E. Eugene Dukes

E. Eugene Dukes

Elmer Eugene Dukes was born in Wilburton, OK on January 8, 1951 to Elmer and Jewell Aaron Dukes. He passed from this life at the age of 70 years at the VA Hospital in Muskogee, OK.

A celebration of Life will be held at the First Free Will Baptist Church, 332 W. Carl Albert Pkwy at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 2nd .

Eugene grew up in Wilburton, OK and graduated from Wilburton High School in 1969. He married Kathy Wise in May 1973. They had two wonderful children, Andrea and Wade. He cherished his family. He received his associate degree from Eastern and went on to Southeastern University. He joined the Army shortly out of high school and was stationed in Germany. He drove a truck while there and received an award for safe driving. This led to being a truck driver most of his career. He retired in 2014 from the Dept. of Human Services Commodity Warehouse as a delivery man. He helped deliver commodities to schools all over Oklahoma.

He had the nickname Shoebean while in school and more recently he was known as Ornery because he loved to cut up and joke around even through all his problems.

He came to know the Lord at Adamson Baptist Church in 1976 and remained faithful all these years. He served God at First Free Will in McAlester, OK at the time of his death.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy of 48 years, his sisters: Shirley Collins, Dorothy Jones, and Linda Schiller, along with many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, one sister-in-law, and two brothers-in-law.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, his son, his parents, and two infant sisters.

Sandra L. Posey

In Memory of Sandra Posey

Sandra L. Posey, 76, of Wilburton, Oklahoma passed away on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at McAlester Regional Hospital in McAlester, Oklahoma.

Viewing will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Monday, June 7, 2021 at the Waldrop Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 7, 2021 at the Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel in Wilburton, Oklahoma with Rev. Randy Waldrop officiating.

Pallbearers will be Marvin Burton, Tyler Crabtree, Agle Mickle, Daniel Greenhaw, Timothy Greenhaw, Michael Null, Brian Jones, Mike Griffiths, Quentin Meininger, Tyler Cagle, Matthew Elledge, and Damien Owens.

Sandra was born February 25, 1945 in Poteau, Oklahoma to Jess Rowland and Mae Bell (Bishop) Rowland. She married Ronald Posey on December 19, 1972 in Hugo, Oklahoma.

She is survived by her sons: Ronald Posey and wife, Pam of McAlester, Donald Posey and wife, Shereen of Wilburton, and Kevin Posey of Wilburton; Daughters: Shannon Elledge and Michael Null of Wilburton, Letha Elledge Shouse of Wilburton, Amy Cagle and husband and Jeff of Shady Point, and Tonya Daniel and Marvin Burton of Wilburton; fifteen grandchildren; nineteen great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Sandra is preceded in death by her parents: Jess and Mae Bell (Bishop) Rowland; five brothers; one sister; one son-in-law; one grandson-in-law; one granddaughter; and one great-granddaughter.

Tammy Lee Watts

In Memory of Tammy Lee Watts

Tammy Lee Watts, 55, of Hot Springs, Arkansas passed away on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at St. Vincent Hospital in Hot Springs.

Viewing will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 3, 2021 at Waldrop Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at the Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel in Wilburton with Mr. Allen Littlejohn and Rev. Jody Watts officiating. The burial will follow at Wilburton Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Steve Crouch, Allen Littlejohn, Nick Crouch, Chad Littlejohn, Kyle Littlejohn, and Scott Pugh.

Tammy was born on October 29, 1965 in McAlester, Oklahoma to Herman and Cliva Jo Pugh. She was a member of Eastern Star.

She is survived by her sons: Jody Lee Watts of Hot Springs, Arkansas and Derick Watts and wife, Tabitha of Hot Springs; Step-Mother: Carolyn Pugh of Wilburton; Brothers: Gary Gomes and wife, Donna of Knoxville, Tennessee, John Gome and wife, Lori of Oakley, California, and Robert Gomes of Athens, Tennessee; Sisters: Melody Littlejohn and husband, Allen of Wilburton, Debbie Crouch and husband, Steve of Wilburton, Cindy Long of Wilburton, and Cynthia Bateman and husband, Frank of North Little Rock, Arkansas; four grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Tammy is preceded in death by her parents: Herman Pugh and Cliva Jo Pugh; and brothers: Michael Pugh and Scott Gomes.

