Search Archived Marriage Records
Sonny Frank Tims
Sonny Frank Tims, long time Altus resident went to be with his Lord Sunday morning June 26, 2005. Funeral
Services will be at 11:00am Wednesday, June 29, 2005 at the First Baptist Church in Altus with Rev. Keith
Wiginton and Dr. Jeff Moore officiating. He was born in Altus, Oklahoma on May 23, 1931 to Roy and Nell Tims.
He graduated from Altus High School where he was an outstanding athlete, lettering in football, basketball
and earning All State honors in baseball. He was a graduate of what is now Southwestern Oklahoma State
University, where he also lettered in football, basketball and baseball. He played professional baseball for several
years in the West Texas-New Mexico league and later signed a professional contract with the Milwaukee Braves.
After his baseball career, he coached and taught in the Altus Public School system at Central Junior High School.
In 1955 he became co-owner of Tims Funeral Home where he served through 1990. One of the community
projects of which he was most proud, was his involvement in starting our Christmas in the Park program. Working
with the City of Altus and with a lot of help from his friends the money was raised to fund this very successful
program.
Sonny was instrumental in reviving the Bulldog Booster Club and for many years never missed a football
game. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club, the Masonic Lodge and a life long member of First Baptist Church.
He came to know the Lord as his personal savior at the age of five. Many people believe this to be too young to
know what you are doing, but with his life’s work as a testimony, it was not too young for him. Sonny started the
Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Altus and it grew to one of the largest huddles in the nation. He served on the
National Board and was named Man of the Year in Oklahoma for his service to the Fellowship of Christian
Athletes. He also served on the Board of Regents at Oklahoma Baptist University. For many years he was the
Director of Youth at First Baptist Church during which time he led many young people to know the Lord. He, along
with many of his dedicated friends, started the God and Country Camp for the area youth. He had many friends
who helped him raise the funds for this camp so that many of the area’s underprivileged children could attend and
be brought closer to God and learn more about their country.
He and his wife, Reta, taught Sunday School and ministered to people through the television ministry of First
Baptist Church. He also served in the pulpit at church and preached funeral services for many of his friends and
people he had led to know the Lord. He served several times as Chairman of the Building Committee, helping
First Baptist Church raise funds for expansion.
He was united in marriage to Reta Epps November 27, 1982. Reta became, not only his partner in marriage
but his spiritual partner in their life’s work of helping people to know the Lord.
Sonny was very involved with both the men’s and women’s ministry with the Department of Corrections.
For the last several years, before his health failed, he was the Minister of Evangelism at First Baptist Church.
During this time the Church was always one of the leaders in baptisms of all the Southern Baptist Churches in
Oklahoma, many times having 200 to 300 each year. His passion in life was to tell everyone about the Lord.
He is survived by:
His wife, Reta of the home in Altus
A daughter, Pam Tims of Oklahoma City
Two sons, Terry and his wife, Barbara of Altus and Timmy and his wife Amber of Altus
Three grandchildren, Taylor Tims, Evan Tims and Tyler Tims and his wife Kara.
By two sisters:
Jackie Snell of Altus, Oklahoma
Linda Hasley of Yukon, Oklahoma
A brother, Mickey Tims of Oklahoma City.
Two brothers-in-law:
Larry Epps, and his wife Tracy of Cookeville, Tennessee
Richard Epps of Tampa, Florida
A sister-in-law, Catherine Kephart and her husband Steve of Eagle River Alaska.
An aunt, Sybil Dunski of Oklahoma City
Many nieces and nephews, other family members and friends
The family has requested that contributions be made to the Television Ministry of First Baptist Church or the
organization of their choice. Any personal tributes may be made at the Lowell-Tims.com website. The family will
receive friends on Tuesday evening between 6:30 and 8:00pm at Lowell-Tims Funeral Home
TINNEY
Jackie (Jack) Tinney, age 68, of Altus, passed away early Wednesday morning, July 11, 2007, at Comanche
County Memorial Hospital in Lawton.
