WENDELL HAJNY

WENDELL HAJNY Wendell Joe Hajny formerly of Wellston, Oklahoma who resided in Kopperl, Texas in his later years, passed away on June 1, 2024, at his home with his children beside him. Joe was under the care of hospice. The family would like to thank Veteran Services, Community Healthcare of Texas and Home Instead for their care and support - and a special thanks to his caregivers; Sabrina, Silvia and Jamie. Joe was a true fighter and never gave up. Joe was born on February 1, 1940, to Wendell and Elsie (Landreth) Hajny in Oakwood, Oklahoma. He graduated High School in Oakwood, Oklahoma. He enlisted in the US Army August 1960 and served overseas as an expert rifleman in the infantry division until his honorable discharge in August of 1963. He later completed his college education in Weatherford, Oklahoma at Southwestern State College where he received a Bachelor of Science in History. He was an insurance salesman for many years. He also dabbled in landscaping. He was actively involved in his children's 4H and FFA projects and raised show hogs for many years. He also raised a champion duroc barrow at the OKC Spring Livestock Show in 1986. He enjoyed raising chickens, vegetable gardening and flowers. It is truly hard to say in what year Joe met Karen; as the first time they met as children, Joe remembers Karen throwing a rock at him to get his attention at the livestock fair. Due to the fact that they lived in different towns they often saw each other throughout their school years at different events until they married on March 27, 1964, in Shattuck, Oklahoma. They celebrated 58 years together on earth. Now they will celebrate together for eternity. Joe and Karen have 5 children, 14 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Children include: Shawn (Tamara) Hajny, Karri (Rick) Conway, Joe Hajny, Michelle (Paul) Ross, Marri Leedom. Grandchildren are: Shawn, Amanda and Rebecca, Kelsi, Kalli and Kayli, Melissa, Sarah, Paul, Jacie and Colby, Braylee, Elizabeth and Caitlyn. Great Grandchildren-Bentley, Ruby, Evelyn, Bryson, Kalyssa, Kya, Kynlee and Karly, Thomas, Oliver and Finnick, Averie(deceased), Alora and Emerie. Joe enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved to teach his family about gardening and showing off his exotic flowers. He loved sports and especially loved the OU Sooners. He was a huge football fan and was a Dallas Cowboys fan. Joe also loved to watch softball. Joe is survived by his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, Brothers-Gary (Sue), Gayle (Peggy), sisters-Sharon, Karon (Gary). He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Karen. He was also preceded in death by his parents, aunts and uncles, nephews, and a great granddaughter. Joe encouraged and supported the family every way he could and now he has been lifted up to heaven, with his angel wings to fly and watch over us! May God bless you as he has been blessed with his treasures of heaven. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday July 13, 2024, at the Senior Citizen's Building in Oakwood, Oklahoma from 3pm-5pm. Graveside services at Evergreen Cemetery 6pm Oakwood, Oklahoma.