Obituary for MG Lessert

MG Lessert

November 17, 1938 – August 25, 2017

A great man has left this Earth for his heavenly home. M.G. Lessert passed away Friday evening, August 25, 2017, in Oklahoma City held with love by his wife and children. He was 78 years old (though he never looked his age).

Born in Ponca City to Joseph Walter Lessert and Dora Ellen (Gill) Lessert on November 17, 1938, Meade Glen was the youngest of three children. Many stories have been told and will be re-told about the wonderful times that Joe Gill, Saraellen, and M.G. had while growing up in Ponca City. He was brought into the family business that was started by his grandfather M.G. Gill and worked beside his parents at Gill-Lessert Funeral Home for much of his life, driving ambulances and serving families with honor and integrity.

Somehow he found enough time to also serve his country, being in the U.S. Army Reserves for 24 years and retired as a Lt. Col. It was during that time that he met the love of his life, Virginia Lee Chamberlin. They were married in the First Presbyterian Church of Ponca City on December 27, 1975, and were joyfully together for 41 years.

After the death of his mother and later his father, M.G. merged his business with that of Trout Funeral Home and continued to serve the Ponca City community. One of his favorite things about the merger was that it allowed him more time to go with his family on longer vacations (most commonly spent in Florida).

M.G. was such an easy man to talk to, as he always wanted to make people feel welcome and could find a commonality with anyone. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, shooting pool, throwing darts, learning the Osage language, working crossword puzzles and cryptoquotes, playing cards, chess, shuffleboard, and spending time in and around the water (be it river, ocean, or pool). Watching football (particularly college and especially OU), Wheel of Fortune, golf, and almost any movie would bring a smile to his face. Above all these things, he cherished most the people that were with him during these and any other activities.

M.G. was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Joe; and brothers-in-law, Jim Woodard and Joe Chamberlin.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Virginia; his sons, Dan Lessert and wife Shelly of Dallas, TX, and Joe Lessert of Ponca City, OK; daughter, Lisa Lessert of Ponca City, OK; grandchildren, Drew, Darcy, and Daphne Lessert all of Dallas, TX; sister, Saraellen Woodard of Oklahoma City, OK; sisters-in-law, Virginia Lessert of Tyler, TX, Glenda and husband Bill Phillips, Teresa and husband David Lewis, and Nancy Chamberlin all of Ponca City, OK; brothers-in-law, John Chamberlin and wife Sharon, and Jim Chamberlin and wife Maureen both of Ponca City, OK; and numerous dear nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, and cherished friends.

A ceremony to celebrate his life will be held on Thursday, August 31, at 11:00 am at the First Presbyterian Church in Ponca City, OK, 1505 E. Grand Avenue with Robert Montgomery officiating and burial at Odd Fellows Cemetery to follow later the same day. The family will gather at Trout Funeral Home, 505 W. Grand on Wednesday, August 30, from 5pm to 7pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in M.G.’s name to the First Presbyterian Church of Ponca City or to a charity of your choice.

Source: Trout Funeral Home