Oklahoma
Gilbert Blumenthal, 42
Died December 24, 2020.
TulsaTech, Broken Arrow, OK
Automotive Skills
Gilbert Maximilian Blumenthal, loving father, son, and brother, passed away December 24, 2020 from Covid 19 and Pneumonia. He was 42 years old. Gil was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on September 5, 1978 to Mark and Brenda Blumenthal.
Gil was tenacious and dedicated to any effort. He and his father enjoyed repairing lawn mowers, motorcycles, and automobiles. Regardless of what failed, Gil and his father would repair it together. These skills proved invaluable when Gil opened his first lawn care business. Additionally, he used this knowledge to assist others with car maintenance problems during his teenage years and beyond.
In his youth, Gil joined the Boy Scouts of America, ultimately attaining the rank of Eagle, scouting’s highest honor, at age 17. Gil earned his Associate’s degree and later, his Bachelor’s degree. He held a Federal Aviation Administration Airframe and Power Plant Mechanics license, allowing him to legally repair any aircraft and aircraft engine, and sign off log books to return the aircraft to airworthiness condition.
He brought his passion for cars and engines to the next generation, teaching high school students automotive skills at Tulsa Tech. He earned his Master Certification from The National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence. Gil’s ability, enthusiasm, and genuine concern as an educator was honored in 2018 when he was awarded “Teacher of the Year”, not only for the Broken Arrow campus where he taught, but for the entire Tulsa Tech District, including all seven campuses.
In 2009, Gil became a proud father when his incredible son Graesyn was born. They bonded over a shared love of sports, fishing, dirt bikes, business, and automotive mechanics. Gil shared his passion for working on cars with Graesyn, just as his father before him.
Gil was a member of the masonic fraternity like his father, and was planning on becoming a Shriner at the upcoming Ceremonial.
Gil was preceded in death by grandparents Gilbert Blumenthal, Arthur and Beverly Yellen, and Cecil and Emma Rose. Gil is survived by his son Graesyn Hoss and his son’s mother Nicole Hoss, parents Mark and Brenda Blumenthal, sister Kim (Dan) Balsinger, along with multiple cousins, aunts and uncles.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Gil’s memory can be made to the Akdar Shrine Hospital Transportation Fund either online at <https://akdarshrine.org/donation-information>; or by mail to: Hospital Transportation Fund, C/O Akdar Shrine Temple, 2808 South Sheridan Road, Tulsa, OK, 74129. Donations may also be made in Gil’s memory to Temple Israel at 2004 East 22nd Place, Tulsa, OK, 74114, or online at <https://templetulsa.com/donate>;.
James Brown Sr., 68
Died February 2, 2021.
McAlester High School, McAlester, OK
History
James M. Brown, Sr. passed away on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 in Sherman, Texas.
James was born on July 30, 1952 in Holdenville to Clarence Brown, Jr. and Carrie Mae (Knox) Brown. To this union, he was the only child.
During his grade school years, he attended school in San Francisco, California, the Oklahoma Military Academy (OMA), and the Holdenville Public School system. He graduated from Holdenville High School in 1971. He later went on to further his education at East Central University (ECU) in Ada where his major was Psychology and minor in Political Science. He graduated from ECU in 1974.
In that same year of 1974, he married Clarice Williams and they made McAlester their home. To this union, two children were born: James, Jr. and Tiffany.
James soon after went to work for the McAlester Public School system where he taught Psychology for more than 40 years, retiring in 2016. He returned to work for the McAlester Public School system in 2019 where he taught world history.
During his first tenure with the McAlester Public School System, he served in other official capacities such as City Councilman for the City of McAlester, first from 1982 to 1992, again from 1994 to 2003, then currently from 2018 to present. He proudly served Ward 4 and as Vice Mayor. He also served on the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board, appointed by Governor Brad Henry, and served for eight years. Six of those years as a board member and two of those years as chairman.
