Monday, February 09, 2004
Rites slated for Hertzler
Graveside services for Esther Hertzler, age 86 of Clinton, will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Brethren Cemetery at Cordell with Rev. Alvis Merrill officiating. Hertzler died in Ocean Springs where he was a senior at Southern Mississippi University majoring in business. He attended kindergarten through junior high in Clinton and attended the Custer Avenue Baptist Church. His family, Therald and Teresa Martin, now live in Sugarland, Texas. Sinsters are Mistie Copeland (Staggs) of The Woodlands, Texas and Angela Maddox (Staggs) of Gulfport, Miss. Four nieces and a nephew include Rhaegan, Taylor and Peyton Maddox and Mikayla and Caden Copeland.

Brian Martin death listed
Funeral services were held earlier this month at Ocean Springs, Miss. for former Clinton resident Brian Dale Martin, age 23, it was learned here Friday. Martin died late Monday, Feb. 2, 2004, at Integris Clinton Regional Hospital. She was born on Feb. 23, 1923 in Harrah, the daughter of Oscar and Myrtle (Butler) Moore. She was reared and started school in Harrah before the family moved to Weatherford where she graduated from high school in 1941. Later moving to Clinton, she died Saturday, Jan. 31, 2004, at Southwestern Memorial Hospital in Weatherford. She was born on Nov. 25, 1917 in Wayne, the daughter of Charlie Theodore and Julia Esther (Rountree) Power. She attended the University of Oklahoma where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree before marrying B.P. Prickett on Oct. 14, 1939 in Purcell. She later attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University, earning a Master Degree. For a total of 23 years, Prickett taught school at Comanche, Anadarko, Hinton and Arapaho. Prickett was a member of Eastern Star, AARP, Women’s Missionary Union and the Clinton First Baptist Church where she was a part of the JOY Choir and taught Sunday school. B.P. and Virginia were founders of the Baptist Spanish Mission where they developed a very special friendship with Daniel and Marta Caceres and their family. She enjoyed her vacations with the grandchildren and their weekly visits. interment in the Evergreen Cemetery following the service. Keto died early Thursday, Jan. 29, 2004, at the Grace Living Center in Clinton. She was born on June 18, 1925 in Weatherford, the daughter of John and Nora (Antelope) Heap-of-Birds. Growing up in Thomas, she graduated from Haskell Indian School. She died late Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2004, in the Integris Baptist at Oklahoma City following a massive stroke. She was born on Dec. 27, 1933 in Bessie, the daughter of Robert “Bob” and Susan (Belter) Bredy. Moving to Stafford with her family at an early age she later moved to Butler where she attended grade school and then to Clinton where she graduated from high school. She died late Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2004, in the Integris Baptist at Oklahoma City following a massive stroke. She was born on Dec. 27, 1933 in Bessie, the daughter of Robert “Bob” and Susan (Belter) Bredy. Moving to Stafford with her family at an early age she later moved to Butler where she attended grade school and then to Clinton where she graduated from high school. She interment be following the service in the Hawley Cemetery. Hawley, a homemaker, died unexpectedly Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2004, at his home. He was born on Nov. 22, 1941 in Clinton, the son of Malcolm and Annie (Deutschendorf) Dobbs. He grew up in Clinton and graduated from Clinton High School in 1960 before continuing his education at Southwestern Oklahoma State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education in 1965. The following year he earned his master’s degree and continued working towards his doctorate. On Feb. 12, 1966, Dobbs died early Monday, Jan. 19, 2004, at the Cordell Christian Home after a battle with cancer. He was born on Oct. 23, 1943 in California, Mo., the son of Jack and Ruby (Jackson) Ziehmer. Ziehmer moved to Clinton in the mid-1960’s when he worked for a water well drilling company. On Dec. 18, 1965 he died Saturday, Jan. 17, 2004. She was born in Junction City, Kans. and lived there until she moved with her parents to Monrovia, Calif. In 1939. She graduated from Monrovia-Arcadia-Duarte High School in 1949. She died Sunday, Jan. 18, 2004, with her family by her side. She was born on Aug. 3, 1926 in Wichita Falls, Texas, the daughter of Olin W. and Mamie Sue (Price) Lewis. She grew up in Comanche, graduating from Marlow High School before attending school in Woodward to obtain her licensed practical nurse credentials. She died Sunday, Jan. 11, 2004, at the Clinton Veterans Center. He was born on Dec. 8, 1921 at Eralhco, Texas, the son of Ashah and Lennie (Henry) Driver. He grew up and attended school in Hammon and served his country in World War II, receiving an honorable discharge in February of 1946. He worked as the food service supervisor at the Tuberculosis Sanitarium (Veterans Center) for 38 years before retiring. Driver Interment will follow in the Rhea Cemetery northwest of Clinton under the direction of the Kiesau-Marler Funeral Home in Clinton. Survivors include his wife, Lula, of the home; a son, Leroy Thompson and his wife, Helen, of Techachapi, Calif.; a daughter, Beverly Petross of Elk City; a brother, J.W. Driver and his wife, Mildred, of Elk City; sisters, Lula Trent of Sayre, Faye “Beutler” Graybill of Canute; eight grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren. Preceding him in death, along with his parents, were three brothers, five sisters and a granddaughter.

