November 2024 Obituaries

Cleo Lawson

Funeral service for Cleo Lawson will be held at 2:00pm, Saturday, November 16, 2024 in the McRay Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in the Ninnekah Cemetery.

Cleo Lawson, age 84, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2024 in Tulsa, OK. A beloved mother, grandmother, and sister, Cleo's warmth and kindness touched the lives of all who knew her.

Cleo was born in Oklahoma and raised in Bakersfield, California, where she spent her early years working in the vineyards alongside her father. In 1965, she married Eldon Lawson in Las Vegas, Nevada, and soon after, the couple relocated to Chickasha, Oklahoma, where they made their home for 20 years. During this time, Cleo was employed at Hermetic Switch for 19 years, contributing greatly to the company’s success.

In 1990, Cleo and Eldon moved to eastern Oklahoma, where Cleo became an integral part of the family’s roofing business, managing operations for many years.

Cleo was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband Eldon Lawson; their daughter Leitha Eileen Lawson; her sister Imogene Tomlinson; brother Jim Tomlinson; brother Dewey Tomlinson; and her baby brother Buck.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her son Rusty Lawson; her daughter Cheryle Campbell; her son Tracy Lawson and wife Jamaica; her grandchildren Leslie “Corky Joe” Lawson, Rusty Nicole Lawson, Braxton Lawson, Reiley Lawson, and Cruze Lawson; her great-grandchildren Blazyn Doshier, Chevy Doshier, Harley Jackson, and Kyler Sylve; her sisters Mildred, Bea, and brother Burton; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Cleo's life was filled with love and dedication to her family. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered for the strength of her spirit and the depth of her caring heart.

Services are under the direction of McRay Funeral Home.

Sharon Fay Pena Smith

Sharon Fay Smith, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away at her home in Chickasha, OK, surrounded by her family on November 11, 2024. She was 67 years old. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, November 15, 2024, at Bible Baptist Church, with Pastor Ben York and Pastor Emeritus Kim Hayes officiating. Interment will follow at Fairlawn Cemetery under the direction of McRay Funeral Home.

Sharon was born on January 31, 1957, in Oklahoma City, OK, to George and Betty Harris. She grew up in Chickasha, where she spent most of her life and became a cherished member of her community. At the age of 12, Sharon gave her life to Christ and became a lifelong member of Bible Baptist Church, where she found both spiritual nourishment and a strong circle of friends. She was a woman of deep faith, generosity, and unwavering dedication to her loved ones.

Sharon's work ethic was unparalleled. She began her career as a teenager at the belt factory, a job she held for several years. Later, she worked for over 30 years at Delta Faucet, where she earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues. Throughout her career, Sharon remained a steadfast provider, always putting her family first. Affectionately known as “Gurney” by family and friends, Sharon was a loving and devoted matriarch. Her family was the center of her world, and she treasured the time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She had a kind and selfless heart, always ready to lend a hand or offer a word of encouragement to those who needed it most. Sharon was a constant source of love, strength, and wisdom to all who knew her.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, George and Betty Harris; her brothers, George Harris and Jerry Harris; her first husband, Ray Pena; and her granddaughter, Kalynn Pena.

She is survived by her loving husband, Roy Smith; her children, Christopher Pena and wife Angela, Jennifer Pena and Chris, and Kevin Pena and wife Kari; her stepson, Eric Smith and wife Rebecca; her siblings, Carolyn Eisman and husband Bill, Clyde Harris, Linda Lee and husband Tommy, Phillip “Stevie” Harris; her grandchildren, Keldyn and wife Schellie, Rylee, Ocean, Landyn, Melanie, Jeremy, Kullen, Kannon, Kaedmon, Kohen, Madyson, and Lane; her great-grandchildren, Adyson, Axlie, Maci, Kaylie, Presley, Karsyn, Malachi, Keaton, and Chandler; as well as numerous other family members and special friends Tonya and Donna.

