The Oklahoman
01-15-1968

Home Blaze Takes Bethel Man's Life

IDABEL (AP) - A McCurtain County man died Sunday in a fire
which destroyed his home in the community of Bethel, about
35 miles north of here.

The sheriff's office said the body of O. Sam Jefferson, 46,
was found in a bed in the ruins of the house. The fire was
believed to have been started by a wood-burning stove.

Jefferson's wife and three children were visiting friends
at the time of the fire.

Jefferson's death was the third in McCurtain County within
48 hours. Two men died Saturday in a blaze which destroyed
a tavern near Idabel. Victims of that fire were Perry Lee
Turbyfill, 58, and his son Perry Lee Turbyfill, 20, both of
Tom. The Turbyfill's operated the tavern.


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