Leslie Ellsworth Ivers, Jr

Leslie Ellsworth Ivers Jr., known as Les, was born on September 25, 1942, in Oklahoma City to his mother, Dersie Ivers, and father, Leslie Ivers Sr. He lived in Del City.

He graduated from Del City High School in 1961, where he enjoyed wrestling and proudly wore his letterman jacket.

Shortly after graduating, he married Jean Hicks of Oklahoma City. Together, they gave life to a son, Tracy Dewayne Ivers, born June 26, 1962. Tracy preceded his father in death on January 2, 2018, after succumbing to a severe illness.

Les remarried on December 21, 1968, to Joan Marie Austin of Oklahoma City, and became the stepfather to Brenda Sue Payne, born December 4, 1966. Les and Joan later gave life to a son, Anthony Wayne Ivers, born November 20, 1969.

Les retired from Western Electric in 1986 due to ongoing mental and physical health issues.

Although Les faced many challenges throughout his life, he never missed an opportunity to try to put a smile on people's face. Those who knew him understood that he used comedy as a way to have a conversation, even though sometimes it came out all wrong. But those who knew him also knew his love for them was sincere, heartfelt, and given with nothing expected in return. The same could be said of his generosity—if he felt you needed something more than he did, he offered it without a second thought.

He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Though in his final years he did not attend church, he truly loved the Lord and knew that one day he would meet his maker. His faith was strong. He once told his youngest son, “If anyone were to threaten to take your life if you did not denounce God, tell them to take it!”

Les was recently preceded in death by his mother, Dersie, and his sister Barbara. You can rest assured they, along with his son Tracy and his daddy Leslie Sr., welcomed him in his final hours with loving arms.

Les leaves behind his son Anthony Ivers, wife Caja Ivers, granddaughter Kaitlyn Ivers, and grandson Jeremy Ivers; his stepdaughter Brenda Curby, granddaughter Mandy Maher, grandson Brian Maher, and five great-grandchildren; his brother Donald Ivers, five nephews, one niece, and their children.

He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his big heart, and the deep love he had for those around him.