From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Thursday,
December 5, 1996
LOCAL
City Hall Dramatic Backdrop Of City's Historical Monuments
Only One Board Race For Ponca City Schools
Donations Help Area Agencies
Nearly News
Award-Winning History Book Reveals Several Interesting Personal Stories
District Court
Letters Say:
Author's Wife Here Sunday For Autographing Session
Davis Stays in County Jail Until Former Sentencing
Chamber News
DEATHS
Sue Lynn Kanady
Harold R. Jones
Lester H. Parker
Clinton M. Gearhard
Hubert Lee Moulton
Services Pending
John E. Moore
Ellsworth Kemble
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
Steichen, Schiltz, Bellinghausen Families Dine
Pair Now Residing in Tulsa
Marland Program Highlights Meeting
SPORTS
Junior High Sports Update
OSU Freshmen Keep Improving, Thankfully
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
Fifth Street and Grand Avenue has persevered as a unique part of Ponca City's quality of life. It remains the focal point for the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, parades, pep rallies and other community festivals as well as provides a dramatic backdrop for several of the city's historical monuments.
The Civic Center has been an anchor for the downtown area, stated Tim Burg, co-chair for the Citizens for Ponca City Safety, Preservation and Maintenance Committee. "If the building were demolished, it would drastically affect the economy of downtown," he stated. "From the Chamber of Commerce's stand point, this has been the front door, the hub of the city."
Cherokee Strip Centennial Plaza, built in front of the building, contains bricks engraved with the names of pioneers, descendants, organizations, supporters and others who helped make the project a success. The endeavor began in 1992 and included laying 6,527 name bricks, renovation of the fountain, the bronze statue by local sculptor Jo Saylors. Also, the addition of landscaping and benches were added to the front lawn.
"Centennial Plaza is one of the finest examples of volunteers, businesses, city government, public spirited organizations and generous donors working together," stated Larry Stephenson, who chaired the Cherokee Strip Centennial Committee. The committee raised $200,000 for the plaza.
Among the historical memorabilia on the lawn of City Hall, are the electric fountain and the War Memorial Tablet. These were built for and by the people of Ponca City under the leadership of the Ponca City chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The plaque honors the 293 men and women of Ponca City who served their country during World War I. Original dedication occurred on Armistice Day, Nov. 11, 1925.
In addition, the statue of E.W. Marland resides on the west lawn of Centennial Plaza, where it was situated in 1951. The statue, created of French limestone, was crafted between 1927 and 1930 in France, and first appeared in the gardens at the Marland Estate.
Likewise, the Centennial Settler, a 2,200-pound bronze depicting a settler alighting from his steed to drive his claiming flag in the Cherokee Strip is positioned as the plaza's centerpiece. Some residents considered the settler as Ponca City's 100th birthday present to honor the men and women of all races and nationalities who made the run of their lives.
Additionally, the Living Legacy Tree was dedicated on the bicentennial of the Bill of Rights, in December 1991. A porcelain enamel sign, at the base of the 25-year-old Atlas cedar tree, acts as a reminder for the community.
"Passing Proposition of the city's upcoming bond election is a reinvestment in our heritage," the co-chair said. "I choose to support the notion of saving the heritage for my children and grandchildren."
By KRISTI GRABEAL
News Education Editor
Only one race developed in Ponca City as the filing dates for Board of Education candidates closed Wednesday. The annual school elections have been set for Feb. 11, 1997, and the runoff election (if necessary) will be held on April 1, 1997.
In Kay County, 21 candidates have file .
The only race for Ponca City voters will be Office No. 6 where David Ray Kinkaid will challenge incumbent Stephen R. Stalcup for a four-year term.
Incumbent John Young, Office No. 3, a four-year term, and incumbent Kyle A. Keffer, Office No. 7, a three-year term, were unopposed.
For Pioneer Vo-Tech, Mary M. Rigdon filed for Office No. 1, an unexpired term and Larry E. Buck filed for Office No. 5, a five-year term.
There also are no races in the McCord School District where Guy H. Lewis filed for Office No. 1 and Marilyn L. Merle filed for Office No. 3, an unexpired term.
In Braman, Marilyn Johnston filed for Office No. 2, a five-year term and Dean Meador and Julie Ray filed for Office No. 5, an unexpired Term.
Stephen C. Treat and George Ehler filed for Kaw City and will be running for Office No. 2, a three-year term.
At Kildare, Bill Branson filed for a three-year term for Office No. 1, and in Newkirk, Harold Harris and Mike Griffin filed for Office No. 2, a five-year term.
In Peckham, Ron Sheik filed for Office No. 2, a three-year term.
In Blackwell, Greg Martin and Kathleen Brown filed for Office No. 2, a five-year term.
At Tonkawa, Mark Caughlin filed for Office No. 2, a five-year term. Mary Perks, Robert London and Tom David all filed for Office No. 4, a two-year term.
Frontier School Board of Education candidates filed at the Noble County Election Board in Perry. Alice Kelly, Rexford Tautfest and Deborah Kinega Jake all filed for Office No. 3, an unexpired term and Richard B. Oltmann and Tom G. Hawkins filed for Office No. 2, a five-year term.
In Osage County, at Burbank, Rita Nephew filed for Office No. 1 and Michael Jay Smith filed for Office No. 3, an unexpired term.
At Shidler, L.S. Loveall filed for Office No. 2.
At Woodland School, Ronnie S. Gibson filed for Office No. 2 and Randy Corley filed for Office No. 5.
