D.J. Lafon

The artist, D.J. Lafon, 81, died at his studio in Norman, OK, on January 18, 2011. His wife, Dortha, was with him when he peacefully passed away.Dee J. (Pete) Lafon was born in Ogden, Utah, on April 23, 1929 to James Martin Lafon and Ruby Hansen Lafon. As a young man, Lafon distinguished himself as a champion swimmer and was making a living as an artist at the age of 18. He was featured by Life Magazine as one of America's top emerging artists in 1951. He received his B.F.A. (1960) and M.F.A. (1962) in painting and drawing from the University of Utah. He worked as an illustrator, art editor and taught painting and drawing before assuming the chairmanship of the Art Department at East Central University, Ada, OK in 1964. Following his retirement in 1984, he established a studio in Norman and devoted himself to his artwork. He has served as the Visual Arts Director for the Oklahoma Arts Institute and a Guest Artist at several Universities. Lafon has been the recipient of many honors and awards and in 1992 was recognized by the Governor of Oklahoma. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Paseo Arts Association in 2007. He has presented his work in numerous solo and group exhibitions and his work has been acquired by many museums, galleries and public collections including the State Art Collections of Oklahoma and Utah. Since 2003, Lafon has been represented by JRB Art at the Elms in Oklahoma City. Lafon married Barbara Jean Malan in Salt Lake City, Utah, on April 30, 1948. He married Dortha Killian on Aug. 20, 1984. He is survived by his wife, Dortha Killian; six daughters, Susan Mendelsohn Kersey, Julie Romanik, Debra Lafon, Sharon Lebaron, Jennifer Miller and Mary Elizabeth Winterhalter; four sons, Peter C. Lafon, Alan B. LaFon, Richard A. Lafon and Charles R. Lafont; two stepsons, Eric N. Henderson and Alex J. Henderson; 20 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren. A Memorial to celebrate his life and work will be held March 11, 2011 from 5PM to 7PM at the Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, OKC. An exhibit of Lafon's work will also be on display at the State Capitol's East Gallery for viewing prior to the Memorial. His work will be on exhibit March 7- May 8, 2011.