Chaney-Harkins Funeral Home

11/05/2025

Toy Jim McCoy, 60, of Alderson, passed away on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at McAlester Regional Health Center.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 10, 2025, at the Southeast Expo Center, 4500 West Highway 270, McAlester, Oklahoma, with Joewoody Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Bache Red Oak Cemetery in Bache, Oklahoma.

Pallbearers will be Taylor Bell on behalf of Erik McCoy, Justin Vester, James Hackler, Jude Rankin, Jake Pryor, and Dustin Mintz.

Jim was born on December 4, 1964, in McAlester, Oklahoma, to Toy Jessie McCoy and Rosella (Kilpatrick) McCoy. He graduated from Red Oak High School with the Class of 1983.

On November 16, 1984, Jim married the love of his life, Terryl Wilson, at North Rock Creek Baptist Church in Red Oak, Oklahoma. Together they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and family.

Jim worked for many years in the oil and gas industry. In 2017, Jim discovered his true calling when he joined the Alderson Fire Department as a first responder and firefighter. Through hard work, dedication, and leadership, he rose to the rank of Fire Chief, proudly serving his community with courage and compassion.

Jim was known for his strong work ethic, great sense of humor, and a touch of orneriness that made him unforgettable. He loved riding his Harley-Davidson and could often be found building or fixing something—whether at home or for a family member or friend in need.

He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Terryl (Wilson) McCoy; son, Erik McCoy; daughter, Whitney Hackler and husband, James; and grandchildren: Kyce Johnson, Bradlee Hackler, and McKinzley Hackler. He is also survived by his sisters, Evelina Stephan and husband, Ralph; Brenda McCoy and Darryl Maxey; and Betty Nichols; brother, Dean McCoy; nieces and nephews: Ronald Nichols, Connie Young, Stacy Pennington, Daniel McCoy, J.K. Stephan and wife, Kirsten, Matthew Stephan, Michael Moore, Treasure Moore, and Steven Moore and wife, Alicia; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Brent Wilson and wife, Gail; and Vickie Moye and husband, Steve; along with numerous aunts, uncles, extended family, and dear friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Toy Jessie and Rosella (Kilpatrick) McCoy, and his sister, Barbara McCoy.

11/01/2025

10/31/2025

Shawn Michael Jean, 54, of McAlester, Oklahoma, passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2025, in Tulsa.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Redeeming Grace Church, 1136 E. Delaware, McAlester, Oklahoma with Pastor Brent Crandall officiating. Final resting place will be at Dorsey Cemetery.

Shawn was born on July 23, 1971, in McAlester, Oklahoma. He graduated from McAlester High School with the Class of 1989. Over the years, he worked for Miller Brothers Construction, as well as Meeco and MDI on the lake crew.

Shawn was a fun-loving and easy-going person who loved to make people laugh. He enjoyed playing pool, camping, and spending time with friends watching football. His kindness and lighthearted nature brought joy to everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his mother, Kathy (Burks) Smith; aunt and uncle, Peggy and Rick Hutchinson; aunt, Tammy Smith Green; and cousins, Jerry Barnes, Wayne Hollingsworth, Delbert Dickson, Josh Burks, and Mandi Privett; and many friends.

Shawn was preceded in death by his father, Michael Jean; maternal grandmother, Dicie (Bradford) Arndt; maternal grandfather, Olen Burks; paternal grandparents, John and Mary Jean; aunts, Shirley Scott, and Kay Ligon; uncle, Otis Burks; and cousins: Codie Burks, Tony Burks, Tommy Burks, Donnie Burks, and Paul Peckio.

10/22/2025

Tommy D. Lyles, Jr. of McAlester, Oklahoma passed away on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at his home at the age of 76.

Tommy was born on June 25, 1949 in Amarillo, Texas to Tommy D. Lyles, Sr. and Charlene (Fugate) Lyles. Tommy met the love of his life, Ethel Scott, in 1994, and they tied the knot on August 15, 1997.
Tommy worked at the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant as a fork-lift operator for over 15 years, and retired in 1997.

