Steven Norris & Patricia Schmitt Gann

Steven Norris ~ September 9, 1935 -- May 22, 2023

I’ve just been dying to get my picture in the paper… and it seems I’ve finally gotten it done… with the help of a broken femur. I was born in Ada, Oklahoma, and lived a hell-of-a-life. I graduated from Ada High School in 1953 and attended several colleges… but no degree. I was blessed with a large, wonderful, and loving family growing up. Throughout my life I did most of the things that I felt were important (with the one exception of making a lot of money). I enjoyed twenty-one years in the United States Navy and retired as a Master Chief Petty Officer. I was also nominated to be the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy… an awesome honor. After retirement, I had a reasonably successful second career in the oil and gas service industry. I was a commercial/instrument pilot, a certified sailing instructor, a published author, and a lot of other stuff that didn’t make the news… but was a lot of fun. I enjoyed readin’, writin’ and ‘rithmetic, and music. I was the king of karaoke! I was a study in mediocrity for most sports but went 10 and 0 in boxing while in high school. When I was younger, I really enjoyed skiing -- both snow and water. I also made the hole-in-one club and shot my age several times in golf. Pool was also a time-killer I enjoyed in the many dens of iniquity that I frequented. I rode and raced motorcycles, made a lot of TV commercials, and even “starred” in a movie for Phillips Petroleum. Oh yes, Johnny Walker scotch and Marlboro cigarettes were a daily vice. Madonna Allen put up with me for about eighteen years but couldn’t stand the permanent shore duty and let me go (to her benefit) but remained a close friend. After hauling explosives in an eighteen-wheeler for a year or so to get my ducks in a row, I came back to town and met the beautiful blonde, Pat (Schmitt) Hamberg. After about a year of intense salesmanship, I finally convinced her to be my bride. We were married for 43 years and successfully blended the two families that lasted “till death do us part”. I was the oldest of seven siblings born to William M. and Geneva L. Gann, who predeceased me. My beautiful wife, Pat, predeceased me by 46 days. My grandson Ryan Gann predeceased me by 55 days. I am survived by my son, Sam and wife Teresa; son, Michael; daughter Becky, daughter Tracy and husband David; son Trip and wife Julie. Beloved grandchildren: Grayson and wife Haylie; Kylie and husband Blake; Chase; Chance and Kayci. Great Grandchildren: Keenan, Karli, Addison, Jett, Destany, Mariah, Nikolas and Kennedy. My brother and five sisters also survive me.

Steve, being ever prepared, wrote all but the last of this obituary! He was an awesome man and will be greatly missed. A celebration of life for Pat and Steve will be held at 12:00, July 15, at Hahn-Cook Funeral Home, 6600 Broadway Extension, Oklahoma City, OK.

_______________________________________________

Obituary for Patricia Schmitt Gann

Patricia Schmitt Gann, born on March 21, 1939, in Oklahoma City, peacefully passed away on April 6, 2023. She was surrounded by her loving family and friends during her final days. Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Billye Roger Ward and George Schmitt, as well as her sister Judy, son Mike, and grandson Ryan. She was shortly followed in death by the love of her life, Steve Gann.

She leaves behind her daughters Becky, Tracy with husband David, and sons Trip with wife Julie, Sam with wife Teresa and brother Ray with wife Lucy. Patricia had a deep love for her family, and she was immensely proud of each one of her grandchildren: Grayson, Kayci, Kylie, Michael, Chase and Chance. She was “Over the Moon” about her great-grandchildren, Kennedy, Keenan, Karli, Addison, Jett, Destany, Mariah and Nikolas. She loved them more than “all the popcorn in the world” and they called her Honey. She was proud to be a 1957 graduate of Catholic High. She had many jobs throughout her life, but Trigg Drilling and Dobson Communications were by far her favorites. Patricia had a vibrant personality that brought great joy to those around her. She possessed a wonderful sense of humor, with a quick and dry wit that never failed to entertain. She was sassy, classy, and always truly beautiful inside and out. Patricia loved to sing and entertain, and she relished being the center of attention. Her home had an open-door policy, where friends and family were always welcome. She loved and lost but never gave up. Patricia's family would like to express their gratitude to Mercy Hospice, Stroud Medical Center and the many supportive friends and neighbors for their unwavering care and assistance, especially her lifelong friend Sharon. In honor of Patricia's memory, the family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Stroke Association or a charity of your choice. Patricia's Memorial Service will be held with Steven's on July 15, 2023 at 12:00 pm in the Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Chapel.