Candidates who have filed may withdraw from the annual school election by filing a written notice with the Election Board at Newkirk, Pawhuska and Perry no later than 5 p.m. Friday.
"Many generous donations, beyond pledges and donations of cash, have been made to our United Way service agencies from caring benefactors throughout Ponca City for the holiday season," says Helene Schwartz, United Way director.
One of those generous benefactors is Thorn Apple Valley which recently donated more than 700 hams to United Way agencies and other service organizations to help feed the hungry during the holiday season.
According to Beverly Appleman, spokesperson for Thorn Apple Valley, "Several times during the year we have food available for area agencies. United Way helps with that distribution process to insure the food is given to agencies that serve meals and/or distribute food to those in need." Since coming to Ponca city, Thorn Apple Valley has distributed more than 30,000 pounds of meat to the community.
"Thorn Apple Valley and other local businesses who donate services and goods are good friends and neighbors and their generosity saves the United Way service agencies thousands of dollars that can be used for direct services to clients," says Schwartz. "We really appreciate their continued support."
If you happened to catch the "Kenny Rodgers Christmas Show" on the Family Channel Wednesday evening, you saw a former Ponca Citian. During the performance of "Let It Snow," one of the featured musicians was Bill Hartman, who was playing the trombone. Bill, a 1961 Po-Hi graduate, teaches music at Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield. He was invited to participate in the Nashville taping of the holiday special. Hartman is the son of Margaret and the late Wayne Hartman. Many will remember Wayne Hartman as band director at the junior high for 29 years.
----
The Ponca City Park and Recreation Advisory Board's special session scheduled at 6 p.m. tonight, has been canceled due to the unavailability of several members.
----
Nearly News has been told Santa has a lot of magical powers, but being in two places at once is still a pretty hard act to perform. As a result the jolly old elf will have to give up his Friday evening "Festival of Angels" shift at Lake Ponca Park and take over the spotlight at the Lighted Christmas Parade in downtown Ponca City at 6 p.m. Children who plan to tour the Festival of Angels exhibit Friday at Lake Ponca Park and were planning to chat with Santa, may want to postpone their tour until Saturday or Sunday evening from 6 to 9 p.m., or attend the parade on Friday and see Santa there.
Editors Note: Eleanor Coates, a member of the North Central Oklahoma Historical Association has jotted down some special facts of interest gleaned from perusing the award winning "North Central Oklahoma: Rooted in the Past - Growing for the Future," The two-volume history book was recently published by that group of volunteers to record the history and personal stories and pictures of more than 800 early-day families. This is the second in a series of stories submitted by Coates.
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
Still browsing in the big books, Eleanor Coates says she came to Ernest Trenary's story that is as hilarious as if he was sitting in front of a stove and entertaining those eagerly listening to him. He obviously took great pleasure in telling the story of his parents' coming to Oklahoma during the Opening of the Cherokee Strip Outlet, says Coates.
The story goes - Earl was not even born when the Cherokee Strip opened, but his father, LeRoy Trenary, was seventeen years old (too young to stake a claim) made the run with father and grandfather. Tom Trenary, staked his claim six miles south of the Kansas state line, two miles north and 3/4ths west of what is now Peckham. LeRoy did his part by driving the team pulling the wagon for his father.
Earl went on to describe his arrival in the word. His mother said "It was so hot, 107 degrees that August 17, 1909, the water in the rain barrel was so warm that none had to be heated to bathe the new baby at nine o'clock that night."
Mary Livergood was one of his teachers when they were in school as the World War I Armistice was signed on November 11. 1918. "The whistle was blown in Newkirk at 11 o'clock and we heard it loud and clear at Center School," wrote Trenary.
Gun Confiscated
Ernest continued, "A classmate and I were taking pot shots at his mother's chickens along the road with a big 45 caliber pistol Ralph had brought to school that day. Miss Livergood took it away and to my knowledge, still has it. It is said she has a trunk full of things she had 'confiscated'."
He also bragged how he and his bride, Billie, had a very special honeymoon that was spent on a motorcycle all through Texas and around back home in 30 days.
Continuing on through the big two-volume book, Coates tells of the panic of 1893. Nationwide it made business conditions rather slow and it was hard to collect accounts. Three young men, John and his two brothers, James and Tell Starr, accepted the challenge of a new frontier by making the race and staking claims near the Salt Fork River eleven miles southwest of Tonkawa. Among their neighbors were John Prather, his son Willie and brother Eli Prather, who have many descendants in the area today.
When the Starr men stopped to water their horses at a trough where there were other men. One of them asked their names and John replied they were the Starr brothers. "Is Henry Starr in your group?", asked the stranger.
"Yes, he is my brother." "Is Belle Starr any relation?" the man asked. John replied "Yes, she is my wife." The man pulled his hat down on his head and started running, - sure he was in the midst of outlaws.
John's "Belle Starr" was Elizabeth Rosabel Starr, nicknamed Belle, who was born in Indiana.
The next story of interest read by Coates was the story of the Graham Ranch in Kaw City.
Flood at Kaw City
When Ralph Graham and Katherine Mabel Hosford were married in 1909, they went into the ranching business and purchased the many acres of ranch land north and east of Kaw City. Ralph had been a government inspector of cattle so he used his experience in partnership with "Gene" Shidler whose name was given to the thriving oil town of Shidler.
Ralph and Katherine had two children. Tom and Ruth. One time while both small children were away overnight in Kaw City, Beaver Creek was up and overflowing all the low land and it covered about one-fourth mile of the road south of the Graham home.