Jack was born on February 8, 1939, to Claude and Gertrude (Mayrhofen) Tinney in Martha. While attending
Altus Schools, he began helping his dad with his plumbing business and followed in his dad’s footsteps,
becoming a contract plumber, retiring in 2001. While attending Central Junior High, he met the love of his life,
Marie Wood, and they were married on August 25, 1956, spending fifty-one wonderful years together before his
death. Playing golf with his buddies, hunting and training his dogs to hunt were some of his favorite pastimes.
Preceded in death by his parents, Jack is survived by his wife, Marie, of the home; one daughter, Sharon
Graumann of Altus; one grandson, Matt Graumann of Altus; one sister, Fayrene Stickney of Altus; one uncle,
Joe Mayrhofen of Altus; a special friend and hunting buddy, Steve Floyd of Altus, along with many other
relatives and a host of friends.
Funeral services
for Jack Tinney will be at 10 a.m., Monday, July 16, 2007, at Lowell-Tims Funeral Home Chapel
with Rev. Boyd Whitehead officiating. Internment will follow at the Altus City Cemetery under the direction of
Lowell-Tims Funeral Home of Altus.
The family will greet friends on Sunday evening from 7 until 8 p.m. at Lowell-Tims Funeral Home.
VERNON TINSLEY
Vernon Edmond Tinsley was born in Mangum, Oklahoma on June 14, 1927 to Ocie Carl and Bessie Lee
(Rush) Tinsley. He graduated in 1945 from Altus High School. He served in the Army Air Force and was
stationed in the Aleutian Islands. He met Joyce Elayne Briscoe at the skating rink in Altus and they were
married on July 3, 1949.
Vernon surrendered his life to Christ as a young adult and began his ministry in 1958 at Hope Baptist Church
in Hollis, OK. He went from there to Lone Oak Baptist Church near Sayre, Oklahoma, then to First Baptist
McCloud and from there to Wallace Avenue Baptist Church in Shawnee, OK. He then began a ministry in full
time evangelism and ended his many years of full time preaching at Trinity Baptist Church in Altus. One of
Vernon’s favorite hobbies was playing golf and he played many rounds with many friends throughout his
lifetime.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Leo Tinsley, Mildred Morris, Lois Newman, and
Elmer Tinsley. Vernon is survived by his loving and devoted wife and caregiver, Joyce and his children and
their spouses, Don and Deborah Hardy, Oklahoma City, OK; Alan and Pam Tinsley, Walsenburg, CO; Mike and
Jan Harris, Edmond, OK and Scott and Connie Tinsley of Tulsa, OK. His grandchildren Sarah Miller, Bethany
Tinsley, Autumn Tinsley, Macy Wilson, Trinity Tinsley, John Harris and Emily Hardy and one great-
granddaughter Nicole Miller. He is also survived by three step granddaughters and four step great-
grandchildren.
Vernon’s ministry and witness continued throughout his life even after his retirement. He never complained
during his lengthy illness but instead continued to attend church and tell people how God had blessed his life.”
The verse Hebrews 12:1 “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race
that is set before us . . .” accurately describes how his life was lived. Services for Vernon will be held at 10:
00 a.m. on Monday, April 19 at Lowell-Tims Chapel with Reverend Jerry Wells and Reverend Gerald Lunsford
officiating. Interment will follow in the Hess Cemetery under the direction of Lowell-Tims Funeral Home.
Memorials can be made to Trinity Baptist Church Building Fund in Vernon Tinsley’s name. The family will be
receiving guests at Lowell-Tims Funeral Home on Sunday afternoon from 3-5 pm.
Andy A. Tipton
Graveside services for Andy Tipton, age 98, of Altus will be Thursday, November 11, 2004 at 10 a.m. at the
Altus City Cemetery with Bill Osborne officiating. Mr. Tipton passed away on Monday, November 8, 2004, at
Jackson County Memorial Hospital.
