Tommy Ray Lesher

Tommy Ray Lesher, age 77 of Purcell, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at Purcell Municipal Hospital. Tom was born August 1, 1947, he was the older of two children born to Elmo Clarence Lesher and Reba Faye (White) Lesher. Tom grew up across Texas, Oklahoma and even attended high school in Lompoc, CA, graduating with the Class of 1965. Tom answered the call in service to his country and joined the Unites States Marine Corp. He proudly served three tours of duty in Vietnam where he received several medals of service including multiple Purple Hearts. After his service, he met the love of his life, a young lady named Birtie Marie McMillen. They fell in love and were married on November 19, 1969 in Ardmore. Together they raised three children, daughter Tammie and sons T.R. and Bryan. Tom worked in traveling sales for years and by 1990, Tom moved the family to Purcell where he settled into a life of new retirement in 1995. He loved fishing, hunting and never missed an opportunity for a round of golf. Retirement looked a little different for Tom as he found himself selling real estate. He loved “looking at property” that resembled Brent Bruehl Memorial Golf Course. His family expanded welcoming grandchildren and a great-granddaughter. His gravelly voice may have softened but nevertheless brought a smile to everyone he shared stories with over the years. He will be dearly missed. He was preceded in death by: his parents, Elmo and Reba Faye Lesher and adopted parents, Leo and Toddy Gnesa. Tommy is survived by: his loving wife Birtie; daughter, Tammie Mackey of Noble; sons, T.R. Lesher and wife Kasey of Purcell and Bryan Lesher and wife Avery of Dallas, TX; Sisters Noreen Loveall and Shirley Leonard, Brother Lee Gnesa; his pride and joy, grandchildren; Tommy, Taryn, Jake and Olivia; 1 great granddaughter, Mason and another on the way. Tom was an avid reader. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the Toys For Tots Literacy Program (https://secure.toysfortots.org/a/literacy-program) or donate to your local library to spread the joy of reading in his honor. A Celebration of Life Memorial is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. Friday, March 28, 2025 at Little’s Chapel.

Tommy Ray Lesher

August 1, 1947 - March 23, 2025