James, affectionately known as “JB” by his family, friends and students, was loved by many. He took the time to get to know those in his life; and paid a great deal of attention to concerns, issues, suggestions, and ideas, whether it be from a family member, friend, student, one of his Ward 4 constituents, or any citizen of McAlester. He encouraged his students to get involved in city, state, and US government, and was known to invite students to attend City Council meetings so that they could become familiar with the process and to know what all was going on within the city. JB was also known to bring prominent figures to speak to students in the classroom; something they all seemed to have enjoyed. One of his most proud and talked about guests was also a very special friend to him, the late Rev. Wade Watts. JB believed in empowering his students with as much knowledge, information, and wisdom as possible.
The Afro Student Union (ASU) was very dear to James. It was designed not for some, but for all students who wanted to join. ASU exemplified what JB’s main goal was in life; and that was to bring all people together regardless of who they were, what they had, or their walk of life; to include them and made sure that they knew the purpose for their life mattered.
During his already busy life, James found the time to become a great asset to other state entities such as the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (DOC) and Carl Albert Community Mental Health Center by rendering his time, service, consultation, and dedication to their daily operation. James was dedicated in many other aspects, both known and unknown through his life. He lived a life of service and was highly respected by all that knew him.
James leaves to carry on his legacy his daughters: Jamie Kennedy (Kevin) of Houston, Texas, Tiffany Brown-Chance (Alan) of Fort Worth, Texas; son: James M. Brown, Jr. of McAlester; grandsons: Darrion, Kamren, Jackson; granddaughters: Paige, Makayla, and Kaitlyn; 4 great-granddaughters; his great aunt: Jean Roberts of McAlester; and a host of cousins and friends who all meant a lot to him.
James was preceded in death by his parents: Clarence Brown, Jr. and Carrie (Knox) Brown; his paternal grandparents: Clarence Brown, Sr. and Izoller Pope; his maternal grandparents: George and Rebecca Knox; former mother-in-law: Bertha Williams; and special friends: Rev. Wade Watts and Senator Gene Stipe.
Jim Benham, 74
Died January 30, 2021.
Skiatook Public Schools, Skiatook, OK
Bus Driver
James Robert “Jim” Benham, age 74, of Skiatook went to be with his Lord and Savior Saturday, January 30, 2021 in Miami, Oklahoma.
Jim was born August 28, 1946 in Enterprise, Oklahoma to Glenn D. and Ina Dell (McCoy) Benham. Jim grew up and received his education in Stigler where he graduated in 1964. Jim went to Northeastern State College where he graduated with his Bachelor Degree in Education. Jim married Gayla Sue Patterson on July 21, 1966 in Poteau, Oklahoma. Jim began his teaching career in Plainville, Kansas in 1968 and taught there for 10 years before moving to Skiatook in 1978. He was employed with Skiatook Public Schools until his retirement in May of 2001. Jim was currently a school bus driver for the district. Jim was a member of the Riveted Baptist Church. He loved to cruise town on his motorcycle and could be seen making pit stops at Wal-Mart, Allred’s, Ace, and Kum and Go on the regular.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents Glenn and Ina Dell Benham and in-laws Roland and Margaret Patterson.
Jim is survived by- Wife- Gayla, Daughters and son-in-laws Staci and Brett Henson, Jamie and Wes Reed and Mandi Jo and Rob Johns, Grandchildren Ty and Lexie Henson, Emma Henson, Hayden Reed and Madi Powell, Josie Dell Reed, Owen Johns and Nico Johns, Brothers Joe and wife Carolyn Benham, Tom and Donna Benham and Eddie Benham, Sister Janice Rae and husband Joe Reinke, Sister-in-laws Jo Ellen and husband Ron Dunn, Vicki Perryman, Brother-in-law Rick and Novita Patterson and an abundance of precious cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
The family of Jim Benham entrusted his care and services to Sien-Shelton Funeral Home.
Charles Wylie, 43
Died January 18, 2021.
Ponca City Middle School, Ponca City, OK
Reading
The Ponca City Public School district is sad to report the death of one of its teachers, Charles Wylie, on Monday, January 18, 2021. Charlie has taught reading at East Middle School for the last four years. His brother Jamey and his sister-n-law Amanda both teach at West Middle School.