Sharon's legacy of love, faith, and kindness will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will forever be cherished by her family, friends, and the many lives she touched.

Vanda Kay White

Funeral Service for Vanda Kay White, 68, of Ninnekah, OK, will be held at 2:00pm, Friday, November 15, 2024 in the McRay Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Kevin Bartley officiating. Viewing will be on Thursday from 9:00am – 7:00pm.

Vanda Kay White was born in Kingfisher, OK on December 13, 1955 to Othel Everett Walton and Dorothy Maxine Walton. She went to be with the Lord in Heaven on November 8, 2024.

Vanda grew up in Carnegie, Oklahoma where she attended Carnegie Public Schools from Kindergarten to High School. She was a member of The Assembly of God church in Carnegie where she met the love of her life Everett Leon White in 1990. Everett instantly fell in love, and they got married a year later on December 5th, 1991. Vanda spent much of her life caring for her children at home. She loved to cook for her family, and anyone who just so happened to stop by. She enjoyed her time outside, and loved to tend to her flowers. She especially loved roses, which she had all around her home. She also loved to see all her grandchildren, and give them tons of snacks when they would come to see her. Vanda grew up in a church with her father, where she found her love for the Lord, and she expressed that love through everything she did. She had the biggest heart, and never forgot to say "I love you" before she left. Vanda was one of the sweetest souls to walk this earth, and will be very deeply missed by many.

Vanda is survived by her Husband Everett White, Daughter Natalie Craddock and husband Steve of Binger, OK, Son Kevin Florence and wife Cynthia of Texas City, TX, Son Victor Florence and wife Christy of Chickasha, OK, Son Bryan White and wife Haley of Chickasha, OK. Sister- in-law Threasa Walton and brother-in-law Junior Tankersley. Grandchildren include Matthew Holliday, Alice Youmans, Steven Craddock, Kody Craddock, Noah Craddock, Draven Florence, Aidan Florence, Raegan Florence, Hailey Florence, Makayla Musick, Shayla Musick, Emma Taylor, Liam Florence, Isla Florence, and Huxton White. Great grandchildren include Alaina Holliday, Skylar Craddock, and Avery Strausbaugh. As well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Vanda is preceded in death by her parents Othel and Dorothy Walton, sister Evelyn Tankersley, brother Leon Walton, sister Deloris Teague, sister Rita Appleseth, brother JR Walton, and granddaughter Haivyn White.

Interment will be in the Fairlawn Cemetery under the direction of McRay Funeral Home.

Ronald Dean “Ron” Faulkinberry

Memorial service for Ron Faulkinberry will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, November 22, 2024, at Chickasha First Assembly of God Church.

Ronald Dean “Ron” Faulkinberry, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many, passed away on October 31, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. He was Born on October 27, 1945, to Freeman Faulkinberry and Viola (Shepherd) Faulkinberry in Cogar, Oklahoma. Ron spent most of his life in Chickasha, Oklahoma, where he was cherished by his community. He pastored for over 60 years and dedicated his life to spreading the Word of God. Ron’s faith was strong, and he could quote scripture from memory. While in Bible college he met the love of his life, Belinda Kay Welcher. The two wed on August 24, 1968. They recently celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. Over the years they raised wonderful kids and even took in others as their own. They adopted two sons, Tommy and Richard. After 23 years of marriage, they welcomed their daughter Christy into the world. Ron cared for Belinda dearly and always looked after her. They had many wonderful adventures together over the years.

When not sharing his faith, Ron found joy in the company of his grandchildren, treasuring every moment he spent with them. This last year he had the opportunity to spend a lot of extra time with his four youngest grandchildren. Ron would go watch every soccer game, attend homeschool co-op with them, go to the store and let them ride on his lap on the scooter, and he didn’t miss an opportunity to go on a little adventure when asked. You could always find a grandchild next to him playing, him reading a book to them, one sitting on his lap, or holding his hand. They brightened his day.

