Gary Smith Harwell

Celebration of life will be taking place at 10am January 23rd in the chapel at Resthaven.

Gary S. Harwell, 80, passed away on January 9, 2026 in Midwest City, OK. Gary was born on October 8, 1945 in Midwest City, OK to L. Ray and Hoberta S. (Carter) Harwell. He was the second of three sons. Gary was raised and went to high school in Del City, OK, and also took classes at University of Central Oklahoma and Rose State College, formerly Oscar Rose, where he received his Associates studying Aeronautical Technology. He joined the United States Air Force in 1966 and served his country at Vietnam and various other tours such as Guam, Okinawa, Thailand, and the UK. He transitioned from active duty to AF reserves during the 70-80's and retired just shy of his 30-year anniversary as a Sr Master Sgt with the 507th CAM Squadron. Simultaneously, he worked Civil Service at Tinker AFB as a Program Manager and retired after 35+ years.

Gary enjoyed duck and quail hunting in his early years, but still carried his Ducks Unlimited and NRA cards that he kept current! He loved cars and working on them, NASCAR, traveling to Talladega, OU Football, taking the boat out on a nearby lake or an Arkansas River trip, eating cheeseburgers and steaks, wasn't a fan of traveling in his later years, but he was known to travel a lot. Listening to music was also part of his early to mid-life, particularly Willie Nelson and Bob Segar. He loved watching movies, but also LOVED to channel surf. He enjoyed reading the daily funnies. After Marty's passing he moved his coffee drinking and paper reading time from the sunroom - where they would birdwatch together - to the snackbar. Gary was an old soul and very fond of his upbringing, and his parents. He liked to quote his dad frequently.

Gary is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 25+ years, Martha (O'dell); His parents; Brother, Douglas "Steve"; Best-Lifelong Friend, Kenneth "Kenny" Stanfill; Brother-in-law and wife, Larry and Ramona O'Dell; Sister-in-Law, Geneva O'dell

Gary is survived by daughters, Lee Harwell and Cynthia Harwell; Dog, Lucy LiLu; Step-children, Michael Mitscher (Stacy), Marc Mitscher and Mia (Mitscher) Johnston; Former wife and mother of children, Pat Harwell; Brother, Phillip Harwell (Jane); Sister-in-Law, Betty Sexton (Melvin); 2 grandchildren, and their families; and 6 step-grandchildren.

Please use the link below to view the service.

https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc2ODkzNzcyOTM5NzgwOSZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==