| Alvin Alfred Pitts Alvin Alfred Pitts, age 90, passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2006, at Plantation Village Nursing Center. He was born August 6, 1915, in Roosevelt, Oklahoma, to John and May (Walker) Pitts. On September 19, 1939, Alvin and Imogene Bradshaw were united in marriage in Snyder, Oklahoma. On December 9, 1942, Alvin entered into the United States Army as a cook, serving during World War II. He was honorably discharged as an SSgt on Jan 29, 1946, at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas. After serving his country, Alvin and Imogene moved to Eldorado, Oklahoma, where he owed and operated a bakery. In 1948 they moved to Altus and Alvin worked for Collins Auto Supply. He then went to work for the City of Altus in the Water Department as a supervisor. Alvin retired in the early 1980’s. After his retirement, Alvin and Imogene worked the summer months as camp ground hosts in Oklahoma. He was also a member of the American Legion. Alvin was a long time member of the Tabernacle Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon for many years. He also helped build the Auditorium at the church in 1953. Alvin was faithful to his God and church and dedicated to his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and May Pitts; four brothers, Charles Pitts, Dee Pitts, Donald Pitts and Willie Pitts; one sister, Inis Pitts; and a daughter-in-law, Cheryl Pitts. Alvin is survived by his loving wife, Imogene Pitts, of Altus, Oklahoma; one son, Ronnie Pitts of Altus, Oklahoma; and one grandson, Kevin Pitts and wife Torria of Atoka, Oklahoma; and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral Services will be held Friday, January 13, 2006, at 11:00 am at Tabernacle Baptist Church with Bro. Synott Matthews and Rev. Gregory Hawn officiating. Interment will follow at the Altus City Cemetery under the direction of Lowell-Tims Funeral Home The family of Alvin Pitts will greet friends Thursday evening, January 12, 2006, from 6:30pm to 7:30pm at Lowell-Tims Funeral Home. On line tributes can be made to the family of Alvin Pitts at www.lowell-tims.com |
| PHILLIPS Joy Ladean Phillips, age 76 of Altus, passed away at her residence on Wednesday, March 22, 2006. Joy was born on February 2, 1930 in Amherst, Texas. Raised by Denny Gibbons and her mother, Jessie Mae (Thomas) Gibbons, she married the love of her life, Phil H. Phillips, Jr. on June 25, 1949. They spent forty-three wonderful years together before his death in 1992. A member of the First Baptist Church of Altus, Joy was also a loyal employee of Kellwood Manufacturing for nineteen years. Working in her yard with flowers and her pecan trees were some of Joy’s favorite pastimes. Her family will long remember the chocolate sheet cakes with pecan halves that each of them received on special occasions. Joy loved her family dearly and enjoyed the times they spent together, but her most enjoyable moments were spent with her grandchildren whom she adored. Preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a son, Jay Don Phillips, a grandson, Kevin Reaser and one brother, Jackie Gibbons, she is survived by four children, Phillis Findley and husband John of Bakersfield, California, Vickie Kline and husband Billy of Hobart, Phillip Phillips of Upper Marlboro, Maryland and Sherrie Reaser and husband Joe Don of Altus; eleven grandchildren, Malisa Gibson, Chris Kline, John Findley, Jr., P.J. Phillips, David Findley, Lori Reaser, Courtney Phillips, Ashley Phillips, Brian Kline, Shane Reaser and Vanessa Phillips; two great grandchildren, Karah Phillips-Good and Kameron Good along with many other family members and a host of friends. Funeral services for Joy Phillips will be Saturday, March 25 at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Altus with Dr. Jeff Moore officiating. Internment will follow at the Altus City Cemetery under the direction of Lowell-Tims Funeral Home of Altus. The family of Joy Phillips will greet friends on Friday, March 24, from 6 until 7:30 p.m. at Lowell-Tims Funeral Home. Online tributes may be made to the family of Joy Phillips at www.Lowell-Tims.com |
