Washita Valley Weekly

Washita Valley Weekly   Page 3 www.washitavalleyweekly.com March 29, 2023 We Believe in Oklahoma Death Notices Memorials Complete Obituaries and Memorials with pictures (when provided) are posted on our on-line publication. www:ChickashaToday.com sevierfuneralhome.com Serving Grady County Over 80 Years Sevier Funeral Home 105W. Main Tuttle, OK 73089 405-381-2323 Austin Kile Licensee in Charge Sevier Funeral Home 702W. Chickasha Ave. Chickasha, OK 73018 405-224-4266 Larry Sevier Honoring a Legend Donald Scott Evans ...  Donald Scott Evans (Scotty) was born February 25, 1967, to Ja- nette Howard and Roger Evans. Scotty of Chickasha, Oklahoma, passed away March 15, 2023, at Integris Baptist. He was a 23-year resident of Chickasha. He was 56.  Memorial service was held on Friday, March 24, 2023, at Fergu- son Funeral Home with Pastor Eddie Cox officiating the service.  Scotty had many family members unnamed, who all loved and cared for him as well. So many friends from all walks of life. He always wanted to see others around him laughing and smiling and he rarely met a stranger. Anyone who knew him would have loved him, he was a hard worker his entire life.  To provide for his family he did many jobs. He first started in wood-making with his father building cabinets and pieces of furni- ture for people. He started in the oilfield 1987 and he ended his time there after a move to Chickasha, OK to work at Delta Faucet. After the plant was shut down, he returned to the oilfield to spend 10 more years.  He loved spending his time at the lake doing water sports and driving the boat. He loved being around his family and grandchil- dren every day after school. He had struggled with severe heart problems for the last 15 years that was ultimately the reason for his passing.  Scotty is survived by his wife of 40 years Lelia Evans of the home; son John Evans; daughter Lisa and husband Michael Mahler of Nin- nekah; daughter Julie and husband Brandon Smith of Chickasha; brothers: Roger Lynn Evans of Bristow, Travis and Amanda Evans of Ada, Jake and Courtney Evans of Calvin, and Shelby Evans of Hold- enville; sister Cynthia Grauberger and husband Carl of Eufaula; Mitch Marlow of OKC; Levi Parker of Lawton; John Sexton, Luke, Benjamin and John Christopher Pruitt of OKC; and 5 grandchildren,  He was preceded in death by his mother Janet Howard, father Roger Evans, mother-in-law Linda Evans, sister Shelly Sexton, and grandson James Mahler. Keith Douglas “Doug” Hurley ...  Keith Douglas “Doug” Hurley was born on April 2, 1965, in Sacra- mento, California. He passed away on Monday, March 20, 2023, in Chickasha, Oklahoma. He was 57.   Memorial service for Doug Hurley was held on Saturday, March 25, 2023, in the Hampton Inn Conference Room, 3004 S 4th Street, Chickasha, OK. Cremation arrangements were with McRay Funeral Home.  Doug resided in Windsor, California until 1972, when his fam- ily moved to Chickasha. Doug went to Friend School and Am-Po School. In his younger years, Doug enjoyed hunting and frog gig- ging with his family and riding horses with Circle C Round-Up Club. He worked in the oil field as a mechanic and also as a truck driver.  Doug is survived by his children, Felicia Hurley, Camron Hurley, and Savannah Hurley; 4 grandchildren; parents, Keith L. and Joyce Hurley; sister Margo and husband Chris Calhoun. Steven Jay Largent ...  Steven Jay Largent was born May 10, 1963, in Chickasha, Okla- homa. He passed away on Friday, March 17, 2023, in Chickasha, Oklahoma, at the age of 59.  Funeral service for Steven Jay Largent of Chickasha, was held on Friday, March 24, 2023, at First Assembly of God Church in Chickasha. Interment followed in the Westview Cemetery in Rush Springs, Oklahoma, under the direction of McRay Funeral Home.  Steven married Julie Elaine Yates on September 28, 1987.  He attended Ninnekah Public Schools as well as Canadian Valley Technology Center where he obtained his auto mechanic license. He worked in the oilfield the majority of his life which he enjoyed. He loved telling all his oilfield stories and enjoyed joking and cutting up with his hands, but he was always down for business when needed.  Steven enjoyed working on any motor in his shop–from cars, trucks and semis to tractors; he had a passion for it all. He took pride in his mechanic work and was very knowledgeable in all aspects of it.  In his free time, you could find him remodeling something or spending time with his family and friends. He didn’t know a stranger and took everyone in as family. He adored spending his time with his grandkids and teaching them anything he could. He was always willing to teach them how to cook, especially his potato soup or the all-time famous stuffing.  