Norman Punley

Norman Punley, 79, of Apache, OK, went to his heavenly home on December 7, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on December 22, 1944, to Arthur & Zelda (Ward) Punley, in Lawton, Oklahoma. Norman graduated from Gracemont High School in 1963 and had lived in Apache since 1969. He married Ruby Ann Beartrack on March 19, 1966. From this union, five children were born. After his beloved wife's passing, he met his best friend and companion of twenty-two (22) years, Glennetta Whitefeather. Norman was a proud member of the Wichita and Affiliated Tribe.

Norman enlisted in the Air Force in 1965. He completed Basic Military Training at Lackland AFB, TX and Technical Training, as an Aircraft Maintenance Specialist, at Sheppard AFB, TX. After his training, he was assigned to Luke AFB, Arizona with Tactical Air Command. In November 1968, he began a tour of duty in Vietnam with the 352nd Tactical Fighter Squadron at Phran Rang AB in Ninh Thuan Province, South Vietnam. While in Vietnam, he was a mechanic for the F-100 Super Saber Jet Fighter which provided air support for ground forces. He completed his "Tour of Duty" in Vietnam in November 1969. Norman earned the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-5). His awards included the Good Conduct, National Defense Service, Vietnam Service with Silver Oak Leaf Cluster (for the Counteroffensive Phase V, Counteroffensive Phase VI, Tet 69/Counteroffensive, Summer/Fall 1969 and the Winter/Spring 1970 campaigns), Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and Vietnam Campaign with the 1960 Device Medals and Expert Small Arms ribbon.

After his military service, he worked at Henry Post Army Airfield on Fort Sill until the facility closed in 1999. He was an Aircraft Mechanic for the UHIH "Huey" and OH-58 Kiowa helicopters and the C-47 aircraft. He continued his civil service from 1999-2008 when he retired from the Lawton Service Unit. Norman will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Norman is survived by Glennetta, of the home.

Children: Michele Punley, Anadarko, OK

Kristie and husband Randall Subieta, Apache, OK

Kay Hokeah, Chickasha, OK

Norma and husband, Chris Grillo, Moore, OK

Clint Punley, Apache, Oklahoma

Sibling: Kenneth and wife Estelle Punley, Wahiawa, Hawaii

Grandchildren: A very special grandson whom he raised - Will Smith; Drae Boardingham, Gage and wife Kaeli Boardingham, Madison Grace Punley, Levi Yeahpau, Randi and husband David Komalty, Hunner Hokeah, Haven Hokeah, Kyleah (Tinky) Hokeah, Alex Grillo, Ashton Grillo, Archer Grillo, Ally Grillo, Austin Grillo

Great Grandchildren: Gageriel Boardingham, Kyle-Marie Boardingham, Kya Hokeah, Malachi Komalty, Lyla Komalty, Kyrie Yeahpau, Keeton Yeahpau

He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Ruby, his parents; his grandparents, his brother Arthur Punley, Jr., sister Nona Punley-Bessette, great granddaughter Eva Komalty

Visitation: 1:00 pm ~ 8:00 pm, Wednesday, December 11, 2024

1:00 pm ~ 8:00 pm, Thursday, December 12, 2024

Ray and Martha's Funeral Home

Anadarko, Oklahoma

Funeral Service: 11:00 am, Friday, December 13, 2024

Rock Springs Church

Anadarko, Oklahoma

Interment: Memory Lane Cemetery

Anadarko, Oklahoma

Under the direction of Ray and Martha's Funeral Home, Anadarko, Oklahoma