04/09/2025
Dad Keith Liles was a tireless supporter of DeMolay and his name was synonymous with Myrtle Chapter. He was a truly great man who made an impact on countless young men and women.
In Loving Memory of Dad E. Keith Liles
With deep sadness, Oklahoma DeMolay shares the passing of Dad E. Keith Liles, a devoted and beloved member of our Oklahoma DeMolay and Masonic family. A Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Oklahoma AF&AM, Past DeMolay Chapter Advisor of Myrtle Chapter, and proud DeMolay alumnus of Myrtle Chapter, Dad Liles was a steadfast supporter of DeMolay and its mission throughout his life.
Since beginning his DeMolay journey when he joined Myrtle Chapter in 1955, Dad Liles exemplified the highest ideals of DeMolay. In his lifetime, he was honored with the Degree of Chevalier, the Cross of Honor, and the Legion of Honor—testaments to a lifetime of service, leadership, and dedication. As a Chapter Advisor, mentor, and friend, he uplifted those around him and led by example, inspiring generations to strive for excellence in all they do.
We spoke with Dad Rory Glendenning, one of Oklahoma DeMolay’s Advisors and a DeMolay alumnus of Myrtle Chapter, who was a member of Myrtle Chapter while Dad Liles was Chapter Advisor. He had this to say:
“With the passing of Dad E. Keith Liles, I wanted to talk about my experience and the impact he had on me as a DeMolay. We had just found out about Dad Liles’ passing Wednesday, and I went to a Masonic meeting later that night. Of course, the mood was a little somber, and the men were telling wonderful stories about their fraternal brother. For myself, it’s hard to see him as a fraternal brother. There are not a lot of people still around Oklahoma DeMolay that can say, ‘Dad Liles was my DeMolay Chapter Advisor.’ He was also the first fatherly influence I gained through DeMolay. He was strict and stern with us but loved each of us with all his heart.
Every chance I got, whether we were at a Masonic event or he was working with the ‘chain gang’ at the Scottish Rite building in Guthrie during a reunion weekend, I would stop by and say hello to Dad Liles. He would always share the same DeMolay stories with whoever was there, and I took pride when he would always say with a big smile, ‘This is Rory; he was one of my DeMolay boys.’ I still have a Myrtle Chapter picture of when we won DeMolay Chapter of the Year, and as I look at it, some of the brothers and advisors in this picture have passed on. No worries, Dad Liles is here to keep you in line. I love you, Dad Liles, and you will be forever remembered and missed. I would like to thank Oklahoma DeMolay for letting me add my thoughts and experience with Dad Liles to this tribute. My heart and prayers go to his son and my DeMolay brother, Jeff, and the Liles family.”
To so many, Dad Liles was more than a leader—he was a guiding light. He believed in the potential of every young man and encouraged them to grow into men of character, compassion, and purpose.
His impact on Oklahoma DeMolay is immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to live on in the lives he touched and the values he championed. As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate a life well-lived in service to others.
The funeral for E. Keith Liles is on Monday, April 7, 2025 at 2:00pm at the Eastlake Church. The address is 700 SW 134th St., Oklahoma City, OK, 73170, followed by the burial at Resthaven. There will be a viewing on Sunday, April 6, 2025, from 1:30pm to 8:00pm at John Ireland Funeral Home, the address is 120 S Broadway Ave., Moore, OK 73160.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Rest well, Dad Liles. Your memory is forever woven into the fabric of Oklahoma DeMolay.
