Gary Lynn Girdner

Gary Lynn Girdner was born at home in Tailholt, a small community in Welling, Oklahoma, to Mary Davidson and Garlin Girdner on Saturday, July 17, 1954. He was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 69 years of age.

Gary graduated from Tahlequah High School in 1972 and until his health started to fail him, never missed a reunion. He was loud and proud and loved by his classmates. After high school, Gary enlisted in the United States Air Force. Due to unforeseen circumstances, he could not complete his enlistment period. It was at this time, he married Margaret Patrick. Their only son, James (Scooby) Wesley Girdner, was born to this union. Gary’s second marriage to Nancy Cornwell gained him two bonus sons, Johnny Cornwell and Joey Friend.

Gary was a heavy equipment mechanic for most of his adult life. He retired from Medley Equipment in Tulsa. He grew up working on cars with his dad so it’s no surprise he could fix anything with a motor. Gary was an avid hunter and shooter. He eventually became a Gunsmith. Although a talented marksman, he missed his shot at several deer as he slept in the blind most of the time. Gary always said he slept easy in the woods because it was so peaceful and comforting to him. He loved the outdoors. One of his favorite times of year was when he camped with family during 4th of July at the Boy Scout Hole on Baron Fork Creek. He was generous to a fault. Even in death, he is still giving in the form of organ donation. Gary was a God-fearing man and was not ashamed to share his love of the Lord with others. He spent the last 24 years with his significant other, Ann Allen. With this partnership came two bonus daughters, Kate Miller (Katie Bob) and Sarah Beth Allen and one bonus son, Michael Allen.

Gary was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, his parents, his previous wife Margaret, his son James (Scooby) Girdner, previous wife Nancy, bonus son Johnny, one great-grandson, sister Connie Bradham and husband Larry, and sister Donita Girdner.

He leaves behind to mourn him, his significant other Ann of the home, his bonus children, Joey Friend, Kate Miller and husband Judd, Michael Allen, Sarah Beth Allen, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, one baby sister, Anita Christie, three brothers, Arlie Girdner and wife Sarah, Robie Girdner and wife Teresa, Tony Girdner and wife Becky and a host of many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and loved ones.

Funeral services for Gary Lynn Girdner will be held on Friday, May 24, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Reed-Culver Chapel with Pastor Gary Fountain officiating. There will be a time of visitation on Thursday, May 23, 2024 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Reed-Culver Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest at Caney Cemetery in the Tailholt Community along with his family.

Pallbearers for Gary include Arlie Girdner II, Billy Jack Bickford, Joey Friend, Charles Allen, Glenn Bradham and Tony Girdner. His honorary pallbearers include Josh Girdner, Robbie Girdner and Arlie Girdner.