In recent years, he began teaching his oldest grandsons how to mechanic. He wanted them to gain all his knowledge and passion for building and working on vehicles. He would constantly praise them. His grandkids were the light of his life and he would brag any chance he could on any of their accomplishments. He always had an open door for anyone. He raised many, many kids with his wife Julie and took them as his own, taking on the Dad role for anyone who needed one. You could find him in the evenings eating sweets, mainly ice cream, with any of the kids he could talk into a treat.  Steve was preceded in death by his wife Julie Largent; both parents, Roy and Evelyn Largent; oldest grandson Domineek Newbold; siblings: Robert Largent, Allen Largent, Donald Largent, Sherman Largent and Linda Carpenter.  Steve is survived by his siblings, Richard Largent and Dorthy Byrum; children: Jasper Yates and Christina, Stephanie Largent, Jamie Quillin and Brocke, Steven Largent and Kimberly, ReAnna Carpenter and Brayden, and Hennessy Largent; grandkids Dakoda, Destri, Drayedon Newbold, Alicen and Greyson Quillin, Kirsten and Klayten Smith, Chandler Pena; lifelong friend Jimmy Sanders as well as many other nieces, nephews, family and friends. Marcella Grace Ruckman ...  Marcella Grace Ruckman was born on May 24, 1941, at the old Lawton Indian Hospital to Julius C. and Richenda Hendrix Smith. She passed away Monday, March 20, 2023, in Anadarko, Oklahoma, at the age of 81.  Graveside services were held on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at Rock Spring Cemetery, north of Anadarko. Ser- vices were under the direction of Smith Funeral Home, Anadarko, Oklahoma. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.smith- funeralservices.com .   A childhood resident of Anadarko, Marcella was a 1960 graduate of Anadarko High School. She then enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) and was stationed at 5th Army Headquarters in Chi- cago, IL to the Adjutant General’s office. Marcella married Richard A. Ruckman on July 23, 1964, in Chi- cago, IL, and traveled to various military installations as a naval wife. This included Norfolk Naval Station in Norfolk, VA, and Subic Bay in the Philippine Islands.  Upon returning to the mainland, she worked at the WCD’s Wom- en, Infants and Children (WIC) program in the early 1980’s. She then worked for tribal governments as program director for vari- ous tribal programs. She later worked at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USD)’s Food and Nutrition Service’s Southwest Region where she received a commendation for her 12 years of service on government-to-tribal initiatives for the federal agency. She retired in 2004.  Marcella was a lifelong member of Rock Spring Indian Baptist Church and was active as a tribal elder in her later years. She was also an advocate for veteran’s benefits during her retirement.  Survivors include her husband, Richard of the home; 2 daugh- ters, Susan of the home and Theresa Tsoodle of Norman, OK; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 3 nieces; 3 nephews; 1 great-niece; and 1 great-nephew, as well as and a host of friends and relatives.  Marcella is preceded in death by her parents, J.C. and Richenda Smith; 3 brothers: Phillip Major Smith, Rev. Al Smith and Farley Smith; and sister Gwendolyn Lewis. Calvin Allen Koch Jr. ...  Calvin Allen Koch Jr. was born to C. Allen and Joan Koch on February 21, 1952, in Anadarko, Oklahoma. He passed away on March 18, 2023, at OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City, following a lengthy illness. He was 71.  Allen will be laid to rest in a private service. Cremation services provided by Smith Funeral Home of Anadarko, OK. Messages of condolences may be sent to the family at www.smithfuneralser- vices.com.  Allen was raised in Anadarko. He graduated from Anadarko High School in 1970. After obtaining a degree from USAO Allen began his career as a Service Order Writer for AT & T in February 1975, where he worked until his retirement. Allen lived for years in Oklahoma City, but moved back to Anadarko in 2021, to be closer to family.  He enjoyed caring for his dogs, Max, Milo and Mr. C, raising beau- tiful flowers, collecting rare crystal and unique jewelry. While liv- ing in the city he served as an officer for the Oklahoma City Orchid Club an raised exotic birds.  Allen is survived by his mother Joan Koch; brother Kent Koch and wife Julie of Anadarko; sister Karen Koch Sullivan and husband Kim of Anadarko; and a host of nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his father C. Allen Koch Sr.; brother Steve Koch; nephew Jesse Sullivan; great-nephew Aiden Sullivan; and grandparents on both sides. George Franklin Wright Jr (Sputnik) ...  