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Lex Eddleman

contributed by The Hugo Daily News

Family and friends are preparing to celebrate the life of Lex Eddleman, who died on January 14, 2006. He was born to the late “O.T.” and Martha Frances (Mead) Eddleman in Hugo, Oklahoma, February 4, 1920.Upon graduation from Hugo High School in the late 1930’s, Lex entered into the farming and ranching business in the Red River bottom, south of Hugo. He became known throughout Choctaw County and the state as an innovator, using what were then experimental methods that are the backbone of today’s Agri-Business landscape. In addition to ranking as a highly successful farmer, Lex was active in the work of the First Methodist Church (now the United Methodist Church). In what was perceived as a first, he, his two brothers, Dale and Jack followed in their father’s footsteps by simultaneously receiving their Blue Lodge degrees. This would be climaxed by receiving the Order of the Temple with their father, an unprecedented act in 1950. His early community involvement was substantial with involvement in the Chamber of Commerce and Junior Chamber of Commerce. He was instrumental in organization of the Choctaw County Farm Bureau, having served as its first Secretary and later on as vice president. Lex was an organizer and charter member of the Choctaw County Livestock Growers Association. Other memberships included the Southwestern Cattlemen’s Association, the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, the Elk’s Lodge and was an avid supporter of the Extension Service and of the Kiamichi District Soil Conservation Service. He was also an organizer and charter member of the Hugo Rodeo and Horse Club.

However, he would readily tell you that his smartest move was convincing a beautiful young woman that he needed her by his side. He married June Barnhill on June 18, 1942 and their partnership would last 63 years. When he was cited as one of Oklahoma’s Outstanding Young Farmers in the mid-1950’s, he quickly pointed out that nothing would have been possible without his “Better Half” - June. Their adventures in the river bottom were numerous and fostered many stories throughout the years. In 1979, Lex and June moved to Hugo, where they operated a successful trucking business for a number of years. Interspersed with the business, they traveled throughout the continental United States, Canada and Alaska in their “5th wheel” travel trailer. They moved to Oklahoma City in 1995.A devoted husband, father and stalwart friend to many, Lex was preceded in death by his wife, June and his oldest brother, Dale. Surviving are two daughters and sons-in-law, Deb and Gary Atchley, and a granddaughter, Alexa of Edmond, Oklahoma; Rickee and “Butch” Pierce of Howe, Oklahoma. He also leaves his brother, Jack, and two sisters, OraNeva Merkle and Otie Parker, all of Hugo, Oklahoma, three nieces; Martha Dale Wettstain, Ann Lynn Bohanon, Martha (“Sissy”) Childs and a nephew, Simon Parker, Jr.

Visitation was held on January 17, 2006, at Prater-Lampton-Mills & Coffey Funeral Home in Hugo. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on January 18, 2006 also at the Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Hugo, Oklahoma.

Memorials in Lex’s name may be made to The United Methodist Church, 201 E. Kirk Street, Hugo, Oklahoma, 74743.

Prater-Lampton-Mills & Coffey Funeral Home.

Paid announcement.