LCJ newsletter 5-8-2025

Thursday's newsletter

Daily Bible verse

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

Isaiah 43:18-19

Rickey Charles Fowler

Funeral services for Rickey Charles Fowler, 69, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, were Wednesday at Mallory-Martin Funeral Home Chapel in Spiro with burial following at Nubbin Ridge Cemetery in Bokoshe under the direction of Mallory-Martin Funeral Home of Spiro.

Rickey was born Sept. 11, 1955, in Bokoshe to Evelyn (Newberry) Fowler and Floyd Eugene Fowler. He passed away peacefully on May 4, 2025, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. On February 7, 2014, he married the love of his life, Deloyce Fowler, in Poteau.

A proud U.S. Army veteran, Rick devoted his life to service—both to his country and his community. He retired from the Pocola Police Department after many years of dedicated law enforcement service and also served for an extended period as the Mayor of Pocola. His passion for helping youth led him to coach the Pocola Braves, where he mentored countless young athletes.

Rickey was known for his deep love of motorcycles—especially Harley Davidsons—and was happiest when working on bikes or riding the open road. He co-founded Brothers Bike Shop with his close friend Mike Davis, turning his passion into a way to connect with others. In his later years, he also worked in the oil fields.

Known as a jokester, storyteller, and someone who never met a stranger, Rick brought laughter and light to every room. He was famous for his signature greeting: “Hey, how is my buddy?”—and for affectionately calling loved ones “you ole Skutter.” His warmth, humor, and love of family were the heart of who he was.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Deloyce Fowler; daughter Lacey Fowler-Ward and Art Ward; son DC Stout and wife Madison; grandchildren Dustie Underwood, Lynlee Underwood, Leo Ward, Garrett Ward, Gabriel Ward, Harper Stout, Josie Stout, Shay Young and Sofyia Collum; stepdaughter, Erica Young; sister, Wilma Reiser; mother-in-law, Mildred Taylor; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and cherished friends.

Rickey was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Loyal Gene Fowler and Dennis Fowler; his sister, Diane Sutton, and his son-in-law, Dustin Underwood.

Pallbearers were Mark Man, Smiley, Mic, Brian, Rodney, Red Garrett, and Mike. Honorary pallbearers include Art Ward, Joey Oliver, Addison Entmeier, Gabriel Ward and Leo Ward.

Rickey’s legacy of laughter, love, and service will live on in all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Condolences may be shared at www.MalloryMartinFuneralHomeSpiro.com.

Buel Wayne Lewallen

Buel Wayne Lewallen, 86, passed away April 28, 2025 at the Pocola Health and Rehab Center and was born April 13, 1939, in Tuckerman, Arkansas to parents Earl and Vergie Lewallen and was a proud resident of Spiro.

Funeral service was Saturday at Lakeview Missionary Baptist Church.

Brother Lewallen was an outstanding man, husband, father, pastor and Paw. Those that knew him were undeniably blessed by his impact. He leaves behind a vast number of friends and family who loved him dearly, and whom he loved more than he could humanly express.

A true warrior of the faith, Brother Lewallen pastored for 62 years at multiple churches in the American Baptist Association, devoutly serving until the age of 85. Having served the Lord in Mississippi, Texas, Florida, Alabama, and Oklahoma, Brother Lewallen truly loved his work in ministry. Preaching the Gospel of Jesus was Brother Lewallen’s passion and calling, and the Lord used his gifts to impact countless lives, leading many to faith in Jesus through years.

Throughout his life, Brother Lewallen loved missions and was a great friend to many missionaries around the world. Further, he loved serving at church camp and spent many weeks during the summers pointing kids to Jesus. Brother Lewallen had an outstanding sly sense of humor, often making people laugh at just the right times. He enjoyed traveling the world, especially relishing trips to the Holy Land. Through everything, however, Brother Lewallen’s life is characterized by his steadfast faith and trust in God’s grace. His confidence in the Lord was evident in the way that he loved, served, and encouraged others throughout his 86 years on earth. While our husband,Dad and Paw will be dearly missed, we rejoice that he has joined his Father in Heaven for all eternity. All of our hope lies in the glorious death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Vergie Lewallen.

Survivors are his loving and devoted wife of 60 years, Chris Lewallen; his daughter Kimberly Stewart and husband Brian; his son Kyle Lewallen and wife Terry; six grandchildren Brandon, Taylor, Kade, Ryne, Tyce and Tesa; his sister Devonnia Crouse and husband Bill, his brother Willie Lewallen, his brother Carrol Lewallen and wife Wanda, his Aunt Rena Horn, and a host of nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers the family requests you send offerings to help kids at Lakeview go to Bogg Springs Church Camp this summer. Send offerings to Lakeview Missionary Baptist Church, 401 East Broadway, Spiro Oklahoma 74959.

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

LeFlore County legals 5-8-2025