| PITTS Jimmy LaRue Pitts, age 63 of Duke, passed away at his home, late Thursday evening, December 28, 2006. Jimmy was born on March 18, 1943, to Henry Lofton and Cressie Ellen (Durham) Pitts in Quanah, Texas. Jimmy grew up in Quanah and graduated from Quanah High School in 1962. On August 12, 1962, he married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Shirley Ann Poole. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Altus and in 1966, to Duke where they have made their home since. Upon moving to Duke, Jimmy began a thirty-three year career with Republic Gypsum, retiring in 1999. Through the years, Jimmy had a hobby of running a building and supply business in Duke and assisted others with his plumbing skills. Known in Duke as “the man who could fix almost anything”, Jimmy always took care of the elderly and needy. Fishing was his lifetime hobby, and Jimmy was known to have anything that others needed to borrow. Preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Henry Nathan and one sister, Edna B. Walker, Jimmy is survived by his wife, Shirley of the home; three children, Becky Miranda and husband Gregg of Duke, Craig Pitts and wife Diana of Waynoka, Oklahoma and Ronnie Pitts and wife Alicia of Waynoka; six grandchildren, Tanner Miranda and Vanessa Miranda of Duke, McKenzie Pitts, Nathan Pitts, Mattie Pitts and Marlie Pitts all of Waynoka; one brother, Bobby Pitts and wife Goldie of Vernon, Texas; special friends, Lavern and Christine Martin of Duke along with many other nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. Funeral services for Jimmy LaRue Pitts will be held on Monday, January 1, 2007 at 2 p.m. at Lowell-Tims Funeral Home Chapel with Eddie Beard and Mike Marsalis officiating. Interment will follow at Duke Rock Cemetery under the direction of Lowell-Tims Funeral Home of Altus. The family of Jimmy Pitts will greet friends from 2 until 4 p.m., Sunday, December 31, 2006, at Lowell-Tims Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Duke Church of Christ Building Fund in memory of Jimmy Pitts. Online tributes may be made to the family of Jimmy Pitts at www.Lowell-Tims.com |
| Pelfrey Betty Joyce Pelfrey, 77, passed away Friday, July 20, 2007, at Jackson County Memorial Hospital in Altus after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Betty was born November 28, 1929, in Altus to Jesse B. and Pearl Anna Mae (Norris) Sumrall. She graduated from Altus High School and worked at AT&T and Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for thirty-five years and retired in 1987. She spent nearly all her life in Altus and Jackson County. She married Carl W. Pelfrey May 23, 1948, in Altus. Betty is survived by her husband of 59 years of the home in Altus; three children, Carla Lowry and husband Jay of Alpine, Texas, Gary David Pelfrey of Altus, and D’Anne Hawk and husband Bob of Kingwood, Texas; eight grandchildren, Chris Pelfrey and wife Amber, Kasie Dobson and husband Michael, Kari Pucci and husband Frank, Gary Pelfrey, Jr. and wife Jenny, Brook Singh and husband Gopal, Kyle Laing and wife Brooke, Brian Hawk, and Lee Lowry. She is also survived by nineteen great-grandchildren. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Pearl Sumrall, and one sister, Frances Newton. Graveside Services for Betty Pelfrey will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, July 23, 2007, at Altus City Cemetery with Dr. Jeff Moore officiating. Interment will follow at the Altus City Cemetery under the direction of Lowell-Tims Funeral Home of Altus. Online tributes may be made to the family at www.Lowell-Tims.com |
| Parrish Dorothy Parrish died September 15, 2007, in Altus, Oklahoma, her home since 1935. A person of indomitable spirit whose life was defined by love for family, graceful hospitality, and glorious sense of humor, Dorothy was born September 3, 1918, in Prairie Hill, Oklahoma. She served as church pianist before moving to Altus, Oklahoma, where she began junior college. There she met her future husband, James William “Cactus Jim” Parrish. They were married fifty-four years. During the Korean War, while Jim and his two younger brothers fought overseas, Dorothy served as a beacon of strength for countless family members and friends. The letters she received from Jim during his military service remain some of her most valuable possessions. Known as “Dot” by her many friends, she was a strong, faithful, outspoken and proud woman. She loved cooking for large groups of family and friends, boating, knitting, needlepoint, attending OSU sporting events, traveling, giving free manicures to the lucky and deserving, and shopping. She and Jim served as Altus High class parents for their sons and were chaperones on countless out-of-town wrestling trips in all forms of weather. She was a wonderful and compassionate wife, mom, sister, and friend. She will be sorely missed by all who were the recipient of her love, laughter, and grace. Dot was preceded in death by her mother Mary Watson, stepfather Walter Watson, sister Jane Summers, and husband James William Parrish. She is survived by her sons, James and his wife Jacquelyn of Altus, Kim and his wife Sarah Lee of Oklahoma City; niece Betty Onan Altus; grandchildren Murry Parrish, Scott Coburn Parrish, Holly Payne, and Caroline Parrish; great-grandchildren Justin Payne, Clayton Payne, Gracie Payne, Lucy Parrish, Will Parrish, Jackson Parrish, and Madison Parrish. Mrs. Parrish’s family requests that memorial gifts be made to the Altus Public Library. The family will greet friends at Lowell-Tims Funeral Home, Monday, September 17 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, September 18, at the First United Methodist Church in Altus with Reverend Margie Van Oostrum officiating. Interment will follow at Altus City Cemetery. On line tributes can be made to the family of Dorothy Parrish at www.Lowell-Tims.com. |
