Walker Funeral & Cremation Service, 201 E 45th Street, Shawnee, OK (2026)

06/23/2026

Thelma Lerner

Thelma Winnona Lerner, age 99, beloved mom, grandma, great & great-great grandma to many, passed away peacefully in her home in Oklahoma City on Monday, June 8, 2026, with family by her side.

She was born Thelma Winnona Eddy on January 21, 1927 in Fort Morgan, Colorado to Clifton Benjamin & Velda Marie (Hartwell) Eddy.

She was placed in a children's home in Denver along with her younger brother, Clayton "Bud" Eddy and younger sister, Aretha "Jean" Eddy during the Great Depression and was fostered out alone at the age of nine to Marie Neugebauer, a nurse/country doctor/farm owner of Ovid, Colorado.

She worked the farm, attended school, and became an avid member of the 4H club in her younger years. After graduating from Ovid High School, she attended college at Colorado A&M, now known as Colorado State University in Fort Collins.

She reconnected with her siblings in her teenage years after a very lengthy search and maintained that connection until they were parted by death. Throughout her adult life, she never gave up on family and love, marrying 5 times. Even though these marriages didn’t last and she never got her happily ever after, she was a fierce single mother to 3 amazing children. Raising Virgil Perky Ridenhour, Randy Ray Ridenhour, and Brenda Lee (Lerner) Horn, when single motherhood was not easy, working 2-3 jobs to get by. She worked many jobs in her lifetime, including: switchboard operator, secretary, bookkeeper, manager of several hotels (three at the same time), and later in life, a grocery store greeter.

Thelma enjoyed being out with friends and dancing the most, holidays with family, occasionally gambling, and all of the dirty-minded jokes.

She saw life through the Great Depression, a foster home, farming, college, work, several wars, 17 presidents, integration, women's rights, single motherhood, and even beat stage 4 cancer. She was a very resilient woman and powered through 36,299 days.

She is preceded in death by her parents, siblings and son, Randy Ray Ridenhour of Midwest City.

She is survived by; her children, Virgil Ridenhour and wife Sandy of Oklahoma City, OK, Brenda (Lerner) Horn and husband Gene of Oklahoma City, OK; grandchildren, Misty (Ridenhour) Day and husband Jeff of Del City, OK, Crystal Horn of Yukon, OK, Ashley (Ridenhour) Thompson and husband Mike of Norman, OK, Nicolle (Horn) Thomas and husband Josh of Yukon, OK, and Randi (Horn) Estrada and husband Luis of Oklahoma City, OK; 14 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

A memorial ceremony for Thelma will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at 11:00 am at the Walker Funeral Chapel.

She will be eternally missed.

Peace out Grams, I love it when you call me Big Poppa.

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06/23/2026

Charles Allen Johnson-Ponkilla

Pending

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06/22/2026

John David Aldridge

John David Aldridge was born on Sept. 26, 1941, and left this world on June 20, 2026.

Born in Kansas to mother Valentine Pearl Bolton and John Henry Aldridge. Then moved to Oklahoma with his mother and J.C. Rose at the age of 5 for the remainder of his life.

He graduated from Bethel High School and went straight into the Marines. Upon return from the military, he lived in the Tecumseh and Shawnee areas. He had a great love for working with horses and was good with woodworking; he was employed as a truck driver to the age of 73.

John David is survived by his children, Kimmie Dawn Aldridge Taylor and Patrick Aldridge; grandchildren, Linda, Amanda, Savanah and Patrick; great-grandchildren, Bella, Pearl, Rose, Kayden, Ava, Leo and Nathan; sisters, Annita Childers and Maryella Cash; as well as other family members and friends. He is preceded in death by John Henry Aldridge, J.C. and Pearl Rose, half siblings Kenneth and Sandy Aldridge, and Joyce Carolyn Rose.

Friends and loved ones may pay their respects at the funeral home on Thursday, June 25, 2026 from 8:00 am. to 6:00 p.m. with the family present to greet friends from 4:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. A graveside funeral ceremony with U.S. Marine Corps Honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026 at Blackburn Chapel Cemetery west of Shawnee.

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06/15/2026

Anthony J. Whiteshirt

Anthony James Whiteshirt passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 14, 2026, at the age of 38.

Anthony was born on April 25, 1988. He spent most of his life in Shawnee, Oklahoma and was proud to call the community home before later relocating to Midwest City. He was a graduate of Shawnee High School and built many lifelong friendships through the years.

