Acel James Ackley

Acel James Ackley, Cyril, was born October 8, 1925 in Cement, OK to Donald and Edna (Deason) Ackley. He passed away peacefully May 13, 2019 at the age of 93. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 15, 2019, at 2:00pm at Calvary Temple in Cyril, officiated by Kip Ackley and Donnie Miller. Burial will follow at Celestial Gardens Cemetery, Cyril, under direction of Cyril Funeral Home.
Acel enlisted in the United States Navy in 1944. He spent the duration of WWII in the South Pacific aboard the USS Kenton and the Battleship New Jersey. He fought in the biggest amphibious assault in the Pacific Theater at the Battle Okinawa. He loved sharing his stories from WWII with younger generations, occasionally attending classes at Cyril and answering students’ questions about the war. Acel was proud of his country and his service to her.
Acel married Imogene Cribbs on October 13, 1946 in Cyril. He worked in the lab at the Refinery for 42 years before retiring. He was a pioneer in basketball officiating for all of SW Oklahoma. He was present at the 1938 Cyril State Basketball Championship and the 2019 Cyril State Basketball Championship.
Acel was a member of Calvary Temple. For most of his life he taught Sunday School at church. He spent countless hours studying Scripture and reading books. His knowledge and love for Christ was evident in every part of his life.
He is survived by his son, Kip Ackley and wife Paula; daughter, Becky Thompson; grandchildren: Tara Allen and husband Tanner, Jonathan Ackley and wife Lauren, Brandon Thompson, and Brigette Fletcher and husband Mike; great-grandchildren, Makenzie and Bryson Allen, Cooper Ackley and Will Fletcher; and his sister, Ilamae Hendrix.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Edna Ackley and his wife, Imogene Ackley.
Acel’s online guestbook can be signed and condolences sent by visiting: www.crewsfh.com.

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