Ivan Duke "Duke" Halley

Ivan "Duke" Halley, son of Zelma (Randolph) & Glenwood Halley was born in Vici, Oklahoma on July 7, 1948. His father took a job with an oil company when he was 2 years old, which required many moves over the next few years. He went to 15 schools his first three years of public education ranging from Pensacola, Florida to Devils Lake, North Dakota. The family moved back to Northwest Oklahoma when Duke was in the 4th grade and remained there where his roots grew deep. Duke met Charlene Ann Hunter when they were 15 and they were a team in life, work, and love from that point on. Duke & Charlene graduated from Sharon High School in 1966 and married mid-term in 1967. They both graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1970. Charlene then began her teaching career and Duke was accepted into the Oklahoma University School of Law where he graduated in 1973. He was admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court as well as other Federal courts and the Oklahoma Bar Association. He was a member of and held offices in many laws related organizations, both locally and nationally. He had extensive trial experience and participated in litigation in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, New Mexico, and Texas. Upon graduating from law school Duke & Charlene moved back to Northwestern Oklahoma, where he joined the law firm that became Hieronymus, Hodgden, Halley & Meyer in Woodward, Oklahoma. His early years involved the general practice of law. His passion soon became trying lawsuits and preparing them for trial or settlement. After 9 years, he established his own practice, Duke Halley Law Firm and for a number of years Halley & Christian. Rex Travis offered Duke a space to work until he established the Oklahoma City office of Halley, Talbot, & Smithton in 2004. He continued to practice law in both locations until his retirement in 2021. Duke had a quick wit and infectious (ornery) smile. He was an exceptional storyteller and never missed a chance to share a good one. Duke and Charlene had two beautiful daughters, Steffanie & Kristen. Duke loved being a dad and his support of them was endless. He loved coaching the sports they played and having them work beside him at the farm and in the office. He was an avid OU supporter and ticket holder since his days in law school. He loved supporting OU football and basketball and attending as many games as possible with family and friends. His grandchildren, Kai Duke, Everly Ann and Tripp Ivan were some of his greatest joys in life. He always looked forward to family vacations, being silly together and offering sage advice. Duke enjoyed helping people through his law practice, working on his 06 Ranch and Farm operation and spending time with his family and wife of 55 years. Duke Halley passed away on Monday, Aug. 8, 2022, in his home in Edmond, OK surrounded by loved ones. Preceded in death by his parents, Zelma and Glenwood Halley; his sister, Jeanette Webb; niece, Marsha (Webb) Brink; one infant brother, Jimmie Dale; four infant sisters, Glenda Day, Dana Cheryl, Edna Elaine and Glendein Lucille. He is survived by his wife, Charlene Halley; daughters, Steffanie Halley and Kristen (Halley) Kallio; granddaughter, Everly Ann Muse Halley; grandsons, Kai Duke Kallio & Tripp Ivan Kallio; his brother, Glen Halley and wife Pam; in-laws, Darrell Web, Tom and Mary Hunter, Karen (Hunter) and John Wardwell, and Greg and Pam Hunter. He also left behind numerous nieces, nephews, and friends whom he loved and cherished dearly.Expressions of gratitude to attorneys the late Tom Hieronymus and the late Ellis Cabiness, David Petty, Rex Travis, Sam L. Stein, and the John Norman Family. Also, to the Dick Leach Family for their care and management of The Duke Halley 06 Ranch.Visitation for Duke will be from 9am-7pm with family present from 5pm-7pm Wednesday, August 17 at Smith and Kernke (14624 North May Ave, OKC, OK 73134). A funeral service will be held at First United Methodist Church, (1111 Downs Ave, Woodward, OK 73801) at 11:00 am Friday, August 19. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Duke's name to the MS society (to honor his daughter, Kristen).