DEATH NOTICES - McIntosh Democrat

Obituaries

November 16, 2023

DEATH NOTICES

EUFAULA – Daniel Joe Killian, 77, passed away Thursday, October 26, 2023, in Muskogee. A graveside service was held Wednesday, November 8 at Greenwood Cemetery in Eufaula, OK.

WARNER – Gordon “Gordie” James Pevehouse, 83, passed away Saturday, November 4, 2023 with his loving family at his side. A celebration of Gordie’s life was held Thursday, November 9 at the Warner First Baptist Church.

CHECOTAH – Esperanza “Hope” Medina-Soto Turner, 77, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Sunday, November 5, 2023. Services celebrating her life were held Friday, November 10, at First Baptist Church in Checotah,OK. A private burial was held in Greenlawn Cemetery.

COUNCIL HILL – Thelma “Lorene” (Killgore) Swadley Lackey, 93, passed away on November 6, 2023. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 11, 2023 at Hunn Funeral Home Chapel.

CHECOTAH – Dorothy Jean Mansfield, 83, passed away Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at her home surrounded by family. A funeral service was held Saturday, November 11 at Palestine Church in Quinton.

HANNA – Billy Ray Howard, 64, passed away on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, in Hanna, Oklahoma. Funeral services were held on Monday, November 13 at the First Baptist Church of Hanna.

EUFAULA – James Audrevon Caldwell, 77, passed away Wednesday, November 8, 2023. No services planned at this time.

CHECOTAH – Larry Harlan Whitlock, 75, passed away on Nov. 9, 2023. A funeral service was held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 14 at the Kelley Memorial Chapel in Eufaula,OK.

EUFAULA – Patsy Lee Langley, 70, passed away Sunday, November 12, 2023, at her home. Family and friends will gather Saturday, November 18 from 10 a.m.. – 1 p.m. at Hunn, Black & Merritt Funeral Home in Eufaula, OK.

EUFAULA – Ronald Dale Oliver, 81, passed away Sunday, November 12, 2023, at his home. Services will be held Saturday, November 18 at 1 p.m. at the Texanna Assembly of God.

CHECOTAH – Dustin James Etchison, 32, passed away Sunday, November 12, 2023. Family plans to hold a private Celebration of Life.

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Checotah Schools savor the holidays

By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER

November 27, 2025

All of Checotah Schools were a buzz as students, teachers and staff savored their last week of holiday events before Thanksgiving Break. Checotah School Choirs under Director Greg Spena performed thei...

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ODOT’s $54M investment funding highway projects

By LYNN ADAMS SPECIAL TO THE MCINTOSH COUNTY DEMOCRAT

November 27, 2025

Driving on McIntosh County highways should be smoother by 2035, according to plans by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to resurface about 39 miles of I-40, U.S. 69 and other highways. ODOT ex...

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A ‘Golden Christmas’ to benefit residents

November 27, 2025

A “Golden Christmas” sponsored by the Checotah Art Guild will benefit residents at the Checotah Nursing and Rehabilitation Center again this year. Select an angel off the Golden Angel Tree located in ...

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A Thanksgiving message to our community

By SHAUNA BELYEU GENERAL MANAGER

November 27, 2025

As we head into Thanksgiving, we find ourselves reflecting on what makes our community so special. This isn’t just about where we live; it’s all the simple moments that remind us that smalltown life i...

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Candidate filing begins for Board of Education

November 27, 2025

Candidate filing for the Board of Education begins Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, for McIntosh County school districts. Those who wish to file for a Board of Education office must submit a Declaration of Candi...

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Mural dedication honors Watts’ legacy and leadership

By SHAUNA BELYEU GENERAL MANAGER

November 27, 2025

Friends, family and officials attended a powerful moment of community pride on Monday as a new mural honoring former U.S. Congressman and Eufaula native J.C. Watts is officially dedicated at City Hall...

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A hoe-lot is happening at The Happy Hoe Farm Market

By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER

November 20, 2025

Who says you can’t be a Happy Hoe? The Checotah Chamber of Commerce just had a ribbon cutting for The Happy Hoe Farm Market and the talk around town is there’s a hoe-lot of good things to eat or get a...

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Another successful Veterans Day Celebration

By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER

November 20, 2025

Another successful Veterans Day Celebration was hosted by Checotah Public Schools and honored all who served in the military especially local veterans on Tuesday, November 11. The special day started ...

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Upcoming Holiday Events

By 3rd Annual Feed the Community

November 20, 2025

3rd Annual Feed the Community Tuesday, Nov. 24 Dinner served from 5 p.m. until the food runs out Checotah Community Center Everyone is welcome! By TNT Power Washing Services In Memory of their mother,...

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Motorcyclist killed

November 20, 2025

A 36-year-old cyclist from McAlester was killed Friday when he lost control of his vehicle on U.S. 270 and Oil Well Road, rolled through a barbed wire fence and came to rest in a field. Zachary W. Pat...

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Ava Rose Johnson partners with businesses for Holiday Food Drive

November 20, 2025

Ava Rose Johnson is partnering with Community Counselors Group and True Value in a Holiday Food Drive that will help support families impacted by the recent government shutdown and cutbacks. “I am thr...