In Memoriam

Jesus Turns Sorrow into Joy

Acts 11:1–18
Revelation 21:1–7
John 16:12–22 or John 13:31–35

On earth “you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy” (John 16:20). Already the Spirit grants you peace and joy through the forgiveness of your sins. For by the cross of Christ, “God has granted repentance that leads to life” (Acts 11:18). His Gospel is “a message by which you will be saved, you and all your household” (Acts 11:14). He gives freely “from the spring of the water of life” (Rev. 21:6), “and death shall be no more” (Rev. 21:4). He dwells with His people, adorning His Church as a bride for her husband, “making all things new” (Rev. 21:5). Therefore, as the Son of Man is glorified by His cross, “and God is glorified in Him” (John 13:31), so He is glorified in us by our “love for one another” (John 13:35), which His Spirit works in us by His grace. (taken from LCMS lectionary series 28 April 2013, Fifth Sunday of Easter)

We remember + + + Vivian Louise Fritsch, + + + 99.  Funeral service for Vivian Louise Fritsch will be 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at St. John Lutheran Church with Rev. Dr. Bill Schneider, Pastor officiating.  The Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens under the direction of Becker-Rabon Funeral Home.  The family will greet friends from 6-8 pm Monday at the funeral home.
     Vivian Louise Fritsch passed away on March 19, 2025, at the age of 99-a date that also marks the 75th anniversary of her wedding. She was born on July 14, 1925, in Canadian, Texas, to Milton Jacob and Louise (Schellstede) Hanna and graduated from high school in Canadian.
      Vivian spent ten years working for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company before marrying William R. "Bill" Fritsch, Sr. on March 19, 1950, in Clovis, New Mexico. Bill preceded her in death on September 25, 2016. After their marriage, the couple moved to Lawton, where Vivian continued working for Southwestern Bell until the birth of son, Rick. She then devoted herself to raising her family and managing their household. Later, she returned to work at Arkla Gas Company and then later to work as a sales associate at Dody's Hallmark in Cache Road Square.
     A longtime member of St. John Lutheran Church, Vivian was also actively involved in the Comanche County Home Extension Club, where she held various leadership roles over the years. For many years the Comanche County Fair week was a week of super competition between Vivian and one of her best friends, Wanda Sinor. Who was going to win 1st Place for angel food cake? Both of these fabulous women won many ribbons for canning and bread making.
     She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Phil and Quetta Fritsch, Cache, Oklahoma; her daughter-in-law, Janice Fritsch, Lawton; three grandchildren and their spouses, Amber and Aaron Meyr, Jennifer and Steve Burke, and Jonathan Fritsch; two great grandchildren, Blake Meyr and Benny Burke; her sister and brother-in-law, Virginia and Jess Sellars, Tulsa, Oklahoma; as well as several nieces and nephews.  Her parents, a son, William R. "Rick" Fritsch, Jr., and her brother, Wilford Hanna, preceded her in death.
     In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, 102 SW 7th Street, Lawton, Oklahoma 73501.  Online guest book and sympathy cards are available at www.beckerfuneral.com

We remember + + + Elizabeth Casteel Martin, + + + 54.  Funeral service for Elizabeth Casteel Martin will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 24, 2025 in St. John Lutheran Church with Rev. Dr. Bill Schneider, Pastor officiating.  Burial will be at 12:00 p.m. Monday, March 31, 2025 in Southern Nevada Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, Nevada.  Arrangements are under the direction of Becker-Rabon Funeral Home.
     Elizabeth Casteel Martin, 54, of Lawton, Oklahoma passed away Wednesday, March 12, 2025 in Lawton. She was born June 2, 1970 in Tijuana, Mexico to Damon Woodward and Luisa (Becerra) Casteel. Elizabeth graduated from Brea Olinda High School in Brea, California, in 1988. She then attended Humboldt State University in Eureka, California, where she earned a bachelor's degree in psychology in 1992.
     In 1996, she moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, and worked at Anthony Pool Supply. In 2003, she met Kenneth Michael Martin, and the two were married on May 7, 2005, at Texas Station Casino in Las Vegas.
     Elizabeth had a love for travel and adventure. Following the events of 9/11, she embarked on a memorable Mediterranean cruise with friends, exploring the breathtaking sights of Italy, Turkey, and Greece. Her favorite colors—lavender, pink, and purple—reflected her vibrant and gentle spirit.
     She was known for her kindness, generosity, and compassionate heart. A true rodeo enthusiast, she enjoyed all kinds of music and found joy in giving back to others. As a dedicated member of the Paws with Love Therapy Dog Group, she helped bring comfort and companionship to those in need.
     Elizabeth Casteel Martin is survived by her loving husband of 19 years, Kenneth Michael Martin, her in-laws, Charles and Patricia Martin of Las Vegas, Nevada; sister-in-law, Trina Michelle Jerome, and brother-in-law, Michael W. Jerome, both of Fort Riley, Kansas; and her nephew, Joshua Michael Jerome, who proudly serves in the U.S. Air Force, mother, Luisa Becerra Casteel of Lawton, Oklahoma, sister, Sandra M. Casteel, cherish her memory. She is also survived by her aunt and uncle, Gloria and Edwardo Sanchez of Fontana, California, along with many other beloved cousins, aunts, and uncles.  Elizabeth was preceded in death by her father, Damon Woodward Casteel; her grandmother, Ruth Woodward Casteel; her half-brother, Nicholas Caseros; and several other dear aunts, uncles, and cousins.

We remember + + + John 'Denny' Kerr, + + + 76.  Memorial service for John “Denny” Kerr will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, February 13, 2025, at St. John Lutheran Church with Rev. Dr. Bill Schneider, Pastor, officiating.
     John “Denny” Kerr passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at his home.  Denny was born on December 7, 1948, in Lawton, Oklahoma to Frances “Libby” West and Billy “Bill” Kerr.
     Denny graduated from Alexandria High School in Virgina with the Class of 1966 and continued his education at the University of Texas in Austin.  He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1970.   He began his career “working” at the golf course in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and continued to dedicate 38 years to civil service before retiring as Director of Civilian Personal at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
     After retiring, Denny enjoyed traveling and watching all the wildlife “Damaw” was able to persuade to her yard with the numerous amounts of bird/squirrel feeders located about.  Denny loved spending the warm summer afternoons with family and friends in the pool and finishing off the evenings sitting with his wife having a bourbon and cigar.
     He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Vonna (Foster) Kerr, who he married on September 18, 1971. He is survived by his brother, Michael Kerr of Austin, Texas, children, Reagan (Shawn) Russell of Lawton, Oklahoma, Erin Kerr of Lawton, Oklahoma and Patrick (Melissa) Kerr of New Braunfels, Texas.  He was the loving grandfather of Dustin, Kylee, Breeanna, Kennedy, Landon, Madison, Austin, Jaxon and Caitlin.
     He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Libby Kerr and brothers, Jim and Bob Kerr.  Denny was a loving soul and had a wonderful sense of humor.  He will be missed by all those whose lives he touched.  Memorial donations in Denny’s name can be made to the Cancer Centers of Southwest Oklahoma.  

We remember + + + Tamara “Tam” K. Cliburn, + + + 68.  Tamara left this vale of tears to move into the very presence of His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 in Oklahoma City.  Tamara Weeks was born at Fort Carson, Colorado on July 7, 1956. The only child of an Army infantryman and instructor, she lived in several states before spending her high school years in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. 
     After graduation, she attended floral design school in Denver, Colorado and spent most of her adult life as a florist. In 1980, she married Robert Cliburn, who had waited six years for the privilege. The couple had two boys and, in 1986, accepted a job opportunity in Lawton, Oklahoma. sight unseen. Despite having no family there, the couple turned what was expected to be a temporary abode into a true home, living their remaining years in Lawton.
     Tam worked as a florist and owned a flower shop for several years but eventually retired from the American Red Cross National Call Center at Fort Sill. She was a proud member of St. John Lutheran Church, where she loved that the people were kind and communion was accompanied by real wine. Over almost 40 years in Lawton, she made many friends with her quick wit, self-deprecating humor, and ability to make everyone feel welcome. She was a lifelong reader and could recite many parts of Shakespeare from memory, a talented artist, a second mom to many, and a lover of dogs. She will be missed.
     Tam is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Justin and Deanne, Oklahoma City; a de facto son, Metric Dunnings; a granddaughter, Kayla Tiernan, Anchorage, Alaska; a brother-in-law and spouse, Charles and Madelin Cliburn, Tallahassee, Florida.; a sister-in-law and spouse, Cindy and Kevin Steiger, Tallahassee, Florida.; multiple nieces and nephews; a cousin, Dana Myles, Charlotte, North Carolina; and many friends.
     She was predeceased by her father, Herbert Weeks; her mother, Betty Dietz; her husband, Robert Cliburn; a son, Russell Cliburn; and two grandchildren, Emma and Kristo Cliburn.
     Funeral service for Tamara “Tam” K. Cliburn, 68 of Lawton, were be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 06, 2025 at the Lawton Ritter Gray Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Dr. Bill Schneider, Senior Pastor of St. John Lutheran Church officiating.

We remember + + + Zelma Evelyn Westfall, + + + 87.  Funeral service for Zelma Evelyn Westfall will be Friday, January 31, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., at St. John Lutheran Church, located at 102 SW 7th Avenue in Lawton, Oklahoma with Rev. Dr. Bill Schneider, Pastor officiating.  Burial will follow in Post Cemetery, Fort Sill, Oklahoma under the direction of Becker-Rabon Funeral Home.
     Zelma Evelyn (Snyder) Westfall (87) passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 23, 2025.    She was born on July 11, 1937 in Weston, West Virginia to Emory and Laura Snyder and was the second of 12 children.
     Zelma traveled to Germany and various military bases in the United States for 20 years with her husband and four children as an Army wife and mother.  She retired from the Lawton Public School System as a school cafeteria cook, starting her career at Parklane Elementary School and ending at Central Junior High School.  Cooking at a school was a perfect fit as she was an excellent cook and loved interacting and being around children.
     Zelma was a devoted member of St. John Lutheran Church and enjoyed using her cooking skills to help at their annual Thanksgiving dinner.  Zelma was a smart, funny, loving, caring, no nonsense person.  Her family and friends will deeply miss her good-natured personality and smile.
     Zelma was preceded in death by her husband, Amos G. Westfall; her parents, Emory and Laura Snyder; one grandson, Jason Kelley; one great great granddaughter, Jordan King; and four sisters and two brothers.  Zelma is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law: Brenda and husband Raymond Kelley, Berryville, Arkansas, Carolyn and husband Michael Knight, Lawton and Kathy and husband Bob Hicks, San Antonio, Texas; one son and daughter-in-law, Allan and wife Marrianne Westfall, Houston, Texas; eight grandchildren: Carlena Kelley and partner Don Friend, Matthew and wife Lindsey Knight, Sarah Knight, Stephen and wife Kimberly Turner, James Hicks, Allan and wife Crystal Westfall, Aundrea Westfall and Aaron Westfall, ten great grandchildren, thirteen great great grandchildren, one great great great grandchild; a niece, Laurie Davidson Folk along with other numerous nieces, nephews, two sisters, three brothers and her best friend who was like a sister to her, Hannelore Brownfield.
     The Westfall family would like to acknowledge and share grateful appreciation for the respectful and compassionate care given by Dr. Daniel Joyce, Dr. Dan Bell of Arkansas, Dr. Manal Robin-Hanna, the staff of the Leah M. Fitch Cancer Center and the staff of Complete OK Hospice Care especially Leslie, Alex, Carolyn and Makinda.

We remember + + + William Henry Pletch, + + + 99.  William Henry Pletch, son of Henry William Pletch and Helen Falkenhainer, was born on April 9, 1926 in Algona, Iowa. He was 98 & 3/4 years young. He graduated from Algona High School and then attended Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa where he received a degree in Pharmacy. He moved to Waterloo, Iowa in 1948 and was the owner of several pharmacies there over a period of 35 years.
     During that time, he married Martha Dees of Mobile, Alabama and was married for over 59 years to this wonderful woman. They later moved to Duncan, Oklahoma where he owned a pharmacy for 12 years. After semi-retiring, they moved to Garland, Texas where he traveled for the Eckerd and CVS Companies.
     Bill was a member of Trinity ALC in Waterloo, Iowa, was a member of the Messiah Lutheran Church in Plano, Texas and then St. John Lutheran Church in Lawton, Oklahoma. He was a member of the El Kahir Shrine Temple in Waterloo, Iowa.
     He witnessed incredible changes in his lifetime and was taught the value of hard work during his upbringing. He always helped others, offered his advice and wisdom, was an avid fisherman, loved his animals and was a devoted father, husband and Christian.
     He said these years have been a great ride. One of his good friends expressed his thoughts as follows: The Clock of life is around but once, and no man has the power, to tell just when the hands will stop, at late or early hour. Now is the only time you own, live, love, toil with a will, place no faith in “tomorrow” for, the clock may then be still.
     He is survived by his son, William Grover Pletch & his wife, Maricruz, his daughter, Helen Elisabeth Kirchner & her husband, Bob, his stepson Robert E. Boykin, his stepdaughter, Pamela R. Boykin and his sister, Joan Clayton of Marrietta, Georgia. He was treasured by his grandchildren, Mina Murphy of Walters, Oklahoma, Myiul Morris and her husband John of Geronimo, Oklahoma. He had six additional grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.
     Please join us in celebrating his life Saturday February 1, 2025, with a viewing from 12:30 to 1:00 pm followed by a service at 1 pm at St. John Lutheran Church located at 102 SW 7th St., Lawton, Oklahoma 73501. He will be laid to rest at the Walters Oklahoma Cemetery. Service will be officiated by Pastor Bill Schneider with arrangement by Hart-Wyatt Funeral Home in Walters.

We remember + + + Michael Fritz Hughes, + + + 60.  Funeral service for Michael Fritz Hughes will be 10:00 A.M. Thursday, November 7, 2024 at St. John Lutheran Church with Rev. Dr. Bill Schneider, Pastor officiating.  Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens under the direction of Becker-Rabon Funeral Home.  The family will greet friends from 5:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral Home.
     Michael Fritz Hughes, age 60, of Lawton, passed away Saturday, November 2, 2024 in Lawton. He was born August 20, 1964 in Waldron, Arkansas to Clarence O. and Gisela E. (Schuon) Hughes.  Mr. Hughes graduated from Eisenhower High School in 1982. He was a man of all trades and was an avid outdoor lover.  He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church.
     Survivors include his mother, Gisela E. Hughes, Lawton, four sisters, Linda Mashburn, Lawton, Carol Conner and her husband, Don, South Carolina, Susan Gillespie, Edmond and Annette Baum and her husband, Russell, Tennessee. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.     He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence O. Hughes and brother, David K. Hughes.