Evelyn Faye Lynam Williams

Evelyn Faye Lynam Williams was born January 26, 1933 in Wilburton and was the second child of Robert Aubrey and Mary Belle Lynam. She passed away on May 30, 2021 at the age of 88 in McAlester, Oklahoma. She lived all her life in the Wilburton area and attended Wilburton High School. She was a member of CenterPoint Baptist Church and was often referred to as the “First Lady of CenterPoint”. Evelyn was a strong Christian and always served faithfully in her church as long as her health allowed. She was a cosmetologist and a former case manager with Oklahoma State Eldercare.  But her most enduring and challenging job was being a devoted mother to her two daughters, Linda Sharon and Mary Karen.  She will always remain the “Rock” of their lives.  When her own mother passed away, Evelyn became the role model and support for her younger siblings as well.  Family was always of foremost important to her. In later life, her joy was her grandchildren, then her great grandchildren and finally her Great-Great Grandson. She loved to play card games with her two sisters and anxiously anticipated a weekly phone call from her brother to reminisce old times. Her many friends and acquaintances frequently referred to her as a “very sweet lady” and her family knows that Heaven is a sweeter place today because she is there. 

A memorial service in her honor will be hosted at CenterPoint Baptist Church on Friday, June 4, at 2:00 with Grand-Son-In-Law Rev. Daniel Miller officiating along with her Pastor, Rev. Bud Vinson, and close friend, Duane Jeffery. Burial will be at the Old Wilburton City Cemetery with Rev. Randy Waldrop officiating.    

Evelyn is survived by:

Daughters:

LINDA Enis and husband, Jim Enis, of Wilburton

KAREN Long and husband, Steve Long, of Wilburton

Grandchildren: 

Neil Enis and wife, Sahar, of Broken Arrow 

Brad Enis and wife, Amy, of Sapulpa

Brianne Travis and husband, Glenn, of Bentonville, Arkansas

Brittany Miller and husband, Daniel, Hartshorne  

Great Grandchildren: 

Tanner Travis

Trey Travis

Truxton Travis 

Briarlyn Miller 

BriElla Miller

Sierra Enis

Sonora Enis

Evelyn Enis (Who Was Named after her)

Madison Cooper

Grant Downs

Great-Great Grandson: 

Tucker Travis 

Two Sisters: 

Lou Belle Herring and husband, Edgar, of McAlester

Lyndel Sneed and husband, Bobby, of McAlester

 One Brother: 

Robert Lee Lynam and wife, Dora Faye, of Okemah 

 Numerous nephews, nieces and a host of friends. 

Pallbearers:

Neil Enis

Brad Enis

Tanner Travis

Trey Travis

Truxton Travis

Glenn Travis

Honorary Pallbearers: 

Jim Enis 

Steve Long 

Duane Jeffery 

John Jeffery 

Todd Forwoodson 

Bill Savage

Bill Smith 

Ladd Vinson

Ward Vinson

Bud Vinson

Proceeded in death by:

Parents - R.A. and Mary Belle Lynam

Father and Mother-In-Law – Mack and Mary Williams 

Brothers – John Stanley Lynam and Curtis Lynam 

Brothers-In-Law – Pick Dozier, Floyd McAlester

Sisters-In-Law – Cathaline Lynam, Vivian McAlester

Nephew – Monty Ray McAlester 

Niece – Vickie Williams 

Grandparents and numerous Aunts and Uncles

Wayne Orr

In Memory of Wayne Orr

(August 31, 1945- May 28, 2021)

Wayne Harris Orr, 75, of Red Oak, Oklahoma passed away on Friday, May 28, 2021 at his home.

Viewing will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 1, 20201 at Waldrop Funeral Home.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at North Rock Cemetery in Red Oak, Oklahoma with Rev. Johnny Montgomery officiating.

Wayne was born on August 31, 1945 in St. Louis, Missouri to Harry and Bertha (Buhann) Orr. He married Kathryn Prince Orr in Texas on January 3, 1997.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Kathryn of the home and one sister. He is preceded in death by his parents and five brothers.

DeLores Earley

In Memory of DeLores Christopher

DeLores Jean Christopher Bullard Earley, 75, of Bentonville, Arkansas passed away on May 21, 2021 in Rogers, Arkansas.

DeLores Jean Christopher Bullard Earley was born on September 22, 1945 in Harshorne, OK to Argus and Della (Hodge) Christopher. She was raised in the Adamson community and graduated from Hartshorne High School. She raised two sons, Mark and Bruce Bullard with great love. She worked outside of the home and was a reliable and dedicated employee. After moving to Bentonville, AR, she worked for Wal-Mart until her retirement.

DeLores is survived by her son Bruce Bullard; sister Dorothea (Christopher) Rose; grandchildren: Tyler, Andrew, and Reece; her daughter-in -law: Kim Bullard; her best friend since childhood: Patti Lay; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands: Charlie Bullard and Wayne Earley; her brothers: Wayne, Boyd, and Burlin Christopher; and her sister Patsy Raunikar.

Our dear Delores could light up any room she walked into and had a smile that could make any day better. Her humor, wit, and joy for life are what made her such a special human. Her love for her family and friends could not be surpassed and that love was very much requited. Her shine and genuine goodness will be forever missed.

