Daymon Catlege

Daymon Catlege passed away at his home in Norman on Wednesday, June 19th, 2024, at the age of 91. Born on November 14th, 1932, in Lexington, OK, he spent his childhood working on his father's farm alongside his 7 siblings. Daymon met his wife Norma at study hall period in Lexington High School in 1950, and they married in 1957. Their beloved daughter Dana was born in 1958. After high school, Daymon joined the Air Force and was stationed at the Supreme Air Command Weapon Storage Area in Goose Bay, Labrador, guarding a part of the US strategic arsenal. Just like his brothers Kenneth and Jimmie, Daymon made firefighting his career, gaining experience at two bases in the Air Force Civilian Service before being transferred to Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, TX, where he rose to the post of Assistant Fire Chief, a position he held until his retirement in 1984. An avid cyclist, Daymon bragged that there were some years he "put more miles on his bike than on his truck." Not only did he cycle for himself, he devoted himself to helping others enjoy cycling too - he was one of the founders and planners of the "Hotter'N Hell Hundred" bike race in Wichita Falls, a popular race that still exists today, and he accepted an offer to manage a large bicycle shop in Auburn, WA, where he spread the love of his hobby for nearly 10 years. In 1965, Daymon discovered a love for genealogy when, notebook in hand, he interviewed his 104-year-old grandmother. Throughout his life he trekked across the country to various libraries and cemeteries, tracing the lives of his ancestors. He compiled his research into several books in 2016, and it was one of his proudest moments when the Oklahoma Genealogical Society accepted them into its library. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Norma, his daughter Dana, his grandson, Daymon Alex, his nephew Steven and niece Margaret Gail, his niece Norma Gail, his brother Darrel and niece Beverly, his younger brother Jim and Jim's wife LaJuana, and their two sons Jimmie and Randy. He is preceded in death by his sister Lorene, his sister Mildred, his brother Kenneth and his wife, Waneta, his sister Hazel and her husband Bob Christison, his brother Wyman and his wife Norma Jean, and his son-in-law Bill Eckel. Friends and family will gather at Little's Chapel on Wednesday, June 26th, at 2:00 pm. The service will be officiated by Daymon's neighbor and good friend Jim Stewart. www.wilsonlittle.com

Daymon Catlege

November 14, 1932 - June 19, 2024