Anthony was known for his outgoing personality and his genuine love for connecting with others. He never met a stranger and enjoyed meeting new people and spending time talking and sharing stories. He had a deep appreciation for music of all kinds and could often be found enjoying his favorite songs, whether at home or with family and friends. Anthony also enjoyed fishing, trips to the casino, and had a special place in his heart for animals.

Above all, Anthony valued the relationships in his life and cherished time spent with those he loved.

Anthony was preceded in death by his parents, Ronnie Whiteshirt and Deena Whiteshirt.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving husband, Kenny Paul; mother-in-law, Jackie; sister-in-law, Christina; along with extended family members, dear friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Anthony’s memory will live on through the countless conversations, laughter, and moments shared with those whose lives he touched.

A public viewing will be held on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Walker Funeral and Cremation Service from 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm.

Arrangements are under the care of Walker Funeral and Cremation Service.

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06/12/2026

Diane Canavan

Diane Dernoncourt Canavan passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, surrounded by her family and friends. Diane was born in Oklahoma City, OK, to Willard and Nora Dernoncourt. She was raised in Oklahoma City, where she excelled academically at an early age. In 1973, she graduated from Putnam City High School as valedictorian of her graduating class of 972 students, an achievement that reflected her intelligence, dedication and strong work ethic. She attended the University of Oklahoma, where she received her B.S. in Education with honors in 1977 and her Master’s degree in Reading in 1979. She went on to complete a PhD in Reading Education at North Texas University in 1992.

In the final year of her doctorate, at the request of several colleagues, she published “Using Children’s Books in Reading/Language Arts Programs,” which was used in various schools in Oklahoma.

While at the University of Oklahoma, she was an active member of the Kappa Delta sorority. It was her sorority sister Mary who arranged a blind date for her with John Canavan, the man she would love through 48 years of marriage.

The couple moved to Shawnee, OK, in September of 1979. At that time, Diane was working for the State Department of Education, traveling around central Oklahoma advising middle and elementary schools on reading curriculums. In 1985, Diane gave birth to their daughter, Aimee, who would be a constant joy and source of pride for the rest of her life.

Following the birth of her daughter, Diane moved into teaching and began working in the Shawnee school system and later McCloud schools. Within 6 years, she was asked to be an associate professor of reading at the University of Central Oklahoma, where she developed future teachers in reading instruction. In 2009, she retired from teaching to care for her beloved mother.

During their life together, Diane and John shared their twin passions of traveling and reading. Together, they traveled to more than 40 countries and 48 of the 50 states. Diane loved to experience the world from as many perspectives and cultures as possible. She was adventurous, passionate, fun, and had the biggest heart of anyone you would ever meet. She also loved going on girls’ trips with her dear friends Lee, Stacy, Terri, Michele, Jody, Mary, Kathy, and Jennifer.

Despite her stroke in 2022, which severely impaired her speech, her personality never changed, no matter where she was. She would go up to total strangers and warmly strike up a conversation. John loved to watch her up to her usual antics.

Diane’s speech did not stop them from sitting at home for hours talking about any and everything in their own special language. Even while her health was declining towards the end of her life, she continued to brighten the lives of those around her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Willard and Nora Dernoncourt. She is survived by her husband, John, and her daughter, Aimee and her sister and brother-in-law, Debbie and John Benson. She is also survived by three brothers-in-law and their spouses: Richard and Karen Canavan, Barry and Ann Canavan, and Jim and Peggy Canavan as well as nine nieces and nephews: Grant Benson and his wife Katherine, Megan Wallace and her husband Brett, Nick Canavan and his wife Elizabeth, Kaitlyn McKenney and her husband Robert, Steven Canavan, Rachel Canavan, John Williamson, Whitney Canavan, and Brian Canavan.

Viewing will be held on Tuesday, June 23rd, from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm at Walker Funeral Service in Shawnee, with family present to greet friends from 5-7 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held in Diane’s honor on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 10 am at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Shawnee.

The family would like to express their thanks and appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and support staff at Oklahoma Heart Hospital South for their compassionate care of Diane in her final days. They would also like to express their heartfelt thanks to Shawnee police officers and REACT ambulance technicians for their quick response and care for Diane.

Diane will always be remembered for her beauty, optimism, and outgoing personality. When God called her home, the world got a little less bright, but the family is comforted by the knowledge that she is reunited with her parents in Heaven.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Diane’s name to the American Heart Association.