George Franklin Wright Jr (Sputnik) was born May 14, 1962 in Watervliet, Michigan to George Franklin and Jean Louise (Ross) Wright Sr. He went to his Heavenly home on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 in Lawton, Oklahoma.  George traveled with his parents as a child picking fruit. He loved watching movies (especially star wars),  Gourd dancing and beadworking took up a lot of his time in later years. He always had some ghost stories or practical joking to share with someone. George enjoyed fishing with his girls that involved mostly baiting hooks. He loved to go hunting on the back forty.  George loved big with his whole heart. He didn’t often meet a stranger.  After devoting Lois’ last few years of taking care of her, George found it hard to sit at home alone. He found work at Wal-mart, a new task he took on full force and enjoyed. There he met the second love of his life Leisa. They married after a year and to see him light up when he looked at her was a precious thing.  Preceded in death by his parents Jean Louise Wright and George Wright Sr His sisters Cheryl Wright and Shirlene Lasenring brother Orren Roulin and Lois Ann  Surviving of the home his loving wife Leisa Wright. Daughters Rebecah and Curtis Corn of Blairsville Ga and Kristina Wright and Tyson Bryant of Gracemont. Brother Donnie Ross and wife Carol. Chris Wright and wife Amber. Sister Connie Mandujano and husband Nachos. Lots of nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews many cousins and extended family and friends.  Funeral services were Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at the Lost Cow- boy Church, north of Gracemont. Burial followed in the Memory Lane Cemetery, Anadarko, Services under the direction of Smith Funeral Home, Anadarko, Oklahoma.  Condolences may be sent to the family at www.smithfuner- alservices.com Catherine Robinson ...  Catherine Robinson was number 6 of 11 children to Willie Clay and Willie Mae Robinson, born and raised in Chickasha, Oklahoma on October 7, 1940.  She attended Lincoln School and graduated as class of 1957- 58’. She was very active in basketball and softball during her enrolled years of school.  There were claims, her baby sister (Helen) used to see her, and the older sisters sneak out in the middle of the night to go hang out at “The Center” on first street to cut a rug during their young, aged years. Every opportunity presented, she would sing in all the talent shows at school, as singing was a major part of her cultivation.  The Robinson family resided on the east side of the tracks and were members of Mt. Olive Baptist Church. As a child, Catherine would travel with her father, who was a Baptist Minister, going from town to town to sing the gospel as he preached. She would pretend to play the piano by beating and tapping on the stone rock used as steps to get into the house. One day, her father saw her making sounds with her mouth for introductions and managed to get a piano for the house. As God continued to move in her life, he gave her the talent and skill to sing and play the piano. She played for the Starlight Band Choir and the youth choir at Mt. Olive.  Catherine would listen to gospel singers on the radio and imi- tate singers such as Aretha Franklin, Mahalia Jackson, The Ward Singers, and James Cleveland in which she picked up her unique gospel sound. As she grew older, her and 3 sisters (Sarah, Doris and Helen) would get together to form a group named by their father called, “Echoes of Zion”. They would practice their vocals and self-written songs at the house and at the church. Their group was blessed to record a 10-song album together and they never turned down an opportunity to share their gift.  She has sung for countless funeral services all over, including the opportunity to open for Shirley Cesar in Oklahoma City, OK, and Atlanta, GA, Dorothy Norwood in Fort-Worth, TX and the William Brothers in Dallas, TX. She sang on a gospel show case in Jackson, MS and in 2004, one of her most memorable opportuni- ties were when she sang in Nashville, TN on the Bobby Jones show in which she performed her written single, “I give all my praises to thee”.  Catherine always went above and beyond for her community, receiving numerous recognitions for going beyond the call of duty for the Chickasha community and much more. She was also recognized for her contribution for initiating the musical drama, “The Old Ship of Zion” which has been a spiritual inspiration for over 50+ years.  She found great joy in cooking and sharing the table with who- ever was in need. She worked at the Chickasha Head start, where she was the head cook in charge and provided nourishing meals and delicious cinnamon rolls to the students during her time until she retired.  