Ken Haley

Kenneth Wayne Haley was born December 2, 1939, in Hollis, Oklahoma, to John Homer Haley and Renna Mae (Ford) Haley. He passed away Tuesday, April 22, 2026, at his home in Temple at the age of 86 years, 4 months, and 20 days.

He grew up in Hollis and graduated from Hollis High School in 1958. He went on to attend Southwestern Oklahoma State University, where he studied pharmacy. While attending SWOSU, Ken met the love of his life, Wanda, on a blind date. The two were married on July 1, 1960, in Delhi, Oklahoma, and shared nearly 66 years together.

After graduating in 1962, the couple moved to Hollis, where Ken worked at Searcey Pharmacy. Their children, Lisa and Stephen, were both born during the eight years they made their home there.

In 1970, Ken and Wanda moved their family to Temple, where they purchased Hooper Drug. They operated Haley Drug for the next 44 years, faithfully serving their community until closing in 2014. More than just a place to fill prescriptions, Haley Drug was a hub for the town, whether you needed a wedding gift, chocolates for Valentine’s Day, or a candy bar and bottle of Coke. Ken often filled prescriptions outside of business hours for those in need without complaint. The couple also formed lasting friendships with the Petty family in Walters and other surrounding pharmacies, creating a community they could all rely on.

Ken had a wide range of interests and hobbies. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and had a talent for photography, capturing weddings, proms, sporting events, and livestock shows. He would take his film back to his darkroom and develop it so it would be ready for the next day’s paper. He also had a love for cars and drag racing, first with Stephen behind the wheel, and later with Lisa as she moved from the pit crew to driver. Ken and Wanda were avid cyclists, often riding 50-60 miles in a day, and they also enjoyed riding his BMW motorcycle and country dancing.

Family was very important to Ken. He coached Little League and often took the kids on Sunday afternoon adventures, riding dirt bikes and giving Wanda time to rest. He and his family enjoyed traveling together, especially trips to state parks, where he would reluctantly ride horses whenever the kids wanted to. After Lisa went to college, the family began taking annual trips to Port Aransas. No matter what he was doing, Ken gave it his full effort and did it to the best of his ability. Both of his children followed in his footsteps, becoming pharmacists, a testament to his influence and example. When the grandchildren came along, Ken and Wanda bought a big van and hauled them all over, enjoying many trips to the movies.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Lena Mae Stephens.

He is survived by his wife, Wanda Haley of the home; 2 children, Lisa Ledford and Jeremy of Temple and Stephen Haley and Dee Anna of Owasso; 8 grandchildren, Chad Haley and Cristal of Moore, Kelsey Bentley and Kyle of Velma, Katelyn Anthony and Joe of Norman, John Haley and Ryan of Caney, Kansas, Jeffrey James of Temple, Gavin Ledford and Micaela of Temple, Kena Johnson and Bryce of Fort Worth, Texas, and Haley Ledford of Temple; 8 great-grandchildren, Benton, Addalyn, Hagen, Lincoln, Mary Opal, Ruby, Annika, and one soon to arrive, Charlee; along with nieces and other extended family and friends who will greatly miss him.

No formal services are scheduled per Ken’s request.