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06/11/2026

JoAnn Dickson

JoAnn Dickson passed from this world on June 10, 2026, in Oklahoma City, OK surrounded by family and friends. JoAnn was born in Oklahoma City on June 7, 1945, to Doyle and Donna Wilson. She was raised in Payson, OK, just North of Meeker where she attended school until graduating 8th grade, then continued her studies at Meeker High School. JoAnn was one of 11 children, all of whom kept busy on the family ranch. In 1962 she married J.C. Hubbell and of that marriage two children were born, Jina Carol and Johnny Mike Hubbell. Later, on October 17, 1987, she married Milton Dickson. She and Milton went on to enjoy an amazing 39 years together, retiring together from Tinker Air Force Base in 1993. JoAnn was a loving wife, devoted mother, cherished sister, beloved aunt, grandmother, family member and friend whose presence brought warmth, creativity and strength to everyone who was fortunate enough to know her.

JoAnn had a deep love for music and could often be found enjoying her favorite songs. JoAnn found joy gardening; creating beautiful spaces filled with flowers and life. She was gifted artistically and could draw and paint with remarkable talent. Her creativity shined through in the beautiful scrapbooks and handmade cards she lovingly created, preserving precious memories and sharing her heart with others through every page and every design.

Above all, JoAnn loved her family beyond words. Whether as a wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother or friend, she gave her love generously and wholeheartedly. Her greatest happiness came from spending time with those she loved, celebrating life’s special moments, and creating special memories that will be remembered forever. She was a source of wisdom, encouragement, and unwavering love.

Those who knew JoAnn will also remember she had a stern look-a very stern look-that could instantly let you know when you needed to straighten up. While it could stop you in your tracks, it was always accompanied by a loving heart and desire to guide those she cared about.

JoAnn’s legacy lives on through the love she shared, the beauty she created and the countless lives she touched. She is proceeded in death by her parents, brothers Bert Wilson, Danny Wilson, Richard Wilson, sisters Judy Guinn and Janet Hagar, as well as her granddaughter Brittney Coker. Also, her mother and father-in-law, Raymond and Vera Dickson. Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Milton Dickson, daughter Jina Hubbell, son Johnny Hubbell (Candi), Kerry Dickson (Tracey), Toni Chaffin (James). Siblings Diane Manly, Lee Wood (Barbara), Gene Wood (Debbie), Susie Denny (Rusty) and Nancy Bradley (Larry) and sister-in-law Linda McCoy (Bill), with whom she shared a special bond. Also, grandchildren Tyler Story, Brayden Queen, Kapri Clanton, Alex Akin, Morgan Dickson, Eric, Brian, Braiden, Savannah, Layla, Billy and Brixten Chaffin as well as great grandchildren Finley, Cash, Waylon, Baylor, Eric Jr., Kendal, Addilynn, Anna, Roland, Millie, Marlie and Zoe.

JoAnn’s services will be held on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Walker Funeral Home in Shawnee, OK, followed by a graveside service at New Hope Cemetery in Meeker, OK.

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06/10/2026

Patricia Gail McQuerry-Coker

Long-time Shawnee resident, Patricia McQuerry-Coker died June 7, 2026 at the age of 88. She was born in Seminole to Orvan and Lorene Bowlan on February 25, 1938. She attended Earlsboro High School where she was once crowned Basketball Queen.

She married JD McQuerry, her husband of 43 years, on March 3, 1955 at Fairview Baptist Church between Shawnee and Seminole. They later became decades-long members of Immanuel Baptist Church.

Pat worked for many years at American National Bank (now Arvest) before taking up the job of bookkeeper and accountant for the family business, McQuerry Motors. She even attended classes at Seminole State and OBU in order to hone her business skills.

Pat loved to sew, host big family dinners, and even took up tennis when the kids were grown.

After JD's death in 1999, God brought Pat and Jim Coker, whom she had known from her high school days, together. They were married for more than 26 years. During those years together, they enjoyed traveling and spending time with family.

Pat was mother to Ken and Diana McQuerry-Austin and David and Malialani McQuerry, both of Shawnee. Grandmother to Jessica Austin of Tulsa, Jacob and Cami McQuerry of OKC, Kevin and Kathryn McQuerry-Orsak of Mansfield, TX, and Justin and Linday Austin-Rhodes of Lacey, Washington. She had 10 great grandchildren as well as a large number of Coker family members.

