Gary Don Adams

Gary Don Adams, the longest serving Chief in the history of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, was born January 28, 1944 In Hobart, Oklahoma. He was the son of Willie Gilbert Adams and Chiquita Fern Minter Adams. Gary passed away on December 4, 2020, in Norman, Oklahoma.

Gary spent his childhood growing up in Hobart. He attended Hobart Public Schools graduating with the Class of 1962. As a high school athlete he played Football, Basketball, Track, and was in the Drama Club. As a young boy, Gary was also in Boy Scouts of American attaining the coveted Eagle Scout ranking. He continued his service to Boy Scouts as an adult and awarded the highest honor of Silver Beaver.

After high school Gary attended Southwestern State College, Weatherford, Oklahoma, on a football scholarship. He later attended Northern Oklahoma College, Alva, where he studied law enforcement. He was presented an Honorary Doctorate by Oklahoma Bible College.

Following college days Gary enlisted in the U.S. Marines earning the rank of Sargent. During his service he served a tour in the Vietnam War. In 1968, Gary applied for and then graduated from the 24th Academy of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. He was issued Badge 293, the same Badge number later issued to his Son in Law, Heath Meyer. Gary was promoted several times during his career with the highway patrol. Promoted to Supervisor in 1978, to lieutenant in 1982, to Captain 1986, and to Colonel (Chief) of OHP 1996. Retiring in 2006 after 38 years of service to the people of Oklahoma.

On June 30, 1977 Gary married Lanette Bolding in an outdoor ceremony at her Grandmother’s home in Bixby, Oklahoma. They just recently celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary. They deeply and affectionately loved each other and spent many wonderful times creating life long memories. Many days were spent at their condo in Branson, Missouri, where they enjoyed musical shows, the Dixie Stampede, Silver Dollar City and the Show Boat Dinner Cruise. They spent many years of service to their church, summer church youth camps, youth church directors. At their church, 12 Corners Baptist Church, Norman, Gary served as a teacher, Deacon and Lay Preacher; often called upon to speak at other churches across the state.

Gary enjoyed boating, fishing, fixing cars (literally could fix almost anything), watching TV nature programs, news and current event programs, reading National Geographic magazines, old time gospel music, and going to see musical productions in person.

His greatest loves were serving God, loving his wife, children and grandchildren. He was truly a servant by loving people always making himself available to people everywhere.

Survivors include his devoted wife, Lanette; son, Christopher Lee Adams; daughters, Melissa Kaye Meyer, Abby Ladawn Dickson, Audrey Lane Adams; grandchildren, Christopher Don Adams Cash, Samantha Nicole Adams, Mason Michael Adams, Isabelle Amara Meyer and Lily Brianna Meyer; Sister, Karen Darlene Lindsay.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Loretta Mae Ingram, Terry Jack Adams and Billy Michael Adams.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a,m,, Thursday, December 10th, First Baptist Church, 301 Northeast 27th Street, Moore, Oklahoma, with OHP Chaplain Sam Garner officiating and OHP Honor Guard serving as Casket Bearers. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Norman, with OHP Honor Guard presenting OHP Honors. Face Masks and Social -Distancing are required.

Primrose Funeral Services are in charge of Funeral Arrangements