Carl Joseph ("Joe") Lieber, affectionately known as "Papa" by his five cherished grandchildren, brightened the world when he was born on October 31, 1935, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Carl and Rosemary Elizabeth (Wagner) Lieber. Joe peacefully passed away in the same city on February 2, 2025.

To know Joe was to love him. His welcoming nature and warm presence made everyone feel special. As a grandfather, Papa was always ready to jump at the chance to make memories with his grandchildren on roller coasters and water slides, and to cheer them on at their sports games. When his own kids were little, he loved a family road trip and would soak up every ounce of information on the plaques at the museums they visited on their adventures.

Joe graduated from Marquette University and completed his Master's Degree in Business at the University of Central Oklahoma. A mechanical engineer at Tinker Air Force Base, he was a dedicated professional who also worked with H&R Block during tax season and served his country in the U.S. Naval Reserves.

Joe married the love of his life, Kay Peters, on August 21, 1965, in Henryetta, OK. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion. They cherished every moment spent together, whether it was dining out and making fast friends with the servers or simply enjoying a quiet cocktail at home. Joe delighted in the small, thoughtful gestures that showed his love for Kay, like running errands or filling her car with gas, a task she only recently learned to do herself. Their bond was a testament to a partnership built on mutual respect, care, and an enduring affection that touched everyone who knew them.

Joe was a man of faith, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and an active participant in the St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, where he sang joyously in the choir. His generosity extended beyond his family; he was a father figure to friends and an uncle to many nieces and nephews. Joe tutored kids and served as a professor of math for 10 years.

As an avid basketball fan, Joe took on the role of usher for the OKC Thunder from the team's very first game in Oklahoma City—starting when the New Orleans Pelicans were playing in OKC after Hurricane Katrina—and continued well into his later years. His enthusiastic spirit and dedication made him a beloved figure among fans, always ready with a smile and a welcoming presence for everyone attending the games.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Kay; son, Joe, his wife, Kelly and grandchildren, Billie and Joe Joe of Laguna Beach, CA; and his daughter, Veronica, her husband, Charles, and grandchildren Charles Henry, Kincaid, and Kathleen of Houston, TX. His legacy of love, kindness, and service will continue to inspire and influence all who knew him.

A viewing will be held from 9am to 8pm on Thursday, February 6, with family present from 5-7pm and a praying of the Rosary at 7pm in Mercer-Adams Chapel. A Mass to celebrate Carl's life will take place at 11am on Friday, February 7, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. Inurnment will be at 9am on Saturday, February 8, at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to the Dragonfly Home, an organization that walks alongside victim-survivors of human trafficking on their path to freedom and restoration. Donations may be made by mailing a check to:

The Dragonfly Home

P.O. Box 94613.

Oklahoma City, OK 73143

or by clicking on the donation link below.