Hillis Lorn Ailey

Hillis Lorn Ailey was born May 19, 1940 to Alvin and Eula Ailey in Milfay, Oklahoma. He went to his heavenly home on October 27, 2023 after a tragic farm accident. He was 83 years old.

Hillis was a 1958 graduate of Milfay High School. He married Mary Jo Thompson on Oct. 6, 1959 in Ponca City. They were blessed with three children; Justin, Gayle and Ann. Hillis retired from Duke Energy but never from farming. He began farming at a young age, spending his life doing what he loved, passing that love and knowledge on to those around him. Second born of 12, he enjoyed sharing the memories of his large family. Fishing filled his spare time. Many years were spent serving with the Milfay Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoyed helping family and serving the community. Hillis was a member of the First Baptist Church of Milfay.

Hillis is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary Jo; one son, Justin Ailey of Dallas, Texas and two daughters, Gayle Cronin of Milfay and Ann Schmitt and husband Jared, of Stroud; siblings Phyllis Haulcomb, Melvin Ailey and wife Marilyn, Carl Ailey and wife Jerri, Darrell Ailey and wife Mary, Judy Cain, Janice Neesmith, Jeletta Brown and husband Bill, Lee Wayne Ailey,Ronald Ailey and wife Connie, and Donald Ailey and wife Joey; five grandchildren, Chris Ailey and wife Catalina, Andrew Handley, Emmy Mc-Donald and husband Brad, Michael Schmitt and Tyler Schmitt; three great grandchildren, Julieta, Violeta and Luke and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Alvin Ailey; grandson, Jamie Ailey; daughter-in-law, Tamara Ailey and son-in-law, James Cronin.

Viewing and visitation will be held at Hutchins Maples Matherly Funeral Home, 119 N Chestnut Bristow. Funeral services were held 2 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023 at Milfay First Baptist Church 51170 W 282 nd Place South, Milfay OK 74046.

Interment followed at the Bristow City Cemetery. Condolences may be made to the family at www. hutchinsmaplesfuneralhome.com