Olen Noles Massey

Olen N. Massey, a beloved resident of Grand Prairie, passed away peacefully at his home, with his wife by his side, on Sunday, July 30, 2023. He was 85 years old. Born in Arlington, TX, Olen was the youngest son of Hershal Henry Massey, Sr., and Irene Fleeman Massey. His life was a shining example of dedication, unwavering faith, and boundless love, leaving an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Olen's journey began in Grand Prairie, where he attended local schools and graduated in 1956. During his school years, he actively participated in both the choir and football, showcasing his diverse talents from an early age. His passion for music led him to pursue further studies at North Texas State College on a full music scholarship, where he continued to cultivate his exceptional musical skills. Olen's dedication to music led him to Baylor University in Waco, where he further honed his talents, majoring in music.

With a strong devotion to his faith, Olen attended the Southwestern Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, deepening his understanding of spirituality and embracing his calling as a music evangelist.

Olen's 55-year career as a licensed funeral director began at Moore Funeral Home in Arlington, where he met Bruce Bean and Duke Burge. His compassion for others extended beyond mere professional duties; he often lent his beautiful voice to sing at almost every funeral service, providing comfort to grieving families.

The union of Olen's musical talents and spiritual calling was evident as he started leading music at Southern Baptist revivals across the United States and Canada. Along the way, he formed cherished friendships with fellow evangelists, including Angel and Homer Martinez and Charles Massagee.

In 1962, Olen's life took a beautiful turn when he became the music minister at West Ridge Baptist Church in Grand Prairie. It was there that he met the love of his life, Janice Byrd. Their love and partnership were sealed in marriage on October 1, 1963, before a revival meeting in the chapel at the PolyTechnic Baptist Church Chapel in Fort Worth. Together, they embarked on a journey filled with joy, laughter, and shared faith.

In 1965, Olen, along with Bruce Bean and Duke Burge, co-founded Southland Funeral Home in Grand Prairie. Their commitment to providing compassionate care and support to grieving families was unwavering. Over the years, their team expanded and was joined by Ralph Giessner, creating a close-knit group that worked tirelessly to ensure each family they served felt embraced and comforted during their time of loss. As trusted and compassionate companions, they extended their support beyond traditional funeral services, adding the first ambulance service for Grand Prairie, becoming pillars of strength for those in need. Olen graduated from the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science in February of 1968.

In 1993, Olen N. Massey, Bruce Bean, and Duke Burge expanded their commitment to serving the community by opening the Bean-Massey-Burge Funeral Home in Grand Prairie. Building on the foundation of compassion and care established at Southland Funeral Home, this new venture allowed them to extend their legacy of support and comfort to even more families during their times of bereavement.

The Bean-Massey-Burge Funeral Home quickly became a cherished institution in the area, known for its dedication to honoring each life with dignity and reverence. Olen, Bruce, and Duke, alongside their dedicated team, continued to uphold the values of empathy, respect, and professionalism that defined their approach to funeral service.

Through the years, both Southland Funeral Home and Bean-Massey-Burge Funeral Home played integral roles in the lives of countless families, creating lasting memories of love and compassion. Their unwavering dedication and tireless efforts have had a profound impact on the community, leaving behind a legacy of care and kindness that will endure for generations to come.

For Olen, music was more than a passion; it was a way to spread his faith and love. He played a significant role in founding Rainbow Records in Dallas, recording three Gospel albums that touched the hearts of many.

Beyond his professional and spiritual commitments, Olen was dedicated to uplifting the community. He co-founded the Grand Prairie Peewee Football Association and the Thursday Rotary Club, making a positive impact on the lives of countless young individuals. He joined the Sam R. Hamilton Masonic Lodge #1031 and became a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason and a member of the Hella Temple Shrine. He served as a volunteer firefighter for many years for Grand Prairie and later became the Volunteer Reserve Chief of Police for the city of Cedar Hill, TX.

The joys of Olen's life multiplied when, in August 1967, he and Janice welcomed the birth of their twins, Kathy Layne and Kelly Wayne Massey. Their family was completed in May 1972, with the birth of their son, Jeffrey Noles Massey.

Olen's dedication to education and the arts was evident through his work with former classmates in starting the Grand Prairie Alumni Association and the Grand Prairie Arts Council, guiding them through the purchase of the Uptown Theater, providing the Arts Council with a permanent home.

In later years, Olen found great joy in organizing the Lifeline Shelter Annual Gospel Concert Fundraiser, raising funds to support homeless children in our community.

His love for bass fishing was shared with his brother, Hershal, forging beautiful memories together.

In September 1995, Olen experienced profound heartache with the loss of his oldest son, Kelly, to a genetic heart defect. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Hershal Henry Massey, Sr., and Irene Fleeman Massey.

He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Janice Byrd Massey of Grand Prairie, TX; daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and John Citta of Bedford, TX; son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Chandra Massey of Cleburne, TX; 4 grandchildren, Hannah Wilfong of Wichita Falls, TX, Chelesa Massey of Cleburne, TX, Jasmine and Chris Walker of Cleburne, TX and Chase Wilfong of Bedford, TX; and 3 Great Grandchildren, Granger Tuff Dykes, Kelly Wayne Wilfong and Foster Ridge Enderson, and adopted daughter, Teresa Ramirez of Irving, TX. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Hershal H., Jr. and Vickie Massey of Midlothian, TX; numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.

A visitation for Olen was held Thursday, August 3, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Grand Prairie Funeral Home, 733 Dalworth Street, Grand Prairie, TX 75050. A memorial service took place at First Baptist Church Grand Prairie on Friday, August 4, 2023, at 10 AM, to celebrate the life of this remarkable man who touched so many with his love and kindness. A graveside followed at 1:30 PM at the Midlothian Cemetery in Midlothian, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Lifeline Shelter of Grand Prairie in memory of Olen.

May he rest in eternal peace, knowing that his journey has left a profound impact on the world, and may his family find comfort in the beautiful memories they shared together.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grandprairiefh.com for the Massey family.