William Lee Gleaves died January 22, 2026

William Lee Gleaves was born September 9th, 1949 in Cheyenne, Oklahoma to Anglee (Walker) and Glen William Gleaves. He passed away Thursday, January 22nd, 2026 in Lawton, Oklahoma at the age of 76 years, 4 months and 13 days.

Lee grew up in the Berlin, Oklahoma community where he attended school. He remained there until the school closed in 1967 and transferred to Sayre where he graduated with the class of 1968. During his senior year he drove a bus ensuring many children made it to school. After graduation he attended Sayre Junior College where he received his Associates degree. He was married to Debra Dee (Copenhaver) in Lone Oak, Oklahoma on June 20, 1971. After their marriage they moved to Oklahoma City where Lee attended respiratory therapy school at OU Medical Center. In 1973 Lee and Debbie moved to Altus, Oklahoma where he was responsible for beginning the respiratory therapy department at the Jackson County Memorial Hospital. It was during this time, Lee also began the Air Evac program from Altus, Oklahoma to Oklahoma City. In August of 1975 he moved to Lawton, Oklahoma where he worked in the respiratory therapy department at Comanche County Memorial Hospital. In 1979, Lee and Debbie began D&L Enterprises installing window coverings also serving people through rentals and remodels. Lee's heart was serving in the Church through the bus ministry for 50 years, children ministry, serving as a deacon, and anything else with the congregations at Tabernacle Baptist in Altus, Lawton Baptist Tabernacle, and Bible Baptist Church. Lee said he formally retired in 2023 and enjoyed traveling with Debbie to 46 states, repairing things in his shop, and spending time with his family and friends. With Lee's faith he never needed an alarm clock and could be found daily at 5:00 a.m. talking with the Lord and reading his Bible.

He is preceded in death by his parents; infant sister, Ashley Renee Gleaves; brother, Al Gleaves.

Lee is survived by his wife of 54 years, Debbie, of the home; 3 children, Chad Gleaves and wife, Lisa, Lawton, OK, Daremy Gleaves and wife, Mandy, Lawton, OK, and Jonathan Gleaves and wife, Kaitlyn, Lawton, OK; 7 grandchildren, Autumn, Holly, David, Abigail, Joshua, Jayson, and Joey. his brother, Wayne Gleaves and wife, Freda, Hobbs, NM; sister, Glenda Whinery and husband, Brad, Elk City, OK; sister-in-law, Sharon Gleaves, Amarillo, TX and a host of other relatives and friends.

The family ask that memorial donations be made to Gleaves Family Association for support of the family website. c/o Paula Poll, 1142 Casitas Ct., Ventura, CA 93004. Lee served as co-president of the Gleaves Family Association for many years along with Debbie Gleaves.