Jack B. Lilley went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 14, 2022, at the age of 90 years old. He was a lifelong Denisonian who loved God, his family, his friends, and his community with all his heart. He was a Korean War veteran who fought and served his country with devotion and courage, a former Denison Mayor and City Councilor, and a long-time Board Director for State National Bank, Texoma
Medical Center, the Smith Foundation, the Denison Chamber of Commerce, and Grayson County Airport Board. He graduated from Denison High School and Southeastern Oklahoma State University. He was named a DHS Distinguished Alumni. He was a careful and talented listener and a lifelong student of people, always striving to learn from the wisdom of others.
Jack was born at home on June 26, 1931, to parents Ernest and Eddie Lilley. He was a curious and a a mischievous child who never got tired of exploring the creeks, forests, ponds, lakes, and backroads of Denison with his brother and friends, learning about Denison’s rich history. Those who knew him best remember him as a beloved and loyal prankster and an all-around good guy who counted his family and friends among his greatest blessings.
Jack was a hard worker with steadfast integrity, finding great success first in the retail business in downtown Denison and later in the insurance business. Most importantly, he found success in the many lifelong relationships he made and treasured. He was a wise and thoughtful leader with a solid moral code. His faithfulness to God was his priority, followed closely by his love and devotion to his “other half” and best friend, Elsie. One of their greatest joys was raising their sons John, Danny, and daughter Jeri and then enjoying life with their grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Jack and Elsie were their kids’ and grandkids’ biggest fans, never missing a chance to cheer for them at school and sports activities. Even when their kids weren’t playing, Jack and Elsie could be found in the bleachers at almost all Denison sporting events, giving their beloved Yellow Jackets encouragement and unwavering loyalty. Jack spent his entire life serving Denison schools and students, working alongside Elsie and on many DISD task force committees to help improve, enrich, renovate and build Denison ISD schools to today’s high levels of excellence.
Jack was a man of great faith, serving as a Deacon, Board Director, and active leader at First Christian Church of Denison throughout his adult life. Rather than talk the talk, he walked the walk that Jesus taught him, helping many people throughout his life, never wavering in his commitments but always preferring the shadows rather than the limelight. He visited his friends in hospitals and nursing homes even when they didn’t know he was there. When asked why his answer was simple but powerful: “But I know.” Jack lived his life simply doing what he believed was the right thing to do.
Jack is predeceased by his parents, Ernest and Eddie Lilley, his brother Jerry Lilley, John Lilley (son), Pressley Mitchell (great-granddaughter). He is survived by Elsie Lilley (wife), Danny Lilley (son), Jeri Lilley (daughter), grandchildren Lori Lilley and Amber Mitchell and great-grandchild Paxton Mitchell.
Honorary Pallbearers:
Robert Brady Sherry Christie
Mark Denison Horace Groff
Jerry Hatfield Dave Maddox
Kris McKinney Richard Munson
John Parker Tim Parker
Michael Ruebeck David Spindle
Mike Woody
In place of flowers, please send donations in Jack’s memory to:
Scott Scholarship Fund
c/o DEF
1201 S. Rusk Denison, TX 75020.
