Lloyd Paul Lorey

Lloyd Paul Lorey, born March 4, 1938, in Oklahoma City, OK to Forrest and Patricia (Smith) Lorey, was the second of six children. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend, Lloyd's life was a harmonious symphony filled with love, laughter, and music. He passed away on the morning of February 19, 2025, in Oklahoma City, two weeks shy of his 87th birthday.
A prolific Minister of Music for several area United Methodist churches including St. Mark's Methodist in Bethany, St. Paul's United Methodist in Amarillo, Texas, as well as a Music Associate at First Christian Church of Oklahoma City early in his career, Lloyd at one point led more than 20 choirs and appeared frequently as a principal performer at the Jewel Box Theater.
Pursuing this calling was in his DNA: Lloyd came from a family where music was as essential as breathing (his parents named their pets after characters from favorite operas). His passion for music and the arts was undeniable; he would turn up the opera music and let the notes soak into his spirit, lifting his arms while conducting a far-away orchestra. In the early 1970s, Lloyd led the way by having his choirs perform for incarcerated men in El Reno where he led volunteer study groups for young men. Lloyd's choirs were occasionally featured on Sunday morning television and annually at the OKC Festival of the Arts. Lloyd was a highly respected director and vocal coach who was chosen as a member of the chorale ensemble that performed with the New York City Metropolitan Opera in Tulsa and was asked to stand-in for a small solo role.
But Lloyd's talents didn't stop at music. He was also famous among friends and family for his delicious homemade ice cream and divinity fudge. With a gentle, steady presence that would bring peace to others, Lloyd was the one everyone leaned on when times got tough. A trusted confidant, he showed up, stayed strong, whenever and however he was needed. He also had a knack for making his grandchildren laugh with his impressive character impersonations, ranging from Daffy Duck to the Cowardly Lion.
However, his most outstanding talent-and his most enduring legacy-was his ability to love deeply and unconditionally. The greatest beneficiary of this love was his wife of 64 years, Nancy (Estes) Lorey. Their love story began at 19 when they met while performing in a theater production, and it shone brightly for the rest of their lives. Lloyd and Nancy were inseparable and shared an unparalleled mutual adoration. Together they raised their family, traveled the world, hosted parties, supported the arts, read countless books, cheered their children and grandchildren, and served as cherished anchors for their family and friends.
This love extended to their three children-Elizabeth, Howard, and Jennifer-and treasured grandchildren, Kelsi, Zackary, Grace, Graham, and great-grandson, Ari (Kelsi); and on retirement had the good fortune to expand to include a chosen adult family member, Haley Jones.
Lloyd is survived by his loving wife, Nancy; daughter, Elizabeth and grandson, Zackary, and great-grandson, Ari; son, Howard and his wife, Nicole and grandchildren, Grace and Graham; daughter, Jennifer; and beloved brother, Smitty Lorey; sister, Patti Lorey; and sister-in-law, Ann Lorey.
Lloyd was preceded in death by his parents, Forrest and Patricia Lorey; brothers, Gene and Forrest Lorey; sister, Nancy Sharon Jimenez; granddaughter, Kelsi Biegler; sister-in-law, Susan Lorey; son-in-law, John Klopfenstein; and brother-in-law, Terry Selby.
Lloyd had a spark that lit up the lives of those around him. Just ten days before his passing, he was singing and dancing at a restaurant, charming everyone, including the staff. Affectionately known as Dad, Daddy, and Poppy, Lloyd would often declare upon parting, "I'm glad you got to see me!" Today, those words resonate even more except that we are not just "glad"-we are honored, blessed, and forever changed for the better by having the privilege to see, love, and be loved by him. Rest in peace, dear Poppy. We will feel you in every aria that we hear forevermore.
Viewing at Mercer-Adams will be Sunday, 1-8pm with family present from 2-4pm. Memorial services will be held on Monday, February 24, 2:00pm, at Mercer-Adams Chapel.
A reception will be held following the service, beginning at 3:45pm and ending at 8:00pm at Chi Gallery, 2300 NW 17th St. OKC, OK 73107.