James Leonard Garvin

September 23, 1934 — February 24, 2024

James L. Garvin of Chickasha, Oklahoma, was born James Leonard Garvin to Jesse Leonard Garvin and Mattie Lou Howard on September 23, 1934, in Healdton, Oklahoma. He was raised in Cyril and Cement, Oklahoma, meeting and soon marrying the love of his life, Patsy Laverne Morris, on November 17, 1948. They moved to Guthrie, Oklahoma before settling in Oklahoma City where they raised three children, J. Duane, V. Diane, and Shiela K. Garvin.

James had worked around cars since the age of 16, first as a service station attendant, then as a mechanic and later as service manager for Eskridge Oldsmobile. In 1978, they moved to Oak Harbor, Whidbey Island, Washington, where they lived and worked for 22 years. James went into the salmon fishing business, first with his brother-in-law, then later for another individual after receiving his pilot’s license. He survived the sinking of that boat on its maiden voyage to Alaska, but continued later as a pilot and mechanic on a larger tender called the Stormbird. Health issues led him to return to work as an automobile dealership service manager until his retirement. In 2000, they moved back to Oklahoma to be closer to family and settled in Chickasha.

James was preceded in death by his wife Pat, and his daughters, Shiela and Diane. He is survived by his son Duane, and wife Carol, grandchildren James and Mike McCall, Laura Martell Connelly and husband Tom, Allison Tyson and husband Clinton, and Nicole Garvin.

Cremation arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

Jeffrey Wade Morris

A memorial service for Jeffrey Wade Morris, age 64, of Anadarko will be held on Monday, February 26, 2024 at 10:00 am, at the Gospel Lighthouse Church in Anadarko.

Wade Morris was born on October 1, 1959 to Hershal Melvin Morris and Donna Kay (Woodson) Morris.  He departed this life and went to meet his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 21, 2024.  He was in the comfort of his own home surrounded by his family.  Wade and his wife Jessica (Ward) Morris have been together for 23 wonderful years and from their union they shared one son, Julian Elijah Ward.

Wade was born and raised in Anadarko for most of his life.  He lived in Texas for a short time working as a finish carpenter in the Fort Worth/Arlington area.  Wade was known to be a good cook and from a very early age he worked in restaurants and cafes, making many friends along the way.  He was best known for working at Maxine’s Steak House with John Frankie, the old Tasty Freeze, Mimi’s Café with Brenda Smith, and Trader’s Steakhouse with Jim “Punkin” Rogers.  He often sang at Trader’s Steakhouse where many were surprised to learn of his singing ability.

Wade was not ashamed and often testified of his battle with drugs and alcohol during his life.  In fact, it became his passion to share his story with others for the glory of God and testament to salvation in Jesus Christ.  Wade experienced several health issues and in 2016 after a lengthy hospital stay the Lord restored his health and he began to serve Jesus in an even greater way.  He started a lawnmowing service and felt the Lord led him to people needing yardwork.  But his heart was set on telling them about Jesus and most often the work blossomed into a friendship.

Wade absolutely loved Jesus Christ and believed in doing good unto others.  He started a ministry to feed the homeless and began taking donations of clothes and household goods to get them to people in need.  His mind stayed on helping others and showing the love of God through everything he did.  He truly believed the Lord saved his life so that he could be a servant to God by being a servant to people.  Often times, he would have to be in the hospital and used every opportunity to tell others about Jesus.  He was best known by hospital staff as the guy who walked the halls, touching each patient’s door and praying over them as he walked.  Wade made a friend everywhere he went and will surely be missed.

Wade was preceded in death by his mother and father, brother baby George Morris, sister Kelly Lucinda (Morris) Kimbell, and Shannon Kay (Morris) Lewis, and nephew John Edward Petross.

He was survived by his wife Jessica Morris, son Julian Ward and wife Elizabeth Ward of Anadarko, OK; stepson Joel Toles Jr. of Anadarko, OK; step-daughter Alexis Toles of Chickasha, OK; an adopted son James Haunpo III, of Anadarko, OK; one sister Chiquita Petross of Fort Cobb, OK; one brother John Morris and wife Brenda Morris of Cushing, OK; nephews Jimmy Kimbell, of Anadarko, OK; Justin Petross and wife Candra Petross of Verden, OK; Jeremy Hollowell and wife Amy Hollowell of Elgin, OK; Jesse Petross of Fort Cobb, OK; Michael Morris of Guthrie, OK; and Steven Lewis of Clifton, TX; and nieces Jamie Kimbell of Oklahoma City, OK; Stephanie Burford of Anadarko, OK; Amanda Cain of Anadarko, OK; Racheal Carr of Anadarko, OK; Nicole Morris of Georgia; Jennifer Snyder and husband Joe of Riley, OK; Tabitha Lewis of Hillsboro, TX; and Dayanera Lewis of Cleveland, TX.

