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Gary Goforth Obituary
Sep 27, 1935 - Sep 25, 2024
It is with profound sadness, we announce the passing of Dr. Gary Goforth. Gary Kris Goforth was born September 27, 1935 in Winfield, Kansas, to K.C. and Alice Goforth. He passed peacefully two days shy of his 89th birthday on September 25, 2024.
Gary graduated from Classen High School in 1953 as an Eagle Scout. From there, he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree at Kansas State Teachers College of Pittsburg along with a Masters Degree in Preventative Medicine and Public Health from the University of Oklahoma. In 1962, he earned a Doctorate Degree in Osteopathic Medicine from the Kansas City College of Osteopathic Medicine. During these years, he was a distinguished ROTC military graduate and a 32nd Degree Mason.
Gary began his career as an intern at Oklahoma Osteopathic Hospital, now OSU Medical Center, in 1963. From there he became a Family Practitioner, serving his community for over 5 decades in Tulsa, OK. During these years, his accomplishments were many. Gary was a member of the Department of General Practice at Columbia Tulsa Regional Medical Center, a President of the Tulsa District Osteopathic Society, Chairman of the Department of General Practice at Oklahoma Osteopathic Hospital, as well as a member, Board of Trustees, for the Oklahoma Osteopathic Hospital Founders Association. Professional advancements include completion of board certification by the American College of Osteopathic Physicians, and in 1986, a California State Medical License.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, Gary raised a family of three sons, Scott (1960), Steve (1962), and Brian (1965). On November 24th, 1978, he married the love of his life, Tommi. The result was a blended family including a beautiful daughter, Mollie (1976).
A trusted community leader, Gary was wise, intelligent, astute, yet a humble man with a great sense of humor. He was comical, witty, and there was not a person who did not enjoy being in his company. One was to always be on guard in anticipation of a quick well-crafted response at any moment. He loved golf, along with his boys, who honor his memory and "live" the game. Never short on helpful advice, a favorite was "Nothing is ever as bad as it seems". You might not know why or like it, but eventually you will figure it out. In his death, it finally makes sense. He was a great man with a loving heart, warm presence, and generous spirit. We are grateful that his humor will live on through each of us, and we will carry him in our hearts forevermore.
He is survived by his wife, Tommi, his son, Scott (Suzanne) of Oklahoma City, OK, his son, Steve (Brooke) of Tulsa, OK, his son, Brian (Lisa) of Tulsa, OK, and his daughter, Mollie (JW) Craft of Tulsa, OK. He is survived by his grandchildren: Kelsey, Hunter (Olivia), Caitlin (Henry), Brady (Emonni), Jake, Kingsley, Holland, Lachlan, and Windsor; great-grandchildren, Bennett & Brooks, Paul & Halle, and Kamden & Emersen.
The family would like to offer its sincerest gratitude to those who cared for Gary on his journey to Heaven. Nicole, Katie-Ann, Darrell, and Tim from Suncrest Hospice, the staff at Porta Caeli House, and Tulsa Fire Station No. 5.
Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, October 11, 2024 at Saint Luke's Episcopal Church, 4818 E. 9th St, Tulsa, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Suncrest Hospice and Porta Caeli House at Catholic Charities.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Goforth
Erika Zingg Dugan
January 18, 2025
Erika Zingg Dugan
January 16, 2025
Dr. Goforth cared for my family. I was one of the last babies he delivered, when family practice used to do that sort of thing. I guess before he teamed up with Sappington. Sappington delivered my twin sisters younger than me. He was the Norman Rockwell like doctor of my life. Sorry but a little scary sometimes even though he had Frieda do the shots.
Having been all of the places my health and career took me as a health care professional now, I appreciate so much that my mom had him for all of my young life and my sisters and to take care of mom and walk her through the passing and needs of her dad in 1980. I am sure it was because of his brilliance we got to know our grandfather did not just have alzheimers but a rare form of biliary cancer. As an adult it is fun to learn of his training and history now a childhood patient would have no connection and care for really.
I am sorry I was navigating too much to attend his retirement or send a card. He was like family to my family and I thank him for being in my life. I have memories of the picture Bible on his tables, the Highlights magazines, the Mad Magazine which I thought during the pandemic oddly looked like Dr. Fauci who had the hardest job of being America's spokesperson. I remember his sign with the serpents and driving in our van to the office on 11th street. He was friends with my mom and would talk about Tommie's shopping habits and how my grandmother sold real estate to support hers and still had savings and more. I appreciate the years he gave to always being there. I appreciate the consistency he gave. So sorry for your family's loss. He made so many wonderful lives, or kept them balancing. Would tell us how long to stay out of school not to spread viruses like chicken pox to others or infections like strep. He gave great community medicine beyond family medicine.
Donna Hudgens
January 13, 2025
So sorry to hear of Dr Goforth´s passing. We had so wished to see him one last time at his retirement going away but my father suffered a stroke only days prior, (he is still with us thank you Lord), but we wanted to tell Dr Goforth how much he was more to our family than just a doctor. I only wish providers today had even a 3rd of kindness for people and his patience and intelligence. He could teacher healthcare practitioners today more than a thing or two. We so miss him. We know your family will never be the same without him. So sorry. Hudgens Family
Debra K. Johnson
October 28, 2024
I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. He was the Doctor who delivered me in 1969 at the Oklahoma Osteopathic Hospital, and as a young child, I would go to his office on 11th and Mingo. My mom enjoyed having him as our family doctor. He lived a wonderful, full life.
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Terry Geasland
October 19, 2024
Such a kind man...I first went to him when he had a little office at 11th and Mingo...probably late 60's...rest in Heaven..
Glenna Morrison
October 7, 2024
Went.to Dr Goforth many years ago. Great doctor and man. He will be missed.
Gregory Schmidt
October 7, 2024
You can search and search and never find a better friend and someone who always had sage advice with encouragement. He lived for his family, friends and patients. Playing golf with him for almost 30 years was a tonic of laughter along with talking about a great variety of subjects. My sincere condolences to Tommi and the rest of the family. Sincerely Gregory M. Schmidt DO.
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