A Celebration of Pat's Life will be held at 11:00 at Walker Funeral & Cremation Service Chapel on Wednesday, June 17th under the officiating of Todd Fisher. Pat will be laid to rest privately at Resthaven Memorial Park in Shawnee, Oklahoma If you wish, donations may be made in Pat's honor to Immanuel Baptist Church, 1451 E. 45th Street, Shawnee, OK 74804..

Arrangements are under the direction of Walker Funeral & Cremation Service, www.walkerfuneral.com

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06/09/2026

Taliah Martine Switch

Taliah Switch, born July 17, 2002, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, left this world on June 6, 2026, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, leaving behind a legacy bursting with light, warmth, and unwavering love. At just 23 years old, Taliah was a radiant spirit whose presence could fill any room with joy and laughter.

A graduate of Norman High School’s Class of 2020, Taliah embraced life with a passion that rippled through everything she touched. She worked as a receptionist at Norman Gastroenterology Associates. Those fortunate enough to know her saw a woman who carried an unbreakable toughness beneath a surface of constant smiles and humor—one who knew exactly what to say to lift spirits and offer comfort.

Taliah's vibrant personality was magnetic. She was the heart of every gathering, infectious with her beautiful laugh and endless jokes, a soul who radiated happiness and welcomed all with open arms. She loved the simple joys of life: proudly showing off her freshly manicured nails and lashes to friends and family, participating with spirited devotion in powwows, feasts, and traditional ceremonies, and cherishing the moments spent surrounded by loved ones.

Yet, above all, Taliah was a devoted mother, a role she embraced with fierce joy and pride. Becoming a new mommy was her greatest accomplishment. Being good with children was more than a gift; it was a calling that made her the center of many hearts—she adored all the babies that surrounded her.

Her journey was also marked by significant milestones: securing her own home and car and representing the Sac & Fox Nation with honor and pride as the Veterans’ Honor Guard Princess, a role reflecting her strength, dignity, and deep cultural roots.

Taliah’s memory lingers in the tender spaces where laughter once echoed, in the warmth of a smile that never faded, and in the hearts she touched so profoundly. She was sweet, caring, loving, and resilient—a vibrant spirit who showed us all what it means to live fully and love deeply.

She was preceded in death by her grandfathers, George Switch & Leon McPerryman, great-grandmother, Linda Slick, nephew, Nickalas Smitha, and sibling, Jeron McPerryman.

Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Maliah Hernandez and life companion, Micheal Hernandez, her mom and dad, Venice Switch and Roberto Grass of Norman, OK, father, Curtis Loveless and Jae, biological father, Jeremy McPerryman and wife Leann, brother, Brandon Switch, sisters, Amaya Loveless and Oakleigh Loveless, step-sisters, Elysia, Jazmine and Aleah Grass, step-brother, Berto Grass, half siblings, Aalyiah, Sienna, Mya, and Ayden. Taliah also had much love for her extended family who survive her as well.

Though she is no longer with us, the imprint of Taliah Switch will remain, a beacon of light and love for family, friends, and all who had the privilege of crossing her path. Her story is woven into the fabric of those who loved her—a lasting testament to a life beautifully lived.

Viewing at Walker Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Viewing will begin at the Sac & Fox Community Building at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. Supper will begin at 6:00 pm at the Sac & Fox Community Building in Stroud, OK, with service to follow. Burial will follow on Thursday morning at Wakolee Cemetery at 10:00 am.

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06/09/2026

Terry Wayne West

Terry Wayne West passed from this earth on June 6, 2026 at his home, surrounded by family, after a years long battle with cancer.

Terry was born in Ada, Ok on July 3, 1938 to Carl and Marie West. The family lived and Terry was raised in Francis, Ok, just North of Ada. He graduated from Francis High School in 1956 at the top of his class, (which was not too difficult given that there were 9 students in the class and his mother was the teacher). Terry attended East Central University before transferring to the University of Oklahoma. While at ECU Terry also served as Editor of the Ada Evening News. In January 1959 Terry enlisted in the Army reserves. He later attended the University of Tulsa’s night law school program, graduating in 1966, while working for the Aetna Insurance company during the day. Terry often commented that he did not see Brad awake until he was 3 years old. While at TU, Terry served as managing editor of the Tulsa Law Review

While in law school Terry met Charles Henry, father of Governor Brad Henry and upon graduating, the two moved their families to Shawnee and, on February 2nd, 1967 opened the law firm of Henry and West. Over the years Terry mentored many Oklahoma attorneys, some of whom have gone on to become District Court Judges, Appellate Court judges (both state and Federal), and Oklahoma Supreme Court Justices.

