Gary Don Long

Gary Don Long, 77, of Blanchard, passed away peacefully at home on June 6, 2025, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. He was the best husband, dad, papa, and pops. 

He was born on November 18, 1947, to Charlie and Vivian Long and raised in Hollis, Oklahoma. He was always proud of his upbringing and being a Hollis Tiger. He graduated from Hollis High School in 1966.  Also received college degrees in agriculture education, an accounting degree, and earned his C.P.A.

Gary was raised and baptized in the Hollis, Oklahoma Church of Christ

He and Linda married on April 10th, 1970, and were happily married for 55 years. They always said they married the love of their lives.

He proudly served his country after being drafted into the army.  He was deployed to Vietnam, 6 months after being married. It was a very difficult time for everyone, but he bravely served with honor and love for his country.  He was awarded many medals as well as the bronze star. He never spoke about his duties there and I am sure many people never knew of this great honor.

He was always a devoted dad and happily became one on Father’s Day June 17, 1973, with the birth of daughter Stacie Dawn, and daughter Karie Sue on August 1, 1975.  He was so proud of being a girl dad.  He was a legendary softball coach to his girls, and they traveled to many out-of-state tournaments.  One of his greatest victories was coaching and winning the 1985 12 under World Championship in Shelbyville, Tennessee. 

Then on April 25, 2000, he became a proud Papa with the birth of granddaughter Makaila Brooke, and grandson Caden Luke on October 31, 2002. They were his pride and joy and the light of his life. He was their biggest fan at any and all of their activities which he never missed. Whether it was a band program for Makaila, or going to Caden’s ballgames, he was front and center loving it all. He was all in.

He loved hosting weekly family watch parties for all of OU sports.  He was also a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, OKC Thunder, Dallas Cowboys and golf.  Gary and Linda proudly attended the Orange Bowl where the Oklahoma Sooners won the 2000 National Football Championship and took a family vacation to Disney World in 2008.

Gary retired from Shaklee Corporation in 2003 as the Executive Director after 22 years, where he made many lifelong friendships. 

He loved playing many sports, especially golf, and always said he fulfilled a dream of living on a golf course. He and Linda built a home at Winter Creek Golf Course in 2005. They were the second homeowners to live there so it was fitting that he was the course greeter, and probably the first person you met when you played there.

He was a great teacher of life’s lessons to his daughters, and his grandkids. He always wanted them to put family first, always do your best, be respectful, grateful, kind, and lend a helping hand to someone in need.

Gary and Linda knew how blessed they were to have so many happy and loving family memories to hold in their hearts forever.

God saw you getting tired and cure was not to be, so he put His arms around you and whispered “Come to Me.”

Preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Vivian Long; brother, Odis Long; sister, Jo Ella Gee; nephews, Jerry Gee, Terry Gee, Kent Gee, Kevin Long; and great niece, Amber Dekanter.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Linda of the home; daughters, Stacie Mueller and husband Robby of Blanchard, OK and Karie Wynd and husband Anthony of Oklahoma City, OK; the joy and light of his life, granddaughter Makaila Brooke Mueller and grandson Caden Luke Mueller, both of Blanchard, OK; brother, Larry Long and wife Linda of Elk City, OK; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many lifelong friends.

A Celebration of life service will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at the Eisenhour Funeral Home Chapel in Blanchard.  Burial with military honors will follow at Arlington Memory Gardens in Oklahoma City. Arrangements are under the direction of Eisenhour Funeral Home of Blanchard. Online obituary and guestbook available at www.eisenhourfh.com.