Jerry Lawley

Jerry Lawley, 85, of Tishomingo, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2025, in Tishomingo. Jerry was born on May 3, 1940, in Fillmore, Oklahoma, to Claude and Theresa Lawley. A proud graduate of Tishomingo High School, he went on to attend Murray State College from 1959 to 1960, and later East Central University from 1961 to 1963. In 1958, Jerry married the love of his life, Donna Calhoun, in Holdenville. Together, they shared 65 years of marriage and built a life full of family, laughter, and purpose. Jerry began his career as a high school basketball coach, with positions in Kaw City, Duncan, and Guymon. In 1969, he purchased Texoma Oil Company, where he built a successful business and earned the respect of the local community. His lifelong passion, however, was with horses—especially Appaloosas. A skilled breeder and dedicated competitor, Jerry's contributions to the Appaloosa Horse Club Racing community earned him a place in its Hall of Fame. He served on the racing committee for 20 years, including a term as president of the elective race committee. An avid sportsman, Jerry had a sharp competitive edge and a love for golf, basketball, and later, pickleball. He recorded two holes-in-one—one at hole #7 in Tishomingo and another at Kokopelli Golf Club in Alto, New Mexico. Jerry was known for his quick wit, strong work ethic, and generous spirit. He supported numerous local events and was a loyal contributor to Murray State College. Though he semi-retired in 2014, the highlight of his life remained his success as a race horse breeder and his induction into the Appaloosa Hall of Fame. Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Donna Lawley; his son, Jerry Lynn Lawley Jr. and wife Cheryl; his brother, Gary Lawley and wife Pat; his sister, Pat Nelson; and his grandchildren: Brad Lawley, Jennifer Jackson and husband Jeremy, Kristen Miller, and Carolyne Lawley. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren: Jason Lawley, Jackson Lawley, Jace Jackson, Jordan Jackson, Jake Jackson, Cade Risley, Jersey Miller, London Miller, and Rebel Hopkins; along with a host of other family and dear friends who will miss him deeply. He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Theresa Lawley, and his brother-in-law, Bob Nelson. His legacy of laughter, dedication, and excellence will live on in all who knew and loved him. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at DeArman-Clark Funeral Home Chapel in Tishomingo. Interment will follow at Tishomingo Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ronnie Walker, Tommy Young, Ron Germany, Dan Shaffer, Vance McSpaddin, and Gary Green. Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Jerry Danielson, Callen Inman, Ken LaFevers, Pat LaFevers, Joe Bill Caskey, Tom Lokey, Luther Harbert, Sandy Northcutt, Joe Duncan and John Sikes.

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Jerry Lawley

May 3, 1940 - July 16, 2025