Ralph sent a man in the car to bring his children home but meanwhile the water had risen too high for the car to make it back. Ralph got his saddle horse and went to meet them. He took little Ruth on behind him on the horse and stripped Tom and put him in the water and let him hold to the horse's tail and float behind for a quarter of a mile. Part of the water was over the horse's back. They arrived home safely but mighty wet.
When the Kaw Lake was under construction, the Grahams were forced to sell part of their land and relocate. "Perhaps the Kaw Dam might be considered as the 'bridge' between the past and the future," observes Coates.
Today Tom Graham's daughter Nancy and her husband Charles Hays, are the third generation operators of Graham Ranch.
Coates said, "Many interesting letters and comments have been directed to the board of directors of the North Central Oklahoma Historical Association. Recently they received a letter from one of the grateful purchasers of the two-volume books.
LaVerne Kreger of Ponca City wrote: "My most gracious thanks to you for the wonderful history book you have produced. The Indian history is wonderful and authentic as I grew up at White Eagle and knew most of the people you have pictured also the Old Ponca Indian Boarding School. Wonderful Books!"
The two-volume books are the 1996 national winner of Certificate of Commendation by the American Association for State and Local History.
The beautifully bound sets are now available for purchase for Christmas giving at Commercial Federal Bank Pioneer Bank and First National Bank, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays only, through Dec. 18.
For more information call (405) 765-7169 in Ponca City, 363-3602 in Blackwell or 362-2310 in Newkirk.
Ponca City
Divorce Petitions
Crystal Andrea Stacks vs. Brian Leon Stacks.
Melinda Lee Baker vs. Curtis Ray Baker.
Sherri Lynn Grimes vs. Michael Brian Grimes.
Brian L. Stacks vs. Crystal A. Stacks.
Colleen Marie Kent vs. Tyler LeJon Kent.
Judith Marie Pleasant Durst vs. Freddy Lee Durst.
Vicky Lea Sullivan vs. Terry Joe Sullivan.
Tamico Mounce vs. Robert Longoria.
Gladys Genvieve Franklin vs. Carl Thomas Walton.
Shelly Renee Maple vs. Mark Allen Maple.
Cassandra Lynn James vs. John Woodson James.
Sharon Shepard vs. Gary Shepard.
Annulment Petitions
Lori Dawn Bailey vs. Wayne R. Bailey.
Jacqueline D. Jones vs. Jody L. Jones.
Petition for Name Change
Wendy McAlester on behalf of Chad Anthony McNew to change minor child's name to Chad Anthony McNew Phillips.
Civil Suits Filed
Commercial Federal Mortgage vs. John M Yates and Toni Mae Yates; judgment sought for $26,389.49.
Monty Anderson vs. Dr. Terrence H. Boring, et al.; judgment sought for $10,000.
Cheyenne Oil Properties vs. Fred Eberle; judgment sought for $13,230.70.
Mid Continent Federal Savings Bank vs. Roy Richard Robbins, Kim D. Robbins and Norwest Financial Oklahoma; judgment sought for $44,354.97.
Charlie Dugan and Judy Dugan vs. Jupiter Chemicals; judgment sought for $40,000.
CPRC, Inc. vs. David Rout, Dr. Ken Miller, et al.; judgment sought for $20,063.09.
Billie Haragan vs. Post-Newsweek of Oklahoma; judgment sought for $10,000.
Stan Thien vs. Hunter's Modern Appliance; judgment sought for $10,000.
Floyd Wood, Jr., and Sharon Wood vs. City of Ponca City; judgment sought for $10,000.
Glendon L. Dehart, Patrick M. Costello, et. al., vs. City of Ponca City; judgment sought for back pay.
Editor, The News,
There have been some excellent letters in "Letter Says." Many things I would like to know about.
In Ron Shelton's letter, 12-1-96, stating the City Commissioners some years ago agreed to put $100,000 back each year until there was enough to have the repairs made on the aerial truck. When he retired there was $300,000 in the fund. Do we still have the fund? If not, where was it used?
Carl Balcer and Court Allen's letters 12-1-96 should be read by everyone.
My maternal and paternal grandparents made the Cherokee Run. I was born in Ponca City and never want to live any place else. But I am concerned about the financial situation of Ponca City. There are too many rumors that the City is broke!.
I am sure the Citizens of Ponca City want the City to grow and be financially stable.
C. Hickman
"The Doctors Fair," by the late Edwin Fair, M.D., founder of the Edwin Fair Community Mental Health Center in Ponca City has recently been released and is now available at area book stores.
It is currently available at Brace Books and More in Ponca City and Dr. Fair's wife, Gloria Fair is expected to be there Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. to meet friends and acquaintances, and on request inscribe the books with a personal note.
"The late Dr. Fair had expected to be in Ponca City this fall to autograph copies of his book, which was so important to him," says Jean Brace of Brace Books and More. In his place, Mrs. Fair has graciously accepted our invitation to be present to introduce the book, and if requested, to inscribe the books with personal notes."
"The Doctors Fair" tells the poignant story of two doctors, father and son, who practiced the art of medicine in Oklahoma over a span of eight decades.
Papa Fair, Ellis Nathan Fair, M.D., was a country doctor in the mountains of southeastern Oklahoma for 60 years. Before X-rays, before antibiotics, before any of the wonder drugs, he healed with a blend of knowledge, trust, responsibility and love. He was one of the most respected men in his community, because he was a friend to all.
The author, Edwin Fair, M.D. received the best possible education in the world of medicine, at the University of Oklahoma, the world-famous Mayo Clinic, the world-renowned Menninger Foundation, and as a child on the saddlebags of his father's horse, as Papa rode to one house call after another.
