Lorene Evelyn Wright Burkleo's Obituary
Lorene Evelyn Wright Burkleo, 94, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 27, 2024. Born August 13, 1930, in Marlow, Oklahoma, Lorene lived a vibrant life filled with love and cherished memories.
She is survived by her devoted daughter, Sheila Burkleo Bladsacker and son-in-law, Louis W. Bladsacker, Jr. of Covington, Louisiana; her beloved grandson, Roy James DiVincenti, Jr. and wife, Amanda; and her treasured great-granddaughters, Charlie and Willow DiVincenti of Niceville, Florida. Lorene also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.
Lorene was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Granville Ray Burkleo; her parents, Maggie Cowley Wright and James Thomas Wright, Sr.; her brother, JT Wright, Jr.; her sister, Imogene Helen Wright Byrom.
A natural conversationalist, Lorene Cherished deep, meaningful talks, especially those shared late into the night with her grandson. She loved to reminisce about her childhood, often saying, “Mamma always said I was born with high-heeled shoes and a purse in hand. I didn’t play with dolls-I wanted to get out and live!” And live she did, with a fierce spirit, a heart full of love, and a remarkable sense of humor that left friends and family proclaiming she was a ‘hoot’.
Lorene had a strong sense of right and wrong and was known for her unconditional love for family and friends. While she could always be counted on to “tell it like it is,” her honesty was rooted in her deep care for those around her.
Her early years were spent in the Sandhill community before moving to town, where her family faced hardships after her father’s passing during the Great Depression when she was just five. Eventually they settled into what became known as “Grandma’s House”. On October 19, 1947, Lorene married the love of her life, Granville Ray Burkleo, at that same home. Together they built a life filled with love, joy and adventure, welcoming their only child in 1949.
Lorene held various jobs throughout her life, including Dunn’s Dairy Queen, Dillard’s Dentist, and Rexall Drug, where she proudly called herself a “soda jerk”. Her journey took her from Duncan Oklahoma, to Monahans, Texas and Harvey, Louisiana, before returning to Duncan to care for her mother. In 1992 she moved to Lafayette, Louisiana, and eventually settled in Covington, Louisiana near her daughter, where her story continued. Lorene longed to see her great-grandchildren and she cherished every moment spent with Charlie and Willow.
Losing a parent is never easy, and the void left by Lorene’s passing is immeasurable. She has been a guiding light in Sheila’s life, and her love will be missed forever.
Graveside services will be held in Resthaven Memorial Gardens, 4302 N. US-81, Duncan, OK 73533 on Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 11:00 AM.
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. The Burkleo family invites you to share thoughts, fondest memories, and condolences online at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home Guest Book at www.ejfieldingfh.com or Whitt Funeral Home Guest Book at www.whittfh.com.
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