Kyle Ray Lackey

Kyle Ray Lackey of Sulphur, Oklahoma, arrived in this world on January 12, 1954, born to Raymond and Barbara (Hickman) Lackey in Ardmore, Oklahoma. He entered Heaven on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the age of 71 years, 6 months, and 10 days. He had spent the last five years residing in nursing homes in Sulphur, and, most recently, Burford Manor in Davis. Kyle lived in Oklahoma his entire life. He spent his formative years in Lindsay, Oklahoma, where he graduated high school in 1972. As a boy, he was saved and baptized at First Baptist Church in Lindsay-an early foundation for a lifetime of faith. Kyle had a lifelong passion for sports, especially football and baseball. He played both throughout school, finishing his baseball career with the American Legion team in Lindsay. Football, however, was where he truly shined. A proud Lindsay Leopard, Kyle was selected to play on the 1971 South All-State Football Team and was one of the first six players from Oklahoma chosen for the Oklahoma/Texas Oil Bowl in July 1972. He accepted a full scholarship to Oklahoma State University, later transferring to Northeastern Oklahoma State University in Tahlequah where he continued to play linebacker and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education in 1977. Kyle began his career as a high school football coach in Enid and Tahlequah. He married his high school sweetheart, L'Ann Tate, on August 3, 1974. They made their homes in Tahlequah and Enid, and in 1979, welcomed their first daughter, Monika Renee. After three years of coaching, Kyle transitioned into the business world. He had worked in the oilfields with his father during summers and was soon called closer to Lindsay as Raymond's health began to decline. Kyle purchased and managed an OTASCO store in Wynnewood, while L'Ann taught school. In May 1983, their second daughter, Taylor Ann, was born. Kyle managed the store for eleven years before returning to the oil and gas industry, eventually taking over and operating his father's company following Raymond's passing in 1991. Faith remained a cornerstone of Kyle's life. In Wynnewood, he was a member of First Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday School and served on numerous committees-including Building and Properties and Finance-during the church's new build in relocating. In 2011, Kyle and L'Ann moved to Sulphur and became members of Crossway Baptist Church. Kyle also stayed close to the game he loved by becoming a high school football referee. He officiated for many years with a loyal crew of friends and was deeply respected for his encyclopedic knowledge of the rules. A full-circle moment came in 2004 when he was honored to referee the Class 5A State Championship Game. Outside of football, Kyle enjoyed fishing, watching college football (especially the OU Sooners), and following horse racing. After many years in a household of three women, he delighted in the addition of more men and boys to the family. He adored his sons-in-law and grandsons, and was a devoted "Papaw" to Garrett and Spencer (Monika and Ryan) and to Tucker and Cooper (Taylor and Lee). He also cherished his Yorkies-Oda Mae and Bruiser-who were his constant companions, often riding shotgun on his many drives. Kyle is preceded in death by his parents, Barbara and Raymond Lackey, and his son-in-law, Ryan Pratt. He is survived by his wife of nearly 51 years, L'Ann Lackey of the home; daughter Monika Pratt and her sons Garrett and Spencer of Newcastle; and daughter Taylor Freeman and her husband Lee and their sons Tucker and Cooper of Ada. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Lee and Ron Miller; his brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Pat Lackey; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sylvia and Mike Nettleton; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Chris and Carol Tate; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. A celebration of life will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at Crossway Baptist Church in Sulphur. Arrangements held under the direction of DeArman Funeral Home of Sulphur.