Otis Paul Bales

Otis Paul Bales went to be with the Lord on June 24, 2016. He was born September 28, 1942 in Tryon, OK to Delbert L. and Orpha E (Reynolds) Bales. The fourth of five children, Otis grew up in the Perkins and Tryon area, graduating from Perkins High School in 1961. In 1963, Otis joined the Oklahoma National Guard and served six years in the 45th Infantry Division.
In the summer of 1964 he met his soul mate Mary Jane Wilson. They married November 30, 1965 and built a life together as one. Otis and Mary Jane spent the majority of their life together raising three boys just northeast of Stillwater on a small acreage. Otis had a Phillips service station, (Bales 66 Service) on 6th and Ramsey in Stillwater for 27 years. He was known for taking good care of his customers and he made many friends over the years. Otis was a serious gardener and would harvest hundreds of pounds of tomatoes, potatoes, and other vegetables each year. He sold what he couldnt can or freeze to his regular customers at the station. His tomatoes were very popular and the demand for them followed him after he closed the station in 1998. After retiring from his business in 1998, Otis started working for the Agronomy Department at OSU in peanut research with one of his close friends. He made lasting friendships with many coworkers and reluctantly retired after 15 years due to his health.
In 2013, Otis went to work for his son Jeffs fuel delivery business. The last three years he got to work side-by-side with all three sons and his wife. He also got to see many of his old customers who would come in to buy fuel. Otis will be remembered for his quick wit, humility, and gentle spirit. He loved his family, and all his children and grandchildren will miss his love and guidance. He was a good provider and a loving protector for his entire family.
He is survived by his wife Mary Jane of the home, sons, Jeff Bales (Patty), William Bales (Tami), and David Bales (Karrie), all of Stillwater. Grandchildren, Sarah Bales, Stillwater; Emilie Bales, Stillwater; Jennifer Bales, Las Vegas, NV.; Alex Wade, Beaufort, S.C.; and Brandon Bales, Stillwater. Siblings, Maxine Hinkle, Edmond, OK.; Donald Bales (Celeste), Hot Springs, AR.; Sister-in-laws, Suzie Bales, Ratcliff, AR; and Bonnie Bales, Yukon, OK. He is predeceased by his parents, brothers Clausine Bales and Jimmy Bales, and brother-in-law Kenneth Hinkle.
Services are set for 10:00am Thursday, June 30, 2016 at Palmer Marler Funeral Home; internment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Honorary Pallbearers are Jim Arthur, J.W. Lafollette, Carl West, and Jerald Nickels.