August 13, 1930 ~ October 27, 2024
Marlow, OK
Lorene Evelyn Wright Burkleo, 94, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2024. Born on 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 beloved husband of 69 years, Granville Ray Burkleo; her parents, Maggie Cowley Wright and James Thomas Wright Sr.; her brother, J.T. Wright Jr.; and 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 there 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 at Dunn’s Dairy Queen, Dilliard’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 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 at Resthaven Memorial Gardens, 4302 N. US 81, Duncan, OK 73533, on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home in Covington, Louisiana, and Whitt Funeral Home in Duncan, Oklahoma, have been entrusted with funeral arrangements.
