Class of 1941
1941 Graduation EditionPerry Daily Journal
Graydon Persing
- 16-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Earl Persing was born at Coyle, Okla., on February 23, 1925, and attended schools in that city for 10 years before coming to Perry two years ago.
He is a member of the band and played two years of high school baseball with the Coyle team before moving here. Model building, hunting and fishing are his favorite hobbies.
He plans to attend welding school after graduation from the Perry high school this spring.
Graydon Leon Persing
February 23, 1925 – June 16, 2023
Graydon Leon Persing was born February 23, 1925, in Coyle, Oklahoma, to Earl and Lena Persing. He attended Coyle Schools until Earl found a new job in Perry, Oklahoma.
Graydon graduated from Perry High School in May of 1941. In December of that year, the United States was drawn into World War II with the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Immediately, he told his parents that he wanted to enlist in the military, but he needed their consent, as he was only 17 years old at the time. They agreed to Graydon’s wishes, and he signed with the U.S. Navy early in 1942. He had attended aviation mechanic’s school in Edmond prior to enlisting and was posted to the Naval Air Station in Norman, Oklahoma, as a Naval Aviation Machinist’s Mate. Later in the war, he was posted to the Naval Air Station, North Island in San Diego, California. Prior to leaving for San Diego, he married the love of his life, Dorothy, in August of 1943, and by November of 1944, they had their only child, Carol. He was very proud of his service to his country during this time of crisis and held this conviction and the values of his generation until his death.
Following the war, he worked at Tinker Air Force Base until his retirement in 1975, after which he and Dorothy focused more and more on another love of his life, fishing. He really enjoyed their time in the boat with their lines in the water. He often commented that she was the best fishing partner a guy could ever want. They continued their fishing adventures until just before Dorothy passed in 2013.
Graydon left this world to be with God and with his beloved wife again on June 16, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Roland Persing; and his wife, Dorothy; along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and other relatives. He is survived by his daughter, Carol Hair; his grandson Curtis Hair and Bridget, his wife; and his great-grandson Casey Hair and Erica Beer, his fiancée.
He will be remembered, missed, and always loved by his family.
He was buried in Arlington Memory Gardens in Oklahoma City, OK.