October 2, 1935 – August 10, 2024

Anadarko, OK

Emil Palesano 88 of Fort Cobb, went home to be with the Lord in OKC surrounded by his family, on August 10, 2024. He was born October 2, 1935, to James and Meeta (Carter) Palesano, the eighth of thirteen children and a lifelong resident of Caddo County. After graduating from Apache High School in 1953, he attended and graduated from Cameron University in 1955. He later attended Oklahoma City University, earning his bachelor’s degree in 1993. He began his illustrious career with the Public Service Company of Oklahoma at their Southwestern Power Station in 1956 and was employed there for 38 ½ years (the last 10 of which he served as Plant Manager). After he retired from the Public Service Company, he was employed by Caddo-Kiowa Technology Center for 12 years before retiring to his cattle operation.

He accepted Christ into his life in 1960 and faithfully attended, supported, and served his church as a teacher, deacon, and music director. He loved God first, his wife second, and family third, everything else fell into place appropriately after that. He enjoyed being an integral part of his family’s activities and lives and often quotes “That’s what family does!” when lending a helping hand or providing sage advice. He rarely missed an opportunity to encourage family and strangers. He was very active and enjoyed being outside and tending to his cattle and farming duties, which included visiting with neighboring farmers that he checked in with regularly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Meeta Palesano; and siblings Freddy Palesano, Esther Palesano, John Palesano, Meeta Mae Bagley, Cecilia Green, Blanche McClure, and Marie McClure. One great grandchild Sadie Hamilton.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years – Sherrie Palesano (Fort Cobb, OK); Siblings: Lucille Roberts, James (Junior) Palesano, Roy Palesano, Dan Palesano, and Bobby Palesano; Sons and their wives: Jim Palesano, Tony & Shontell Palesano, Todd & Cheryl Palesano, and Rodney

& Michelle Palesano; Grandchildren and their spouses: Scott & Nik Palesano, Didré & Brad Park, Kris & Lindsey Palesano, Jamie & Ben Purkeypile, Ryan & Mary Palesano, Tanner & Allie Hamilton, Lauren & Andrew Deatherage, and Dawson Palesano; and 16 great grandchildren that he loved so dearly.

2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous shall judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Funeral services were at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, August 15, 2024

First Assembly of God Church

Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery, Fort Cobb, OK

Under the direction of Ray and Martha’s Funeral Home, Anadarko, OK