Wylie Eugene Blain, a man whose life was a testament to dedication, resilience, and love, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2025, surrounded by his cherished family. Born on October 11, 1937, in the heart of Mangum, Oklahoma, Wylie was one of eleven children born to Rufus Murray and Nova Lydia (Key) Blain. From his humble beginnings in the Russell area, Wylie grew into a man who would leave an indelible mark on his country, his community, and his family.
Wylie’s journey began in the rolling fields of Greer County, where he learned the value of hard work and the beauty of nature. After graduating from Centralvue High School, he answered the call to serve his country, joining the United States Army during the tense years of the Cold War. Stationed in Germany, Wylie carried out his duties with honor and pride, embodying the spirit of service that would define his life.
Upon returning to Mangum, fate intervened in the form of a young woman named Gloria Patton. Together, they built a life rooted in love, faith, and mutual support. Wylie’s devotion to his family was unwavering, and he worked tirelessly to provide for them. He spent many years as a cotton gin supervisor, later working as a welder in Oregon before returning to his beloved Greer County. There, he served the community as a road grader operator until his retirement, ensuring the paths of others were smooth and safe.
But Wylie’s true passion lay in the land. A farmer at heart, he cultivated the soil of the Russell area, leasing ground for wheat production and tending to the earth with care and respect. His love for farming was matched only by his love for nature. An avid hunter, Wylie found solace and joy in the great outdoors, whether tracking turkeys in the crisp morning air or quietly waiting for deer in the stillness of the woods. His connection to the land was profound, and he instilled in his family a deep appreciation for the beauty and bounty of nature.
Wylie’s life was not without its share of sorrow. He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings William, Alan, James, Novetta, Buford, Richard, Helen, and Mona; and his beloved son, Jeremy Shawn Blain. Yet, even in the face of loss, Wylie’s strength and resilience shone through. He carried on with quiet determination, always putting his family first and finding joy in the simple pleasures of life.
Wylie’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who loved him most. He is survived by his devoted wife, Gloria Blain; his children, Michael Ray Blain, Bobby Sheldon Blain, Sharli Marie Blain; his numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his siblings, Mary Watkins and Benny Kirk Blain. Each of them carries forward the lessons he taught—lessons of hard work, integrity, and an abiding love for family and the land.
Wylie Eugene Blain was a man of quiet strength, unwavering dedication, and boundless love. He served his country with honor, his community with diligence, and his family with all his heart. His life was a testament to the power of service, the beauty of nature, and the enduring bonds of family. As we remember Wylie, we celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come. May he rest in peace, knowing he was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.
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Graveside
6
Feb
115 south Penn
Mangum, OK 73554
