Ledger weekly newsletter 10-19-2023
The Ledger newsletter for Thursday
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Bible verse for 10-19-2023
The Bible verse for Thursday:
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will be not shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.
--Issiah 54:19
Heavener School menu 10-19-2023
The Heavener Public School cafeteria menu for Thursday:
Breakfast: Sausage biscuit
Lunch: Chicken nuggets
Today’s podcast
Blast from the past
Edward C. Spearman
Edward C. Spearman entered his rest Oct. 17, 2023 at home with his family.
He was born July 8, 1955 in Chicago, Illinois to Billy Jack and Patsy June (Martin) Spearman.
Funeral service is 10 a.m. Friday with Reverend Rick Yarberro and Reverend John Vangore officiating at Grace Manor Funeral Home in Poteau. Graveside will follow at Fairhill Cemetery in Knothole.
He married the love of his life, Linda (Reed) Keck Nov. 11, 1977 in Fort Smith, Arkansas and was a member of Bonanza Assembly of God in Bonanza, Arkansas.
Ed is survived by his wife Linda Spearman; sons Jason Spearman and wife Melissa of Wewoka, and Andrew Spearman of the home; daughters Tonia Beam and husband Danny of Spiro, and Amy Hall and husband Anthony of Hackett, Arkansas; brother Joe Spearman and wife Brenda of Cameron, and Arlis Spearman and wife Judy of Jenny Lind, Arkansas; sister Phyllis Stimac and husband Matt of Panama; seven grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded by his mother, Patsy June Spearman; mother-in-law Ann Reed; and brother, Billy John Spearman.
Pallbearers are Joe Spearman, Matt Stimac, Arlis Spearman, Michael Beam, Chris Beam, and Jimmy Beam.
Visitation is from 1 to 8 p.m. Thursday with the family visiting with friends from 6 to 8 p.m. A family dinner with friends from 6 – 8 p.m. A family Dinner will be hosted at Bennington Community Church in Shady Point following graveside service.
Juanita Kannaday
Juanita Rose Kannady was born Nov. 27, 1933 to Ted and Lydia (Dorsey) Short in Poteau and was raised in the Independence community in LeFlore County.
She later resided in Page for over 50 years. She passed peacefully from this world on the morning of Oct. 16, 2023 just a month away from her 90th birthday. She was loved dearly by countless family and friends. Juanita’s influence of love, caring and kindness toward others was far reaching and her smile and laughter were infectious. She was a one-of-a-kind precious and pure Godly soul.
Funeral service is 2 p.m. Saturday at the Big Creek Baptist Church with Dr. Philip Jones and Reverend Lynn Phillips officiating. Interment will follow in Page Cemetery, under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener.
Juanita was a devout Christian and served the Lord throughout her life. She was a member of Big Creek Baptist Church and loved her church family. Aside from her love for her Savior, Jesus Christ, she held her pride in a deep love for her family and her close friends, of whom she had many. Juanita loved nature, especially plants, flowers, birds and other wildlife. One of her favorite activities was sitting on her porch with a good cup of coffee to watch it all. Juanita was sharp-minded and quick-witted; she could work a word search puzzle in record time and tell a story of times gone past as if she were there. She was also pretty handy with a shotgun and if you were a snake in her yard you would meet your end with her .410.
Surviving family members are her three sons Bryan Charles [Becky] Johnston, Bobby Dean [Lisa] Johnston and Mark Lynn [Christy] Kannady; her sister, Lula B. Short Attebery; her grandchildren Jeff [Natalia] Lewallen, Jason [Lauren] Johnston, Jennifer Johnston, Shannon [Aaron] Ward, Tracy [Michael] Standifer, Robert Johnston, Maddie [Jonathan Anselamo] Kannady, Hannah [David] Bellgard, Jordan [Chance] Lowe, Clayton [Jolie] Kannady and 17 beautiful great grandchildren.
Juanita was preceded in death by: her husband, Carl Edward Kannady; her son, John Edward Kannady; her parents Ted and Lydia Short; her brother, Welton Bryan Short; her brother, Wilbur Short and his wife Winefred Short.
Pallbearers are Clayton Kannady, Robert Johnston, Jason Johnston, Jeff Lewallen, Butch Short and Michael Standifer. Honorary pallbearers are Sunny Brown and Stony Brown.
Viewing is from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday; and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.
The family will visit with friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
To sign Juanita’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.
Jason Steward
Jason Leon Steward was born Aug. 24, 1987 in Bartow, Florida to Wanda Lynn (Jenkins) and Kenneth Leon Steward and passed away Oct. 14, 2023 in Spiro.
The family will hold a memorial service at a later date. Cremation is under the direction of Mallory-Martin Funeral Home Spiro.
He was married to Christina Tobler July 2, 2018 in Beaumont Texas. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family, whom he loved dearly.
Jason is survived by his wife, Christina Tobler; daughters Layla Tobler, Breanna Blakenship, Breanna Steward, Bethany Tobler and Chloe Cooper; grandson, Jaxtyn Leon Tobler; sisters Michelle Shirley and Sabrina Bollinger; mother, Wanda Steward; and numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins, and family members.
