My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

John 15:12

1871

Great Chicago Fire begins

On October 8, 1871, flames spark in the Chicago barn of Patrick and Catherine O’Leary, igniting a two-day blaze that kills between 200 and 300 people, destroys 17,450 buildings, leaves 100,000 homeless and causes an estimated $200 million (in 1871 dollars; more than $4 billion today) in damages.... read more

1950s

1956

The first enclosed shopping mall in the United States opens

21st Century

2001

The Office of Homeland Security is founded

Arts & Entertainment

1957

Jerry Lee Lewis records “Great Balls Of Fire” in Memphis, Tennessee

1970

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn wins the Nobel Prize in Literature

Crime

2009

Self-help guru’s sweat lodge ceremony turns deadly

Food

1945

First patent filed for the microwave

Inventions & Science

2014

First person in U.S. diagnosed with Ebola dies

Latin American & Caribbean History

1967

Che Guevara captured by Bolivian army

Natural Disasters & Environment

1871

Massive Peshtigo fire burns in Wisconsin

Sports

1956

New York Yankees’ Don Larsen pitches only World Series perfect game

Vietnam War

1970

Communists reject Nixon’s peace proposal

Women’s History

2004

Kenyan environmentalist and human rights campaigner Wangari Maathai wins Nobel Peace Prize

World War I

1918

U.S. soldier Alvin York displays heroics at Argonne

Robert Otis “Bobby” Morrison of Heavener was born Sept. 23, 1944 in Howe to Otis and Olive (Byford) Morrison and went home to be with his Lord Oct. 6, 2025 in Fort Smith, Arkansas at the age of 81.

Funeral service is 10 a.m. Friday at the Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Heavener with Brother Sam Dyer officiating. Burial will follow in Howe Cemetery, with military honors provided by the Poteau DAV Chapter #63 under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener.

Bobby, a lifelong resident of area, worked on the Rock Island Railroad, and a devoted member of the Baptist faith, passed away surrounded by his loved ones. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 188. Known for his adventurous spirit, he spent countless hours hunting and fishing, embracing the beauty of the outdoors. Bobby’s greatest joy came from the time he shared with family and friends. A proud veteran, Bobby served his country honorably during the Vietnam era, dedicating four years to the United States Navy followed by twelve years in the United States Army. On special request, Bobby was one of the first commissioned on the BB-62 Battleship, when it came out of retirement. He was not only a beloved father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend but also a pillar of strength and support to everyone who knew him. Bobby’s generous heart and joyful presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

Surviving family members are two daughters Rachel Strother and husband Jake of Hatfield, Arkansas, and Robbie Christmas and husband Steve of Van Buren, Arkansas; five sons Nicholas Morrison and wife Kaycee of Heavener, Steven Morrison of Van Buren, Arkansas, Bobby Morrison and wife Tanya of Panama, Barb Morrison of Stigler, and William Morrison and wife Roberta of Fort Smith, Arkansas; one sister, Alice Gullick, of Mena, Arkansas; one brother, James Morrison, of Howe; eight grandchildren Meisha Edwards and husband Cody, Jessica McDonald, Taylor Strother, Maria Morrison, Cordale Morrison, Baylee Morrison, Kari Morrison, Gabe McAffee and wife Erika; 11 great-grandchildren Kodyn, Keynslee, Kainyn Edwards, Riley and Adley Leatherwood, Hudson and Emersyn McAffee, Calvin Morrison, Everleigh Strother, and Rosaleigh Strother; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ellen Diana Morrison; two sisters Shirley Storment and Christine Smith; three brothers Gary, Allen and Ike Morrison; and two granddaughters.

Pallbearers are Taylor Strother, Cordale Morrison, Gabe McAffee, James Morrison, Joey Watkins, Jake Strother and Casey Goodyear.

Viewing is from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday. The family will visit with friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

To sign Bobby’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.

Memorial graveside service for Eddie Earl Fitzgerald, Jr., 55, of Pocola is 10 a.m. Saturday at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Odessa, Texas, under the direction of Mallory-Martin Funeral Home in Spiro.Eddie was born Feb. 21, 1970, in Odessa, Texas, to Gloria Durlene (Dill) Fitzgerald and Eddie Earl Fitzgerald, Sr. He passed away Oct. 3, 2025, in Pocola.He was preceded in death by his parents.Eddie proudly served his country as a Gulf War Veteran in the United States Army. He worked as a truck driver and truly enjoyed his career on the road. Eddie loved spending time outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He was the youngest in his family and had a special bond with his mother — often lovingly referred to as a “mama’s boy.” He faced a long battle with cancer with courage and strength.He is survived by his brother, Robin LeRoy and wife Shari; his sister, Vivian Callahan; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and loved ones.You may leave an online message at www.MalloryMartinFuneralHomeSpiro.com