Marguerite "Marg" Rutledge

Marguerite “Marg” Rutledge, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away peacefully in her home of over 65 years in Red Oak, OK surrounded by family on May 17, 2021. Born Lula Marguerite Purtell to Clyde and Veva (Mattingly) Purtell in Dodge, OK on July 30, 1926, she spent her childhood surrounded with the love of her parents and siblings, Jerri, Bubby, Clint, Jean, Paul, Betty, and Wanda living in various places around Oklahoma and Missouri before settling in Leflore, OK. Although her childhood was marked with the indelible effects of the Great Depression, many characteristics needed for her survival during that difficult time became hallmarks of Marg’s character throughout her life: hope, imagination, resourcefulness, love of family, and her Christian faith. Marg had a razor-sharp quick wit that was a trademark of any conversation with her. She also had a life-long passion for creative writing and wrote many stories that her family treasure about her life and experiences.

Marg graduated from Leflore High School and then earned 21 hours from Eastern Oklahoma A&M (now Eastern Oklahoma State College). During World War 2, she worked at the Ammunition Depot in McAlester, OK sewing bags for ammunition and gunpowder. She married her High School Sweetheart, Bill Rutledge, on March 7, 1946 shortly after the end of World War 2 where he served in the 20th Air Force and was stationed in the South Pacific. They moved to Unit 605 in the Veteran’s Village at what was then Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University) in Stillwater, OK where Bill earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and they welcomed their first son, Bob, in 1948. After Bill’s graduation, they moved to Leflore, OK where he was a teacher and Junior High School Principal and they welcomed sons Jerry in 1950 and Steve in 1951. The year their 4th son Tom was born, 1955, the family moved to Red Oak, OK to the house that Marg lived in until her death. Her boys and their families were her life-long pride and joy – although, in her later years when reflecting on her life and raising 4 active, adventurous boys, she sometimes wondered “how did I do that?”! She worked as a secretary at Red Oak Public Schools and retired as an Executive Administrative Assistant at Eastern Oklahoma State College. As an adult, she learned how to play the piano and many of her family members recall listening to her music and spending time with her around her piano in her “sewing and piano room.” She was a member of the United Methodist Church for more than 70 years and was proud of the long line of clergy in her family stretching from her great-grandfather to her grandsons.

Marg’s proudest roles were those she held related to family: daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, etc. In her retirement, she spent many hours and several trips researching her family’s genealogy and family memories. On one trip that included Washington DC, she went to the National Archives to see if there was any way to find a letter that her brother Clint had written to Eleanor Roosevelt during the Great Depression. The fact that Mrs. Roosevelt, from the White House, replied to her brother and family in Leflore, OK and sent the change she had in her purse to help in whatever way she could left a life-long impression on Marg. The Purtell siblings held yearly family reunions for decades at Robber’s Cave State Park in Wilburton, OK at Shelter # 2 complete with fried chicken, coleslaw, homemade desserts like “Ma 'Tell’s” Chocolate Pie, and hours of family stories told at “Remembrance” Time. She was an amazing cook, a wonderful seamstress, and an accomplished outdoorswoman. She was most at peace outdoors and spent years planting trees and flowers around her property and perfecting the beautiful creek that ran behind her house. She also enjoyed traveling to visit family from California to North Carolina; but was always happy to be back home among her trees. In the mid-1980s, Marg, Bill, their sons, and daughters-in-law built a cabin on the Bald Knob Mountain in the Sans Bois Mountain Range of Southeastern OK. She and Bill spent much of their retirement time “at the cabin” enjoying all that the natural surroundings had to offer.

Marg is survived by her four sons and their families. Robert Wayne (Bob) and wife Carol of Ruston, LA, Jerry Don and wife Cindy of Pocola, OK, Steven Mark (Steve) and wife Connie of Red Oak, OK, and Tommy Grant (Tom) of Red Oak, OK along with her beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters Edith Jean Purtell Carpenter and Norma Wanda Purtell, her brother Paul Wayne Purtell, along with many treasured nieces, nephews, and extended family. Marg was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Willie Benson “Bill” Rutledge; her parents Clyde and Veva (Mattingly) Purtell; her brothers Clyde Purtell Jr. (in infancy), Vance Rudolph (Bubby) Purtell, and Vaughn Clinton (Clint) Purtell; and sisters Geraldine (Jerri) Purtell Moore and Betty Ann Purtell Usry.

Her legacy is her family. When reflecting on their roles at Bill’s funeral in 2000, she said “by their lives, this age of young men and women were saying ‘We Are Able.’ I feel certain the {family} cloth is continuing strong, and even more beautiful than ever before.”

The family would like to thank Marg's family and friends who have provided care for her over the past few years and a special thank you to Heart of Hospice staff as well as Jessie Cato and Beckie Coy for their love, care, and support over the past many weeks.