Superintendent Shelley Arrott said, ““We are extremely saddened and heartbroken by this loss to our school community. Charlie was such a caring, fun-loving teacher, who was admired by both staff and students. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Charlie’s family and friends and our school family at this difficult time.”
East Middle School Principal Denton Long stated, “East Middle School staff are saddened to announce the passing of teacher Charlie Wylie. Charlie was an outstanding reading teacher for the students at EMS. He was a joy to be around. He had a love for comic books and pop culture and often used this to engage students at EMS to get them excited about reading. Charlie was loved by both staff and students. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”
Counselors have been sent to East and are available for any students or staff if needed.
James Lampkin, 52
Died December 16, 2020.
Washington Public Schools, Washington, OK
Physical Education, Cross Country & Golf Coach
James Otis Lampkin, age 52 of Washington, passed away Wednesday, December 16, 2020, following a courageous battle from complications with COVID 19. James was born April 7, 1968 in Hobbs, New Mexico, the 5th of 6 children born to Paul and Nell (Billy) Lampkin. He was raised in the Davis and Wynnewood area, graduating with the Savage Class of 1986. While in school, James excelled in any sport he chose to play. He was a fierce competitor, a true leader and a proud member of championship teams. By age 16, James had met the love of his life, a young lady named Amie Butler. And though they were young, they both knew they had found the one. A young father, James worked hard, balancing school and working full time to support his young family. They first welcomed son Tylor, then son Kale, and finally a daughter, Dagan. James finished school, graduating with both a Bachelors, and a Masters Degree in Education.
His first coaching/teaching stop was in Dickson. He then coached at Plainview for a time, before moving back home to Wynnewood in 1999. In 2004, he began working for the Chickasaw Nation in youth services. He was both a manager, and then the director of the wellness center, until becoming sick and retiring. It wasn’t long until James found himself on the golf and cross-country course and in the classroom, when an opening at Washington came knocking. James started coaching golf and teaching elementary P.E. for the Warriors, and later the Cross-Country Teams and Golf Teams for both Jr. High and High School girls’ and boys’ teams. Sports played such a meaningful role in James life, and he was able to share many of the life lessons he learned with his student athletes, including his own children. He was an avid OU Sooners fan, and had a knack for finding little hole-in-the-wall diners on road trips. He was a wonderful cook, and will be forever remembered for his legendary breakfast. James was a man of great faith. He cherished his family and lived for his students. He was incredibly proud of his Chickasaw Heritage, and even to the time he entered Heaven, he remained “unconquered and unconquerable”. Rest well Coach!
He was preceded in death by: his parents, Paul and Nell Lampkin; brother Jerry Lampkin; and sisters, Ardena and Cindy Lampkin.
James is survived by his best friend and loving wife, Amie Lampkin of the home; sons, Tylor Lampkin and wife Alyssa of Davis, and Kale Lampkin and wife Mika of Ada; daughter, Dagan Lampkin and Tanner Wilcox of Cache; Brother, Cotus Lampkin and wife Charl of Davis; sister, Paula Knighten of Sulphur; 6 grandchildren, Teagan, Rigby, Ripkyn, Kane, Daisy and Lilli; several nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends.
A Celebration of James life will be held 2:00 P.M. Monday, December 21, 2020, at the Washington Warrior Event Center. Burial will follow at the Washington Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed on our website, www.wilsonlittle.com and on our Facebook page, Wilson Little. Please feel welcome to dress comfortably, and represent your Warrior, Wolves, Savage, or Sooner pride. Masks and social distancing are strongly encouraged.
Jennifer Cunningham, 42
Died December 28, 2020.
Bluejacket High School, Bluejacket, OK
English
Jennifer Christina Shaffer Cunningham, 42, of Grove died on Monday, Dec. 28, 2020, from COVID-19 related complications at INTEGRIS Grove Hospital, Grove.
She was born on April 16, 1978 in Vinita, to Clyde and Karin Shaffer. In November 1978 the family moved to Rohrbach, in Hessen, Germany where they remained until 1991, when they returned to northeast Oklahoma.
