Articles

Debra Jean Smith, a resident of Sulphur, was born on June 20,1952 in Oklahoma City, to Elton William and Marie L. (Minchew) Smith. She passed away on Wednesday, April 24,2024 in Sulphur at the age of 71 years, 10 months and 4 days. Debra grew up in Oklahoma City, graduating from Southeast High School. She moved to Sulphur where she worked at Sooner Foods for many years before going to work at Oklahoma School for the Deaf in kitchen management. Debra was a member of the First Freewill Baptist Church in Sulphur.

Sheila Annette Hilliard-Goodman was born November 29, 1960, in Sulphur, to Joe D. and Mary J. (Cowell) Hilliard. She died Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Sulphur, from injuries sustained during a tornado.

Sylviene was born September 27,1929, in Sulphur, to the late Jack and Alice Petty. She died Monday April 30, 2024, in Sulphur, at the age of 94 years, 7 months and 3 days. Sylviene and Leonard Houston “Pete” Runyan were married on Aug 17, 1947, in Gainesville, TX. He preceded her in death on December 5, 2014.

After chaos struck Sulphur on Saturday night, many were not sure what would happen, especially with big upcoming athletic events.

The season came to an end last week for Sulphur baseball, as the Dogs fell in the regional championship to Bethany.

PHOTOS BY DON COFFEY

Resources For Those Affected By This Weekend’s Tornadoes

State Senator Jerry Alvord

Tornado Wipes Out Sulphur’s Historic Business District, Residential Areas

A massive recovery effort is underway in Sulphur since Saturday night’s tornado destroyed much of the historic business district and northeast side homes and businesses. Experts from a wide array of disciplines, equipment and supplies are arriving daily to assist tornado victims complimented by local churches and organizations.

The Times-Democrat building at 115 W. Muskogee St. was damaged in Saturday night’s tornado, however, construction crews are starting this week to make necessary repairs. In the interim, we have temporarily relocated our computers and other equipment outside the affected disaster area in downtown until the building is ready to reenter.