Stephen Gilley

Stephen "Steve" Gilley

September 5, 1952 - October 28, 2026

Surrounded by the love of his family, Stephen "Steve" Gilley, 74, of Duncan, Oklahoma, passed away on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at Integris Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Gilley Family Cemetery in Duncan, Oklahoma, with Ladd Polk officiating.

Viewing will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Steve was born on September 5, 1952, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to Waymon and Edna (Dodd) Gilley. He graduated from Lake Charles High School in 1970 and accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior in Calcasieu Parish, Lake Charles, Louisiana.

In 1984, Steve met his best friend and partner in life, Lupe Villarreal, and together they blended their families and built a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. They enjoyed dancing together, having fun and loading the kids up for road-trip adventures that became treasured family memories.

Steve began his career with Halliburton Energy Services as a floor sweeper, where he quickly developed an interest in welding. After spending ten years as a welder with Halliburton, he purchased the historic blacksmith shop on Main Street in 1986 and established Gilley's Welding and Blacksmith.

Steve had a deep appreciation for Duncan's history and took great pride in preserving the legacy of the old blacksmith shop. He loved welcoming visitors, sharing stories, and helping others imagine a time when blacksmiths played such an important role in the community. Known for his exceptional craftsmanship, Steve could repair or create just about anything that came through his shop doors. He especially enjoyed transforming metal into beautiful works of art through custom gates, handrails, and ornamental ironwork found throughout the Duncan area.

His passion for welding was something he eagerly shared, patiently teaching both of his daughters the trade. Beyond his work, Steve loved spending time on his parents' farm, raising cattle and horses and teaching all the kids the value of hard work. He enjoyed country western and bluegrass music. He loved to pick a tune on the guitar with friends and family and maintained a lifelong interest in learning the dobro and fiddle.

Steve will be profoundly missed by all who know and love him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Waymon and Edna Gilley.

Survivors include wife Lupe Villarreal of Duncan, Oklahoma; children Misti Gilley and husband Eric Bush of Duncan, Oklahoma, Crystal Hill and husband Shane of Bray, Oklahoma, Johnny Villarreal of Wichita Falls, Texas, Margarita Crowe of Lubbock, Texas, Michael Anthony Villarreal of Wichita Falls, Texas, Isaac Villarreal of Wichita Falls, Texas, and Israel Villarreal and wife Melissa of Wichita Falls, Texas; grandchildren Whittney Hampton, Eric Auton, Aleaha Bush, Nicolas Hill, and Jacob Hill; 15 step-grandchildren; great-grandchildren Nevaeh Hampton, Faith Hampton, Adalynn Auton; and numerous step great-grandchildren; sister Carolyn Eaglin and husband Everett of Duncan, Oklahoma; and brother Michael E. Gilley and wife Donna of Duncan, Oklahoma.

Online condolences may be made at www.bailespolkfuneralhome.com.