Gary Richard York

Gary Richard York, 83, of Blanchard, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2025, surrounded by family at his home.  Gary was born on May 5, 1942, to Helen Gladys (Hopkins) York and Orville Leon York in Chickasha.  

Gary grew up in Dibble and Cole, Oklahoma.  He attended Dibble Public Schools where he graduated as Valedictorian in 1960.  He played basketball and baseball and was a member of FFA. 

Gary’s parents owned and operated York’s Store where Gary started working before he was old enough to go to school.  He kept the store clean, stocked shelves, pumped gas, loaded ice blocks and feed, delivered groceries and whatever his dad thought up for him to do.  Gary said he was always happy to go to school and get away from the store.  

As a kid, Gary spent a lot of time with his cousins, playing and fishing in Dibble Creek.  He had a broken arm three times and a front tooth that was shot out from a BeeBee gun from his cousin Hank.  Gary also drove a bus route when he was a Senior. 

After graduation, Gary attended Central State College in Edmond and later Oklahoma City community College.  While in school at Edmond he worked at a Christmas stocking factory as a sock turner.  Gary was also entrusted with the owner’s son by picking him up at school every day.  

Gary had many hobbies but his two favorites were hunting and fishing.  He made several trips to Alaska and Canada.  Gary was a skilled mechanic, welder, gardener, cook and builder.

Gary’s granddaughters were precious to him. He always had fun things for them to do at his house.  He also got them goats, ducks, chickens, fish, turtles, or whatever they wanted.  He taught them to fish and spent hours in the garage just working on projects with them. 

Gary met the love of his life, Karen Sue Knippelmier while working at Knippelmier Chevrolet.  They married on October 26, 1963, and have been married for 62 years.

Gary left college to help his dad build and operate the Red Bud Grocery Store in Blanchard.  He worked many jobs which included, 20 years at Knippelmier Chevrolet, Landman for Unichem Drilling, owner of York’s Station, owner of York’s Construction, Homebuilding and Concrete, loan officer of the First State Bank of Blanchard, owner of York’s Liquor and York’s Pump and Hump.  Gary served in the Oklahoma State House of Representatives and finally for the Oklahoma State Health Department as new construction inspector.  Gary served on the Blanchard Fire Department for 20 years and the Civil Defense Director for much of that time.  Gary belonged to the Blanchard Masonic Lodge and served on the Blanchard School Board. 

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Helen York; sisters, Beth Simpson and Peggy Frampton; in-laws, Ray and Ines Knippelmier; nephew, Scott Frampton and nephew-in-law, Steve Kiker.

Gary is survived by his wife of 62 years, Karen Sue (Knippelmier) York; daughters, Kimberli An York Jordan and husband Joe and Kristi Lyn York Bonds and husband Sterling; granddaughters, Lily York Bonds and Ivy Heath Bonds; other close family members, Larry and Peggy Knippelmier, Keri, Kurt, and Larry Mason Kelsey, Casadi, Ean, and Asher Kampmeyer, Julie Kiker, Colton, Holly, and Jack Kiker, Joe Simpson, LuAnn Frampton, Lindy Stewart, Jan Taylor, and Jill Simpson; as well as Claire, his cat, whom he cherished. 

Gary was a wonderful husband, dad, papa, and friend.  He was always for the underdog, softhearted and willing to help others.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Blanchard Fire Department. 

Viewing for friends and family will be from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Monday, December 8, 2025, at the funeral home. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at The Methodist Church of Blanchard.   Burial will follow in the Blanchard Cemetery.  Arrangements are under the direction of Eisenhour Funeral Home of Blanchard. Online obituary and guestbook are available at www.eisenhourfh.com.