Charley Ley

Charles Arthur Ley of Bethany, Oklahoma, age 80, married 61 years to his beloved wife Reva, died at home on October 22, 2023.

Charles was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Buswell Ley, and is survived by his wife, Reva Gaye Ley, his sons, Adam Ley and spouse Rosalina, Grant Ley and spouse Michelle, Bede Ley and spouse Polly, and grandchildren, Andrea Ley, Magadhari Dasa, Esteban Ley, Diego Ley and spouse Ashley, Madeline Ley, Isabelle Ley and fiancée Benjamin Welch, Benjamin Ley, and Beatrice Ley.

Charley, as he was known to family and friends, was born on March 29, 1943, in Oklahoma City to his mother, Dorothy Buswell Ley. While he was an only child, he had many brothers and sisters in his cousins, William (Bill) Bishoff, Charles Joseph (Jody) Bishoff, Joseph (Joe) Buswell, James (Jim) Buswell, Charles Maloney, Melanie Maloney, and Patrick Maloney, as well as all his brothers from the IBEW.

He graduated from Bishop McGuinness High School in 1961 where he met the love of his life, Reva. Charley and Reva were married in 1962. They had three sons, Adam, Grant, and Bede, and resided in Bethany for nearly 60 years.

As a young man, he apprenticed as an electrician with the support of his father-in-law, James (Jess) Caldwell, and became a journeyman electrician. He was extremely proud to be a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers for over 55 years. He worked out of IBEW Local Union 1141 in Oklahoma City, where he was the assistant business agent for several terms, and served on the Apprenticeship Committee which he considered one of his most fulfilling positions. Charley also owned and operated Bald Eagle Electric for many years.

He was extremely proud of his sons, whom he sent through Oklahoma State University, where all three graduated with degrees in engineering.

Mass of Christian Burial for Charley will be celebrated on October 27 at 1:30PM at St. Joseph Old Cathedral on 307 NW Fourth St Oklahoma City, OK 73102 with interment following at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, 8701 NW Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 73162.

Viewing will be held on October 26 from 10:00AM to 7:00PM, with the family present from 5:00PM to 7:00PM at Smith and Kernke on 14624 N May Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73134.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to his favorite charities, Infant Crisis Services (www.infantcrisis.org) or the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma (www.regionalfoodbank.org).