During retirement she devoted her love and time to One Church, One Child of Oklahoma as a foster parent for 10 years of her life. While in Chickasha, OK, she was a member of Shepherd Street Christian Church in which she was the minister of music for many years. She then continued her journey at the Independent Church of the Living God and Greater New Zion Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, OK. There she would continue her passion, singing for the Lord. Catherine’s album singles, “Take God off The Back Burner” and “I want to be like you” would conclude her last self- entitled album.  God has always been number one in her life, and she always instilled cogent foundations and inviolable beliefs of Jesus Christ into her family. She was a devoted and warmhearted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend.  We have been overwhelmed with nothing but gratefulness to have been able to share this time with our beloved as she gains her wings and gleaming crown, we thank God for each cherished moment.  Catherine was preceded in death by both parents Willie Clay and Willie Mae Robinson, brother, Willie Obie Robinson, brother, Dennis Robinson, brother, Jamie Robinson, sister Sarah Craine, sister Alberta Robinson, brother, Isaiah Robinson, sister Doris Ann Weber, brother David Robinson, brother Allie (Puga) John Robin- son and son, Charles “Chuckii” Brown.  Survivors left to cherish and share Catherine’s memories are her sister, Helen Marie Daughtry (Ohio), son, Ronnie (Colorado), son, Jerry (Virginia), daughter, Kimberly (Oklahoma City), daugh- ter, Gwendolyn (Oklahoma City), son, Fenton (Oklahoma City) and daughter, Holly (Washington), 16 grandchildren, 18 great grand- children and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, and countless friends. May our beloved queen continue to walk around and rest in heaven. John Leslie Fancher ...  John Leslie Fancher was born June 29, 1952, in Marion County, West Virginia, to Eva Joe Brooks and John W. Fancher. He passed away on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He was 70 years, 8 months and 15 days old.  He was a good hearted man that loved motorcycles, feeding the birds, mowing yards and most of all, loved his dogs. He had a heart of gold and loved helping people and make you laugh.  John will truely be missed. He is in God’s hands. Rest in Peace.   He left behind his wife Connie Brooks Fancher of 38 years in Chickasha; son Richard Fancher; grandsons, Johnathan and Dakota Fancher of West Virginia; and sisters, Leigh Ann and Kelly.  He is preceded in death by his father John Fancher and mother Eva Joe Brooks Brower. “Bud” Louis Henry McClaflin, Jr. ...  Louis Henry McClaflin, Jr., known as Bud, was born December 31, 1936, in Blair, Oklahoma, the son of Louis Henry McClaflin, Sr. and Beulah Fay (Wright) Mc- Claflin. He passed from this life on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, in Chickasha, Oklahoma. He was 86.  A graveside service for Louis Henry McClaflin, Jr. of Chickasha, Oklahoma, was held on Friday, March 24, 2023, in the Verden Cemetery with Reverend Kim Hayes officiating.  Bud attended school in the Chickasha and Rush Springs area. At 18 years old, he enlisted in the United States Navy before being honorably discharged.  He married Patsy Reid and to this union his four children were born.  For a time, he worked as a truckdriver, hauling whiskey in Law- ton. He worked for many years in the oilfield, before he got an injury causing him to quit. He then worked in Arizona as a truck- driver again.  From the early 1970’s, until her passing around 2000, he was married to Gloria (Terry) McClaflin.  He enjoyed fishing and he loved his Coors Lite that he liked to call his “Kool-Aid.” He liked to think of himself as John Wayne and had seen every Western you could think of. He was a stubborn and gruff man; it was his way or no way. He got a kick out of shaking your hand so hard it would bring you to the ground and rubbing his whiskers on you.  Bud was preceded in death by both parents; his wife Gloria; sisters, Corinne Lacy and Delphenia Karnes; and brother Robert “Bobby” McClaflin.  Loved ones left to remember him are his daughters, Sheila Jack- son and husband Shawn of Cement and LeeAnn Alewine and hus- band Roger of SC; sons, Eddie McClaflin and wife Laura of AR, and Tommy McClaflin of NC; 8 grandchildren; sisters, Juanita Clark of Texarkana, TX, and Patsy Rogers of Kingston; many great-grand- children; great-great-grandchildren and other extended family and friends. And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years.” —Genesis 1:14