| Lorraine Marie Peterson Lorraine Peterson, age 80 of Indiahoma, Oklahoma passed away Tuesday, October 9, 2007 at English Village Manor in Altus. She was born June 25, 1927 in Kingsbury, California to Manuel S. Avilia and Adriona (Silzara) Avilia. In 1947 Lorraine and William Meyers Brattain,Sr. were united in marriage. He preceded her in death. In 1990 Lorraine moved to Indiahoma from Colorado Springs, Colorado to be near her family. Lorraine enjoyed being a homemaker to her four children. When she wasn’t busy being a full time mom, she enjoyed playing bingo, dominoes, cards and working her crossword puzzles. She will be truly missed by her family and friends. She is survived by three children, William Meyers Brattain,Jr. and his wife Nita of Indiahoma, Oklahoma, Wayne Michael Brattain and wife Kris of Raton, New Mexico, and Lori Mae Uncapher of Fountain, Colorado. She is also survived by one brother Johnny Avilia of California; seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; and a host of relatives and many friends. Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents, one daughter, LeeAnn Marie Provencher , two grandsons, Danny Keith Brattain and Blue Daniel Kartak . Memorial Services for Lorraine Peterson are scheduled for Friday, October 12, 2007 at 4:00 p.m. at the Assembly of God Church at 100 Chebahtah in Indiahoma, Oklahoma. (Flowers can be delivered after 1:00 p.m. on Friday at the church.) Local arrangements are under the direction of Lowell-Tims Funeral Home in Altus. On line tributes can be made to the family of Lorraine Peterson at www.Lowell-Tims.com |
| PITTS Imogene “Ima” (Bradshaw) Pitts, age 88, a longtime resident of Altus, passed away Thursday, January 3, 2008 in Altus. Ima was born in Vinson, Oklahoma on September 9, 1919 to Lem and Mellion Bradshaw. On September 9, 1939 she married Alvin A. Pitts in Synder, Oklahoma and they were married over 66 years before Alvin’s death in 2006. She was a member of the Tabernacle Baptist Church in Altus and taught beginner Sunday School for many years. Ima worked as the head cook at Washington Elementary School in Altus. Ima enjoyed playing the pianio and would play at church and even continued playing at the Plantation Village Nursing Home when she and her husband moved there. Ima and Alvin also enjoyed serving as State Resort Camp Hosts at many resorts around Western Oklahoma. Imogene loved her church and her family and will be missed very much. Preceding Ima in death were her husband Alvin A. Pitts; her parents, Lem and Mellion Pitts; one brother, Lloyd Bradshaw; one sister, Florene Swartz; and one daughter-in-law, Cheryl Pitts. Ima is survived by one son Ronnie Pitts of Altus; one grandson, Kevin Pitts of Frederick; and special friends, Mae Morehead and her daughters, Danette Evans and Vickie Henry; and other relatives and many friends. Services for Ima will be Monday, January 7, 2008 at 2:00 pm, at the Tabernacle Baptist Church with Brother Synott Matthews and Reverend Gregory Hawn officiating. Interment will follow at Altus City Cemetery under the direction of Lowell-Tims Funeral Home. On line tributes can be made to the family of Imogene Pitts at www. Lowell-Tims.com. |
Waite F. Plato Waite F. Plato, age 84 of Altus, Oklahoma passed away Monday, February 18, 2008 at Jackson County Memorial Hospital. He was born October 26, 1923 in Fayetteville, North Carolina to Margaret (Bowles)Plato and William Ward Plato. On October 13,1956 in Bennettsville, South Carolina Waite and Janet Felberg were united in marriage. Waite joined the Army Air Corp early in his military career and later became a member of the United States Air Force where he proudly served for twenty-six years which included serving during World War II. He owned and operated Scotty’s Service Station in Altus for several years and worked for Martin’s Ace Hardware in Altus. When he wasn’t busy at work he enjoyed cooking for his family and friends. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign War, DAV and the American Legion. He is lovingly survived by his wife Janet of the home in Altus, Oklahoma; four children, Vera Foster and husband Jim of Pleasant Hill, California, Jean Rayburn and husband William of Seattle, Washington, Scott Plato of Altus, Oklahoma and Jill Davidson also of Altus, Oklahoma. He is also survived by one sister Mary Madden of Fayetteville, North Carolina; four grandsons, Mason Foster, Jonathan Foster, Joey Partain, Justin Davidson; one granddaughter Brittany Harris; one great-grandson William Foster and special friend Ray Davidson of Altus, Oklahoma; and a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers. Memorial service for Waite Plato is scheduled for Friday, February 22,2008 at __________ in the Ft. Sill National Cemetery in Elgin, Oklahoma. Arrangements are under the directions of Lowell-Tims Funeral Home. On line tributes can be made to the family of Waite F. Plato at www.Lowell-Tims.com |
