Gary Lee Howard

November 20, 1943, ~ October 4, 2024

Gary Lee Howard, age 80, passed away peacefully during the early morning hours of October 4th, 2024. Gary was born November 20, 1943, in the small town of Mounds, Oklahoma, to Reverend Roy Francis and Ina Mae (Cooper) Howard. Growing up, Gary was a sports fanatic participating in basketball, track, and baseball. He continued his successful baseball career by playing in the finals for the College World Series for the same school he was so fervently devoted to until the very end, Oklahoma State University. He later transferred to Tulsa University to finish his bachelors. After college, Gary joined and maintained a 6-year contract with the Air National Guard Reserves for the Air Force. After his military years, Gary served for OG+E as a Community Relations Manager for roughly 31 years while also receiving his master’s degree from Southern Nazarene University. He retired from his career in 2005. Gary spent the rest of his leisurely retirement golfing, doing daily crosswords, participating and leading in numerous activities/clubs for his community, cooking for his family, and most importantly, always making ice cream runs with his granddaughters. Gary was a very dedicated family man. Always making sure to tell each and every person how proud he was of them and that he loved them. His loved ones will always be sure to find him in each and every sunset he paints.

Gary has been reunited in Heaven with his beloved parents.

His cherished memory is survived by his wife of 57 years, Norma Howard, their children Gary Lee Howard Jr. with wife Kristy Howard, Julie Miller with Husband Jim Miller, grandchildren Robbie Miller, Haidee Fry, Brylee Howard, and Meagan Howard, along with his brother Ronald Howard with wife Mary Howard, and great grand-dog Nico.

Reception will be held 6-8pm Monday, October 7th at the Asa Smith Funeral Home. Graveside will be held at 10:30 am, Tuesday, October 8th at the Memory Lane Cemetery.

I lieu of flowers the family suggests donations Alzheimer’s Association of Oklahoma City. A link can be found on our website.