LCJ weekly newsletter 2-20-2025
Thursday's newsletter
Daily Bible verse
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
Blast from the past
Rayleigh Dawn Aguilar
Infant Rayleigh Dawn Aguilar of Hodgen was born Feb. 14, 2025 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Gabriel and Jaime (Richards) Aguilar and passed away Feb. 14, 2025 in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Funeral service is 2 p.m., Thursday at the Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Sam Dyer officiating. Burial will follow in Hodgen Cemetery, under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener.
She is survived by her parents Gabriel and Jaime (Richards) Aguilar of the home; two sisters Kaydence Aguilar of Poteau and Kalleigh Aguilar of the home; three aunts Ashley Whitmore and husband William of Wister, Courtney Richards of Wister, Oklahoma and and Casey Aguilar of Hodgen; one great-aunt, Shirley Armstrong, of Heavener; one uncle James Joseph Aguilar and wife Karli of Pocola; her paternal grandmother, Tanja Aguilar, of the Haw Creek community; her maternal grandfather, Don Richards, of Wister; and numerous other relatives.
She is preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Jackie Jones; her paternal grandfather, George Aguilar; and one uncle, Donald Richards, Jr.
Donald “Butch” Watkins
Donald “Butch” Warren Watkins, 82, of Hollis (formerly of Hodgen) was born March 7, 1942 in Calrion, Iowa to Clint and Golda (Hanks) Watkins and passed away Feb. 15, 2025 in Hollis.
Funeral services are 2 p.m. Friday at Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Heavener, with Reverend Philip Jones officiating. Interment will follow in Heavener Memorial Park under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener.
Don was a graduate of Skyline High School in Urbana, Missouri, Carl Albert State College and Eastern Oklahoma State College. He was a veteran, serving his country in the United States Navy. His first job was a truck driver and that is how he met his first true love, Gilda “Okie.” They got married and lived in California for several years before moving back to Oklahoma in 1975 following her parents. They remained in Hodgen until her passing in 1998. After Gilda’s passing, Don moved several times finally ending up in Hollis. Don starting working for the Department of Corrections, where he started out as a cadet, working his way up to Senior Instructor at the Oklahoma Department of Corrections “CLEET” program. He retired in 2008 as Captain/Chief of Security at the Hollis Correctional Work Center.
During his lifetime, he held many jobs, from truck driver, school bus driver, cement work, DOC, and maintenance. While he was in Hollis, he met the second love of his life, Rosa. They married and he worked maintenance at the Hollis Hospital and various places. Don did whatever he needed to do to make ends meet. He was a hard worker who always took care of his family. Don enjoyed to travel and visit with anyone and everyone he seen. He never met a stranger at least not for very long. He also loved to fish, hunt, and spend time with his family and friends. Don will be deeply missed by all whom knew and loved him.
Survivors are a son, Randy Watkins, of Hodgen; a daughter Tammy Welch and husband Richard of Hodgen; two stepdaughters Lola Salazar of Hollis, and Elisa Zepeda and husband Eric of Hollis; one son-in-law, Jess Bowen, of Nebraska; four sisters Georgia Hammerbacher, Phylliss Fitch, Dorothy Davis and Charlotte Glascock; a brother, Ernest “Tuffy” Rucker; seven grandchildren Tyler Bowen, Sadie Luman, Justus Welch, Aaron Bowen, Azure Hill, Gene Welch and Addison Zepeda; eight great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other loved ones, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clint and Golda Watkins; the first love of his life, Gilda “Okie” Watkins; his second love of his life, Rosa Watkins; one daughter, Debbie Bowen; one brother, Gene Watkins; and one sister, Bernadean Owens.
Honors will be provided by the Oklahoma Department of Corrections Honor Guard.
Pallbearers are Tyler Bowen, Justus Welch, Aaron Bowen, Gene Welch, Mark Huie and Clay Metzker.
Viewing is from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; and 9 a.m. until service time Friday at the funeral home.
To sign Don’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.
Larry Crossland Sr.
Larry Crossland, Sr., 81, of Poteau, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2025. Born in Miami to Alene (Arterberry) Crossland and Frank Arthur Crossland, Larry lived a life full of hard work, love and devotion.
Private family funeral services will be held at a later date. Cremation is under the direction of Mallory-Martin Funeral Home in Spiro.
A dedicated truck driver by trade, Larry found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was a man of deep faith who loved the Lord wholeheartedly. His passions included weightlifting, bowling, and mastering the pool table, where he earned a reputation as a true pool shark. Above all, Larry cherished his time with his grandchildren, who brought immense joy to his life.
He is survived by his children Mike Crossland, Larry Crossland, Jr., Lisa Whittaker, David Crossland and Deborah Killian; 10 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and many other relatives and loved ones who will miss him dearly.
Larry is preceded in death by his beloved parents, his wife Carolyn Crossland, and his sister Patsy Purcell.
Memories and condolences can be shared online at www.MalloryMartinFuneralHomeSpiro.com.
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