He is preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Steward.
You may leave an online message at www.mallorymartinfuneralhome.com.
Shirley Woodside
A memorial service for Shirley Woodside, 84, of Spiro is 1 p.m. Saturday at 633 Recovery Outreach Center in Spiro (former Methodist Church) with Brother Kane Riggs and Mister Jason Kissinger officiating.
Cremation services are under the direction of Mallory-Martin Funeral Home of Spiro.
Shirley Sue was born March 6, 1939 in Spiro to Orpha (Henson) and Guy Evans and passed away Oct. 16, 2023 in Spiro.
She married Hershel Woodside June 9, 1955 in Van Buren, Arkansas. Shirley enjoyed sewing, baking and loved her family dearly.
Survivors include her two daughters Donna Gaile Buckner and husband Ronnie, and Trish Ledbetter; three sons Clifton Woodside, Charlie Woodside and Hershel Woodside and wife Mona; two sisters Sandy Erwin and husband Ray, and Brenda Collins; two brothers Steve Evans and wife Carol, and Jimmy Evans and wife Hughleen; 11 grandchildren; 22 two great grandchildren, four great great grandchildren and three on the way.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Guy and Orpha (Henson) Evans; husband, Hershel Woodside; daughter, Kathy Johnson; sister, Judy Lovell; brothers Donald Evans, Darvin Evans, and Danny Evans.
You may leave an online message at www.mallorymartinfuneralhomespiro.com.
Tom Neshem
Thomas "Tom" Neshem was born Feb. 16, 1956 in Sacramento, California to Carol Molly (Beugler) and Robert Dale Neshem and passed away Oct. 10, 2023 in Spiro.
The family will hold a memorial service at a later date. Cremation is under the direction of Mallory-Martin Funeral Home Spiro.
Surviving family members are his daughter, Amber Neshem; son Bradley Nehsem and wife Katherine; grandchildren Devon, Austin, Mason, Chase, Cheyenne and Courtney; great-grandchildren Lennon and one on the way, Waylon.
He is preceded in death by his sister, Jane Neshem; brothers, Timothy and Todd Neshem.
You may leave an online message at www.mallorymartinfuneralhomespiro.com.
Patricia Donathan
Funeral service for Patricia Nell Donathan, 74, of Shady Point is 2 p.m. Friday at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau with Larry Matthiesen officiating.
Burial will follow at James Cemetery in Calhoun, under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau.
She was born July 20, 1949 in Poteau to Betty Ruth (Brandy) James and B.D. James and passed away Oct. 16, 2023 in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Survivors include her husband, Neil Donathan; son David Donathan and wife April; daughter Shannon Lee and husband Jarrod; brother Robert James and wife Linda; sisters Mona Reed and husband Kirk, and Ruth Burrows; grandchildren Corbin Dacus, Coltan and Katie Carter, Cierra Carter, Chloe Donathan, Nick Donathan and wife Nicole, Alyssa Lee, Courtney Lee, Joseph Hunter Lee, Steven Lee and wife Kalin Lee, Kenedi Allen and Darien; and six great grandchildren Zoie Donathan, Leia Donathan, Nickolas Donathan, Kashus Donathan, Allie Lee, and Owen Lee.
She was preceded in death by her parents B.D. and Betty James; Steve Burrows; and grandson, Jonah Lee Plummer.
Pallbearers are Nick Donathan, Corbin Dacus, Coltan Carter, Joseph Lee, Steven Lee and Jaxon James.
Hilton Kannady
Funeral service for Hilton Kannady, 93, of Pocola was Wednesday at Pocola Heights Free Will Baptist Church with Gaylon Freeman officiating. Burial followed at Macedonia Cemetery in Pocola, under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Pocola.
He was born Oct. 13, 1930 in Pocola to Myrtle (Clay) Kannady and Cecil Kannady and passed away Oct. 14, 2023 in Pocola.
Survivors include his wife, Leona Kannady; daughters Connie Kannady and Tom Goodwin, Cecilia Bennett, Darlene Hesson and Bobby Hesson; son, Maxwell Kannady; brothers Elton Kannady and Annie, Allen Kannady and Gayle; 15 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren, and 14 great great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Duana Kannady; grandson, Christopher Caldwell; great granddaughter, Lilliam Wallace; sisters Dovie Jenkins and Joyce Harris.
Pallbearers will be Shannon Kannady, Sheldon Kannady, Justin Kannady, Derrick Kannady, Dylan Kannady and Mark Harris.
John Roop
John Odom Roop of Heavener was born Jan. 31, 1949 in Heavener to Alva and Lonetta (Odom) Roop and passed away peacefully Oct. 14, 2023 in Heavener in his home with loved ones by his side at the age of 74.
No services are scheduled at this time. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener.