She attended Bluejacket Public Schools seventh grade until graduating in 1996. German was her first language and she taught herself English after returning to the states.
A graduate of Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College in Miami with an associates degree in business administration; Jennifer completed a degree in meetings and destinations in hotel management with a minor in marketing at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah.
While a student at NSU, she met Wes Cunningham in 2001. The pair married July 19, 2003 and have two daughters: Victoria, 17, and Annaliese, 11.
A career in child welfare first in Ottawa, then later Delaware County gave Jennifer a desire to help children on a deeper level; leading her to pursue an alternative Oklahoma teaching license.
She began teaching middle school science in 2013 at Fairland Public Schools; before transferring to teach the same at Will Rogers Middle School in Miami in the fall of 2014.
In fall 2019 a chance to return to her alma mater, Bluejacket, led Jennifer to teach ninth to 12th grade English and yearbook. She was completing a master’s degree in education administration at Western Govenor’s University, having just finished her Praxis test and LEC comprehensive exam.
She strived to make the world a better place for both her students and her daughters. Outside of education, she was involved first as a stage mom, then actress and later board member with The Playmakers Community Theatre in Grove.
Inspired by her grandmother Erika Poeschl’s own writing career, Jennifer often contributed her own poems to Rural Oklahoma Museum of Poetry contests. Her first published work, I Remember, is part of Word Daubers, an anthology published after the 2019 Summer Poetry Challenge.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Erika and Alfred Poeschl; paternal grandparents Goldie and Thurman Shaffer Sr.; uncle Carl Shaffer and great uncle Joseph Poeschl.
Survivors include her parents of Bluejacket; her husband Wes and daughters Victoria and Annaliese of Grove; her brother Marc (Joelle), three nephews Parker, Achilles and Elijah, and one niece Sophia, all of Bluejacket; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Services will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, family members established a GoFundMe account to help Wes and the girls at https://gofund.me/9c1642d5. Services are under the direction of Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home, Grove.
Sandi Laughlin, 60
Died December 27, 2020.
Tinker Elementary School, Oklahoma City, OK
Third Grade
Sandi Marie Laughlin, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday Dec 27,th 2020. She was born on July 17th, 1972, in Midwest City Oklahoma to parents Gordon and Virginia Dial . The youngest of four siblings. Sandi is survived by her parents , her husband and love of her life, Jeff Laughlin, her four sons, Zakary, Devin, Cameron and Matthew, and her beloved Doxie fur babies. Sister Loni Mooty of Louisville, Tx, brothers Don Dial of Seminole, Ok, and Dusty Dial of Del City, Ok; many extended family members and innumerable friends.
Sandi held degrees in Bachelor and Masters of Education. She was passionate about her teaching for over 10 years, and touched the lives of countless children from Kindergarten thru third grade at Tinker Elementary School.
Sandi was a fierce momma bear with and infectious giggle. She loved cooking, driving around in her slingshot, attending theatre plays as well as craft shows, the Hallmark Channel, working puzzles , a fierce competitor when playing games and loved spending time with family and friends .
Funeral services for Sandi will be on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at 10:00 AM at the Sunnylane Family Church, Del City, OK. Interment to follow at the Jamison Cemetery, Meeker, OK. Services are under the direction of John Ireland Funeral Home.
Michael Angelo, 62
Died October 20, 2020.
Tulsa Public Schools, Tulsa, OK
Facilities
Tulsa Public Schools had its first death from COVID-19.
Michael Angelo, an electrician with TPS since 2007, has died from the illness, according to Superintendent Dr. Deborah Gist. Angelo’s wife, Violet, also had COVID-19 but has recovered.
Gist broke the news to the TPS board at the end of their Monday meeting.
“Because I know the rest of the Tulsa Public Schools family will be wanting to do the same that we’re doing, which is lifting them up, sending love and appreciation for their long service to the district and thoughts for continued healing for Violet and her family,” Gist said.
TPS had nine confirmed cases of COVID-19 among staff last week. Many have had to report for work in person while students are in distance learning.
Students will start returning next month.
Tammy Cannon, 52
Died December 13, 2020.
