BORN

1953

DIED

2012

FUNERAL HOME

Primrose Funeral Service

1109 North Porter Ave

Norman, Oklahoma

Jerome Laizure Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 5, 2012.

NORMAN - Jerry Laizure, an award-winning news and sports photojournalist whose work was published in The Transcript as well as in newspapers and magazines and on Websites worldwide, died Monday after a brief illness.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Goodrich Memorial United Methodist Church, 201 Hayes Street in Norman with Primrose Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

"He may have been short in stature but he was an absolute giant among the state's working press," said Andy Rieger, executive editor of The Transcript and a friend and co-worker since 1975. "He was an amazing man, a first-rate journalist and a great friend but I think he was a better husband, father and grandfather."

Laizure, 59, had worked for Oklahoma newspapers since age 14 when he fibbed about his age and began working at the Bartlesville Examiner Enterprise. He worked in Pawhuska before moving to Norman to study journalism at the University of Oklahoma.

He began working in the production shop at The Oklahoma Daily while at OU. He left the university to work at PennWell in Tulsa, briefly working on the team that produced the Oil and Gas Journal. He returned to the newspaper business after four months.

"He missed the newspaper business," his wife, Peggy, said. "He just loved the excitement of it all."

The couple married in 1972 and have three children and 7 grandchildren.

Laizure was a recognizable figure to coaches, police and firefighters. He was often first on the scene of fires and accidents. At sporting events, he often wore a Christmas hat when the season warranted. His truck had a candy cane antennae, which helped identify him as a member of the press.

Laizure left the university in 1984 to be co-founder and co-publisher of the Cleveland County Record, a weekly newspaper in Noble. The Transcript purchased the newspaper in 1989 and retained Laizure as the newspaper's editor.

He was The Transcript's senior photographer at the time of his death. His photos have been honored with awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalist and Oklahoma Press Assocaition.

In addition to his wife, daughter Jennifer and sons Phillip and Jackson, Laizure is survived by three brothers and a sister. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Mary Laizure and a brother Robert, Cecil, and Michael.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Jerome Laizure

What is your first memory of Jerome?

Share a favorite memory you have of Jerome.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Jerome.

Describe a time when Jerome made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Jerome?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Jerome.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Jerome.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Jerome.

What is something you learned from Jerome?

Not sure what to say?

3 Entries

December 5, 2012

Sandy Wick

I could write for years and never say enough about Jerry - He was truly one of my most dearest cherished friends and I will miss him so very much. He made me laugh so hard every time I was around him. He was such a family man and was very open about it. God bless all his friends and family.

December 5, 2012

Rebecca Smith-Hoyt

Jerry was a great guy. I never saw him without his smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

December 5, 2012

I worked with Jerry at Journalism Press way back in 1984. Never have I laughed as much at work as I did then. He was delightful and a definite one-of-a-kind person. It is too great a loss for him to be gone so soon. Juli Stout Lane

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Make a Donation
in Jerome Laizure's name

Memorial Events
for Jerome Laizure

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Primrose Funeral Service

1109 North Porter Ave, Norman, OK 73071

How to support Jerome's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Jerome Laizure's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more