Debrah "Debbie" Caples

Debrah “Debbie” Kiefer Caples passed away peacefully Thursday, January 2, 2020 at her home in Lawton. 

Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at Western Hills Church of Christ, 1108 NW 53rd Street, under the direction of Lawton Ritter-Gray Funeral Home. The family is reserving a portion of the service for friends and family to share their favorite memories of Debbie.

Debbie was born June 28, 1954 in Anadarko to Forrest and Betty Kiefer, who raised her on a peanut farm outside Fort Cobb. She attended school in Oney and Fort Cobb, graduating in 1972. Shortly thereafter, she married Lonnie Caples, of Oney, upon his return from Vietnam. After their wedding, the U.S. Army stationed Lonnie and Debbie in Alabama, Alaska, and Maryland. When Lonnie was discharged in 1977, the couple moved to Lawton, where Debbie worked to put Lonnie through Cameron University. Upon graduation, Lonnie was hired by Hewlett-Packard, and the couple traveled together often for his work, making countless memories together. In 1986, after 14 loving years of marriage, Debbie and Lonnie had a “happy little accident” named Deanne, who made their wonderful life together immeasurably more joyful.  

The second-oldest of seven children, Debbie was a second mother to her younger siblings, and her home was always open whenever they needed a place to stay ─ whether it be for a night or a month. She was kind, compassionate, intelligent, and well-read. She loved being a mother and was regularly involved in the Crosby Park Elementary PTA. After Deanne left the home, Debbie re-entered the workforce, spending her time aiding teachers and students in Lawton Public Schools. 

Debbie was a long-time member of Western Hills Church of Christ, and she will be remembered for being resolute in her convictions without being judgmental or unwelcoming. She was reserved and quiet but would often surprise with a witty one-liner. Because she loved reading, she was always an active member of her local library. She enjoyed watching classic movies and Jeopardy!, playing board games, and visiting with her large, close-knit family.

Most of all, Debbie loved her husband of 47 years. Their love for one other was palpable, and they still possessed the letters the two had written each other while Lonnie was in Vietnam.

Debbie was part of a large and loving family who will miss her greatly. She is survived by her adoring husband, Lonnie, daughter and son-in-law, Deanne and Justin Cliburn, of Oklahoma City, brother and sister-in-law Glenn and Linda Kiefer, of Maypearl, Texas, sister and brother-in-law Beckie and Charles Baggs, of Rowlett, Texas, sister and brother-in-law Rhonda and Roy Wooldridge, of Antlers, sister and brother-in-law Darla and Lannie Overby, of Wichita Falls, Texas, sister-in-law Sharon Kiefer, of Rowlett, Texas, and sister-in-law, Carolyn Beck, of Duncan, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nephews and nieces, friends, and church family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Mary, and a brother, David. 

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