Known for his warm, approachable nature, Ron had a gift for connecting with people and could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere. He loved to make jokes and put a smile on people’s faces. Ron’s simple ways and big heart endeared him to everyone he met, making him truly loved by all who knew him. His legacy is one of love, kindness, and an unyielding faith that touched countless lives. Ron will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by his family, friends, and the community that held him so dear.

Ron was preceded in death by his sons, Tommy Faulkinberry and Richard Faulkinberry; parents, Freeman and Viola Faulkinberry; siblings, Louis and wife, Della, Bobby and wife, Patsy, Edith Marie, Juanita and husband, Wayne, Wanda and husband, Curtis, and Elena and husband, Wayne; and brother-in-law, David Trammell.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Belinda Faulkinberry; daughter, Christy Franco and husband, Alexander; grandkids, Isabella, Emma, Kristianna, and Jonathan Franco and Taylor Faulkinberry; sisters, Imogene Ferrell and husband, Elvin and Cathy Auld and husband, Jerry; sisters-in-law, Janice Doss and husband, David and Misti Kyle; extended daughter, Bianca Richardson and husband, Steve; and extended grandchildren, Leah, Destiny, Josiah, Montana, Elizabeth, Elijah, Aki, Trinity, Kaylee, and Dalton. Ron will be loved and missed by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Interment will be in the Fairlawn Cemetery. Services are under direction of McRay Funeral Home.

Earl David “Eddie” Cowan

Funeral service for Earl David “Eddie” Cowan, age 60 of Verden will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at McRay Funeral Home. Pastor Blake Taylor will officiate.

Eddie Cowan passed from this world of pain and suffering to be with his Savior on Wednesday, Nov 6, 2024. He left peacefully on his family’s farm with loved ones nearby. His chronic health conditions are no longer his burden.

Eddie was born Earl David Cowan in Perry, Oklahoma, on July 16, 1964, to Margaret and David Cowan. He grew up in several towns and states. Eddie was the second of four children. He attended most of his junior high and high school years in Burns Flat, Oklahoma. After graduating with the class of 1982, Eddie attended SWOSU and earned his sociology degree. This degree allowed him the opportunity to work in various hospitals in the Dallas, Texas area.

After several years in Texas, Eddie moved back to Oklahoma. He opened his heart and home to foster children in the area. Over the years, he was a part of and influenced the lives of 187 foster children. He adopted three very special foster children, Robbie, Shonna and Michael. He focused on his children’s lives by giving them a loving family. He directed their paths with things he had learned.

After getting them ready for the world and to start their own lives, Eddie took on another feat. He established the Cottonwood Center in Verden, Oklahoma. This establishment served meals to senior citizens in the area and provided them with extracurricular activities. The Cottonwood Center has grown to serving close to 70 senior citizens in the area.

Eddie was an avid fan of his talented cousin, Sweet Brenda. He loved her concerts at Medicine Park. Eddie will be remembered for all of the good deeds he has done for others. He helped his niece, Caitlyn, make it through school by offering her a place to live and the support she needed.

Eddie was preceded in death by his father, David Cowan.

He is survived by his mother, Margaret Cowan, of Verden, Oklahoma; sister Anna Thornton of Gary, Texas, brother Eric Cowan of Mangum, Oklahoma, sister Amy Cowan of Verden, Oklahoma; son and daughter-in-law Michael and Jamie Rettig of Ardmore, Oklahoma, daughter and son-in-law Shonna and Casey Jackson of Verden, Oklahoma; son and daughter-in-law Robbie and Allie Cowan of Chickasha, Oklahoma. Eddie is also survived by his five wonderful grandchildren, Anna, Hendrix, Lynnix, Rose and Iris. These children meant the world to him.

Pallbearers include Cheyene Pena, Roman Pena, Luke Thornton, Lance Harris, J. J. Downey and Marcello Rodriguez.

Interment will be in Fairlawn Cemetery under direction of McRay Funeral Home.