Roy Carrol Palesano, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and devoted man of faith, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2025, at the age of 91. Faith became sight as he stepped into the arms of Jesus.

He was born on August 3, 1933 to James "Jim" (Vincenzo) Palesano, an Italian immigrant from Caccamo, Sicily, and Meeta Mae Carter Palesano. Jim arrived in the United States as a baby through Ellis Island in 1901, later instilling in Roy the values of hard work and dedication.

Growing up on the family farm in Fort Cobb, Oklahoma, Roy developed a strong work ethic that he carried with him throughout his life. After graduating from Apache High School in 1951, Roy married his sweetheart, JoAnn Parton, in 1956. The two shared a beautiful marriage of 69 years, blessed with love, laughter, four children and unwavering faith.

Roy attended the University of Oklahoma, where as a senior majoring in Engineering, his education was interrupted when his country called him to serve. Roy answered that call with pride and honor, serving in the United States Army as a Signal Corp instructor just after the Korean War. He was stationed at Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia, where he and JoAnn welcomed their first two children, Greta and Kent.

After completing his military service, Roy and his family returned to Apache, Oklahoma. There he and JoAnn would add daughters LaDonna and Angela as he pursued a distinguished career at nearby Fort Sill as a Supervisor Training Specialist. He retired many years later with honor and recognition for his exemplary service.

Throughout his life, Roy was known as a man of faith, deeply involved in his church and community. He was a longtime member of the Lawton First Assembly of God (LFA), where he served as a deacon and director of greeting ministry, passionately mentoring leaders to love God and love people. His faith journey began in Apache, Oklahoma, where his family played a pivotal role in the leadership of the Apache Pentecostal Holiness Church. Their legacy of faith remains in the church today. After retirement, he and JoAnn traveled with MAPS, volunteering with churches and Christian colleges in the US and Canada.

Roy's love for God and people was evident in every aspect of his life. A proud Italian, Roy was known for his warmth and generosity, always quick with a smile and a welcoming embrace. He often joked about his heritage, posting a "Warning: Italian Hug Zone!" sign to share his love of fun, family and friends.

Roy is survived by his beloved wife, JoAnn; his children, Greta Lynne Palesano Peacock (Jack) of Lawton, Roy Kent Palesano (Freddie) of Apache, LaDonna Ann Palesano Pate (Manuel) of Bartlett, Tennessee and Angela Carol Palesano Haubrick (Sam) of Lawton; four grandchildren, Jana Hubbard (Steve), Kiara West (Joshua), Caleb Pate (Deanna) and Cameron Haubrick (Mariah); five great grandchildren, Aria, Aaron, Nova, Jameson and Letty; his sister, Lucille Roberts, and brothers, James (Junior) Palesano, Dan Palesano and wife Sandy and Bobby Palesano; as well as many dear friends and family. He is preceded in death by his parents and several wonderful siblings, Freddy Palesano, Esther Palesano, John Palesano, Meeta Mae Bagley, Cecilia Green, Blanche McClure, Marie McClure and Emil Palesano.

A funeral service celebrating Roy's life will be held on Friday, February 7th, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Lawton First Assembly (LFA). Military honors and interment will take place at Fort Sill National Cemetery on Monday, February 10, 2025 at 10:00 am. The service will be livestreamed at the following link https://www.youtube.com/@lawtonfirstassemblyfunerals. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to LFA's Love Your Neighbor program. https://lawtonfirst.org/loveyourneighbor/

Roy Palesano will be remembered as a man of unwavering faith, deep love for his family, and an unshakeable dedication to his country. His warmth, kindness, and Italian charm will be missed by all who knew him.