COLUMBUS
Oran Ray Foley went home to be with his Jesus on January 4, 2024. He was born in Indianapolis on August 1, 1928, to Rural Dalton Foley and Sylvia Printz Foley. He married Janet Kathleen Brown on April 9, 1950, in Russell Springs, KY. They had five children and many grand, great, and great-great grandchildren.
Mr. Foley had worked at Arvin Industries in the early 1950’s and then was employed at The Evening Republican Newspaper, now The Republic, before retiring as maintenance supervisor after 30+ years. During this time, he also operated his own TV repair business out of his home. He loved fishing and camping and spent as much time outdoors as possible. He also loved playing pool and would always rope visitors into playing a game or two or three…………
Oran was a lifetime member of East Columbus United Methodist Church, and his faith in God never wavered. He was very active in his church and was very supportive and involved in the youth activities. He went on many mission trips to Haiti during the ’70s and 80’s. After obtaining his CDL license he drove the church bus, taking “his kids” to different functions they were involved in.
The greatest love of his life was his wife, Janet, along with his children and numerous grand, great, and great-great grandchildren. He spent many days taking his family on hikes, teaching them so many things about nature, and they have so many wonderful memories of their time spent with him. One thing they loved the most was he was able to wiggle his ears. The kids would always try to figure out how he did it and then tried to do it themselves.
Mr. Foley is survived by his wife of almost 74 years, Janet Kathleen Foley and children, Iris Gearhart, Terry Foley (Sue), Tamara Butler and Jeffrey Foley, and over sixty grandchildren, including greats and great-greats.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Granville Foley, Margaret Varney, Durward Foley, and Mary Cline, and his daughter, Melita J. Holler.
The funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Friday at Barkes, Weaver &Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street with Pastor Jongmin Lee and Pastor Tony Garris officiating. Visitation will be held Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. and Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. A live stream of the funeral service may be viewed at 11:00 a.m. Friday at barkesweaverglick.com. In keeping with the family’s request, cremation will take place after the funeral service.
Inurnment will take place at Garland Brook Cemetery at a later date.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the Foley family and a video tribute may be viewed at barkesweaverglick.com.