Although he practiced at the highest levels of thoracic surgery, then psychiatry, Ed Fair never lost the personal philosophy of a country doctor. He, too, was a pioneer in medicine, and established the first community mental health center to cross state lines. The Edwin Fair Community Mental Health Center in Ponca City is now named in his honor.
This biography/autobiography is a story of family, faith, love and of caring for your neighbors and your community.
NEWKIRK - Christopher Howard Davis, sentenced to death this week for the 1995 stabbing death of his aunt, will stay in the county jail until formal sentencing next month.
A jury delivered the death penalty Monday night against Davis for the fatal knife attack on his aunt, Billie Jo (Davis) Pollard, 43, in the home they shared in the 200 block of South Seventh Street. He has been jailed since he walked to the police station in the early morning of Oct. 29, 1995, following the murder.
The case against Davis, 22, was the first death-penalty murder case prosecuted by District Attorney John Maddox. It took jurors less than 40 minutes to agree on a first-degree murder conviction last week. The penalty phase of the case was decided Monday evening in 3-1/2 hours.
However, the investigation and trial caused turmoil for the family in Fairfax, each wrestling with grief over losing Billie Jo and seeing such trouble facing Chris.
Most of the family concluded though that Chris Davis deserved the death penalty, either as punishment for the vicious attack or as safety for surviving family members.
Davis' uncle Jerry Ferguson, married to Billie Jo's sister, Fran, talked Monday night while jurors were deliberating, describing how fear had disrupted the normal life of the close family.
Today he clarified a point made then that sounded as if he only wanted the death penalty against his nephew because his wife decided it was necessary for her safety. Instead, he says, he was uncertain at first, but learning the details of the crime changed his mind.
"I didn't want to see the death penalty to start with," Ferguson said, "because he was my nephew.
"But after I went to talk to the district attorney and saw some of the pictures, and I saw how mean she (Billie Jo) was treated - it was cruel the way he did it - then you realize that he needed to pay for it," he explained.
"Of course, I still have feelings for him. I always will," Ferguson said.
By TIM BURG
Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce
City Bond Issue
At 8 a.m. Friday, the Chamber of Commerce will present a special Friday Forum at the Pioneer Technology Center regarding the upcoming City Bond Issue Election.
Representatives from the city administration, police and fire departments, city commissioners and other concerned citizens will be present to discuss the proposition and to answer questions from the audience. Please make plans to attend this important informational forum.
Coffee and doughnuts will be provided.
CEO Search Update
On Wednesday, members of the Chamber Board of Directors, along with the CEO Selection Committee, met to review the resumes submitted for the position of chief executive officers and interviews with potential candidates continue to take place. The selection committee hopes to narrow the list down to a successful candidate soon.
The selection committee has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, checking references, interviewing candidates and working to help select the best possible choice for the CEO position. The final selection is the responsibility of the board of directors and we anticipate that the decision will be made soon.Wordsmith's Club Meets Saturday
The monthly meeting of the Northern Oklahoma Wordsmith's writing club will be Saturday at 9:30 a.m. in the programming room in the basement of the Ponca City Library. Anyone interested in writing is invited to attend.
Recently members Grace Klinger and Rene Simpson attended the Reliance Press Seminar on Self Publishing and will present a report on the event.
Other items of interest on the agenda include "networking" by members and the planning of an agenda for meetings for the coming year.
Members are reminded to bring Christmas "goodies" to share
as refreshments.
DEATHS
Sue Lynn Gassert Kanady, Ponca City resident, died at her home, Dec. 3, 1996. She was 55.
A memorial service is set for 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Ponca City First Christian Church Chapel with the Rev. Charles Heyer and the Rev. Gerald Klaus, pastor, officiating. At her request, Mrs. Kanady's remains were donated to the Medical Center at the University of Oklahoma for research.
Sue Lynn (Hansen) Gassert Kanady was born Sept. 30, 1941, in Ponca City the daughter of Richard "Dick" and Ethmer "Mike" (Diener) Hansen. After graduation from Ponca City High School, where she was listed on the Po-Hi honor roll, she attended Women's College in Denton, Texas, and Oklahoma State University. She also attended the Blackwell Hospital School of Practical Nursing.
She was married to Robert L. Gassert in 1960 in Ponca City and later married Malcolm Kanady. During her nursing career, Mrs. Kanady was employed as coordinator for nursing excellence at Windsor Oxford Place in Coffeyville, Kan.; a field nurse for Health Care and a staff nurse at Mercy Hospital at Independence, Kan.; a nurse at St. Frances Regional Hospital in Wichita, Kan.; and as a staff nurse in coronary care at Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City. She had also served as assistant director of nursing and director of Cardiology and the Pulmonary Departments at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City.
Mrs. Kanady was a member of the Church of the Brethren and the Alzheimer's Association, Chapter 0100. She is listed in the Marquies "Who's Who in American Nursing 1996-97."
Survivors include two sons, David Gassert of Independence, Kan., and Paul Kanady, Tulsa; three daughters, Marisu Gassert Trendel of Olathe, Kan., Donna Weaver Vineyard of Ponca City, and Rene Kanady Mason of Barstow, Calif.; her mother, Ethmer "Mike" Hansen of Ponca City; 11 grandchildren; two nieces and one nephew. She was preceded in death by her father, one sister; one brother; and two aunts.
Mrs. Kanady requested no flowers be offered but that all remembrances be sent to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601; First Christian Church, P. O. Box 270, Ponca City, OK 74601; or to the Church of the Brethren, Billings, OK 74630.
