Gary Strayhorn

Gary Don Strayhorn, 62, lifelong Seminole, Oklahoma resident died Thursday, August 21, 2014 in Seminole. Gary was born in Seminole on December 23, 1951. Gary grew up in Seminole where he attended Seminole Public Schools and graduated from Seminole High School in 1970.  He went on to attend college after graduation. Gary worked in the Seminole oilfields for many years and later worked at Wrangler as a truck driver before his retirement.  Gary was a member of the First Baptist Church in Seminole, Oklahoma. Gary enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, spending time at the lake in his favorite spot and especially coon hunting. He loved his dogs Mocha, Molly, Mannie and several coon dogs that had special names. Gary loved his family and he very much enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.  He was a Seminole High School football fan and loved to watch the games, he was especially excited that four of his grandsons were playing “Tiny Chiefs” football this year and was looking forward to watching them play.  Gary loved sightseeing; he was also known as a “Jokester” and loved telling stories. Gary is survived by his wife, Patsy Ann (Spicer) Strayhorn of the home in Bowlegs, Oklahoma his father, Thurman Smith of Bowlegs, one daughter, Kimberly Stephens and her husband Claud Stephens III of Wewoka, Oklahoma. Four sons, Gary Strayhorn and his wife Brittany of Seminole, Oklahoma, Charley Harjo and his husband, Tony of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Levi Harjo and his husband, Sissy of Maud, Oklahoma, and Pete W. Harjo of Seminole. One sister, Tammy Eller of Bowlegs, Oklahoma and twelve grandchildren, Kimbrie Strayhorn, Shem`mario Stephens, Shemmei` Stephens, Shallomar Stephens, Haedynce Strayhorn, Thaddeus Harjo, Nathania Mitchell, Lauren Coker, Marissa Coker, Alison Coker, Taylor Coker and Jesse Coker. Gary is also survived by many nieces, nephews, a host of other family and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his mother Betty Jo Smith and a son Darren Don Strayhorn. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 am., Tuesday, August 26, 2014 at the Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma with Doyle Loveland officiating. Burial will follow at the Oak Grove Cemetery in St. Louis, Oklahoma. Casket bearers will be Jeff Spicer, Ed Watson, Jay Watson, Don Watson, Trace Eller, Homer Joiner. Honorary bearers will be Buck Spicer, Richard Coyle, Steve Harris and Don Carter. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma. Funeral Information: August 26, 2014, 10:00 AM Swearingen Funeral Chapel - Seminole located at 1001 N. Milt Phillips Ave., Seminole, OK 74868