Terry was a member of the Oklahoma Association for Justice (formerly the Oklahoma Trial Lawyers Association) since 1968 and served as the organization’s President twice (1973 and 1988). He was a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. He served on the Board of Governors of the Oklahoma Bar Association from 1987-1989, has twice served on the Judicial Nominating Commission and was appointed by the Oklahoma Supreme Court to serve on three standing committees.

In addition to his career as a trial lawyer, Terry provided decades of public service at the state and local level. He was a lifetime trustee of the Sarkey’s Foundation, an organization which has provided more than $120 million to Oklahoma nonprofits since its founding in 1962.

In 2019 UT College of Law opened the Terry West Civil Legal Clinic, which offers wide-ranging experiential learning opportunities for UT law students in areas of public service law that include: housing, consumer affairs, education, healthcare and issues affecting veterans. In 2022 Terry was inducted into the University of Tulsa Law School Hall of Fame.

But far outweighing all of his professional accomplishments was Terry’s love for his family. He is preceded in death by his parents, his son, Bart, his ex-wife Phyllis, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins. Terry leaves behind three children, Brad West, Sabrina West and Brigette Parrott (Jeff), daughter-in-law, Kim West, grandchildren, Delaney (Jeremiah), Gabrielle and Jaxon, and 2 great-grandchildren, Macyn and Rylan. He also leaves behind one of the greatest loves of his life, Marcia Crook and his favorite cousin, June Boggs.

Services will be held on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 2:00 pm at Immanuel Baptist Church, 1451 E. 45th Street, Shawnee. Visitation will be Friday, June 12th from 4-6 pm at Walker Funeral Service, 201 E. 45th Street, Shawnee. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations be made to the Shawnee Salvation Army, Stephenson Cancer Center or The Terry West Civil Legal Clinic at The University of Tulsa College of Law.

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06/08/2026

Kerry Allen Lachman

Kerry Allen Lachman, resident of Wellston, passed away on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. He was 37 years old. Kerry was born on December 11, 1988 in Dallas, Texas to Jerry Lachman and Melissa Kingsbury.

Kerry had a heart of gold and loved fiercely. He was the kind of soul who would not hesitate to give you the shirt off his back. He would drop everything to help his friends and family.

From a young age, Kerry exhibited a boundless curiosity about the world around him. This insatiable hunger to understand how things worked was evident in his love for cars. He immersed himself in their intricate mechanics, not as a mere hobby, but as a passion that defined much of his days. Whether he was building a car from the ground up or repairing an engine in need, Kerry found joy in the challenge. He taught himself these skills, turning to YouTube tutorials with the tenacity and discipline of one who truly wanted to master his craft. He was, in every sense, a jack of all trades—a tinkerer at heart who delighted in the rhythmic dance of taking things apart and, sometimes, remarkably, getting them back together again.

Kerry was preceded in death by his grandmother, Margie Pitt and grandfathers, Thomas Faris, Sr. and Ed Putman.

Those left to cherish his memory are his mom, Melissa Kingsbury and husband Michael of Reeds, MO; dad, Jerry Lachman and wife Wanda of Wellston, OK; children, Enoch Lachman of Webb City, MO and Brayden Lachman of Wellston, OK; sisters, Kimberlee Begey and husband Erik of Republic, MO, Heather Watkins and husband Skyler of Carl Junction, MO, Lisa Belovsky and husband Casey of Lake Forest, CA, Natalie Lachman and partner Ben Omrani of Lake Forest, CA, and Gabriella Kingsbury; brother, Michael L. Kingsbury, uncles, Jeff McGinnis, Tom Faris and wife Cheryl, Tim Faris and wife Tina, Ernie Faris, and Ronnie Lachman and wife Heather; aunts, Tammy Faris and Lorenda Ray and husband Todd, grandfather, Gary Lachman and wife Dem; and grandmother, Shirley Putman.

A celebration of Kerry's life will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 2:00 pm at the home of Jerry and Wanda Lachman: 980315 S. Shadowwood Drive, Wellston, OK 74881.

A second celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 5:00 pm at Melissa and BJ's home. Please contact the family for the address.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Walker Funeral & Cremation Service.

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