The family will be at 844 North Fourth Street.
MORRISON - Harold R. Jones, former Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, Dec. 3, 1996, at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa. He was 69.
The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Morrison (Okla.) Christian Church with the Rev. Michael Stein, officiating. Burial will be in the Resthaven Memorial Cemetery, Ponca City, at 3 p.m. Saturday under the direction of Strode Funeral Home, Stillwater. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday.
Harold R. Jones was born May 1, 1927, in Bucannon County, Mo., the son of Charley and Gladys (Burch) Jones. He attended schools in Missouri and Kansas and graduated from high school in Atchison, Kan. Jones served in the U.S. Army from 1946-48 in the Philippine Islands.
On Nov. 17, 1949, he was married to Kathleen Gardner in Troy, Kan., and the couple moved to Ponca City in 1959. Jones worked in the heating and air-conditioning business for several years before employment with Conoco Inc. The family moved to Morrison in 1975, where they established their present home. Jones was a member of the Morrison Christian Church, DAV, Christie Jones American Legion Post 343, and the Paralyzed Veterans. He enjoyed working on the computer, coin collecting, fishing and visiting with people.
Survivors include his wife, Kathleen, of the home in Morrison; one son, Larry of Houston, Texas; two daughters, Linda Nelson of Morrison and Lisa Groom of Round Rock, Texas; his parents, Roy and Gladys Filbert of Morrison; one brother, Roy Filbert of Topeka, Kan.; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his father, Charley Jones; and one infant granddaughter.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Jones' name to the Morrison Christian Church, Stained Glass Window Fund, P.O. Box 69, Morrison, OK 73061 or to Muscular Dystrophy Foundation c/o Bank of Oklahoma-Lewis Center, P.O. Box 271, Tulsa, OK 74101.
Lester H. Parker, resident of Ponca City, died Tuesday evening, Dec. 3, 1996 at his home. He was 80.
The funeral service will be Friday, Dec. 6, 1996 at the First Free Will Baptist Church, 2000 East Hubbard Road. The Rev. David L. Bigger, pastor of the church, will officiate, assisted by the Rev. Gerald Broadway of Independence, Kan. Burial will be in IOOF Cemetery under direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.
Lester H. Parker was born Sept. 23, 1916 at Copan, Okla., the son of John W. Parker and Elva (Walker) Parker. He received his early education in the Copan Public Schools. He was united in marriage to Marjorie A. Moore on Aug. 22, 1938 at Bartlesville, and established their first home there.
The couple moved to Ponca City in 1950 at which time Mr. Parker began employment with Continental Oil Co. He retired from Continental in 1976 after 27 years of employment.
Mr. Parker enjoyed his farming and being with his children and grandchildren.
Surviving are his wife, Marjorie of the home; two sons, Donus and Gerald, both of Ponca City; one brother, Ernest of Bartlesville; three sisters, Alice Graham of Ponca City, Leoria Kimbley of Pampa, Texas and Margurette Rickard of Oklahoma City; six grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Clarence, and a sister, Orleta Jackson.
Casket bearers will be Harold L. Parker, Jerry B. Parker, Jimmy McPherson, Kevin Kraemer and Ernest Mullins. Honorary bearers will be members of the Mountain Climbers Sunday School Class.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Free Will Baptist Church, 2000 East Hubbard Road, Ponca City, OK 74604.
The family will be at 2917 Canterbury.
BLACKWELL - Clinton M. Gearhard, resident of Blackwell, died Tuesday, Dec. 3, 1996, at his residence. He was 78.
A graveside service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 6, 1996 in Blackwell IOOF Cemetery. The Rev. Raymond Cooley, pastor of First United Methodist Church, Blackwell will officiate. Members of the Blackwell American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars will conduct the flag presentation.
Clinton M. Gearhard was born Oct. 6, 1918, in Blackwell, the son of Harry C. and Sarah Rebecca (Eudaily) Gearhard. He grew up in Blackwell and attended Blackwell public schools, graduating in 1938. He was a member of the 1937 state championship football team. Following graduation, he attended Temple University and Tulsa University on a football scholarship.
He married Erma Ruth Marshall on June 19, 1941, in Pittsburgh, Pa., while he was working on a survey crew. He then entered the U.S. Marine corps and served in the South Pacific during world War II. Following his discharge, he returned to Blackwell and entered into business with his father in Gearhard Plumbing. He operated the business until 1982, when he retired. Erma Gearhard preceded him in death on Dec. 31, 1981.
On July 29, 1983, he was married to Thelma Welsh in Blackwell, where they established their home. He was a member of the Blackwell First United Methodist Church. Gearhard was an avid golfer and a member of Blackwell VFW, American Legion and Elks Lodge.
Survivors include his wife, Thelma Gearhard of Blackwell; one daughter, Julie Boersma of Stillwater; one step-son, John Welsh of Braman; one sister, Leota Hartman of Littleton, Colo.; and six grandchildren. In addition to his first wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Brian Gearhard; and one sister, Bernice Bernadine Ward.
Hubert Lee Moulton, former Ponca City resident was found dead at his home recently in Walnut Springs, Texas. He was 59.
A memorial service is set for 2 p.m. Saturday at Ranch Drive Baptist Church, Ponca City, and burial will follow in the Longwood Cemetery, east of Ponca City. Lawson Funeral Home, of Meridian, Texas, is in charge of arrangements.