Baumgartner services set
Funeral services for Clinton native Dr. Richard E. Baumgartner, age 57 of Ada, will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the First Presbyterian Church in Ada with Rev. Claud Baltimore officiating. Baumgartner married Rita Ramsey on March 1, 1968. He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church at Ada and had served as an elder. The professor also was on the Campfire Board, the Boy Scouts of America Board and had coached Little League and soccer teams. Before coming to ECU, Baumgartner worked as a rehabilitation counselor for the Texas Rehabilitation Commission for nearly two years. He had served in the U.S. Army as an E6 staff sergeant and platoon leader. Arrangements are under the direction of the Criswell Funeral Home in Ada. Survivors include his wife, Rita, of the home; a son, Scott Baumgartner, of the home; a daughter, April Snethen and her husband, Todd, of Stillwater; his mother, Mary Ellen Baumgartner of Butler; two brothers, Albert Baumgartner of Clovis, N.M., Wayne Baumgartner of Butler; and a granddaughter, Avery Brooke Snethen of Stillwater. The family suggests that those who desire may make memorial contributions in Dr. Baumgartner’s honor to ECU Foundation Scholarship or to the First Presbyterian Church of Ada.

Floriene Evans rites are slated
Funeral services for Floriene Larkey Evans, age 80 of Clinton and a former resident of Stinnett, Texas and Cordell, will be held Friday at the First Baptist Church in Stinnett, Texas. Evans married Gary Hardin on May 21, 1941, and he preceded her in death on May 29, 1946. On Sept. 28, 1947 she died Monday, Jan. 12, 2004, at the home of her son in Weatherford. She was born on March 24, 1915 in Bessie, the daughter of Joseph and Augusta Nonast. She married for 63 years, farming southeast of Clinton and rearing their family there. Jantz was an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church and the Women’s Ruth Circle. Burial will be in the Clinton Cemetery under the direction of the Kiesau-Marler Funeral Home in Clinton. Survivors include her husband, Carl, of Clinton; two sons, Gary Schmidt and his wife, Phyllis of Weatherford, Ronald Jantz and his wife, Donna, of Oklahoma City; a daughter, Joan Deal and her husband, Bill, of Bethany; a daughter-in-law, Charlene Jantz of Weatherford; two brothers, Paul Nonast and his wife, Mary, of Bessie, Floyd Nonast and his wife, Virginia, of Bessie; a sister, Pearl Miller of Clinton; eight grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and three step great grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her parents; a son, Gene Jantz of Weatherford; two brothers; and two sisters. The family suggests that those who desire may make memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, 8400 Silver Crossing, Oklahoma City, OK 73132.

