husband Alex of the Big Cedar community and their daughter, Addie; one son, Trevor Cruse, of Houston, Texas; two step-sons Adam Morton and Shane Morton, both of Poteau; one sister Rebecca Nelson and husband Jim of Swartz Creek, Michigan; two brothers Gary Cruse and wife Lisa of Muse, and Steve Cruse and wife Cindy of Idabel; six grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, other loved ones, and many friends.

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

Melba Jo “Tootie” West

Melba Jo “Tootie” West funeral services were 11 a.m. Monday at the First Baptist Church in Spiro with Reverend Bryan Fouts officiating. Burial followed at Spiro City Cemetery under the direction of Mallory-Martin Funeral Home of Spiro.

Tootie, 86, of Spiro was born Jan. 5, 1939, in Spiro to Ellen Marie Bell (Chapple) and Gideon Walter Bell. She passed away peacefully on April 17, 2025, in her hometown.

She married the love of her life, Jim Harlan West, I, on Feb. 4, 1961, in Spiro.
A proud and devoted member of the Spiro community, Tootie was actively involved in the Spiro Methodist Church for many years and generously gave her time volunteering with the local food pantry. In her earlier years, she worked as an X-ray technician before dedicating herself fully to raising her family. Tootie was a lifelong and passionate Spiro Bulldog fan and a loyal supporter of every aspect of the school.

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures—coffee in hand, fishing by the water, or taking trips to Branson, the White River, and Canton with Jim Harlan and Mikey. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, cherishing every moment spent with them—especially when they sang to her or gathered around for one of “Nanny’s breakfasts” or her famous “Dot Dots" on their backs.

Known for her unwavering kindness and nurturing spirit, Tootie had a heart big enough to care for everyone around her. She was a constant presence, a caretaker, and a friend to all who knew her.

She is survived by her daughter Beck Cox and husband Sherman; her son James West and wife Mary; her grandchildren Bryant Cox (Jordan), Dustin Cox (Bailey), Logan Cox, Jami Woodall (Jackson), Remi West (Braden Riggs), and Gunner West (Lainey Dyer); her great-grandchildren Warren, Grant, Vance, Creece, Carley, Landri, and Kobi; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

Tootie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, her parents, her sisters Retha Jane Graham and Betty Sue Hawks, her brother Howard Bell, and her dearest friend, Mikey Fowler.

Pallbearers are James West, Sherman Cox, Bryant Cox, Dustin Cox, Gunner West, Richard Haynes, Bobby Hammontree Sr. and Jimmy Hawks. Honorary pallbearers are Warren Cox, Creece Cox, Grant Cox, Vance Cox, Landri Lovelady, Kobi Lovelady and Carley Cox.

To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.MalloryMartinFuneralHomeSpiro.com.