Hubert Lee Moulton was born Oct. 4, 1937 in Ponca City, the son of Raymond and Myrtle (Blevins) Moulton. He attended TCJC in Fort Worth, Texas where he earned his associates degree in electronics.
He was married to Willie Mae Brown in Ponca and the couple made their home in Ponca City in the early 1950s. Moulton was employed as an auto mechanic and in TV and small appliance repair and maintenance as well as in insurance sales during his working years. He was married to Nancy May in 1970. He was a member of the Baptist church. Moulton enjoyed making jewelry, hand carving wood, fishing, music, and helping and visiting with people.
Survivors include three sons, Kenny, Ricky and Hubert Jr.; two daughters, Connie Moulton and Lee Anne Lounsbury; two brothers, Robert and Raymond; one sister, Rose Marie Lewis; and numerous grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Enise Ray.
The family will receive visitors at the Raymond Moulton Home, 306 South Ninth Street.
John E. Moore
LAWTON - John E. Moore, former Ponca City resident, died Sunday, Dec. 1, 1996, in Lawton. His funeral has been set for Friday at 2 p.m. in the Creston Hill Church of Christ, 1901 North Martin Luther King Blvd., in Lawton. Other arrangements will be announced later by Miller's Mortuary, Lawton.
Ellsworth Kemble
Ellsworth Kemble, Ponca City resident, died Thursday morning, Dec. 5, 1996, at the Blackwell Regional Hospital. He was 72.
Funeral arrangements are pending with the Trout Funeral Home, and will be announced later.
Fern B. Weber
TONKAWA - Fern B. Weber, longtime Tonkawa resident, died Wednesday, Dec. 4, 1996, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Ponca City. She was 83. Arrangements are pending with McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home, Tonkawa.
Alice Mae Rains
BLACKWELL - Alice Mae Rains, Blackwell resident, died early this morning, Dec. 5, 1996, at Blackwell Regional Hospital. Arrangements are pending with Hackler Funeral Home, Blackwell.
Jan Brown
Jan Brown, former Ponca City resident, died early today, Dec. 5, 1996,
in Fontana, Calif. Arrangements are pending with In Gold Chapel in Fontana
and will be announced later.
NEWS BRIEFS
Fruit Sale Delivery - Fruit which was ordered through Po-Hi Chorale members will arrive in Ponca City on Dec. 7. Students will be contacting their customers regarding home delivery soon thereafter. Cash is welcome, or checks may be written payable to Po-Hi Chorale Parent Association.
Dance Postponed - No Senior Citizens Dance is scheduled for Monday, it was announced this week. The next dance will be held Dec. 16 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the American Legion Ball Room. Everyone is welcome to come and dance to the music of the Hayriders Band.
Round-Up Club Party - The Marland Round-Up Club will be having its annual Family Christmas Party Saturday at 6 p.m. in the home of Charles Edmond. Santa will arrive at 6:30 p.m. and parents need to bring a gift for Santa to give to their child. Families should also bring a snack. For further information, contact Arleta Pulliam at 268-3425.
Post 38 Open House - The Ponca Indian American Legion Post 38 will have open house Friday morning at its new headquarters, office 108, Ponca Tribal Affairs building, White Eagle. The open house will begin at 8 a.m. Delbert Cole, commander, said doughnuts and coffee will be served. The public is invited. Post 38, the first all-Indian Post in the United States, will mark its 70th anniversary in January.
Open House - The city of Ponca City will host an open house at City Hall, the No. 1 Fire Station and the Police Department Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The public is invited to tour each facility and receive information on the upcoming bond election.
Arrested - Ponca City police officers arrested a 39-year-old man, a 33-year-old man and two 27-year-old men Wednesday morning on city warrants for failure to pay.
In Custody - A 38-year-old man was taken into custody by a Ponca City police officer in the 100 block of South Pine Street at 8:55 a.m. Wednesday for driving under suspension and an illegal U-turn.
Subject Held - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 30-year-old woman in the 400 block of West Highland Avenue at 2:57 p.m. on a Kay County warrant for uttering a forged instrument.
Accident - The Ponca City Police Department received notice of a non-injury accident at East Chestnut Avenue and North Fourth Street at 3:36 p.m. Wednesday. An officer took a report.
Collision - A Ponca City police officer took a report of a non-injury accident in the 1400 block of West Highland Avenue at 3:59 p.m. Wednesday.
Theft - A resident in the 600 block of South Fifth Street notified the Ponca City Police Department at 4:04 p.m. Wednesday of a CD player stolen from the home. An officer took a report.
Arrested - A 32-year-old woman turned herself in to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:40 p.m. Wednesday on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Teen Released - A 17-year-old girl turned herself in at the Ponca City Police Department at 6:10 p.m. Wednesday and was arrested on charges of providing false information to an officer. An officer released the teen on a promise to appear in juvenile court.
Warrant Served - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 42-year-old man in the 300 block of South Fourteenth Street at 9:14 p.m. Wednesday on a Prairie County, Ark., warrant for illegal use of credit cards.
Fire - Osage Cove Fire Department received notice of a vehicle on fire 10 miles east of Ponca City on U.S. 60 at 9:40 p.m. Wednesday, according to the Ponca City Police Department.
Neighborhood Meeting - The public is invited to a neighborhood meeting
at Garfield Elementary School tonight at 7 o'clock regarding the city's
upcoming bond election.
LIFESTYLES
Thanksgiving was celebrated this year with a family reunion by the Steichen, Schiltz and Bellinghausen families with a noon picnic style dinner at St. Mary's Parish Hall. Host family was the Steichens with John Steichen leading the invocation and prayers and welcoming the 120 people present. Family matriarchs are Lucia and Christine Schiltz.
The 1997 celebration will be hosted by the Bellinghausen families.
Special guests for the event were Fr. John Mickaliska from St. Mary's church; Sister Mary Catherine Girrens, LaPaz, Bolivia, sister of Lucia Schiltz; and Flora Nash of Ponca City, mother of Lori Schiltz.
Other guests were Don and Brenda Dobbs and Ethan, Stillwater; Robert and Margaret Steichen, Tonkawa; Becky Bolene, Edmond; Mary Steichen, Houston, Tx.; Joel and Marilyn Cordell and children, Muskogee; Wilfrid and Louise Marak, Meeker; Nancy Finn, Dustin, Patrick, John Jacob and Kelly, Turtle Creek, Oklahoma City; Catherine Roberts, Dina, Caitlin, Matt and Nick of Prague.
Also Jim Marak, Meeker; Lorene Buettner, Edmond; Vicki Buettner, Oklahoma City; Elizabeth Bailey, Edmond; Shawn and Mary Wilson, David, Lindsey, Lauren and Beth, Pawhuska; Karen Schiltz, Oklahoma City; Ann Schiltz, Houston; Kevin and Erin Steichen, Patrick, Tulsa; Matt and Suzanne McQuade, Jonathan, Brian, and Andrew, Bethany; Steve and Jeanne Friesen, Jordan, Phillip and Garrick, Enid; Scott and Carol Dvorak, Joe, Allison and Justin, Perry.
Other guests included Dale and Carol Goodwin, Elizabeth, Marta and Garrett, Perry; Tony and Mary Myles Radka, Katie, Kylie, Austin and Karoline, Keller, Tx.; Dennis and Carol Steichen, Jeff and Mitch, Perry; Barry and Christine Steichen, Tulsa; John and Ione Steichen, Perry; Paul J. Schiltz and Mrs. M. A. (Christine) Schiltz of Ponca City.
Ponca Citians attending were John and Lori Schiltz, Adam and Nicholas; Don and Colleen Schiltz; Louis and Marjorie Bellinghausen; Sherman and Evelyn Otto, Gayle, Sheralyn, Stacia and Kelle; Dick and Mary Catherine Detten; Mark and Jayne Detten, Lauren, Michael and Grant; Dolores Schiltz; Bill and Sulette Brown; Kathy Gray, Lacey and Mindy; Joe and Ruth Steichen; Linden and Betty Brown; James and Francis Schiltz; Kendall and Kabeth Roggow, Kerianne, Katelynn and Kendra.
The Believer's Fellowship Church was the setting for the marriage ceremony performed by Mark Silkey for Brigitte Pumford and John C. Coffman. The couple resides at 2435 South Pittsburg in Tulsa.
Parents of the couple are Bobby and Bobbie Pumford of Ponca City; Susan Coffman of Corpus Christy, Tx. and John and Kathy Coffman of Ponca City.
The bride was attired in a floor length, halter style silk gown with a beaded bodice and empire waistline. She carried a bouquet of Stargazer lilies, Calla lilies, carnations and eucalyptus.
Maids of honor were Brandi Pumford and Robyn Pumford. Bridesmaids were Veronica Lincoln, Kristi Edens, Lauren Erichsen and Tracy Stiller. They wore burgundy colored, oriental styled dresses with gold accents. They carried small oriental fans accentuated with carnations and eucalyptus.
Reader was Mike Coffman, brother of the bridegroom. Chelsea Lincoln was flower girl and ring bearer was Cameron Lincoln, the bride's godchildren. Candlelighters were mothers of the couple, Bobbie Pumford and Susan Coffman.
John Strickland served as best man and groomsmen were Chuck Dunagan, Steve Coffman, Steve Stavinsky, Lee Neimann and Jimmy Howe.
Special guests included the bride's grandparents, Bob and Ruth Edens, Bruce and Leta Pumford, and the bridegroom's grandfather, Charles Coffman.
Unit III of Ponca City Mother's Club met in the home of Phyllis Kellenberger for the November meeting. Co-hostesses were Peggy Lyon and Betty Whetstone.
D'Etta McAbee introduced the program entitled "The Life and Times of E. W. Marland." The dramatic program was written and directed by T. L. Walker, administrative director of the Marland estate. Performers included Craig Myers, soloist, and David Jeffries, narrator.
Gloria Harris, chairman, conducted the business meeting.She announced contributions had been made to Hospice and to the Joe Theobald memorial.
The group's December 20 meeting will be a luncheon at the home of Pauline Miles. There will be a gift exchange with a ten dollar limit set. A contribution of five dollars per member will be made to the Salvation Army for toys for children.
Food for the event should include a recipe for the dish brought. The hostesses will provide the meat, bread and beverage.
Rachel Tidrow, hostess for the January meeting, reminded members to bring
a snapshot to be used for the January program.
SPORTS
Mid High Wrestlers 45, Perry 27
With their first win over Perry in six years under their belts, the Ponca City Mid-High wrestlers take part in the Tonkawa Tournament Friday and Saturday.
The junior high grapplers got their season off to a good start with a 45-27 decision over Perry here Tuesday night despite having to give up three forfeits.
The Cougars got falls from Marcus Miller at 82 pounds, Phillip Brotherton at 95, Kyle Duran at 135, Matt Cook at 178 and Jeff Strange at heavyweight.
The Poncans had to forfeit to Perry wrestlers at 75 and 157 pounds. There was a double forfeit at 89 pounds.
