Wesley Dale Bales

Wesley Dale Bales was born in Mangum, Oklahoma on August 31, 1948, to Orey D and Nadine Bales and passed from this life to join his Lord on August 13, 2026. Wes was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Junior Bales, O.D. Bales, Tom Bales and Travis Bales, and is survived by his sisters Devoda Davis, Patricia Rue and Lavada Hayes and his brother Dan Bales.

Wes grew up farming with his family and traveled from Texas to as far as Canada harvesting wheat. He loved fishing, hunting and playing football and basketball, his favorite sport. He spent many hours working on cars, playing dominoes 42 and playing cards with his brothers, sisters and cousins.

Wes married LaRue Brandon, his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life on January 17, 1967. They had many adventures with family, traveling and loving life. Married nearly 60 years, Wes and LaRue rode to work together and were nearly inseparable. Together, they shared a very full life.

Wes was incredibly proud of his two children, Kevin Dale and Sheila LaRue. He spent countless hours watching Kevin play in every sport. He was Kevin’s biggest fan. Wes invested many hours sitting on a bucket as a catcher, playing catch and coaching Sheila in softball. Wes was “Papa” to 9 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren and was loved by many nieces, nephews and cousins; a beautiful family legacy.

Wes spent his professional years on the cutting edge of flow cytometry research with bone marrow. Focusing on prostate cancer and leukemia, among others. He worked for Harbison Fischer, Commanche County Memorial Hospital, Urocor and then retired from the Veterans Administration. His research and work were collectively published in medical journals.

After retirement, Wes spent time hunting, fishing, diving, traveling to the Bahamas with LaRue and enjoying time in his swimming pool with his kids and grandkids.

Wes had many visitors in his last days, and his blue eyes were bright and excited to see his family. LaRue and the entire Bales family are thankful for the texts, calls and prayers.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sunday, August 23, 2026 at Matthews Funeral Home, Edmond, Oklahoma. 

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 24, 2026 at Matthews Funeral Home Chapel, Edmond, Oklahoma. 

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, August 24, 2026 at Gracelawn Cemetery, Edmond, Oklahoma.