He is survived by his wife, Ethel Lyles; son, T.J.; daughters: Bridgette and Tammy; stepdaughters: Tonya and Jennifer; brothers: Jim Lyles, and Lou Lyles; special aunt, Judy and husband, Willie; and other family and friends.

Tommy was preceded in death by his parents: Tommy D. Lyles, Sr. and Charlene (Fugate) Lyles.

10/21/2025

Barry Britt, 67, of Canadian, Oklahoma, passed away on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at his home.

Barry was born on January 18, 1958, in Flat Rock, Alabama, to Clarence D. Britt and Georgia I. (Shaw) Britt. He married Carol (Chamberlin) Anderson on September 3, 2010.

Barry worked in construction, building homes throughout his life. He was known as the “go-to guy” in the Rock Creek Addition, always ready to lend a hand. Whether it was mowing a yard or fixing something that needed repair, Barry could often be found riding his Gator around the neighborhood, helping friends and neighbors however he could.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; children, Dustin, Robert, and Kristin; several grandchildren; stepchildren: David Johnstun and wife Beckie, Dennis Anderson, and Toni King and husband Gary; and step-grandchildren: Zane Pollard, Levi Anderson and wife Amber and their daughter Charli, Vanessa Wi******er, and Samantha Ulibarri and husband Michael. He is also survived by his brothers: Gary Britt and Alvin Britt; sisters: Sheila Russell, Denise Giles, and Carrie Lacy; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

Barry was preceded in death by his son, Jeremy Britt; brother, Alan Britt; nephew, Alan Britt Jr.; stepdaughter, Taunya Simpson; and stepson, Darren Anderson.

In total Barry fashion, he didn’t want a fuss. He requested a simple cremation with his cremains to be scattered at his favorite fishing hole—a peaceful place that brought him joy and reflected his love for the outdoors. It’s a fitting farewell for a man who lived simply, gave generously, and found contentment in life’s quiet moments.

10/17/2025

David Ray Sanders was born in Gatesville, TX September 29, 1955, to William Foster Sanders and Winnie Thyrel Sessums Sanders, and died October 14th, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family.

The family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Chaney Harkins Funeral Home, 528 S. 3rd Street, McAlester, Oklahoma to celebrate the life of David.

Dave had 6 brothers, and 1 sister. As a child he lived in Killeen, Texas and California until later moving to west Texas where he farmed and ranched with his parents and even helped to run a peach orchard. He told many a tale of crossing sections of land on the ranches his parents managed to hunt, fish and explore. When he was in Junior High, he moved to Big Lake, Texas. That is where he met his wife of almost 51 years. They met the summer of 1972 and married October 24, 1974. He and his wife raised four daughters and lovingly remembered a son who was lost at birth. He was blessed with 11 grandchildren and one great grandson.

As an adult he worked in the oil and gas industry as a roughneck, a roustabout, on a pulling unit, as an industrial mechanic and later made a career in the wireline industry retiring as a General Manager. Following the "boom", he and his family moved around a lot making many lifelong friends along the way. His family was important to him and summer vacations were spent travelling to visit his parents or siblings enjoying activities like camping, running trot lines or a friendly game of softball. He was a competitive man and loved a good race against his brother Lou down a busy Dallas, Texas road.

A father of four daughters he taught them to shoot a gun, to hunt and fish, to check their oil and change a tire, to back a trailer or fix a leaky faucet. He was a man of natural intelligence and skill. The kind of guy you called to ask how to fix something or build something. A DIYer before DIY was a thing. He was a good cook both in the kitchen or on the grill. He loved a good flea market and was a collector of antiques.

During his children's school years at Savanna, he became involved with the FFA booster club, attended many sporting events and tolerated many sleep-overs. A manly man who spent his life in a house full of females never knowing if he may wake up on a Saturday morning to painted toenails. (Which he would later scrape off with a pocket knife) He watched his daughters grow and marry, and he became a father and a great friend to his sons-in-law.

