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.

A: Main, News...

Family and friends say farewell to Tracy Scroggins and his mother

By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER

March 5, 2026

It was a sad day when Checotah heard of the passing of one of their own, Tracy Scroggins, whose name lives on at the field house and playground in his hometown. Scroggins passed away at the age of 56 ...

B:, Sports...

Ironheads tame Wolves for Regional Consolation Championship

By Rodney Haltom sports EDITOR

March 5, 2026

The Eufaula Ironheads continued their outstanding season with a commanding 5837 victory over the Heavener Wolves to capture the consolation regional championship and punch their ticket to area play. F...

A: Main, News...

Commutation Hearing set in Jerry Don Hurst murder case

By SHAUNA BELYEU GENERAL MANAGER

March 5, 2026

Danny Turner was convicted of first-degree murder in 1992 for the 1991 poisoning death of his Checotah High School classmate, Jerry Don Hurst. Turner was convicted and sentenced by a McIntosh County j...

A: Main, News...

Mayor issues proclamation honoring late editor Jerry Fink

By SHAUNA BELYEU GENERAL MANAGER

March 5, 2026

On March 2, the Eufaula City Council opened its regular meeting by honoring the life and legacy of longtime journalist Jerry Fink. Mayor James Hickman read a formal proclamation recognizing the late E...

A: Main, News...

Chamber celebrates America and its members

By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER

March 5, 2026

Checotah Chamber of Commerce celebrated its members and America’s 250th year by hosting an Americana tablescape competition at their annual banquet held Tuesday, Feb. 25. Over 200 business leaders, Ch...

A: Main, News...

Butler captured on Kerr Lake after two-week manhunt

By AMIE CATO-REMER EDITOR

March 5, 2026

After nearly two weeks on the run that included a reported kidnapping and a multi-county search, escaped inmate Robey L. Butler was captured Monday morning near Keota, bringing a tense manhunt to a sa...

A: Main, News...

Masonic Lodge Breakfast Fundraiser

March 5, 2026

Saturday, March 7 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. Located at 625 W. Gentry Start your day off right with an all-you-can-eat homemade big breakfast consisting of farm fresh eggs, Blue & Gold sausage, pancakes, biscui...

lifestyle

An Enchanted Night Under the Lights

March 5, 2026

p.m. -11 p.m. Prom tickets on sale now in Mrs. Ortiz Room 220 until March 13 for $40. Must be academically eligible to purchase and attend.

lifestyle

Freedom House chosen as Citizens of the Year

By Staff Reports

March 5, 2026

This year LaDonna Rhodes aka “The Paper Lady” with the McIntosh County Democrat had the privilege of announcing the Citizen of the Year award which went to Freedom House Adult & Teen Challenge with di...

lifestyle

Wild Onion Dinner

March 5, 2026

The Eufaula-Canadian Tribal Town will be hosting the annual Wild Onion Dinner on Saturday, March 14, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Eufaula Indian Community Nutrition Center, 800 Birkes Rd., Eufaula. The ...

lifestyle

Gear up and grab your green

March 5, 2026

Break out the shamrocks, dust off the tutus and lace up those running shoes, the Eufaula Green Run 5K is back for its sixth year, bringing a splash of Irish spirit to the shoreline of Lake Eufaula. Ho...