The Ponca City wrestlers will be back on the mat at Robson Fieldhouse Tuesday against Broken Arrow, starting at 5 p.m.
RESULTS
Ponca City 45, Perry 27
75 - Ricky Roberts (P) fft.
82 - Marcus Miller (PC) p. Patrick Hodge, 1:51
89 - double forfeit
95 - Phillip Brotherton (PC) p. Kyle Cantrell, :51
101 - Shawn Lee (PC) d. Jeremy Briswell, 10-3
108 - Jeff Klinglesmith (P) d. Jacob Bailey, 3-1
115 - Chad Stafford (PC) Herby Poll, 6-0
125 - Jared Rowe (PC) d. Ryan Corn, 7-2
135 - Kyle Duran (PC) p. David Golay, 1:56
145 - Brent Bailey (P) p. Michael Osborn, 4:23
157 - Caleb Allen (P) fft
178 - Matt Cook (PC) p. Matt Yoder, 1:17
Hwt - Jeff Strange (PC) p. Ethen Wilson, :20
Stillwater 51, Eighth Red Boys 25
Cold shooting was costly for the Ponca City eighth grade Red boys as they dropped a 51-25 decision to Stillwater Monday,
Stillwater raced to a 13-6 first quarter lead and was in front 27-10 at halftime. The Red Cougars were able to stay even in the third quarter with a 13-point spree but scored just two points in the final period.
Casey Badley paced the Red scoring with 10 points while John Able had 6, Tim Frick 3, Bryan Coppock 2, Seth Erkenbeck 2 and Josh Kirkpatrick 2.
The mid-high team is now off until Jan. 7 when they host Enid Waller.
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
STILLWATER - Oklahoma State coach Eddie Sutton sees improvement in the play of his freshmen.
It's a good thing because the Cowboys are not getting the kind of performance Sutton wants out of his older players as they struggled to overcome outmanned Mississippi Valley State, 77-74, Wednesday.
"The only reason the game was close was because we had so many turnovers," Sutton frowned. "We had 23 turnovers in the game and about half were unforced, like Jason (Skaer) dribbling off his foot and they all made some terrible passes.
"And the older players had all but seven of those 23 turnovers."
Led by the play of 6-10 Alex Webber, the OSU freshmen were able to make the plays when it came to crunch time.
After struggling in the past two games, Webber came to life with his father in the stands, scoring 22 points and grabbing off eight rebounds.
The statistics of the other frosh - Joe Adkins had 6 points and 4 rebounds, Desmond Mason 4 points and 2 rebounds and Scott Robisch 4 points and one rebound - didn't show much. But their play away from the ball made the difference. Adkins shared assists honors with Chianti Roberts with three while the 6-6 Mason had two blocked shots.
Webber could have earned himself a starting role at Arizona State Saturday, Sutton said.
Webber was 8-of-9 from the field and 6-of-6 from the free throw line. When the Cowboys were trying to protect a 3-point lead in the final minutes, Webber was on the court.
"He can hit his free throws," Sutton said of keeping the freshman in the game under pressure. "That's what you want at the end of a close game."
Ironically, Webber's only miss was a dunk attempt that clanged off the rim.
"One of the things we tell our players is to never dunk in pressure," Sutton said of Webber's attempt while surrounded by MVS players.
But that may have been his only mistake on the night.
Webber was a little unsure why he had played so well Wednesday after struggling in the past two games for the Cowboys.
"I set a goal before the game of getting 10 rebounds," Webber said. "I didn't make that goal, but when I set goals, it makes me play harder."
Webber is still a little in awe of his position with the Cowboys.
"I sometimes catch myself watching the crowd," he grins. "It's very difficult trying to change from a little high school (in Searcy, Ark.) to college basketball."
But he is adapting and doing so when it counts. He made 8 of OSU's final 11 points Wednesday, including four pressure free throws.
"I think Alex came of age tonight," Sutton said.
Sophomore Chad Alexander also earned praise from Sutton, coming off the bench to score 10 points. He was the only other Cowboy to finish in double figures. The 5-11 guard also grabbed off 6 rebounds.
"Chad, for a guard and for his size, gets a lot of rebounds," Sutton said. "He is also able to break into the open and hit his shots.
"Chad is a stabilizing force in there. He'll probably get a start at Arizona State."
The Cowboys may have lost one of their freshman phenoms, however. Estell Laster, of Oklahoma City, apparently reinjured a stress fracture he suffered earlier in his left arm. He went out after playing just five minutes in the first half.
"It's a pretty good bet he's gone for the season," Sutton said. "If he is we'll get him a medical redshirt. He was really coming along, especially on defense."
OSU 77, Mississippi Valley State 74
Mississippi Valley State (1-2)
Ross 6-11 3-3 15, Jennings 3-7 0-0 8, Robinson 2-3 0-0 4, Davis 3-5 3-5 11, Foster 5-16 0-0 14, Phillips 1-3 0-0 2, Smith 2-5 1-2 5, Pearson 5-15 2-2 15. Totals 27-70 9-12 74.
Oklahoma St. (3-1)
Roberts 4-6 0-2 8, Skaer 3-8 3-4 9, Robinson 1-6 2-2 4, Dorsey 1-2 0-1 2, Peterson 3-9 2-2 8, Alexander 3-5 3-4 10, Laster 0-1 0-0 0, Mason 2-3 0-0 4, Adkins 2-4 1-2 6, Robisch 2-4 0-0 4, Webber 8-9 6-6 22. Totals 29-57 17-23 77.