Announcements & Events
Obituary
Betty Lou "Marty" Watson, age 83 of Norman, Oklahoma, passed from this life Friday, August 2, 2024 at her home in Norman, Oklahoma.
She was born September 15, 1940 in Norman, Oklahoma to Harry and Lillie (Sloan) MaHardy.
Betty grew up in Little Axe, Oklahoma and graduated from Tecumseh High School in 1958. She attended Haskell Institute and graduated in 1960. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Oklahoma.
She married her first husband, Herbert "Hap" Harjo and had sons; Michael Ray Harjo, and Brian Keith Harjo Watson. She later married M. Frank Watson in 1973 in Las Vegas, NV and gained three stepsons.
Betty was self-employed as an entrepreneur. She owned and operated several businesses, such as a custom home building company, an oil and gas company, a race horse training and breeding ranch, an industrial cleaning chemical company, a precious metal recycling company and was a licensed pilot. She was a tribal consultant that was instrumental in obtaining grants and intergovernmental agreements, that are used to this day. She was a big fan of the OKC Thunder and the Kansas City Chiefs, and was proud to be an Absentee Shawnee tribal member.
She is preceded in death by; her parents; her husband, Frank Watson; her infant daughter; her son Michael Ray Harjo; her sisters, Evelyn MaHardy Johnson, and Virginia MaHardy Sutton; her brother, Roy MaHardy; her niece, Linda Ellis; her nephew, Ronald "Sonny" Johnson; her loving companion, Marty Ellis.
Survivors include; son, Brian Keith Watson of Norman, OK; aunts, Esteline (Sloan) Schulenberg, Majorie Kaniatobe of Norman, OK, and Jenifer Sloan of Tecumseh, OK; step-sons, Vince Watson and Carol of Mannford, OK; Tracy Watson and Jo Ann of Prattville, OK; Lance Watson of Tulsa; step-grandchildren, Christi Fouts and Kyle of Berryhill, OK; Brittany Streeval and Colin of Berryhill, OK; Travis Watson and Lauren of OKC; and Ryan Watson of OKC; step-great-grandchildren, Deklynd Fouts, Asher Fouts, Hadley Streeval, Tyson Watson, Tate Watson, Jaxon Watson, McKenzie Watson, Kaden Watson, E'lise Watson; lifelong friends, Rose Wilson, Rev. Marilyn Bread, James Ross, Antone Rolette, Glenna Wallace, Vanna Barger, Ella Coleman, and Atheda Fletcher; numerous loving neices, nephews and other family and friends.
Obituary
Clifton Nicholas Brokeshoulder, Jr.
April 6, 1936 - June 9, 2024
It is with great sadness that the remaining children of Minnie and Clifton Nicholas Brokeshoulder, announce the passing of their oldest brother Clifton (Cliff) Nicholas Brokeshoulder Jr. on June 9, 2024. Cliff died from lung-related issues in Surprise, AZ.
He was 88 years old and enjoyed traveling, sports, and retirement life.
Cliff was born in Shawnee, Oklahoma. In 1945, the Brokeshoulder family moved to Ardmore, Oklahoma. Cliff entered Washington Grade and Ardmore Middle School. While in Middle school, Cliff worked as a golf caddie at Dornick Hills. Country Club. He was able to caddie for famous golfers such as Jack Nicklaus. From this experience, Cliff learned and loved the game of golf. During his lifetime, he traveled and competed in many golf tournaments.
In 1957, Cliff graduated from High School at Haskell Institute in Lawrence, Kansas. While at Haskell, he was a track athlete and ran with Billy Mills. Billy was one of Cliff’s many long-time friends that he remained in contact with.
Cliff had a long career was with Shawnee Mission Medical Center as a Boiler Operator. He retired at age 65 and moved from Overland Park, Kansas to Surprise, AZ with his wife, Joy.
Cliff is survived by his wife, Joy, three daughters, Vicki, Tammy, Sheri and son, Gerald (Beverlee) Brokeshoulder. He also leaves 6 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Cliff’s
surviving immediate siblings from oldest to youngest are: Loretta (Les) Schwarz Reed, West Linn. OR; Wynona Lumpmouth, Glendale, AZ; Glenda (Martin) Johnson, Woodbridge, VA; Katrina (Lorenzo) Coriz, Albuquerque, NM; and, Rita Brokeshoulder, Shawnee, OK.
Preceding Cliff in death are his parents, Clifton and Minnie Brokeshoulder, and brothers Harry, Harrell, and Eddie Brokeshoulder and sister Helen Arns.
