Lyll Stanley Surtees

SURTEES Lyll Stanley, 92, died May 16, 2017 in Oklahoma City. He was born in Martinez, California to Stanley Dwight & Monte Doris (Stanley) Surtees. Lyll graduated from the California Maritime Academy in 1943 and began his Merchant Marine service, at age 19, on an EC-2 Liberty ship in the Pacific. He concluded his service with a Chief Mate license and LT USNR commission. Lyll earned a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley then began his career in Materials Engineering Management. While working at American Potash & Chemical Corp. in Trona, California, he met Rose Szekely. They married in Trona in 1953 and started their family in that company town. He moved the family to Oklahoma City in 1970 to work at the Kerr-McGee Technical Center, from which he retired. Lyll's early life at sea was followed by dozens of cruise voyages as he and Rose toured the world. He also enjoyed a lifetime of family camping trips in California and Wyoming, which established a lasting tradition that will continue for generations. Lyll will also be remembered for his volunteer work for the E.R. and at the information desk of Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City. He is survived by his wife, Rose; son Randy Surtees & wife, Linda, of Panama City Beach, Florida; daughter Valerie Mills & husband, Jack, of Oklahoma City; and son Robert Surtees & wife, Diane, of Edmond, Oklahoma. He also leaves 7 grandchildren; 2 great-grandsons; his sister, Mildred Quisenberry, and her husband, Don, of Arroyo Grande, California. The family extends heartfelt thanks to nurse Delores of Mercy Hospice and to the assisted living staff, nurses, and aides at Epworth Villa — all of whom gave Lyll attentive, compassionate care. Special thanks to H.A.L.O. volunteer Jerry and his Welsh Terrier, Charley, for the weekly bedside visits that truly brightened Lyll's days. Memorial service will be held Monday, June 5, at 10:30 a.m. in the Brill Chapel at Epworth Villa, 14901 N. Pennsylvania, Oklahoma City. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Lyll Stanley Surtees please visit our Sympathy Store.