Bishop Funeral Service and Crematory

11/11/2025

11/10/2025

James Lee Atherton, 48, of McAlester, Oklahoma, passed away on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Bishop Chapel of Memories with Rev. Nolan Lake officiating.

Honorary pallbeare...

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11/10/2025

James Lee Atherton, 48, of McAlester, Oklahoma, passed away on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Bishop Chapel of Memories with Rev. Nolen Lake officiating.

Honorary pallbearers will be Brent Stone, Ryan Shumway, Ricky Turpin, Ray Turpin, Cody Degraffenreid, Josh Harrington, Larry Alexander, Anthony Salyers, Brian Echelle, Shawn Sisco, Alan Fagundez, Joe Santino and Kenny Leak.

James was born on November 1, 1977, in Dallas, Texas, to Walt and Anita (Bunch) Atherton. In his early twenties, he moved to Pittsburg County with nothing but a suitcase in hand, where he went on to make his home for the rest of his life.

At the age of seventeen, James began his career as an electrician. He went on to earn his journeyman license and worked for Stone Electric in McAlester for 25 years. Known for his skill and dedication, James could fix just about anything — from electrical work to building trucks from the ground up.

On April 7, 2001, James married the love of his life, Kris Sopavongse, in McAlester. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and family. James was a devoted husband, a proud father, and a loving Pops. He was not only a caretaker for his own family but also a father figure to many.

James loved spending time outdoors. He enjoyed hosting bonfires, camping, riding side-by-sides, and duck hunting. His favorite place to unwind was at his cabin in Red Oak, where he spent countless hours with friends and family. Whether relaxing by the pool or surrounded by his beloved dogs, James was happiest when sharing good times with the people he loved. Always full of energy, he was never one to sit still for long.

He will be remembered for his hard work, generosity, and the endless love he gave to his family and friends.

James is survived by his wife, Kristina Atherton of the home; mother, Anita Duncan of Texas; daughters, Courtney Young of Tecumseh, Makenzie Atherton of Norman; granddaughters, Presley Billy and Chandler Billy of Tecumseh; siblings, Charity Garcia and husband, Shane, Chad Hennig, Robert Duncan and wife, Morgan, Telitha Hulsey and husband, Tony, Faith Hernandez and husband, Joe, Temperance Coughenour and husband, Cody, and Patience Stephens and husband, Chris all of Texas; sisters-in-law, Kesree Goodner and husband, Paul, of McAlester and Kyria McDaniel; brother-in-law; Johnny McDaniel; father-in-law, Eddie Sopavongse; mother-in-law, Linda Hopkins; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends.

James was preceded in death by his father, Walt Atherton; grandparents, Bob and Thelma Hudson; grandmother-in-law, Lillian Kreimeier; his dear best-friend, Bob Hawley.

11/05/2025

11/05/2025

Leonard Alvin Howard, Jr., 59, of McAlester, died Sunday, November 2, 2025, at his residence.

The family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Bishop Funeral Service and Crematory.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Bishop Chapel of Memories officiated by Mr. Michael Sexton. Masonic rites will be performed by Mr. Ed Palmer. Department of Correction honors will be presented by the Oklahoma Department of Corrections Honors Team.

Burial will follow at the Masonic Cemetery in McAlester.

Pallbearers will be Carl Teal, Eric Teal, Danny Teal, Robert Padgett, Brian Engleman, and Nick Valenta.

Honorary pallbearers will be Randy Howard and Larry Elsing.

Leonard was born on May 15, 1966, in McAlester to Leonard A. and Geraldine (Holden) Howard. He attended McAlester Public Schools and graduated from McAlester High School in 1984. He continued his education at Eastern Oklahoma State College and later earned his degree in Criminal Justice from Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

He dedicated more than 30 years to the Oklahoma Department of Corrections at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary, retiring in 2021 as Correctional Chief of Security II. Following his retirement, he worked for the McAlester Scottish Rite as the Building Superintendent for three years.

He was a devoted Mason, proudly serving with Hartshorne-Haileyville Masonic Lodge No. 122, and was a 32° Scottish Rite Mason invested with the rank of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor.

He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and beekeeping.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, C.H. and Edna Howard; maternal grandparents, Leonard and Ima Holden; and granddaughter, Izabella Rose Mendoza.

Leonard is survived by his sons, Richard Howard and Kyle Howard; daughters, Lauren Mendoza and Chelsea Hawk and husband, Cameron; grandchildren, Blakelee, Karter, Gabbi, Valentina, Taylor, Grayson, Rilee and Jase; parents, Leonard Howard, Sr. and Geraldine Howard; brother, Randy Howard and wife, Tandy; sister, Gerri Elsing and husband, Larry; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Leonard will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his service to his community, and the many lives he touched throughout his career.

