Obituaries

Darren Todd Sims was born February 17, 1965 in Ponca City, OK. He passed away on January 9, 2024 from a sudden illness at his home in Ponca City. He was preceded in death by his mother – LaTresa Engle, step father – Larry Engle, grandparents James & Frances Brown, Uncle – Joe Foust. Survivors include Brother – Terry Sims (wife Kim), nephews Brady and Casey Sims of Carl Junction, MO. Father Rick Sims and stepmother Tammy Sims – Winfield, KS. Brother Ryan Sims – Kansas City, KS. Step sister – Diane Peterson, Ark City, KS. Aunt Kathleen Foust of Ark City, KS. Cousins Jason Brewer (wife Keela) of Ark City, KS - Cousin Julie Gray (husband Simon) of Ark City, KS along with numerous nieces and nephews. Darren was the first born son of Rick and LaTresa Sims of Ponca City, OK in 1965. He grew up in the Ark City – Newkirk area and attended Newkirk Schools. In 1976 Darren’s mother LaTresa married Larry Engle and they made their home on north main street in Newkirk, OK. Darren and his brother Terry grew up in this house until adulthood. It was a wonderful home shared with many laughs and good times. Darren’s friends in high school always knew that when they came over to Tresa’s house, there was a great meal waiting for them. After high school Darren moved to Dallas, TX area were held multiple positions with office equipment distributors and even did some truck driving. Darren met several friends in the Dallas area and especially had great times with Jeff and Andrea, going to many concerts and fun events. Darren’s true professional calling came in the 1990’s when he entered the heat treat & inspection services business, working in oil refineries and power plants in several states. Darren recently was employed at American Pipe & Inspection in Tulsa as Specialty Services Mgr. He will be greatly missed by his colleagues in the business. Simply put, there was no one that could out work Darren. Darren had a close bond with his brother Terry and they were both avid OU Sooner football fanatics and talked on the phone at least once a week going over football and life.

May 31, 1936 – January 5, 2024 Charles (Charlie) went to his eternal home Friday, January 5, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was 87 years young.

Colby James Armstrong, also known by his Ponca Native name, WayGah-Sapi, 41, of Boise, ID, and most recently, Kaw City, OK, left this life on January 5, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. No viewing is scheduled at this time. A Ponca Tribal Celebration of life will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at Trout Funeral Home Chapel in Ponca City. A second Celebration of Life Ceremony will take place at 2:00 PM, Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Kaw City, OK. Those unable to attend the Funeral Ceremony, may attend virtually on the Trout Funeral Home website, www. troutfuneralhome.com and click on the live-stream or toolbar icon on the top right corner after 1:45 PM for both services . Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory, 505 W Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601.

Carroll Gene Wood, age 81, of Tonkawa, Oklahoma, passed away on January 1, 2024 at home surrounded by his family. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m.

Lois Ilene Enix, age 92, of Ponca City, Oklahoma, passed away January 3, 2024, at Ponca City Nursing Home, in Ponca City, Oklahoma. Lois was born on November 20, 1931 in Freedom, Oklahoma to Ebert and Ethel (Reiding) Dotter.