Otis Dale Lesley

Fox – Celebration of Life Services for Mr. Otis Dale Lesley, 87 of Fox are scheduled for 2:00 PM Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at the Fox Baptist Church with Grandson USAF Major Christopher Edmondson and Rev. Carl Taylor officiating. Interment will follow at the Graham Cemetery in Graham with Military Honors performed by the Chickasaw Honor Guard. Services are under the direction and care of Alexander Funeral Home of Ratliff City.

Dale was born March 12, 1926 at Coalgate, OK to the late Mr. William Isaac Lesley and Mrs. Gertrude Faye (Speaks) Lesley. He departed from this life Friday morning, May 10, 2013 at his home in Fox.

Dale moved frequently as a child residing at several places in Oklahoma. He voluntarily enlisted into the United States Army on August 14, 1944 at Oklahoma City. He was currently residing at Idabel working as a Lumberjack. In the Army he became an accomplished Machine Gunner battling in the Phillipines and Japan. He served his term and reenlisted a second term before WWII ended. He was decorated with Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with one Bronze Star and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one bronze star as well as the WWII victory medal before being honorably discharged on Nov. 8, 1946.

After the War he returned to Oklahoma and began working in the Oilfield which brought him to Healdton. There at the local diner he soon met and married the former Gaye Bailey. They were united in marriage on Nov. 20, 1951 at DeQueen, AR. They made their home initially in Healdton and later at Fox where they still resided today. Dale always worked in the Oilfield, mainly as a truck driver. He was employed for Independent Tank, Bill Brady, Paul Harvey and lastly Owned and operated his own truck for Fred Tayar. He retired in 1990 and was very involved in the local VFW Post at Healdton and later at Ratliff City. He enjoyed keeping his yard and spending time with his wife and just being at home.

Preceding him in death is his Parents and Step Father, Bert Crain; 2 Sisters, Cleta Mae Newby and Jerry Harris; 2 Brothers, Bill and Jack and a daughter, Linda in 1992.

Survivors include his loving wife Gaye of the home; Daughters, Rhetta Norton and husband David of Durant and Vera Lucas and husband Bob of Kingston; Son, Robert Lesley of Ardmore; Brother, Garland Lesley of Hugo; 9 Grandchildren and 14 Great Grandchildren. Numerous nieces and nephews and other family.

Pallbearers are Brad Edmondson, Kevin Edmondson, James Edmondson, Matthew Leake, Haydn Owens and Shane Ellis.

Honorary Bearers are David Norton, Robert Nordmark, Dustin Chandler, Bob Lucas and Boyd May.

In lieu of flowers donations are encouraged to be made to Cross Timbers Hospice 207 C St. NW, Ardmore, OK 73401.

Family visitation will be from 6-8 pm Monday evening at the funeral home in Ratliff City.

Condolences may be shared online at www.alexanderfuneralhome.org