Orel J.C. Dryden

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Daddy and Papa, Orel J.C. Dryden, who departed from this world and stepped into eternity on October 21, 2024 at the age of 92.  He was surrounded by his loving daughters, wife and niece and nephew, Jeff and Angela Blume. He leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and wisdom that will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him.

Born on January 28, 1932 in Hammon, OK, Orel was a pillar of strength and a source of joy for all who were fortunate to be part of his life. He was the loving husband of Marylin Raines-Dryden until her passing in April of 1995. He remarried his high school sweetheart, Mary Chandler-Blume in May 2004 to whom he was married until his passing.  He was a devoted Daddy to his daughters who adored him as their "Hero".   He was extremely cherished "PaPa" to his grandchildren and a great friend and mentor to his sons-in-law.

Throughout his life, Orel was known for his unwavering faith, generous spirit, and commitment to family. He spent his days watching the Dodgers and Angels play baseball and golfing any chance he got, but his greatest joy came from spending time with his family, offering words of wisdom, showing unconditional love and proclaiming the gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! He had passion for singing and had an incredible voice. He spent many years singing in quartets and in church choirs.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him! His legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched and the lessons he taught.

He would often say when asked how he was that he was "Blessed and Highly Favored", however we know because of his presence in our lives, we are the ones that are "blessed and highly favored!"

We take comfort in knowing that he is now at peace, reunited with those who went before him, is now rejoicing in the arms of Jesus and playing golf on the most incredibly beautiful course of them all! We know he is forever watching over us from above.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Chandler-Blume of Corona Del Mar, CA; daughters , DeeAnn Dryden-Milliron (husband Vernon Lee Milliron) of Edmond, OK, and Lisa Lynn Dryden-Selensky  husband Kenneth Alan Selensky) of Ardmore OK; grandchildren, Haley D'Anne Milliron, Matthew Ryan Milliron, Joshua Dryden Milliron, Tylar Lynn Selensky-Baker, Kenneth Cameron Selensky, Leah Alexandra Selensky-Patton; great-grandchildren,  Brayden, Miley, Mackinzey, Austyn, Oaklynn and Beau

Orel was preceded in death by wife, Marilyn Raines Dryden (1995) and son Gary Orel Dryden (2003).

Viewing will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 29, 2024, with the family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at the Yanda and Son Funeral Home Chapel, 1500 W Vandament Ave, Yukon, OK, where family and friends are invited to come together to celebrate his life and share memories. Please come prepared to worship and give thanks to God for this man we all deeply loved. A link to the live stream is provided in the service information below. Interment will follow at Frisco Cemetery, Yukon, OK.