| Macie Pierce Macie Pierce, 104, of Hollis, passed away Sunday, March 2, 2008, at Colonial Manor II Nursing Home. Macie was born May 14, 1903, in Harmon County, Oklahoma, to Samuel Houston and Florence (Keeton) Farris. Macie went to school at #8 and also Hollis Schools. She especially remembered Miss Sally Gillentine and had lots of fond memories of school activities. Macie never lived more than eight miles away from where she was born. Macie married O.I. Pierce in 1921 in Arlie, Texas. She and her husband had a long, happy marriage for almost 70 years. They were both active at Antioch Baptist Church and later First Baptist Church in Hollis. One of the things that Macie always wanted to do and had been discouraged from doing when she was younger was to become a nurse. One day, she found out that Edith Gatlin was offering a six-week course to become a nurse’s assistant at the Harmon Memorial Hospital in Hollis. She worked for nine years at the hospital after completing a successful training. Macie lived at home by herself just before she turn 103. She then moved to Colonial Manor II nursing facility where she participated in numerous group activities. She is survived by her daughter, Shirley Smith and husband Kenneth of Hollis; six grandsons, Harley Smith and wife Robin of Gould, Dean Smith of Joplin, Missouri, Kirk Smith of Hollis, Jeff Pierce and wife Dana of Hillsboro, Joe Pierce and wife J.J. of Sapulpa, and Kelly Pierce and wife Tricia of Fort Cobb; fifteen grandchildren, and ten great- grandchildren. Macie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, O.I. Pierce on January 11, 1990; one son, Harley Pierce; a great-grandson, Josh Smith; four sisters; two brothers, and an infant son. Funeral Services for Macie Pierce will be held 2:00 pm, Tuesday, March 4, 2008, at the First Baptist Church in Hollis with Pastor Jim Westmoreland officiating. Interment will follow at Fairmount Cemetery in Hollis. |
| Parker Merrill Ann (Davis) Parker was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on December 21, 1933. She passed away quietly at her home Friday, November 29, 2008. All of her daughters and their families were at her bedside. Merrill Ann grew up in Altus, Oklahoma and graduated from Altus High School in 1950. She made her home in Altus her entire life. Merrill Ann worked for Southwest Oklahoma Community Action and was the director for Oklahoma Rural Opportunities where she retired. She continued to work as an accountant for a local CPA firm and later worked for Denny Gabler at Tri Co Oil and Gas and as an accountant for George Bros. Pest Control for the past twenty years. She also had her own income tax service. Merrill Ann was an avid bridge player and one of her major accomplishments was when she became an accomplished Life Master. She enjoyed attending all of the activities her twelve grandchildren were involved in. She was preceded in death by her father Robert G. Davis, her mother Evelyn M. Davis and her sister Sally Jane Dantzler. She is survived by her six daughters Robbe LaMunyon, her husband Danny, her sons Christopher Groves and Jacob LaMunyon. Sally George, her husband Gobel, her daughter Amanda and husband Lee Walling, her sons Drew, Brady, Tyler, and step-son Blane George and wife Sandy. Merry Smith and husband Randy, her son Shane McKee and daughter Skylar Smith. Margaret Disney and her son Tommy. Elizabeth McCuistion and husband Danny, and her daughters Whitney and Chelsea, and Barbara Parker. She is also survived by a brother in law Bob Dantzler and her nieces Alice Dantzler and Nancy Dantzler and her daughters Maryanne and Abigail. She also leaves numerous friends and a special best friend Jan Jasay. A celebration of the life of Merrill Ann will be held Tuesday December 2nd at 4 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Altus. Contributions in lieu of flowers would be appreciated. Please send to First Presbyterian Church of Altus or JCMH Hospice or any charity of your choice. The Family will greet friends Monday night 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Lowell-Tims Funeral Home. Online tributes can be made at lowell-tims.com. |