John was a 1968 graduate of Heavener High School. John was one of the most decorated Vietnam War veterans in the area, having served as a combat infantryman and reconnaissance leader for the Air Calvary. He had a drawer full of medals, but was too modest to display them. After the war, he was delighted to return to his hometown working for 34 years with the KCS Railroad and raising a family. John was a member of the Maintenance of Way. After seeing the horrors of war, he took great pleasure in the small joys of everyday life, and had a dry but deep sense of humor.
He is survived by one son, Lon Roop; one daughter Jennifer Stratton and husband Darin; two grandchildren Lauren and Hunter Stratton; one nephew, Justin Roop; numerous cousins, other loved ones, and many special friends.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Alva and Lonetta Roop; and a brother, Bill Roop.
Mary Ginther
Mary Emma Ginther, 87, of Hodgen was born July 5, 1936 in Sand Mountain, Alabama to Rubin and Annie (Ledford) Hopkins and passed away Oct. 11, 2023 in Heavener.
No services have been set at this time. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener, Oklahoma.
Mary was a longtime resident of the area and a homemaker. She loved her family and especially loved to take her great-grandkids shopping. Mary also loved her dogs, Jim Bob and Abby. She enjoyed looking at her late husband, Fred’s roses. Her favorite team was the Atlanta Braves. Mary was a collector of gnomes and wind chimes. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by one son Ron Ginther and wife Marie; her grandchildren Randy Ginther and wife Christine, Amber and Ryan Tipton, Kyle Ashcraft and Kody Ashcraft; great-grandchildren Emmalyn, Ava, Andrew, and Laney Ginther, Starla, Skyla, and Randi Tipton, Maddie, Melody, Raymond and Raelyn Ashcraft; one brother Mike and Lois Ginther; numerous nieces, nephews, other loved ones, and a host of friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents Rubin and Annie Hopkins; her husband, Fred C. Ginther; 13 brothers and sisters.
To sign Mary’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.
Jim Hurst
Jene “Jim” James Hurst, 78, of Poteau was born Oct. 7, 1944 in Great Bend, Kansas to Jene and Wanda (Hurst) Hurst and passed away Oct. 12, 2023 in Poteau.
Funeral services were Monday at the Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Heavener with Reverend Steve Hughes officiating. Burial followed in Heavener Memorial Park, under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener.
Jim was a longtime resident of the area and a member of the DAV. He worked as a school-base social worker for Heavener Schools through DHS until he retired. Jim will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He was a veteran of the United States Army, where he served during the Vietnam era.
He is survived by one son, Jon Hurst, of Poteau; one sister Barbara Wisdom and husband Monta of Pocola; one grandson Ryan Hurst and fiancé Whitney; numerous other loved ones and a host of many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jene and Wanda Hurst; his wife, Sharon Hurst; and one sister, Melissa Dunn.
Pallbearers were Jon Hurst, Bert Wisdom, Sr., Tanner Wisdom, Chris Williams, Jeff Dunn and Robert Dunn.
Dick Underwood
Bobby “Dick” Gene Underwood, 76, of Bates, Arkansas was born Oct. 14, 1946 in Blackfork, Arkansas to Cecil and Adine (Essman) Underwood and passed away Oct. 13, 2023 in Bates.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener.
Dick was a longtime resident of the area and a member of A New Beginnings Church in Bates, Arkansas. He was a truck driver for Tyson Live Haul. Bobby enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
He is survived by one daughter, Melissa Underwood, of Monroe; three sons Chris Underwood of Monroe, Robert Underwood of Bates and Michael Underwood of Bates; mother of his children, Brenda Reed, of Heavener; two sisters Geraldine Stanley of Oak Grove, Louisiana and Kathy Hollan of Blackfork; one brother, Cecil “Butch” Underwood, of Heavener; seven grandchildren
Kristie, Kendra, Kaylea, Kimberly, Robert, Kaydence and Mikel; numerous cousins, other relatives, and a host of many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Cecil and Adine Underwood.
To sign Bobby’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.
Dick Watts
Ralph “Dick” Watts, 67. of Wister was born June 19, 1956 in Fort Hood, Texas to Ralph and Mary (Brown) Watts and passed away Oct. 11, 2023 in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
The family will have a memorial service at a later date. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener.
Surviving family members are his sweetheart of 40 years; Bonnie Hardin; children Leanease Smith of Heavener, Shawn Imhoof of Florida and Bill Hardin of Howe; four sisters Joyce Myers of Howe, Nancy Hardin and husband William of Howe, Loretta Ross and companion Terry Meeks of Wilburton, and Teresa Watts of Howe; three brothers C.J. Watts and wife Nellie of Heavener, R.J. Watts of Heavener and Henry Watts of Heavener; three generation of nieces and nephews; and helped raise four grandkids Toska Poor of Heavener, Levi Poor of Page, Heather Poor of Heavener and Dustin Poor of Oklahoma City.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Mary Watts; one sister, Ramona Woodral; one granddaughter, Katlynn Minor; one niece, Nikki Jo; and one great-niece, Hailey Johnson.
To sign Dick’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.
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