He enjoyed time with his grandchildren teaching them things in the outdoors or instigating a good "dog pile" in the living room floor; on hands and knees throwing children off his back as they attacked over and over. He was a fan of all of their activities attending numerous dance recitals, stock shows, basketball games, football games and boy scout events. After his retirement, he became their official part-time chauffer. To his children and grandchildren, he always seemed indestructible. He was "dad” and “papa" to many. He would help anybody with anything.

Dave is survived by his wife, Gail Sanders of the home; brother Lou Bowen and wife Catrina of Sachse, Texas; daughters: Misty Souther and husband Stanton of Eufaula Oklahoma, Amanda pace and husband Brandon of Lebanon, Tennessee, Abra Sanders and partner Tim Mittag of Riviera, Texas, Lacey Zepeda and husband Wilson of Alderson, Oklahoma; grandchildren: Kyndle Souther and fiance Damonte Nichols of McAlester, Oklahoma, Senior Airman Hayden Souther of Navarre, Florida, Foster Levy and wife Baleigh Ft Gibson, Oklahoma, DEP Member Holden Ievy, Olivia Doyle and Blu Pace of Lebanon, Tennessee, Brazden Everett of McAlester Oklahoma, Jameson and Jonah Mittag of Riviera, Texas, Raylynn Eartheart and Lliana Zepeda of Alderson, Oklahoma; and great grandson Daxton Nichols of McAlester, Oklahoma; along with numerous nieces and nephews, and other family and friends.

Dave was preceded in death by his infant son, David Ray Sanders, II; father, William Sanders; mother, Winnie Sanders; brothers: Robert Sanders, William Sanders, Thomas Bowen, and Roy Sanders; and sister, Peggy R***r.

Stories have been told far and wide about "Dave". They will continue to be. He will be greatly missed. The man, the myth, the legend.

10/16/2025

Oleda Dee Foster, 83, of Indianola, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, October 10, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

A family-directed memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at New Hope Free Will Baptist Church in Indianola, with Reverend Fred Morrison officiating.

Oleda was born on June 10, 1942, in Petaluma, California, to W.D. and Sybil (Barlow) Prescott. She spent her early years in Indianola, Oklahoma, where she attended Indianola High School. Her family later returned to California to find work in the cotton fields. It was there that Oleda met the love of her life, Charles Ray Foster, and the two were married in 1958. Together, they built a beautiful life grounded in faith, family, and love. They were blessed with 66 years of marriage before Charles’s passing in February of this year.

Oleda had a giving heart that touched everyone who knew her. She never met a stranger and found joy in helping others. Whether she was cooking a meal for a neighbor in need, sending an encouraging card, or opening her home for family gatherings, Oleda lived a life of kindness and generosity. She gave freely of her time and energy, always putting others before herself.

Her faith in God was the foundation of her life. A devoted member of Canadian Shores Free Will Baptist Church, she could often be found helping with church events, preparing meals for special occasions, or lending a hand wherever she was needed.

For many years, Oleda served as the coordinator for the Indianola Senior Citizens Center, where she poured her heart into caring for the elderly members of her community. She organized meals, activities, and fellowship opportunities, ensuring that every person who walked through those doors felt seen, valued, and loved. Her work at the center reflected her true calling — to serve others with compassion and grace.

Oleda’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who took pride in every milestone, every achievement, and every shared moment.

She is survived by her loving children: Cindy Daffern and husband Jerry; Kristina Scott and husband Joe, Cherie Foster, and Aaron Foster; her cherished grandchildren: Charles Foster III, Tiffany Foster, Jacob Webster, Jeremy White, Randall Bridges, Steven Bridges, Brittany Pickle, and Jessica Sistrunk; and her beloved great-grandchildren, Chase, J.J., Brianna, Aybrie, Haston, Ellie, Alexis, Paige, Aidan, Braxton, and Elias.

