Service Friday for retired businessman Glen Paslay

Funeral services for longtime Holdenville resident Glen Dale Paslay will be held on Friday, December 26, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the Church of the Nazarene in Holdenville, with Brother Dane Robinson officiating. Serving as pallbearers will be Jordan Paslay, Thaddeus Frazier II (Thad), Thaddeus Frazier, Kevin Green, Dwight Barnett, and Bryan Jay. Honorary bearers will be Kennie Paslay, Doyle Paslay, Denny Paslay, Shawn Brewer, Pat Brown, and Rusty Carter. Burial will follow at Holdenville Cemetery under the direction of Phillips Funeral Home, Holdenville.

Surrounded by some of his girls, Glen, affectionately known as “Papa,” went home to be with the Lord and to be reunited with the love of his life on December 22, 2025, in Wewoka, at the age of 96.

Glen was born on January 3, 1929, in Hughes County to Henry and Annie Arkie (Ridling) Paslay.

At the age of 16, he began working at Elliston’s Grocery Store, where he first saw, in his words, “the prettiest blonde he ever did see,” Mary Frances Kibby. In January 1947, at the age of 18, Glen joined the United States Army, serving until he was 21. During his service, he and Mary exchanged letters faithfully, and when he was on leave, he would take a taxi to the Kibby farm in Yeager to bring her chocolates and roses. Shortly after his discharge, Glen and Mary were married in Holdenville on January 14, 1950, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in love, faith, and service.

Glen worked at Burton’s IGA, eventually managing the store. Each day, he would walk nearly two miles home on his lunch break to share a meal with Mary until they could afford a car. In 1963, the couple purchased the local Dairy Queen, which they owned and operated for 14 years. In 1976, they sold the Dairy Queen and, alongside their son David, opened David’s Mini Market in Holdenville. Glen remained a cornerstone of the business until his retirement, and even afterward, he continued to be a familiar face at the store. Known for his kindness, generosity, and ever-present smile, Glen was a beloved figure in the Holdenville community. He and Mary often helped others quietly, never seeking recognition for their good deeds.

A devoted sports fan, Glen cheered for the OU Sooners, Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta Braves, and later, the OKC Thunder. He loved watching games and, with Mary, often took their grandchildren to OU basketball games. His favorite pastimes included watching westerns, driving around town, tending to his rental properties, visiting with friends, and sitting on his porch to wave at passersby. He especially enjoyed watching his youngest great-granddaughter practice flagging for color guard in her front yard. Above all, Glen cherished his family. He was blessed to meet, know, and love three of his great-great-grandchildren-a rare and treasured gift.

Glen and Mary lived their lives in service to others and to the Lord. Their faith and compassion touched countless lives, and their legacy continues through their family. All four of their grandchildrenpursued careers of service-Krista and Lacey as teachers, Jordan as a doctor, and Jon as a firefighter-reflecting the values Glen and Mary instilled in them.

Glen is survived by his loving daughter and caretaker, Susan Paslay of Holdenville; daughter-in-law, Susan J. Paslay of Denison, Texas; grandchildren, Krista Ellis of Seminole, Lacey J. Davis of Holdenville, Jordan Paslay and wife Timmie of Denison, Texas, and Jon Paslay and wife Felicia; great-grandchildren, Lexie Frazier and husband Thad of Seminole, Aubree Ellis of Seminole, Jacey Davis of Holdenville, Bronson, Emerald, and Daisy Paslay of Denison, Texas, and Evie, Dezy, and Sophie Paslay; and great-great-grandchildren, Eli, Lane, and Haizlyn Frazier of Seminole.

Glen was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, and his brothers. He was also preceded in death by the love of his life, Mary, and his son David Glen Paslay as well as many other family members and all of his friends.

His daughter Susan and family are deeply appreciative of the extra time that he was blessed to have thanks to the incredible care of Cohesive Hospice, the Holdenville Fire Department, Linda Brannon, The Humphreys Family, and the staff at Elmwood Manor Nursing Nursing Home. Glen Dale Paslay’s life was one of faith, love, and service-a life well-lived and deeply cherished. His memory will continue to inspire all who knew him