Okey Forrest Gallien Jr.

Obituary of Okey F. Gallien Jr.
Okey Forrest Gallien Jr, age 91 was born on January 29, 1933 in Doddridge County, WV. He passed away June 28, 2024 surrounded by his family at Green Meadows Rehab and Skilled Care Center, Louisville Ohio where he was recovering from a recent fall with injury. Okey grew up on the family farm with strict but loving parents, an older brother, and four older sisters. He learned many life lessons during his childhood, allowing him to be a guiding force in many other lives. He graduated from Doddridge County High School in 1951, then enlisted in the US Army, serving a two year tour during the Korean Conflict. After returning home, he first attended Glenville State College, then transferred to West Virginia University where he completed a degree in Agriculture Education. Okey married Leatrice (Courtney) Gallien in 1958, who survives. On June 7, 2024 they celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. After they married, and Okey had graduated from WVU, they moved to Clyde, OH where he taught Vo-Ag for 2 years. They then returned to WV where he taught Vo-Ag in Mannington. Okey then went to work for USDA Farmers Home Administration where he was a loan officer for farm and housing loans, and assisted rural communities with water systems throughout out Barbour and Taylor counties. After 31 years he retired as a county supervisor. Worried he would be bored with retirement, he headed off to auctioneer school in North Carolina. He and Leatrice had a second career for 25 years, establishing Gallien Auction Service. He made many friends and had a large following for his auctions.

Okey lived a life of service to his community, being part of several different organizations. He and Lea attended Crim Memorial United Methodist church since moving to Philippi in 1965, serving as both an active church member and on the board of trustees. Okey was a 50 year member of the Friendship Masonic Lodge #56. Okey was very active in the Philippi Lions Club. As a 56 year member, he held several positions in the club most notably serving as president 5 times. He received the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award and the Leonard Jarrett Award. He was a Guiding Lion for the Junior, Grafton and Flemington Lions Clubs. He used his auctioneering skills for many successful fundraising projects within the club. If there was something to sell, Okey would auction it off as a way to raise money for the club. He was on the Board of Directors at the Barbour County Fair for many years. Okey was part of the initial group that started the restoration of Adaland Mansion, and was President of their Board for several years.
Okey is survived by a daughter, Teresa (Don) Dougherty of Louisville, OH, Lyle Griffith, son-in-law, Philippi, WV, a grandson Paul (Amanda) Crego , a granddaughter, Michelle (Anthony) Pappas , and two great-grandchildren, Kaden and Lani, all of Centerburg, OH.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Okey and Alma Gallien, one brother, Bill and four sisters, Edith, Hazel, Norita and Lucille, his daughter Paulenna “Polly” and his first great-granddaughter, Kali Rae Crego.
Okey was a strong presence in many lives over his lifetime. He was a guiding force, making an impact on both family and friends. He was a hardworking, smart, kind, loyal person, generous to a fault. He was a very positive person, always seeing the good in someone. He will be so missed, by so many people who loved and admired him. The lives he touched will be forever changed for the better.
The family would like to thank Dr. Pete Palko and staff at the Myers Clinic Philippi, WV, Green Meadows Rehab and Skilled Center, Louisville, OH especially nursing staff Lahi, Jessica, Pam, Sierra, Patty, Emma, Judy, Lorna and physical therapy staff Sherry, Ann, Kerry and Anita for their wonderful care during his stay with them, and Traditions Hospice nursing staff Tina and Megan for their care and concern. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Adaland Mansion PO Box 74 Philippi, WV 26416.

Friends will be received at the Wright Funeral Home and on-site Crematory 220 N. Walnut St. Philippi on Friday July 5, from 12- 3 pm. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3 pm with Pastor Sam Haught officiating. The Celebration service will be livestreamed.