Services are under the direction of McRay Funeral Home.

Wanda Lea (Crumm) Ellis

Wanda Lea (Crumm) Ellis, age 93, of Norge, Oklahoma was born the youngest child of Jackson R. and Iris Irene (Helton) Crumm on October 17, 1930 in Minco, Oklahoma. She died on February 20th 2024 at her home in Norge. Private burial was in the Pioneer Cemetery. Wanda moved to Norge when she was 13 years old. She married Gene Ellis on November 26, 1945-a union that lasted over 70 years until his death in 2015. She resided most of her 93 years in the Norge area.

Wanda spent most of her younger years raising her children, and working from home as the bookkeeper for her husband's construction businesses. When her youngest child was in high school, she entered the workforce at the request of her brother-in-law, Tuffy, who asked her to help with the Southgate Convenience store until they could close it down. Working out in public agreed with her social tendencies, and she then went to work as a checker for Lightner's Food Store and began selling Avon. Her lifelong love of numbers and mathematics was put to good use helping numerous young store workers with their school math homework. She excelled as an Avon lady, and was the recipient of the prestigious 'President's Award' for numerous years. Wanda was a lover of adventure. In her younger years she loved riding horseback, running barrels, and even attempted goat roping. She loved flying, whether it be a helicopter or an open 2 seater plane. She was even convinced at one point to ride a Segway. Wanda enjoyed camping, gardening and anything she could do while being outside. After retirement, she became a cheerful adult sponsor for Girl Scout camping trips. Her life positively impacted generations of young people.

Wanda is survived by five children; daughter Patricia & husband Jerry Wright of Oklahoma City, OK; son Darrell Ellis of Granite, OK; son Randy & wife Deanna Ellis of Norge; daughter Wanda & husband John Lopez of Norge and daughter Winona Simmons of Cement, OK. Nine grandchildren: Timothy and Sheila Wright of Laurel, Maryland, Curtis and Kelly Rodgers of Blanchard, OK, Barbie and Corbitt Richards of Chickasha, Clint and Crystal Ellis of Alex, OK, Jamie and Eric Wells of Oklahoma City, OK, Chris Simmons of Ninnekah, OK, Sherrie and Jay Evans of Cement, OK, Juanita and Dale Goss of Chickasha, OK and Alicia and Adrian Little of Oklahoma City, OK, as well as 20 great and 15 great-great grandchildren. Wanda is also survived by three sisters-in-law Marcketa Godbehere, of Exeter, CA, Nellie Schiffman, of Chickasha, OK, Patsy Neumann and 1 brother-in-law, Bobby Ellis of  Chickasha, OK. and her special lifelong friends, Tommy and Gladys Pearcy. 

Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Eugene Ellis, one infant son, William David Ellis, her parents, JR and Iris Crumm, all of her siblings, Riley Crumm, Frank Crumm, Ora Hand, Bertha McKee, Nora Graham, Wilda Self, Lela Balke, Sam Crumm, Leslie Crumm and Richard Crumm. As well as one son-in-law, H. Darrell Simmons and one great grand son Timothy Wright.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 24th at 2:00 PM. at Trinity Baptist Church; 428 East Almar Chickasha, OK 73018. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Pioneer Cemetery Fund, at Cox Feed Store, 278 Center Avenue, Chickasha, OK 73018.

Ila May Watson

Memorial service for Ila Watson will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, February 17, 2024 at Epworth United Methodist Church.

Ila Watson went to Heaven on February 3, 2024, after a valiant battle with breast cancer. She was at home with her family. She was 82.

Ila May (Roberts) Watson was born May 24, 1941, in Fay, Oklahoma. She was the third child of Leroy and Pearl (Bartell) Roberts.

Ila graduated from Fay High School and married Rev. Charles Watson in 1959. Ila and Charles had 3 sons: Mark, Chris, and David.

A lifelong artist, Ila received formal training in her 30s. She was quite the prolific artist, winning many awards and honors. Some highlights of her career were winning the Dewey County Phonebook Cover and displaying in the Oklahoma Capitol.

Ila dedicated herself to bringing Art to the community where she lived. She particularly focused on projects that focused on children.

Ila is survived by her 3 sons and their families (7 Grandchildren and several Great-Grandchildren).

The family asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Chickasha Area Arts Council (CAAC).