Melvin Richard Aloway

Melvin “Mel” Richard Aloway, 90, passed away May 22, 2026. He was born on Nov. 30, 1935, in Shawnee, OK, to Charlie and Vida Aloway.Mel graduated from Shawnee High School in 1953 and, following graduation, proudly served his country in the United States Army for two years.

Johnny Gehrome McCarley

Johnny Gehrome McCarley was born on July 29, 1935 to Henry and Carrie McCarley and passed away on May 13, 2026 at the age of 90.Johnny was the youngest of nine children.

Jonell Hairston Clark

Mrs. Jonell (Hairston) Clark, aged 90, of Tecumseh, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2026. She was born on May 4, 1935 in Hondo, TX, to Amos and Nettie (Runnels) Hairston. She was the youngest child in a family of nine children and survived diphtheria at the age of three years old.

Joseph Grella

Joseph Edward Grella passed away on May 17, 2026. Joseph was born on July 28, 1960, in Cheyenne, WY to Edward and Jayme (Pickrel) Grella.In recent years, Joe discovered a new passion for woodworking and cabinetry.

John Hackett

John Loyes Hackett, 95, passed away May 12, 2026. John was born on Oct. 15, 1930, in Trousdale, OK to William and Ola Hackett (McDonald). He was a heavy equipment operator, and owned Hackett Dozer Service for 65 years.

Frances Elaine Shatto

Frances Elaine Shatto passed away on May 7, 2026.Elaine was born and raised in the Durant area. During her senior year in high school she met Bobby Shatto and married him on Friday the 13th of Feb. 1981.

Gloria Gillenwater Trotter

Gloria Gillenwater Trotter, 81, of Tecumseh, Oklahoma, passed away May 18, 2026.A native of Bristol, Tennessee-Virginia, Gloria was born Sept. 3, 1944, to Wilfred Kelso Gillenwater Sr. and Minnie Lou (Davis) Gillenwater.

Celia F. Heath

Celia F. Heath passed away on May 9, 2026. She was born on Nov. 18, 1950, in Konawa, OK to Louada and Ira Henson. Celia earned her BS in Accounting, a foundation that led to a respected career as a Certified Public Accountant.

Keith Ward

Keith Ward, 69, passed away May 11th, 2026. For 47 beautiful years, Keith shared a deep and devoted marriage with his beloved wife, Vickie Ward. Keith proudly dedicated 30 years of service to the City of Shawnee Water Department.

J. Thomas Terry

John Thomas (Tom) Terry, Oklahoma Baptist University vice president for business affairs emeritus and long-time Shawnee community volunteer, passed away on May 11, 2026.After graduating from Canton High School in Tx, he attended Baylor University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree.