Local cemetery asking for help

Geraldine Stokes said those taking care of Hog Creek Cemetery in Sallisaw may be small in number but they still come together with one large goal in mind, which is to honor those that came before them.

“That’s why we’re asking for help,” Stokes said. According to Stokes, the land for the cemetery was donated by the Cherokee Nation in 1913.

“Through the years, some of the people have either passed or moved away. So that’s why we’re looking for help,” she said.

She said there are three men currently working on the cemetery grounds, Charles Cones, Frank Kilpatrick and Robert Myers.

“These three young men have been working their hearts out, and one of them even brought their own lawnmower out there and broke it,” she said. “God’s blessings upon them for the work they are doing to make it beautiful. But we still need your help to help us get a riding lawnmower and equipment to keep them going.”

“Brother Ron Duncan brought his tractor out to help us spread the dirt that the county put there for us. And Mr. Kelly Choate from across the street brought his brush hog over and helped us clear off some of the brush.

“Commissioner Jim Rogers fixed us a parking spot. We are so thankful because I don’t think we ever had a parking spot out there,” she said. “We are so lucky to have had so many good people through the years trying to help.”

Stokes said a few years ago, they held a successful fundraiser luncheon at the Civic Center.

“Nell Gean donated a quilt and we had a drawing for it, and Shannon Vann donated a lawnmower,” she said. “Sister Janice Watson made lots of cakes whenever we’d ask and Joy Vann would always make a dish, help us serve and always give advice.”

Stokes said the work started once again when Bobbie Real decided to take the cemetery over as a personal project.

“She cut and cleaned it, and she even cleaned the headstones,” she said. “Her brother stepped in and donated the beautiful archway. John Bennett and his wife Nicole also put a lot of work into the archway.”

Stokes said Anthony Pitts was always there to help with donations and advice as well.

“We appreciate everyone’s help, no matter how big or small,” she said.

Others mentioned for their help included: Rev. James Dunn, Yvonne White, Kaye Lowrimore, Bud and Ann Miller, Minerva Roberts, Bos and Reba Green, Terri Stokes, Beverly Richardson, Cheryl Riley, Minnie Nance, Fran Medearis, Jerri Medearis, Cynthia Cones, Sister Ernestine Jones, Loras Wilkins, Massey Kilpatrick, Greg Raine, Mervin Thomas, Tommy Gibbs, Archie Johnson, and many others.

Stokes said an account has been set up at Firstar Bank for anyone wishing to make a monetary donation to the cemetery under Hog Creek Cemetery, Benevolent Society, Sallisaw, OK 74955-0854.

For more information, Stokes can be reached at 918-774-5872.