Edward Lesley "Ed" Vetter of Ponca City, Oklahoma, died Monday morning, October 1, 2012, in the Shawn Manor Nursing Home in Ponca City at the age of 82 years.

Edward Lesley "Ed" Vetter was born on November 13, 1929, in Amarillo, Texas, to William Henry and Viola Gertrude (Stephens) Vetter. As an infant he moved with his family to Blackwell where he grew up and attended Blackwell Public Schools. Following his education he entered the United States Army serving in Japan during the Korean Conflict. Following his discharge he returned to Blackwell and joined the 45th National Guard Reserve. He married Freda Mae Hein on January 6, 1957, in Blackwell where they also settled. He worked for the G. T. Ray Produce Company before working at the Blackwell Zinc Company. Following the closure of the smelter, he began as a car salesman for Henry Howell Ford and later Tracy Henry Ford in Blackwell. In the early 1980's he continued in cars sales with the Ray Hamlin Chevrolet-Cadillac. He later began working for Cannon Chevrolet in Blackwell before moving to Ponca City in the mid 1990's where he continued working for Sonny Cannon Auto Sales. Following his retirement in 2000 he began working in security surveillance for the Tonkawa Casino. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion in Blackwell. He enjoyed family activities, especially shopping.

He is survived by his wife, Freda Vetter of Ponca City; a daughter, Sharla Vetter and companion Don Hoffman of Ponca City; a sister, Glenda Schwartz of Paramount, California; and a brother, Bill Vetter and wife Leslie of Edmond, Oklahoma.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Gertrude Combs; three brothers, Merlyn, Terry and Gary Vetter; a sister-in-law, Mabel Vetter; and a brother-on-law, Jack Schwartz.

Services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Thursday, October 4th in the Roberts and Son Funeral Home Chapel in Blackwell with the Rev. Matt Smith of Immanuel Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery with military rites performed by Pfc. Tyler Nichols and Sgt. Sharon Leach.

Casketbearers will be Billy Vetter, Brian Vetter, Justin Lawson, Josh Grimes, Ken Dewey and Glenn Terrell.

A memorial has been established in his honor with the Blackwell American Legion in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631.