Dowden-Roberts Funeral and Cremation Center

01/29/2026

https://www.dowdenrobertsfuneralandcremationcenter.com/obituary/9544319?fh_id=18694

Shizuko Miyashiro, 95, of Poteau, Oklahoma was born on September 17, 1930 in Honomu, Hawaii to K**a and Uta Miyagi Higa and passed away on January 28, 2026 in Spiro, Oklahoma. Burial of cremains will be in the National Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii at a a later

01/28/2026

Happy Wednesday, friends! Let’s have some fun!

We wanted to quickly highlight some of the history of Dowden-Roberts Funeral and Cremation Center here in Poteau. Did you know that for a while our name was Grace Manor? We’ve proudly been part of the Leflore County for decades- but now, we’re operated by a local family- the Roberts family- who also operate our sister location in Heavener.

We’ve been assisted by the incredible Janie, who takes care of the paperwork on behalf of our families, and so many other amazing team members. In late 2024, we made it official- renaming this wonderful location “Dowden-Roberts”.

We’ve always been part of our local community, and we’re now proudly operated by a local family right here in LeFlore County.

And did you know that if you completed your preplanning with Grace Manor, it’s still intact with us at Dowden-Roberts? If you have a pre-need funeral or cremation policy, did you know that you own that policy—not the funeral home?
When you make arrangements ahead of time, the plan belongs to you. You’re not locked into one place, and you’re not giving up control. If life takes you somewhere else—another town or even another state—you still have options and can transfer your policy. Those funds are protected and set aside for you, and you get to decide how and where they’re used when the time comes. You can come to us with a policy, or you can take the policy you made through us with you. We’re here to help facilitate that if you’re ever faced with that decision.

We believe people deserve clear, honest information so they can make the best decisions for themselves and their families. If you ever have questions, we’re always here! Thank you for choosing us to serve you and your family.

01/23/2026

January is National Thank You Month, and we just want to take a minute to say thank YOU!

Thank you to the families who have trusted us during some of the hardest moments of their lives. Thank you for the kind words, the handshakes, the hugs, and the notes that mean more to us than you’ll ever know.

Serving our community isn’t just our job—it’s truly an honor. And we don’t take that trust lightly. From all of us, thank you for letting us care for your families.

01/21/2026

What’s the difference between a funeral and a memorial service? 🤔

It’s a great question—and one we get a lot.

A funeral service usually happens with your loved one present, either in a casket or before cremation. It gives family and friends a chance to gather, share memories, and say that final goodbye.

A memorial service takes place after burial or cremation, when your loved one isn’t physically present. These services often focus more on celebrating a life, sharing stories, and remembering special moments together.

Both are meaningful. There’s no right or wrong choice—it just depends on what feels right for your family and your loved one. 💛 We’re always here for any questions you might have!

01/19/2026

https://www.dowdenrobertsfuneralandcremationcenter.com/obituary/colby-cornell

A celebration of life service for Colby Kanton Cornell, 30, will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 1000 a.m. at the Dowden-Roberts Funeral Cremation Center Chapel in Poteau, Oklahoma with Mr. Randy Mattox officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Olive Cemetery in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma un...

01/16/2026

https://www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com/obituary/9536021?fh_id=18693

Joe Richard White of the Cedar Lake Community was born on December 24, 1950 in Tonkawa, Oklahoma to Leslie and Birine OMealey White and passed away on January 15, 2026 at his home in the Cedar lake Community at the age of 75. He is survived by One sister Connie

01/16/2026

What families don’t always see 🤍

This week, as we recognized National Funeral Director Day, it felt like the perfect time to talk about the parts of our work that happen quietly, behind the scenes.

What families don’t always see are the late nights and early mornings. The careful planning. The attention to the smallest details. The phone calls returned after hours. The steady hands and calm presence when emotions are heavy.

They don’t always see the time spent making sure every service is personal. Every request is honored. Every family is cared for with dignity and respect.

Our funeral directors carry a lot—emotionally and physically—so that families don’t have to worry about anything in one of the hardest moments of their lives.

This week especially, we’re thankful for the people who do this work with heart, compassion, and quiet dedication. Serving families isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are.

01/13/2026

Today is National Funeral Director Day 🤍

We want to take a moment to say how thankful we are for Dylan Roberts.

Dylan shows up every day with compassion, patience, and a genuine heart for serving others. The care he gives to families here in Poteau and all across LeFlore County doesn’t go unnoticed. In some of life’s hardest moments, he leads with kindness, calm, and respect—and that means everything.

We’re grateful for the long hours, the quiet behind-the-scenes work, and the way he treats every family like they truly matter… because they do.

Thank you, Dylan, for all you do and for the way you serve our community so well. We’re lucky to have you.

01/12/2026

https://www.dowdenrobertsfuneralandcremationcenter.com/obituary/9531797?fh_id=18694

Shannon Glen Pool, 56, of Fort Smith, Arkansas passed away on January 4, 2026 at his home in Fort Smith, Arkansas surrounded by the love of his family. He was born April 26, 1969 in Santa Paula, California to Garner Clayton and Alta Faith Holder Pool. Shannon was known by

01/07/2026

https://www.dowdenrobertsfuneralandcremationcenter.com/obituary/9528751?fh_id=18694

Billy Howard Cullers, born August 27, 1960, passed away in Fort Smith, AR on January 5, 2026, surrounded by his wife and children. He was born in Guthrie, Oklahoma, to Billy and Ronnie Cullers. Billy graduated from Howe Public Schools in 1978. In 1987, he married the love of his

01/06/2026

It’s a new year, and for some folks that means thinking ahead and getting a few things in order. 💛

If preplanning is on your mind, we want to make sure you have the facts. Our direct cremation is $795, and there’s no transfer of remains charge within a 50-mile radius. No surprises—just straightforward pricing and caring, local service.

These aren’t always easy things to think about, but planning ahead can bring real peace of mind. If you have questions or just want to talk it through, we’re always here for you.

01/06/2026

https://www.dowdenrobertsfuneralandcremationcenter.com/obituary/9527810?fh_id=18694

Claudine Patsy Youngblood, 83, of Greenwood, Arkansas, formerly a lifelong resident of Lancaster, Texas, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026. Though disease diminished many of her abilities, her beautiful smile remained and her family is grateful for the time, moments of joy, and connections t...