Photo courtesy of Traditions Funeral and Cremation Services - Kellyville
Kellyville, Oklahoma
Jan 14, 1949 – Mar 18, 2024
Gary Don Mathis Sr., of Sapulpa, Oklahoma born on January 14th, 1949, took his final breath on Monday, March 18th, 2024. Gary typically went to bed every night at 9:30 p.m., and on that night at 9:29 p.m. with his wife by his side, he went to sleep here and woke up in Heaven.
Gary was preceded in death by his mother Zella Ray Wilson, brother Rick Mathis, his first adoring wife Paula Mathis, and son Kevin Mathis.
He is survived by his siblings, Tommy Merrick, Jeff Merrick and his wife, Cathy Jones and her husband, Lee Ann Green and Brenda Brown. His loving wife Debbie, sons Gary Mathis Jr., and Chris Mathis and his wife, including many grandchildren and great grandchildren, along with many extended cousins and family members.
Gary loved the Lord, his family, friends and his church family. He lived his life serving others. He served his country in the Army, faithfully served in his church, and any one or any stranger he met.
Gary enjoyed life, even in his later years when his health tried to slow him down, Gary did not. Gary never met a person that he didn’t pester - you could say that was his way of showing love and saying hello. He loved to have a good time, whether it was through mischief, traveling and adventure, greased hands from working on a car engine, a fishing pole in his hand, or chasing his grandkids for a “whisker kiss.” He was a quiet man, a strong man with a gentle presence that was felt and loved by so many.
A celebration of life will be held 4pm, Friday, March 22, 2024, at Harvest Church in Sand Springs. Arrangements are under the direction of Traditions Funeral and Cremation Services, 35 S. Main, Kellyville, OK, 918-247-7373.
Read MoreI met Gary in 1973. My husband and Gary were working for Hammontree and Simmons. We enjoyed spending time with Gary and Paula. We both had our oldest boys. Then when we were expecting again Gary Don was born and a week later our Danny was born.
We always had great times together. I actually got to be at he and Debbie’s wedding.
He was an amazing man and friend. Tell all our loved ones we will be there soon.❤
Melinda Meese
March 22, 2024 | Sapulpa, OK | Friend
Eternal rest grant unto Gary, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Elisabeth, Celia, Michaela, Issabella, & Kevin Mathis
March 21, 2024 | Sand Springs, OK | Family
Gary was always one of my favorite cousins. I will never forget all the good time we had. All the pestering he did to me never got old. He always made me laugh. My deepest sympathy to all the family. ❤
Marquita Clayton
March 21, 2024 | Spiro
What a sad day....I've known Gary and his former wife Paula for many years. We all attended church together..camped and fellowshipped with them...our daughter married their son Kevin. My granddaughters Myranda and Tori were born out of that marriage. Grieved together when Paula died and then Kevin. Gary was a special person...funny..caring and yes a big tease. Love and prayers for the family left behind.
Pam Seawright
March 21, 2024 | Owasso, OK
We will miss you, Uncle Gary. Give all the Simmons’s, Enos’s and all the Glenwood family a hug for us. We’ll see you again
Keith & Paula Simmons
March 20, 2024 | Sapulpa, OK | Family
I remember when Keith and Gary went on Royal Rangers Camp out and when we all of us went to Roaring River with the youth and we all had fun he is up there with Keith fishing and having a good time
Karen Young
March 20, 2024 | Taloga, OK | Friend
