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Jesse Oneil Baber, a cherished husband, father, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2025, in Durant, Oklahoma, at the age of 91. He was born on June 1, 1933, in Bennington, Oklahoma, to Vernon Jesse and Willa Mae (Thompson) Baber. On July 25, 1954, Jesse married the love of his life, Mary Lillis Smith.
Jesse was a proud graduate of Oklahoma State University, where he majored in agriculture and minored in chemistry. His education laid the foundation for a successful career that began with managing concrete plants. His keen interest in chemistry led him to become a chemist, where he specialized in selling additives for cement. An avid outdoorsman, Jesse enjoyed hunting deer. He was also a passionate sports fan, enjoying basketball, but had a particular fondness for watching football and cheering on his favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys. Jesse also loved to read, keeping his mind active throughout the years.
Those left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 70 years, Mary Lillis Baber of Durant; his daughter Beverley Babington and her husband Jeff of Summerville, South Carolina; his brother Ottis Baber of Madill, Oklahoma; his grandchildren Sarah Buckner, Katie Durkee Simpson, Heather Klotz, John Baber, Jesse Babington, Shawn Babington, William Jesse Baber II, and Anastasia Baber; and his great-grandchildren Charlee Babington, Griffin Babington, Mason Babington, Molly Babington, Morgan Buckner, Hannah Klotz, Leah Klotz, Esther Klotz, Xena Baber, Jackie Baber, and Elena Baber.
Preceding Jesse in death were his parents, Vernon Jesse and Willa Mae Baber; his three children, Oneila Kaye Pais, Jackie Dean Baber, and William Jesse Baber; his sisters, Glenna Foreman and Verna Mae Martz; and his brother, Dewayne Baber.
His family and friends will gather at his Family Hour on Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 7:00-8:00 p.m. at Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home. His funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 25, 2025, at First Baptist Church in Bokchito with Reverend Robert Klotz officiating. Jesse will be laid to rest in Bokchito Cemetery following his funeral service.
His grandsons and nephews will serve as his pallbearers.
Services are under the care of Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home, 121 North 5th Avenue, Durant, Oklahoma 74701. www.holmescoffeymurray.com