| PORTER Raymond H. Porter, 89, of Big Spring, Texas, formerly of Altus, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2009, at the Parkview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Big Spring. Raymond was born April 7, 1920, in Altus, Oklahoma, to Hoox and Lula Mae (Murphy) Porter. He attended Altus Schools and graduated from Altus High School in 1939. Raymond married Rowena Kelly November 22, 1941, in Altus. He served his country during World War II in the United States Army from 1943 to 1945. Raymond worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 20 years in Altus. In the late 1960’s, Raymond moved to Midland, Texas, and then returned to Altus in 1981 where he worked at the First United Methodist Church as a maintenance supervisor and later worked at the Southwest Technology Center for Junior Rowland as a custodian. In 1995, Raymond moved back to Midland, Texas, to be near his daughter, Paula. Raymond was a Mason for over 61 years. He was a past Master of the Masonic Lodge #62 in Altus in 1985 and 1987. He was also a Perpetual Member of the Masonic Lodge, a 32nd Degree Mason of Guthrie Scottish Rites Bodies, a Shrine Mason, and a member of the India Temple in Oklahoma City. Raymond was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Altus. He is survived by two daughters, Beverly Mathis and husband John of Great Falls, Montana, and Paula Duvall and husband John of Midland, Texas; four grandchildren, Clovis Porter, Krysta Hyde, Shayne Mathis, and Scott Mathis, and six great- grandchildren. Raymond was preceded in death by his parents; wife Rowena Porter; one son, Raymond Eugene Porter; three grandchildren, Rachelle Porter, Leigh Ann Duvall, and Justin Edward Duvall; one brother, and three sisters. In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Masonic Lodge #62 in Altus, Oklahoma, or the charity of one’s choice. A Memorial Graveside Service for Raymond Porter will be held 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 15, 2009, at the Altus City Cemetery with Bobby Laws and Russell Lewis officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Lowell-Tims Funeral Home. Online Tributes may be made to the family at www.Lowell-Tims.com |
| PRESTON Edith Clowdus Preston, age 92 of Oklahoma City and formerly of Olustee, passed away at her daughters’ home in Oklahoma City late Friday evening, May 29, 2009. Mrs. Preston was born at Hess, Oklahoma on June 22, 1916, to Milton Luther and Nellie May (Black) Edens. At an early age, the family moved to the Harmony Community, south of Olustee, where she attended school. After meeting the love of her life, Paul Hayden Clowdus, she quit school before the second semester of her senior year and they married in 1934. Hayden was engaged in farming and worked as a heavy-duty equipment mechanic and welder. For a few short years after their marriage, they spent time in California and the Texas Panhandle where Hayden farmed. After moving back to the Olustee Community in 1952, Hayden continued to farm and work at Altus Air Force Base and the area missile silos while Edith took care of the duties at home with the raising of three children. Edith eventually began working at the Olustee Cotton Gin when she was needed, and after Hayden’s death on March 30, 1967, she worked at Scoggins Cattle Company, Altus Glass and Mirror, the City of Altus, and as a real estate agent and broker for Burl Winters. One of the highlights of Edith’s life was going back to school and graduating with her son, Larry, from Olustee High School in 1965. As an avid OU fan, Edith enjoyed sports of all types and cooking and sewing. A faithful member of the Church of Christ for many years, Edith loved spending time with her family and friends and attending worship services with her church family at the Southwest Church of Christ in Oklahoma City. Preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Paul Hayden Clowdus; her husband, Frank Preston; one son, Lonnie Paul Clowdus; six brothers and one sister, she is survived by two children, Linda Zane Sanders and husband Gene of Oklahoma City and Larry Clowdus and wife Judy of Oklahoma City; seven grandchildren, Paul Hayden Clowdus and wife Yolanda of El Paso, Texas, Kim Robbins of Oklahoma City, Kristi Sanders of Oklahoma City, Kala Leger and husband Jason of Newcastle, April Kaaiohelo and husband Jason of Edmond, Nancy Mack and husband Jay of Tulsa and Jon Clowdus and wife Stephanie of Oklahoma City; eleven great grandchildren; one sister-in-law along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. Edith will be buried by her beloved, Hayden, at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 2, 2009, at the Olustee Cemetery. A memorial service will follow at 2 p.m., Tuesday, June 2, 2009, at Lowell-Tims Funeral Home Chapel with Bill Osborne officiating. A visitation will follow the memorial service at the funeral home. Services are under the direction of Lowell-Tims Funeral Home of Altus. Mrs. Clowdus will lie in state on Sunday, May 31, 2009, and Monday, June 1, 2009, from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. at Lowell-Tims Funeral Home. Online tributes may be made to the family at www.Lowell-Tims.com |