Harold E Wiles

Harold E. Wiles of Cleveland, Oklahoma, passed away Sunday, March 16, 2008 at the Cleveland Area Hospital at the age of 92 years old. Harold was born December 15, 1915 in Joplin, Missouri the son of Ernest Earl and Ruth Evelyn (Lurwick) Wiles. As a young man Harold moved with his family to Cushing, Oklahoma. They later moved to Cleveland while he was attending grade school. Harold graduated high school from Cleveland with the Class of 1933. After graduation Harold enrolled at Oklahoma A&M. At the completion of his first years at A&M, Harold moved to Tulsa where he accepted a position with the Tulsa Symphony. On December 24, 1937, Harold was united to the love of his life Marion (Malarkey) in Cleveland, Oklahoma. They made their initial home in Tulsa, Oklahoma until an opportunity opened with the Oklahoma City Symphony. Harold and Marion soon moved to Oklahoma City. Harold began attending Oklahoma City University where he completed his education. Near the conclusion of World War II Harold joined the U.S. Army; after serving one year Harold was honorably discharged and returned to Cleveland. During this time Harold was an independent oil producer as well as band director for Oilton and last at Cleveland where he served as the band director for three years. Harold then accepted employment with the U.S. Government as a postal carrier. Harold continued carrying the mail for over 10 years and then accepted the position as dispatcher for Osage Oil until his retirement in 1980.

Harold was active in the Cleveland Community. He served as a City Council Member as well the Mayor of Cleveland in the mid 1960's. Harold was one of several people that are responsible for the Cleveland Municipal Airport. Harold was a member of the Oklahoma City Symphony 16 years and the Tulsa Symphony for two years. He performed in the Cowboy Band where he was fortunate enough to play at Madison Square Gardens and the Boston Gardens as a Bass Trombonist. He was a member of the First Christian Church as well as an Elder of the church.

Survivors include his wife of the home Marion; two sons, Howard Wiles and his wife Caryl of Garland, Texas, Galen Wiles of Tulsa, Oklahoma; one sister, DeEtta Trimble of Tulsa, Oklahoma; two granddaughters DeAnna Wiles of Garland, Texas and Teresa Wiles of Plano, Texas, one grandson Ryan Wiles of Garland, Texas; one great granddaughter Gwen Wiles of Plano, Texas as well as a host of other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by four brothers, Loris, Jack, James Merle and George Verl Wiles; two sisters, Klorene Lawrence and Geraldene Lawrence.

Services will be held 2:00 pm, Wednesday, March 19, 2008 in the Sanctuary of the First Christian Church with Pastor David Logsdon officiating. Friends may share a memory with the family online at www.chapman-black.com. Funeral services are under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home.