11/05/2025

Leonard Alvin Howard, Jr., 59, of McAlester, died Sunday, November 2, 2025, at his residence.

The family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Bishop Funeral Service and Crematory.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, Novem...

View Leonard Alvin Howard's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

11/04/2025

Kelsey Rena Bowman, 37, of Wynnewood, passed away on November 3, 2025, in Sulphur.

The family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Bishop Funeral Service and Crematory. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Bishop Chapel of Memories. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be, Colby Barnett, Chad Barnett, Clint Barnett, John Thorn, Jeff Ranallo and Ronny Jones.

Honorary pallbearers will be, Gary Jones and Keith Bowman.

Kelsey was born in Stillwater on January 8, 1988, to Edward and Pamela Rena (Jones) Bowman. She graduated from Garber High School in 2006. Over the years, she enjoyed working as a special needs volunteer for Shared Blessings and was employed by the Southeast Oklahoma Box Company in both McAlester and Wetumka.

Kelsey was currently residing in a group home in Wynnewood, where she made many cherished friendships. She had a joyful spirit and a gentle heart, and she especially loved collecting baby dolls.

She was preceded in death by her father, Edward Bowman; her paternal grandparents, Everett and Carrie Bowman; and her step-grandmother, Barbara Hayes.

Kelsey is survived by her mother and stepfather, Pam and Larry Barnett; her brother, Keith Bowman and wife, Katie; her sisters, Kylie Bowman and fiancé, Trey Cossey, and Katecee Bowman; stepbrothers, Colby Barnett and wife, Courtney, Chad Barnett and wife, Mikyla, and Clint Barnett and wife, Michie; nieces and nephews, Kyler Bowman, Indi Bowman, Kinley Barnett, Kaydee Barnett, Corey Barnett, Gabrianna and Maelynn Bowman; her maternal grandparents, Gary and Dorothy Jones; aunts and uncles, Sharla and John Thorn, Sherri Jones, Kevin and Dawn Jones, Mike and Cherie Barnett, Sherry and Jeff Ranallo, Gary and Connie Bowman, Connie and David May, Kris and Robin Bowman, Carol and Dan Hughes as ; as well as numerous great-aunts, great-uncles, cousins, and friends who loved her deeply.

Kelsey’s kindness and the joy she brought to others will always be remembered. She was known for her light-hearted spirit and her favorite sayings, including “Oh well!”, “It won’t work,” “That’s punny (funny)!”, “You messed it up!”, “Are you teasing me?”, and of course, “I’m hungry!”

11/04/2025

Kelsey Rena Bowman, 37, of Wynnewood, passed away on November 3, 2025, in Sulphur.

The family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 6, 2025, at Bishop Funeral Service and Crematory. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Bi...

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11/04/2025

Kellene R. Brewster, 96, of McAlester, Oklahoma, passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2025, in McAlester.

Viewing will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at Bishop Funeral Service and Crematory.

Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Frink Baptist Church with Rev. Monty Thompson officiating. Burial will follow at Savanna Cemetery in Savanna, Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214 or at gideons.org/donate.

Pallbearers will be George Scott, Earl Shackelford, Bill Turney, Brandon Turney, Charles Poole and Jeff Razo.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Members of the Frink Baptist Up Class.

Kellene was born on September 21, 1929, in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to William Rackley and Dollye (Clifton) Rackley. She married Bill Brewster on July 28, 1967, at Frink Baptist Church in McAlester, and together they shared three children: Billy Conn, Pat, and Steve.

Kellene worked as a home economics teacher, first at Crowder and later at Savanna, until her retirement. During her teaching career, she was a Senior Class Sponsor.

She was a devoted member of Frink Baptist Church in McAlester, where she taught Sunday school for many years. Her class, known as the Joy Class, was a cherished part of her life and ministry, reflecting her deep faith and love for teaching others.

She and Bill loved traveling together in their camper, exploring new places and making lasting memories. Kellene enjoyed watching ball games, especially Thunder basketball and Oklahoma University football and softball. She also found joy in skiing, sewing, and cooking—activities that reflected her creativity and zest for life.

Kellene will be remembered for her warmth, dedication, and the love she shared with her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Dollye Rackley; her son, Billy Conn Brewster; sisters, Ruby Bevill, Wilma Tedford.

Kellene is survived by her husband, Bill Brewster of the home; daughter, Pat Harris and husband, Bill of Dallas, Georgia; son, Steve Norwood and wife, Debbie of Oklahoma City; five grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; along with numerous other family members and friends.

11/04/2025

Kellene R. Brewster, 96, of McAlester, Oklahoma, passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2025, in McAlester.

Viewing will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at Bishop Funeral Service and Crematory.

Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November ...

View Kellene R. Brewster's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.