Obituary
David William Powell, 88, of Mount Pleasant, SC, passed away March 29, 2024. He was the husband of Joan Bennett Powell of Mount Pleasant. A private service will be held for the family. Dave was born October 26, 1935, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late David Kelso Powell and Rachel Alford Powell. He attended the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, before serving in the United States Army. He worked as Production Print Manager at the Medical University of South Carolina for 25 years. He was a member of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe, and Lifetime Member of the East Cooper Outboard Motor Club. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joan Bennett Powell; four sons, David K. "Kelly" Powell II (Tracy), of Mt. Pleasant, SC, Phillip M. Powell (Rhonda) of Kingsland, GA, Robert E. Powell (Karen) of Mt. Pleasant, SC, and Scott Powell (Jill), of Charleston, SC; his grandsons, David K. Powell III (Mary Beth), William Drew Powell (Meghan), Reece Avery Powell and Hunter Powell; and his granddaughters, Caroline Ann Drennon (Daniel) and Megan Elizabeth Powell; his great-grandchildren, Addison, Olivia, Reece, Ford, and Maverick. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Thomas Edward Powell and Robert Morgan Powell; and his sister, Mary Rachel Cole.
Obituary
Marvin Lee Smith, 63, of Shawnee, Oklahoma passed away Thursday, February 8, 2024 in Norman, Oklahoma.
He was born February 1, 1961 to Mickey Smith and Velma Blanchard in Norman, Oklahoma.
Marvin was raised and born in Norman, Oklahoma and raised in Little Axe. He lived in Bethel acres for the last 25 years.
He attended school in Noble, Oklahoma then Ft. Sill Indian School before joining the U.S. Marine Corps proudly serving his country. After returning from the marine corps, he returned to Little Axe area and began his career in the pest control business for Terminex then opened his own pest control business "All Nations Pest Control" in Shawnee for many years.
Marvin enjoyed camping, floating the river, boating, and going to the lake. He loved dogs, but most of all his family and attending all family functions. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was known as the comedian of the family, along with Sherry they loved bowling and went all over the US for tournaments. He was an avid OU football and Thunder basketball fan.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Anna Smith; father, Mickey Smith; son, Landon Davenport; brother, Mickey Smith Jr.; nieces, Dasia Neconie-Shawnee and Anna Roberts.
Survivors include his daughter, Jordan Byers; significant other, Sherry Byers; mother, Velma Blanchard; sisters, Sharon Shawnee, Katie and Todd Yates, Melissa Smith, brothers, Roy and Lois Gibson, Gary and Nicole Gibson, Archie Smith, grandchildren, Ryder and Landyn and many nieces and nephews and extended family and friends and Everett, Bart, Nick and Darrol whom he loved like sons.
Obituary
Howard Gene Wilson, 73, of Shawnee, Oklahoma passed away Saturday, August 26, 2023 at his home in Shawnee.
He was born in Shawnee, Oklahoma on April 8, 1950 to Cletis Clifford and Marcella Juanita (Masquat) Wilson.
Howard was raised in the Johnson Community. He graduated with the class of 1968 from Earlsboro, Oklahoma. Howard earned his associate degree in graphic arts from OSU Okmulgee Tech in 1970. He lived in Pawnee for a short time but lived most of his life in the Johnson Community.
He worked for the Sac and Fox tribe for a short time. Most of his life he worked as a heavy equipment operator in the oil and gas industry.
Howard was a proud member of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe. He loved golf, especially pasture golf, loved OU football, coaching little league and fixing up old cars. He was a member of Sallateeska Baptist Church. Howard was respected, loved and will be missed dearly by his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cletis and Marcella Wilson; brother, Wayne Wilson; and sister, Cleta Tiger.
Survivors include his son, Jeff Allen Wilson, Clinton, OK; daughter, Sabrina of Paden, OK; sister, Teresa Jones; numerous grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and other extended family and friends.
Obituary
Joe Spoon, 52, lifelong resident of Tecumseh, Oklahoma passed away Tuesday, February 21, 2023 in Oklahoma City.
He was born February 7, 1971 to Clyde Edward and Lois Fern (Washington) Spoon in Lawton, Oklahoma.
Joe was raised in Tecumseh and attended Tecumseh Public Schools.
He worked his entire career as a Lineman and Electrician and most recently a Supervisor for the City of Tecumseh. Joe took a lot of pride in his work. It was very important to him that the job was done right and safely.
Joe was a proud member of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe and was actively involved with his Absentee Shawnee heritage rituals and traditions.
He took a lot of pride in his home, keeping it organized and maintaining his yard and acreage, where family and friends were always welcome. Family was very important to him and his home was the central meeting place for get togethers, holiday and ceremonies.
Joe loved playing video games, watching movies and enjoyed singing karaoke. His hobbies included ATV riding on his property and playing pool. He was an excellent pool player and always ready for a challenger or tournament.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Lois Spoon.