A memorial service celebrating Marg’s life and legacy will be held at the First Baptist Church in Red Oak, OK on Friday, May 21 at 2:00pm officiated by Pastor Tommy Rutledge and burial following at Red Oak Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Brad Rutledge, Jeremy Rutledge, Jericho Rutledge, Ryan Rutledge, Asher Kauk, and Jaxton Rutledge. The arrangements are under the direction of the Waldrop Funeral Home, Wilburton, OK.

The Bill and Marguerite Rutledge Scholarship at the W. B. Rutledge High School in Red Oak, OK has been established to honor Bill and Marg's lifelong dedication to education. For contributions, contact First National Bank, Wilburton, OK (741 Hwy 2 N, PO Box 100, Wilburton, OK 74578, 918-465-2381) beginning Friday, May 21, 2021. The family requests donations to the scholarship fund in lieu of flowers.

Bugs Leroy Shouse

Bugs Leroy Shouse

(April 22, 1966-May 15, 2021)

Bugs Leroy Shouse, 55, of Wilburton passed away Saturday, May 15, 2021 at his home.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 21, 2021 at Waldrop Funeral Chapel with Rev. Louis Reynolds officiating. The burial followed at Highbridge Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Tyler Crabtree, Timothy Easley, Calvin Easley, Donnie Posey, Kevin Posey, and Billy Jones.

Honorary Pallbearers are Randy Conley, Zach Chavez, Matt Elledge, Daryl Easley, Michael Null, Brian Jones, and Ronnie Posey.

He was born on April 22, 1966 in Independence Missouri to Wayne and Annette (Foster) Shouse. He married Letha Elledge on December 5, 1997 in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Bugs is survived by his wife: Letha Shouse; father: Wayne Shouse of Jones, Oklahoma; son: Matthew Elledge and wife, Ashley of Wilburton; daughters: Annette Shouse of Jones, Oklahoma and Rebecca Calicote of Missouri; brother: Wayne Shouse Jr. and wife, Misty of Meeker, Oklahoma; and 10 grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his mother: Annette Shouse; and son: Jeremy Williams.

Kenneth O. Green

In Memory of Kenneth O. Green

(December 10, 1934 – May 13, 2021)

Kenneth O. Green, 86, of Wister passed away on Thursday, May 13, 2021 at his home.

Viewing will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, May 17, 2021 at Waldrop Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at the Bengal Community Center with Rev. Lamar Ford and Rev. Clint Cannon officiating. The burial will follow at Peachland Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Joshua Muncy, JT Davis, Christian McKinney, Adam Hammons, Nick Hammons, and Andrew Adams.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Bill Allen, Johnny Stanford, Rick Allen, Matthew McKinney, Donald Green, Sonny Stephens, and Jessie Williams.

Kenneth was born on December 10, 1934 in Wister, Oklahoma to Charles and Edith (Call) Green. He was married to his wife, Marilyn, for 38 years. He was a member of Seventh Day Church of God in Wister, Oklahoma.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn of the home; children: Pamela Sprouse of Russiaville, IN, Kimberlyn Stanford and husband, Johnny of Cravens, Rebecca Davis of Russiaville, IN, Elizabeth Allen and husband, Rick of Russiaville, IN, Christian McKinney of Wister, and Catrina Green and husband, Allen of Clinton, OK; sister: Linnie Merryman of Red Oak; 10 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.

Kenneth is preceded in death by his parents: Charles Green and Edith (Call) Green; 2 brothers; and 3 sisters.

Christopher Scott

In Memory of Christopher Scott

Christopher James Scott, 38, of Poteau, Oklahoma passed away on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at his home.

He was born on May 24, 1982 in Talihina, Oklahoma to Norman Scott and Wanda James. He graduated from Red Oak High School in 2001. He enlisted in the Army National Guard in March 2000 and was deployed to Egypt during Desert Storm. He was honorably discharged from the service in August 2006.

Chris received his Associates of Arts degree from Carl Albert State College in 2005 and then graduated from Northeastern State College in 2009. Chris was employed with McDonald’s as a swing manager until his death. On his days off he enjoyed watching movies, playing video games, and visiting with friends. He would occasionally go fishing and camping. Although he had no children of his own, he dearly loved his nephews: SanTino, Bentley, Gavin, Hunter, Abel; and his only niece: Alexis. Chris will be missed by all. 

He is survived by his father: Norman Scott of Poteau; mother: Wanda James of Poteau; brothers: Jonathan Scott and Zachary Eagle of Poteau; sister: Tabitha Scott of Poteau; five nephews; one niece; and numerous friends. 

Chris is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents; maternal grandparents; and brother: Michael Eagle. 

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, April 8, 2021 at Cedar Cemetery in Red Oak, Oklahoma with Rev. Don Ludlow officiating. Services are under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home.