Perry Lee New (January 27, 1939 – August 25, 2025)

It is with love and respect that we share the passing of Perry Lee New, who left this world peacefully on August 25, 2025. In a remarkable and poignant coincidence, this was the same date that his young son, Jerry New (1962-1968), passed 57 years earlier. Born to Leonard and Hermena (Spalding) New, Perry grew up in the Pure Oil Camp near Madill, Oklahoma. This company town, established in 1940, was where Perry made lifelong friends that included Carl Clark, Robert Cline, and many more. Pure Camp closed in 1959 but the childhood memories of the tight-knit community had never been forgotten. The family moved to Oklahoma City after the closing of Pure Camp, and Perry later relocated to nearby Choctaw. In 1960, Perry volunteered for the U.S. Army, serving until 1963. Stationed in Japan, he met his first wife, Sachi (Ueki) New, mother of his children. While overseas, he embraced Japanese culture, enjoyed talks with his in-laws, and even climbed Mt. Fuji – an experience he loved to share throughout his life. He later married Helen (Trostle) New. Having spent all 12 years in Madill schools, Perry -- along with his two best friends -- graduated from Madill High School in 1957. He had played basketball and was on the track squad, while also playing in the band all through junior high and high school. With MHS band director Ed Brigance, Perry also played in the Ardmore Community Band. In college he played with OU's band, The Pride of Oklahoma. Perry was a lifelong student. He earned his Bachelor's Degree from OU in History with a Minor in Asian Studies but didn't stop there, continuing to study history, the Bible, and languages (German and Japanese). In later years he would be found at the Choctaw Library or at the local Braums with a book in one hand and a coffee cup in the other.

Perry is survived by his children Marisa New (and fiancé, Robert Barkholz) and Phillip New, daughter-in-law Jamie Saunders-New, grandchildren Jeremy New (and wife Natalie) and Amanda Saunders-New, and his great-grandson and namesake, Charley Perry New.

His family is honoring his wishes with an intimate family gathering. The family requests that any donations go to the Oklahoma Humane Society.