Altus, OK - Altus, Okla. native EH Eley passed away in Norman on Dec. 8 from complications of Alzheimer's Disease. He was 82.

He was the youngest child of Helen and Guy Eley, born in Altus on Oct. 4, 1943. EH joined older brother, Mel, and older sister, Yuma, completing their family.

Following graduation from Altus High School in 1962, he attended Phillips University in Enid and was a member of the golf team. It was there where he met the love of his life, Beverly Price, and they were married his sophomore year. EH graduated in 1966 with a bachelor's degree in business.

After his graduation, EH and Bev moved to Norman where he began his career in the oil industry. Their son, Chad, was born in 1968, and their daughter, Corey, was born in 1972. His career journey took him and the family briefly to Houston where he worked for MW Kellogg Company. The family moved back to Oklahoma in 1974, establishing their permanent home in Norman. EH worked for Universal Resources for 15 years, overseeing warehouse operations, and ultimately founded a successful consulting business, trading energy assets among his vast professional network.

Despite his impressive career, EH found life's greatest joys in faith, family, and friends. He often described "the three F's" as the essential pillars of his world. He was most proud of his wife, children, and grandchildren. He loved them fiercely and supported them in school activities, their work, and anything else they sought to experience. Known to them as "Big Bear," the family describes EH as "loving, stern, fair, and crazy supportive." He always had high standards and expectations and encouraged his children and grandchildren to relentlessly pursue their goals. He demonstrated his love for them with his actions, consistently present for sporting events, dance recitals, and artistic activities.

EH and Bev joined First Christian Church when they returned to Oklahoma in 1974 and lived out their faith there for more than 50 years. Faithful members, they worshipped weekly with their children, whom as adults have continued the tradition of growing their own families in the Christian faith. EH was a member of the First Christian Church Men's Group, where he enthusiastically participated in the Annual Bean Dinner fund raiser. He served on committees and supported mission trips. EH and Bev considered their participation in the international choir trip to Ireland to be a highlight of their lives.

EH was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Mel Eley, and sister-in-law, Dorothy, his sister, Yuma Gragg, and brother-in-law, Lou.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Bev, his son, Chad Eley and wife, Lori, daughter, Corey Johnson and her husband Jeff, grandchildren, Reagan Irons (Augie), Kelci Eley, Eley Johnson, Price Johnson, and Carlyle Johnson.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, Dec. 22, at 10:30a.m. at First Christian Church in Norman.

Memorial gifts, in lieu of flowers, can be made to First Christian Church Youth Ministries or the Alzheimer's Association.