Kevin Merle Gorby

Kevin Merle Gorby, 65, of Buckner, MO, passed at his home on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026. Kevin was born in Nowata on Dec, 23, 1960, to Kenneth and Velda Marie Hilta (Finney) Gorby. While he was at Nowata high School, he was a member of the FFA and enjoyed showing his calves at the county fair. He graduated from Nowata High School in 1979, and as he grew older; he participated in field trials with his bird dogs, winning many awards. "Jet" was his favorite dog he owned. He worked for many years in Tulsa and in 1988, moved to Buckner, working for the Watco Manufacturing Company for over 30 years. His primary duties were as a machine operator and a fork lift driver. 

Kevin is survived by a sister, Glenda Robb and her husband, Charles B. of Chelsea; a brother, Kenny Gorby Jr. and his wife Diane of Collinsville; his nephews and nieces whom he held very dear, Martha Harper, Becky Hardesty, Josh Peak, Phillip Peak, Greg Peak, Jonathan Most, Jared Gorby, and Ryan Humphrey; as well as 20 great nieces and nephews, a host of other relatives and friends, and a lifelong friend, Randy Anderson, He was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Linda Peak.

Funeral Services for Kevin will be held on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, at 1:00 pm in the Benjamin Funeral Chapel with Brother Wendell Abbott officiating. A privated family Interment will follow in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Nowata, at a later date. Online condolences can be left at www.honoringmemoriesnowata.com of the Benjamin Funeral Service Facebook page. Arrangements are under the direction of the Benjamin Funeral Service, 114 w. cherokee, Nowata.