Westward Elementary School, Colbert, OK
Principal
Tammy Russell Cannon, 52, of Mead, OK went home to be with our Lord on Dec. 13, 2020.
Tammy was born March 27, 1968, to Glen and Billie Russell. She attended Allen High School in Allen, Oklahoma. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and a Master’s degree from East Central Oklahoma State University. Students in all levels of education in both Texas and Oklahoma were blessed by her award-winning career as an educator. Most recently she served as the principal of Westward Elementary in Colbert, Oklahoma.
Tammy loved to make new memories and have unique experiences. More than that she enjoyed sharing those experiences with family. She loved to camp, hike, and explore. Many a cousin can still recall adventures in which they were led by Tammy. She had an uncompromising love for family and friends, to which we should all strive.
She is survived by Todd Stringfellow of Mead; her sons Ben, Mason, and Jacob Whipkey of Norman; her father Glen and his wife Norma of Mead; and her sister Tracey and her husband Eric of Wylie, Texas.
She was welcomed to Eternal Glory by her Mother Billie.
The family has requested at this time the service not be open to the public. Covid took their precious Tammy and it is their hope that by doing this that no other family suffers the same unimaginable loss, as a result of their gathering to bid farewell, for now, to Tammy.
They will celebrate her life together with you at a safer, later date TBD and invite you all to come share your stories of how Tammy touched your lives.
The family wishes to thank all those who have reached out and offered support, love, and prayers.
Ronald Payne, 57
Died November 22, 2020.
Woodward Middle School, Woodward, OK
Mathematics
Ronald Glenn Payne, II, 57 year old current teacher and coach at the Woodward Public Schools, died Sunday, November 22, 2020 in Woodward. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 25, 2020 in the Billings Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be at 2:00 p.m. at the Hobart Rose Cemetery in Hobart. We ask that you wear a mask at the funeral and please wear OU attire for Ron’s last Boomer Sooner rally.
Ronald Glenn Payne, II was born on July 24, 1963 in Cheyenne, Oklahoma to Ronald Glenn Payne and Neva Jean Pyatt. Ron grew up in Cheyenne and graduated from Cheyenne High School. He attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University and received his Bachelors degree in Health and Sports Science. He later received his Masters in Administration.
He was united in marriage to Judy Sharp on July 15, 1994 at Lone Wolf, Oklahoma. They made their first home in Mountain View, before moving to Sterling, Taloga and Woodward. Early on Ron worked as a Sheriff Dispatcher for Roger Mills County. He was a teacher and coach for 26 years and also served as Principal for Corn Public Schools. He was currently coaching and teaching for Woodward Public Schools and he will be missed by his family, friends, and all the students he had.
Ron enjoyed woodworking, golf, and he loved his OU Sooners and Dallas Cowboys. Ron loved spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, extended family and friends.
He is survived by his parents, Neva and Joe Pyatt of Cheyenne, Karel Payne of Stillwater; his wife Judy Payne of the home; daughters: Kayla Hodges and husband Billy of Weatherford, Heather Tutten and husband Dusty of Blair, Gretchen Jones and husband Jeremy of Clinton; son, Chad Baden of Woodward; 11 grandchildren: Ali and Wade Powell, Rhett Tutten, Shawn O’Kelley, Mia Jones, Preslie Jones, Payton Jones, Justice Jones, Casen Hodges, Teagan Hodges, Houston Hodges; one great-grandchild, Ridge Powell; brothers Jon Payne of Stillwater and Lance and Dena Bowman of Cheyenne; sisters: Renae and Mike Bagzis of Cheyenne, Michelle and Darren Knight of Elk City, Kristi and Ron Leonard of Oklahoma City; his dogs, Speck, Gizmo, Bear, and Trouble; other relatives and many friends.
Ron was preceded in death by his grandparents, Nina (Jiggs) and Dean Krober, Vergil and Nina Payne, Lavera Lyle and his dad, Ronald Glenn Payne and loyal friend and pet, Patch.
Memorials contributions may be made to the WOOF Pet Rescue with the funeral home accepting the contributions.