Thomas Franklin Lessley

Thomas Franklin Lessley was born on July 9th, 1939 in Sallisaw, Oklahoma to Ivy Jewel Harris and Thomas Franklin Lessley. His father passed before he was born and his mother passed away when he was roughly 13 years of age. After his mother’s passing, Thomas went to live with his best friend Billy Waters and his parents, Maggie and Lenard Waters, until he graduated from Sallisaw High school at the age of 17 in 1956. He then went to live with his sister, Rosalie in Bakersfield, California in search of better opportunities. In February 1958, he met Rosa Jauch and they married on May 3rd, 1958. Together they had a son, Darren Lessley on June 16th, 1960 (deceased on April 8th,2018) and a daughter, Lisa Lessley on September 8th, 1965. In 1979 and 1980, his first grandchildren were born. Their son Darren had 2 daughters with Sherri Peters; Shannan Lessley and Amanda Lessley (deceased October 20th, 1995). In 1985 and 1989, Darren had 2 more children with Tina Pittman; TJ Lessley and Breah Lessley. His daughter Lisa had 2 children with Michael Worley in 1992 and 1995; Paige Worley and Evan Worley. Thomas and Rosa lived in Bakersfield, California for 50 years and he retired from Praxair after 39 years of service. His first great grandchildren were born in 2001 and 2002 to his first granddaughter Shannan; Alyssa Friedman and Kaleb Pruett, who still reside in Bakersfield, CA. In 2003 after retiring, Thomas and Rosa sold everything and began to travel the states in their motor home with their group of friends. A year later in 2004, they settled in Byars, Oklahoma with their close friends. He enjoyed his morning coffee at the corner store in town and having lunch at the center with his friends. He belonged to the Byars Pentecostal Church, where he was a faithful servant, deacon and worship leader. On weekends, he traveled with his friends to sing country worship songs for many musical events, which brought him immense joy. Even so, that he would record his own albums for everyone to enjoy. In 2009, his granddaughter Breah had a daughter with Billy Bryant; Baylie Bryant. Following in 2015, 2018, and 2021, she had 3 additional daughters with Joe Noble; Rynlie Noble, Emberlie Noble and Kaynzlie Noble, along with a stepdaughter Kaci Noble. His grandson TJ and his partner Collin Brixey have one son, who was born in 2016; Landon Brixey. Whom all live in Byars, OK. His granddaughter Paige had 4 children with Robert Bittle in 2019, 2020, 2022 and 2024; Robert Bittle II (deceased 2019), Joseph John Bittle, Beau Bittle, and Bonnie Bittle. Whom live in Farmersville, TX. His great grandson Kaleb has one son; Greysin Pruett. Whom resides in Bakersfield, CA He took great pride in his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He would often spend his afternoons playing with his great grandchildren and enjoyed every minute. Thomas was a loving Husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great-great grandfather and friend. Those who knew Thomas will remember him for his passion of singing, caring heart and his deep rooted faith in the Lord. He was a beacon of light and joy to all of those around him and came into contact with him. As we say goodbye, we find peace in knowing he will be walking the streets of gold. Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 3, 2025 from 1-5 PM. Services will be Monday, August 4, 2025 at 1PM at the DeArman-Pickard Funeral Home Chapel with interment to follow at Byars Cemetery.

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Thomas Franklin Lessley

July 9, 1939 - July 29, 2025