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, with 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 U.S. 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 4-H and FFAprojects 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 five children, 14 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Children include: Shawn (Tamara) Hajny, Karri (Rick) Conway, Joe Hajny, Michelle (Paul) Ross and Marri Leedom. Grandchildren are: Shawn, Amanda, Rebecca, Kelsi, Kalli, Kayli, Melissa, Sarah, Paul, Jacie, Colby, Braylee, Elizabeth and Caitlyn. Great Grandchildren are Bentley, Ruby, Evelyn, Bryson, Kalyssa, Kya, Kynlee, Karly, Thomas, Oliver, 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) and Gayle (Peggy); and sisters, Sharon and 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.
ACelebration of Life will be held Saturday July 13, 2024, at the Senior Citizen’s Building in Oakwood, Oklahoma, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Graveside services at EvergreenCemeteryat6p.m.inOakwood,Oklahoma.