Monday, January 12, 2004
Hilda Stehr services set
Funeral services for Hilda Stehr, age 93 of Clinton, will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Peace Lutheran Church at Bessie with Rev. David Darling and Rev. Arlee Johnson officiating. Natalie Hildagarde Marie Goeringer was born on March 3, 1910 in Bessie, the daughter of Gotlieb and Amelia (Schneider) Goeringer. She married Walter Horn in Bessie, and they reared their family in Corn and farmed near there and later at Bessie. Horn preceded her in death in 1954. In June of 1962 she died Saturday afternoon, Jan. 10, 2004, at the Methodist Health Care Center in Clinton. She was born on Nov. 2, 1908 five miles northeast of Butler, the daughter of Emile and Viola (Shinall) Bourquin. She grew up on her parents’ farm near Butler and attended the Gyp Country School. After her marriage on June 13, 1931 to Ralph Bailey Gragg, the couple made their home near Butler. Loving country life, Florence could always be found outside doing yard work, gardening or helping with the farm work. She was a member of Eastern Star. Preceding her in death, along with her husband in 1951, were four brothers, Howard, Orville, Charlie and Thomas. Burial will conclude in the Butler Cemetery under the direction of the Stanley-Lee Funeral Home in Clinton. Survivors include a son, Bobby Ralph Gragg and his wife, Pat, of Butler; two grandchildren, Ralph Gragg and his wife, Jennifer, of Oklahoma City, Shelle Fowler and her husband, Heath, of Paris, Texas; three great grandchildren, Luke, Bailey and Emma Fowler; a great grandson due Jan. 18, Ascher Bailey Gragg; two step great grandchildren, Tristan and Ethan Turner; and a sister, Dollie (Bourquin) May of Clinton.

Wednesday, January 07, 2004
Bobby Ashcraft rites Thursday
Funeral services for Robert Donald “Bobby” Ashcraft, age 45 of rural Clinton, will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday in the First Baptist Church with Rev. Cameron Williams officiating. Ashcraft married Twila Ann Milligan in Clinton. He worked for Napoleon Nash’s Clothiers in Oklahoma City, Loffland Brothers Oil Company, Daniel’s Drive-In, B.J. Hughes and Stinger Wellhead Protection until his health began to fail. In his spare time, Ashcraft enjoyed golf, fishing and watching football. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, Young Republicans, Boy Scouts and the Golf Association. Preceding him in death were his grandparents, Pat and Estella Patrick and Robert and Lillie Ashcraft. Burial will conclude in the Clinton Cemetery under the direction of the Stanley-Lee Funeral Home of Clinton. Survivors include his wife, Twila Ann, of the home; three sons, Robert Daniel, Brandon Dewayne, Barry Calvin, all of Clinton; his parents, Boyce and Gail Ashcraft of Clinton; a brother, Tony Ashcraft and his wife, Karen, of Oklahoma City; his parents-in-law, Doug and Linda Milligan of Clinton; and several nieces and nephews. The family suggests that those who desire may make memorial contributions in Bobby Ashcraft’s honor to the Western Oklahoma Hospice and to Oklahoma Medical Research for cancer.

Monday, January 05, 2004
Henry Vogt, Jr. rites Tuesday
Funeral services for Henry J. Vogt, Jr., age 77 of Cordell, will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday in the Bible Mennonite Brethren Church at Cordell with Rev. Kevin Creed officiating. Vogt married ton Aug. 10, 1947 at the Ebenfield Mennonite Brethren Church. They made their home in Cowden. He was an active member of the Corn Mennonite Brethren Church, serving as secretary, teaching many Sunday school classes and helping to rebuild the church after it burned in 1949. In 1958, Vogt went back to Southwestern State College to earn his Bachelor of Science Degree. Later, he began his teaching career at Corn Bible Academy where he taught math and science for 10 years. He also farmed while teaching. In 1975 he retired from teaching and went fulltime into agribusiness. In 1981, Margie Vogt married Bessie L. Penner. They became members of the Bible Mennonite Brethren Church. Later, after losing their house in a fire, the couple moved into the Village at Cordell in April of 2002. Preceding him in death were a sister, Mary Lou Vogt Penner; sisters-in-law, Lula Mae Eisiminger and her husband, Ralph, and Ruby Gaede and her husband, Elmer. died Sunday, Jan. 4, 2003, at Integris Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma City. He was born on July 20, 1923 in Bessie, the son of Mathius and Ottilie (Belter) Reinschmiedt. A long-time area resident, he was a farmer-rancher and carpenter who was a veteran of World War II. He was a member of the First Baptist Church and the Adult 8 Sunday school class as well as the American legion. Preceding him in death were his parents; a brother, Edwin Reinschmiedt; sisters, Rosie Gerner, Hulda Critser; and a daughter-in-law, Judy Reinschmiedt. died Saturday, Jan. 3, 2003. She was born on July 14, 1912 at Odessa, the youngest of 10 children of Lytle Boyd and Dora Virginia (Ridley) Kays. She moved with her family to Hammon when she was a young girl when her father was working as a section foreman with the Katy Railroad. Dollie Interment will be in the Moorewood Cemetery under the direction of the Martin Funeral Home in Elk City. Survivors include a son, Curtis Page, and his wife, Dollie, of Hammon; four grandchildren, Resa and Bruce Metheny of Clinton, Tony and Thresa Page, Mark and Tanya Page and Deana Reagon, all of Hammon; seven great grandchildren, Tonya Boggess, Sean and Shane Metheny, Matt Candy, Trevor and Page Regan; and three great-great grandchildren, Valerie, Jordan and Cailey.