Mr. Tipton was born to U.S. and Cora Ann Groves Tipton on April 6, 1906 in Jackson County, Oklahoma where
he was a life long resident. In 1925, Mr. Tipton married Frances Lawson. This union was blessed with 54
years before Frances passed away in November of 1979.
Andy drove the gas transport for C.C. Henry Oil Company for many years and later worked for Moore’s
Wholesale. His last job, before retirement, was spent with Altus Public Schools as the crossing guard for
Roosevelt Elementary at the Ridgecrest Road crossing. In his spare time, he enjoyed riding horses and
roping. For several years, Andy had a roping pen in the south part of Altus where he enjoyed spending time.
Those surviving Mr. Tipton are his two sons; Earnest Tipton of Sun Valley, California and Orley Tipton and his
wife Betty of Altus, Oklahoma; one grandson, David Tipton of Oklahoma City and a granddaughter of Texas;
one nephew Richard Tipton and his wife Barbara of Wagoner, Oklahoma and two nieces; Beverly Gramling and
her husband Gene of Fort Worth, Texas, and Marjorie Garrison and her husband Phil of Altus, Oklahoma.
Mr. Tipton was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, a sister, his wife and a granddaughter, Robbie
Tipton in 1979.
Lowell-Tims Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Jack Duane Todd
Jack Duane Todd, a long time resident of Blair, passed away Monday, August 4, 2008 at his home in Altus,
Oklahoma.
Jack was born in Martha, Oklahoma on April 25, 1934 to Louis and Lena (Self) Todd. On April 1, 1956 he
married Lenita Sue Pryor and they were married for over 46 years before her death in 2002. He was a member of
the First Baptist Church in Blair. Jack served his country in the United States Army and also received a Bachelor’
s of Science at Oklahoma State University in agriculture and entomology. He worked for the California Health
Department for four years and for many years he worked for the Health Department in Altus. Jack also owned
and designed the Quartz Mountain Water Shoot and operated it for many years. Jack enjoyed helping his dad
with the farm and he loved basketball. Jack worked hard at trying to find the highway to prosperity and he truly
was a free spirit and did whatever he could to enjoy his day.
Preceded in death by his wife, Lenita Sue Todd; one son, Steve Todd; parents Louis and Lena Todd; one sister
Frankie Glazner; and one granddaughter, Amber Courtney McBride; Jack is survived by two children, Mike Todd
of Blair; Susan Jones of Altus; three grandchildren, Jay Todd of Cordell; Dustin Hasley of Altus; Ashley Nacole
Hasley of Altus; two great grandchildren; special friends, Grady Billington; Clyde Lorance; and numerous other
relatives and many friends.
Services for Jack Duane Todd will be at 10:00 am, Thursday, August 7, 2008 at the First Baptist Church in Blair
with Dr. Roy McDaniel and Pastor Randy Mitchell officiating. Interment will follow at the Blair Cemetery under the
direction of Lowell-Tims Funeral Home.
Melton Perry Townsend, Jr.
Melton Perry Townsend, Jr. age 48, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Sunday, March 4, 2007.
He was born February 1,1959 in Altus, Oklahoma to Melton Perry Townsend,Sr. and Linda (Seay) Townsend.
He had lived in the Altus community for the last three years moving here from Clinton, Oklahoma. Perry worked
in the maintenace department for United Supermarket on East Broadway in Altus. He was an avid sports fan,
especially watching the OU Sooners. He attended the Friendship Baptist Church.
He is survived by his mother; Linda Townsend of Altus, Oklahoma, father Melton Townsend,Sr. of Clinton,
Oklahoma; one daughter Jourdan Townsend of Norman, Oklahoma; one brother Steve Townsend and his wife
Charlene of Lubbock,Texas; and one sister Tammy Frizzell and her husband Rodney of Newcastle, Oklahoma.
He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and many wonderful friends.
He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents.
Funeral Services for Melton Perry Townsend, Jr. are scheduled for Wednesday, March 7, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at
the Lowell-Tims Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Madison Clinton officiating. Interment will follow at Altus City
Cemetery under the direction of Lowell-Tims Funeral Home.
