October 24, 2025
REST IN PEACE
Louis “Bing” Wise Jr. of Blanchard, Oklahoma, was born on January 25, 1938, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Louis Elvin Wise Sr. and Mildred (DeJaco) Wise. He passed away on October 24, 2025, in Moore, Oklahoma.
Louis was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest in 1963 for the diocese of Dallas-Fort Worth. He earned his master’s degree in social work from the University of Denver and devoted the later portion of his life to the field of social work, where his compassion and dedication touched countless lives.
After Lou’s release from his priestly obligations, he and Janice met and built their lives together in Denver, Colorado. Then they moved to Oklahoma in 1982 where Louis served two years as the Director of Catholic Charities for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City (the Western half of the state). While in that position he also started the St. Vincent de Paul Society throughout Oklahoma. He then established a support group for inactive priests which he named “FRATRES IN UNUM”. Next, he worked for Allstate Insurance from 1984 to 2000, all the while being very active in the St. Vinicent de Paul Society both in the state of Oklahoma and on national committees.
Following retirement from Allstate, Lou and Jan enjoyed a few years of living in New Mexico before Jan’s ill health required them to return to Oklahoma where she was treated as an in- patient at the Oklahoma State Veteran’s Center in Norman, OK until her death on 05-11-2016.
Louis loved Gospel and Catholic hymns and found joy in all things connected to his faith. His favorite pastime was Ham Radio; his call sign was NI5G and he delighted in connecting with people from all over the world.
He cherished church activities, family gatherings, holidays, and a good meal shared with loved ones. Louis inspired his children with his excitement for international travel, his curiosity about people and cultures, and his appreciation for new foods and experiences. Above all, he will be remembered as a deeply loving father and a devoted member of his faith community.
Louis was a member of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites OCDS and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Norman. Fluent in Spanish, French, and sign language, Louis used his gifts to connect with others and share kindness wherever he went.
He is survived by his daughters, Michelle Wise and her spouse Steven Weiss of Arlington, Virginia, and Christine Clarkson and her spouse Adam Clarkson of Germantown, Maryland; daughter-in-law, Dana Wise of Blanchard, Oklahoma; his brother, Fred Wise and his spouse Diana Wise of Santa Maria, California; and his grandchildren, Avery Wise, Isaac Wise, Ian Clarkson, and Asher Clarkson; his two fur babies, Angel and Lucky. He is also survived by many other extended family members who loved him dearly.
Louis was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janice Lee Wise; his son, Michael Louis Wise; and his parents, Louis and Mildred.
A rosary and wake service will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Church at 211 North Porter Ave. in Norman, OK. His funeral Mass will be at Joseph Church in Norman. OK on Friday, December 5th at 10:30 a.m.