Monday, December 29, 2003
Goldie Tucker rites Tuesday
Funeral services for Goldie Lucille Tucker, age 86 of Clinton, will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Church of Christ with minister Patrick Peters officiating. Tucker married Ray Howard Tucker on May 30, 1936 in Wagner. The young couple lived in Hinton before her husband entered the military. After that she moved back to Weatherford and worked for Thacker Grocery Store during World War II. When her husband returned from the Army they owned and operated the Tucker Auto Clinic where he did the mechanic work and detailing, and she did the bookwork. They sold the business in 1962, and she worked for the Dixie Store in Weatherford for a couple of years. The couple moved to Clinton in 1972, and she worked for the J.C. Penney Store for six years before retiring. Her first husband preceded her in death in 1990, and she died on Dec. 25, 1995 after which she returned to Clinton where she remained a resident until her death. She was a faithful member of the Church of Christ where she taught Sunday school. She also was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. Also preceding her in death, along with her parents, were five sisters, Leoma Troxel, Opal Meek, Gladys Bradford, Bernice Lohrengle, Edith Cockerham; and a brother, Phillip Grossarth. Burial will conclude in the Greenwood Cemetery at Weatherford under the direction of the Stanley-Lee Funeral Home in Clinton. Survivors include two daughters, Deborah Kaye Keil and her husband, Jerry, of Clinton, Marsha Ann Weaver of Allen, Texas; a foster daughter, Leona Mae Mericle and her husband, Eldon, of Clinton; a brother, Jerry Grossarth of Weatherford; five grandchildren; two great grandchildren; four foster grandchildren; three foster great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bewley rites set Tuesday
Funeral services for Troy D. Bewley, age 77 of Albuquerque, N.M., will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Strong-Thorne Mortuary in New Mexico with pastor Michael Brunk officiating. Private died Tuesday morning, Dec. 23, 2003. He was born on May 12, 1926 in Foss and graduated from Arapaho High School. He served in the U.S. Army from November of 1944 to November of 1946 in the infantry and medical corps. Bewley went on to work as an NC machinist for Sanda National Laboratories, retiring on Jan. 31, 1984 after 25 years of service. Survivors include his daughter, Marilyn Johnson and her husband, Joe; two sons, Robert Bewley and his wife, Anna, Timothy Bewley; three grandchildren, Bradley Kistler, Matthew Bewley, Kayla Severin; a brother, Royce Bewley and his wife, Ruthie; a sister, Treva Hill and her husband, Dale. Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, were a daughter, Kathy Austin; and an infant grandson, Clay Bewley. The family suggests that those who desire may make memorial contributions to the Kidney Foundation.

Ray Irwin rites held
Funeral services for Ray Bennett Irwin, age 95 of Cordell, were held Monday morning at the McClure Funeral Home chapel in Cordell with Rev. Marvin Kehl officiating. Irwin married Harriett Irene Schwartz in Kansas City, Mo. on April 10, 1937. She preceded him in death on March 13, 2002. Also preceding him in death were his parents, two brothers, Lewis Irwin and Elzie Irwin; and a sister, Madge Burkett. Inurnment will follow in the Lawnview Cemetery at Cordell. Survivors include three daughters, Paula Rae Rhodes of Cordell, Lou Duran and her husband, Pete, of Cordell, Marcia Jean Henke of Tucson, Ariz.; 12 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.