Paul E. Trent
Paul E. Trent, age 78, passed away Thursday, March 1, 2007, in Oklahoma City. Services have been
scheduled for Tuesday, March 6th at Lowell-Tims Chapel with Rev. George Lupton officiating. Interment will
follow in the Altus City Cemetery under the direction of Lowell-Tims Funeral Home.
Paul was born March 17, 1929 in Liberty, Oklahoma to D.H. and Edyth Velma (Truax) Trent. He attended
Brinkman, Cordell and Harmony Schools before graduating from Altus High School in 1947. He continued his
education at Oklahoma City University and graduated with a BS Degree in Animal Science from Oklahoma A&M
in 1952. Paul farmed with his father and his associates for many years before deciding on a career change. In
the mid 1960’s, Paul decided to become a salesman in order to use his “gift of gab”. He had always enjoyed
visiting with people and this was the perfect way to earn a living and enjoy it at the same time.
But as much as he enjoyed selling, his greatest love was his children. Paul loved to teach his children
about the world by showing them the world. They shared many travels and adventures. He was a wonderful,
loving father and left his children with a great legacy to pass on to their children.
Paul is lovingly survived by two sons, Lon Trent of Fresno, CA and Luke Trent of Emeryville, CA; one
daughter, Belva Riofrio, also of Fresno; one sister, Anita Claiborne of Altus, Oklahoma; four grandchildren ,
Rachael Riofrio, Theresa Riofrio, David Trent and Matthew Trent; and many other loving relatives and friends.
Eva Grider Tucker
99, of Arlington, Texas, passed away Monday, March 3, 2008, at the Green Oaks Nursing Center in Arlington.
Eva was born February 5, 1905, in Quanah, Texas to T.G. and Bettie (Pope) Kearley. She married Jack
Grider in 1928. To this union, a daughter, Louise Grider, was born on July 7, 1932. She died October 30, 1987.
Jack preceded his wife in death June 8, 1936. Jack was killed in an accident while transporting gasoline in June
of 1936. Eva later married Robert Tucker. She lived in Oklahoma City for many years. Eva attended the
Council Road Baptist Church and enjoyed the senior Sunday school class. She loved to play bridge and
belonged to several bridge clubs.
One of Eva’s favorite phrases was “God is good and all is well.” She was a lovely lady and enjoyed giving to
others.
Graveside Services will be held at 10:00 am, Thursday, March 6, 2008, at Altus City Cemetery with Bill Osborne
officiating. Arrangements are
with Lowell-Tims Funeral Home of Altus.
Carol (Moore) Turner
Carol (Moore) Turner of Norman, Oklahoma, passed away at her home in Norman Monday, February 18,
2008, at the age of 63.
Carol was born August 23, 1944, in Hollis, Oklahoma, to Ralph and Addie Lee (Sherman) Moore. She
attended school and graduated from Hollis High School. Afterwards, she pursued her college career at
Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, Oklahoma. Carol married Kenneth “Bub” Norman in the
summer of 1964 in Hollis. They had two children, Kristi and Jeremy Norman, whom they dearly loved.
Carol worked for the State of Oklahoma for more than 30 years and was still working at the time of her death
even though she was in ill health.
Carol is survived by her daughter, Kristi Norman, of Norman, Oklahoma; one son, Jeremy Norman, of
McKinney, Texas; two brothers, Monte Moore of Whitney, Texas, and Kenneth Moore of Hollis, Oklahoma; and
numerous nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.
Her parents, Ralph and Addie Lee Moore, one brother, Bundy Moore, and three sisters-in-law, Charlene
Moore, Irma Moore, and Jeanette Moore preceded her in death.
Funeral Services for Carol Turner were held 2:00 pm, Thursday, February 21, 2008, at Patterson Greer Chapel
in Hollis with Reverend Richard Manning officiating. Interment followed at Fairmount Cemetery in Hollis.