Those left to cherish his memory are his sister and brother-in-law, Loretta and Cecil Mann of Macomb, OK; brother and sister-in-law, Samuel Spoon and Tracy Cage of Tecumseh, OK; nephew, Joel and Stephanie Spoon of Little Axe, OK; great-nephew, Canaan Spoon; great-nieces, Paisley and Raelee Spoon; numerous other extended family and friends.
Obituary
Robert White, age 91, lifelong resident of Little Axe, Oklahoma passed away Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at his home surrounded by family.
He was born December 16, 1930 in Little Axe, Oklahoma to Willie White and Tennie Little Jim.
Robert was raised in Little Axe and attended High School and Post Graduate at Haskell Institute in Lawrence, Kansas.
He married Dorothy Jean (Marshall) White.
Robert proudly served his country for 4 years in the U.S. Air Force as Staff Sergeant and was honorably discharged.
He worked most of his life in the Construction and Carpentry.
Robert was a proud member of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe, Cornerstone Indian Baptist Church, Little Axe Alumni, Metal Lathers Local 26 and Carpenters Union Local 329.
He loved being with church members, family, and friends and playing harmonica.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie White & Tennie Little Jim; his wife, Dorothy Jean White; brother, Leroy White; and step-son, Allen George Bowman.
Survivors include his son, Robert White, Jr.; sister, Barbara & Jerry Little Axe; granddaughters, Kim and Erica; and numerous nieces and nephews and other extended family and friends.
Obituary
Yvonne Katherine Cahwee was born on March 29, 1950 in Claremore, OK and passed away on May 11, 2022 in Tulsa, OK. She was enrolled with the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma with Muskogee Creek and Seneca descent. Her tribal name was “Na-Ge-Ka-Ewa-Shee” (Beaver) and she was of the Water Clan. She attended Bowen Indian Baptist Church and Indian Falls Creek Baptist Assembly.
Yvonne graduated from Tulsa Central High School in 1968 and continued her higher education at the Oklahoma Junior College where she received her Associates of Science degree in Computer Technology in 1984. She married her soulmate, Dwayne, in 1993 and was the mother to five children: Ray, Katherine, William, Tike, and Atira. In addition to being a devoted mama, Yvonne was employed throughout the years at the Tulsa County Assessor’s Office, Indian Health Service’s Office, and retired from River Spirit Casino in 2020 where she was awarded with Employee of the Year in 2016.
Her hobbies included travel, sports, movies, concerts, and of course the casino slots. In her younger years, she enjoyed coaching and playing basketball, volleyball, softball, bowling, and pool. In her later years, she loved attending her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and watching the OU Sooner games every Saturday with her two boys Boogie and Scooter. She cherished the holidays and always had her home decorated for all seasons.
Yvonne is survived by her husband Dwayne Cahwee; her three siblings: Eugene Alford Jr., Diane Guthrie, and Janene Alford; her three children: Ray Alford, Katherine Smith, and Atira Chapman; her seven grandchildren; and her six great-grandchildren.
Preceded in death by her parents Eugene Alford Sr. and Davene Alford; and her two sons, William Alford and Tike Chapman.
Obituary
Little Axe resident Thurman “Duke” Blanchard, 71, died Tuesday, April 19, 2022, in Little Axe.
Thurman was born February 6, 1951, in Little Axe, Oklahoma to Lewis and Cynthia (Creek) Blanchard.
He was a lifetime resident of Little Axe, Oklahoma and was a member of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma. He graduated from Noble High School and started his career with Oklahoma Natural Gas, retiring in 2006.
He married Fredith Butler on June 2, 1972, in Little Axe, Oklahoma.
He started as a pipeline welder with Oklahoma Natural Gas in Norman, Oklahoma. Later in his career, he worked in supervision, overseeing job site crews in the Oklahoma City area. He was proud to live and be involved in the Shawnee Tribal Ceremonies. In the early years, he loved to play fastpitch softball, traveling many miles to play various tournaments. His hobbies included working with old antiques and raising Dexter cows. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and sports, especially when it involved his grandkids.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant sister, Sue Ann Blanchard; and a brother, Kenneth Blanchard.
Survivors include his wife, Fredith Blanchard of Little Axe; son and daughter-in-law, Eric and Jessica Blanchard of Norman; son, Craig Blanchard of Little Axe; five grandchildren, Caden Blanchard, Cache Blanchard, Mya Blanchard, Chael Blanchard, and Cecily Blanchard; brother, George Blanchard and Kathleen of Miami, Oklahoma; brother, Chester Blanchard and Kathy of Noble, Oklahoma; sister, Cleta Johnson and Bud of Little Axe, Oklahoma; sister, Redena Miller and Glen of Norman, Oklahoma; sister, Glendine Blanchard of Little Axe, Oklahoma; sister, Betty Isaacs and John of Noble, Oklahoma; brother, Kevin Blanchard and Arlene of Lexington, Oklahoma; numerous nieces, nephews, and many other family and friends.
