O'BAR, Jesse R. Jr.

Memorial service for Jesse R. O'Bar Jr., age 78, of Chickasha, will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 16, 2011, at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 124 S. 6th, Chickasha, OK. Officiating will be The Reverend Susan Lindley, Vicar. Jesse was born the son of Jesse R. O'Bar, Sr. and Iva Mae Lindsey O'Bar on January 10, 1933 in Union City, Oklahoma. He died on April 11, 2011 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Jesse moved to Chickasha at the age of five and attended Chickasha Schools until the 10th grade. His 11th and 12th year was at St. Joseph Catholic School where he received his high school diploma. Jesse attended the University of Oklahoma, transferred to the Wentworth Military Academy, and graduated from New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, New Mexico in 1954. He then entered the United States Army serving most of his time in Germany. He married Angelina "Ann" Merenda on October 27, 1956 in Brooklyn, New York. They lived in Brooklyn for several years. In 1961, they moved to Oceanside, New York where they lived until moving to Chickasha in 1964. While in New York, he attended New York University Graduate School of Business and was in management positions at Irving Trust Bank and Mutual of New York Insurance Company. After moving to Chickasha, Jesse started and operated the O'Bar Insurance Agency for 30 years. He continued to be active in the industry until his death. Jesse was a member of the Holy Name Roman Catholic Church. He was also a member of various organizations in the community and was recognized for his outstanding leadership. He was elected and served on the Chickasha City Council representing Ward I. As an honorary life member of the Chickasha High School Vocational Industrial Club, he was recognized for his work with area youth. Jesse was past Exalted Ruler of the Chickasha Elks Lodge. He was also actively involved in the Chickasha Jaycees and the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce. He was a longtime member of the Chickasha Golf and Country Club and played golf throughout the world with his friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Iva Mae O'Bar, two sisters, Doris O'Bar Wood and Dorothy O'Bar Killebrew, son, Jesse R. O'Bar III, and nieces, Patricia Wood Lewis, Dr. Donna Wood, and Ann Marie Merenda. Survivors include wife, Angelina "Ann" Merenda O'Bar; niece & husband, Susan & Mike McCaughtry; nephew & wife, Retired Lt. Colonel Joe A. & Liz Wood; brother-in-law & wife, Joseph A. and Karen Merenda; nieces, Christine Merenda and JoAnn Harchuck-Demlien; great niece, Miranda Wood; great nephew, Michael McCaughtry; numerous other nieces and nephews. Jesse will be missed by his many beloved godchildren, family, and friends who loved him and whose lives he touched over his lifetime. Memorial contributions may be made to the Merenda O'Bar Memorial Alumni Scholarship Fund at the University of Science and Arts in Chickasha. Services are under the direction of McRay Funeral Home.