She is also survived by her brother, Dennis Prescott, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, church members, and dear friends who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.
Oleda was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Ray Foster; her parents, W.D. and Sybil Prescott; her son, Charles Ray Foster, Jr.; and her brothers: Don Prescott, and Alan Prescott.

Her life was a true reflection of Proverbs 31: “She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy… Her children rise up and call her blessed.”

10/14/2025

Tyler Wayne Taylor, 34, of McAlester, passed away on Thursday, October 2, 2025.

Tyler was born on July 4, 1991, in Salem, Arkansas, to Kevin Taylor and Deborah R. (Starkey) Collins. Tyler met the love of his life in 2015, Jennifer Benson, and they tied the knot on in April 2019.

Tyler worked as an arborist for West Tree Surgery. He took great pride in his work.

Above all, Tyler loved his children deeply and cherished the time he spent with them.

He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Lea Taylor of the home; his mother and stepfather: Debbie and Steve Collins; his children: Aubrey, Sophia, and Tyler; and his sister, Tiffany.

Tyler was preceded in death by his father, Kevin Taylor; his grandfather, Lloyd Ray Starkey Sr.; his infant sister, Krista and his infant brother, Cody.

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Chaney Harkins Funeral Home.

10/02/2025

Edgar Leon Garner of McAlester, Oklahoma passed away on Monday, September 29, 2025 at the age of 86.

Leon was born on August 22,1939 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Ernest Garner and Velma Jo (Goldman) Garner. He joined the United States Army in 1956 and received an honorable discharge in 1959. He married Donna DeNico.

09/26/2025

Fredonia Jean Robinson Smith Vogle, 83, of McAlester, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.

She was born January 30th, 1942 to Elton Levi Robinson and Helen Rachel Yoss Robinson in McAlester, OK. She dearly loved her parents and was most excited to see her mother in Heaven, whom she lost at a young age.

Fredonia wanted nothing more in life than to have her family and friends around her. Likewise, in death she hoped all her friends and family would be there with her in Heaven.

She was a woman of grace who hoped God would show mercy on us all.

She was a woman of strong-will and determination that stayed on her feet and independent until the end - a characteristic she was born with and carried through every decade of her life.

She traveled all over the country with her husband, Jack, and loved telling stories about the museums and historical sites they visited. They went through a period where they visited a lot of cemeteries. That was kind of creepy. Otherwise, her stories and pictures were awesome.

McAlester, Oklahoma was the center of the world for her. She loved her home and her community. Deep into retirement, she was still helping local organizations with bookwork and guidance. Over the many decades, she held various positions in various clubs to the point where listing them independently would be ridiculous.

Fredonia was known for her dramatic flair. She was a flame that lit up the room and wasn't afraid to speak her mind, no matter the size of the group. In private, she was a woman of contemplation and carried a heavy burden to leave the world and people better than she found them.

She is survived by her daughter, Katheryn Jean Smith Lightle; grandson, Jason Thomas Lightle and wife Jessica Ann Lightle (who is the only person that Nana ever awarded the title of “Best Behaved") great-grandson, Levi Thomas Lightle and her siblings: Wallace Robinson, Shirley Robinson Carroll and Yvonne Robinson Workman.

She is also survived by countless nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her nephew Ricky Workman and his wife Angie were a special counsel for her during her final months.

She is preceded in death by her husband Jack Vogle; her parents and her brother Bert Robinson.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 27, 2025 at Chaney Harkins Funeral Home Pastor Donnie King will be officiating. The burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Ricky Workman, Dustin Workman, Mark Bullard, Jason Lightle, Terry Richardson and Danny Sullins.

09/25/2025

Gene “Tony” Phillip Carano, 80, of McAlester, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, September 22, 2025.

The family will greet friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 28, 2025 at Chaney Harkins Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 29, 2025 at Chaney Harkins Funeral Home with Danny Drake officiating. The burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.