Our beloved father, Gary Lee Stephens, passed away peacefully at his home in Cushing on July 27, 2026. He was 85 years old.
Gary was born on April 9, 1941, in Ripley, Oklahoma, to Lula (Reddout) Stephens and Clifford Stephens. He attended school in Perkins, Oklahoma, and graduated from Perkins High School in 1959. He worked for many years with the City of Cushing and the Midland/Hudson Refinery before becoming a self-employed construction and concrete worker. Gary was renowned for his excellent work throughout the Payne and Lincoln County areas and beyond.
He married the love of his life, Jane (Delaware) Stephens, on April 9, 1976, and they made their home in Stroud, where they were faithful members of Only Way Baptist Church. Gary had four children: Robin, Traci, Leah, and John. He was preceded in death by his wife Jane, his daughter Traci Parsel, and his brother Doyle.
Gary is survived by his daughter Robin Buckles of Cushing; daughter Leah Smith and her husband Jeremiah of Perkins; and son John and his wife Jennifer of Stillwater. He is also survived by his brothers Lyle of Tulsa and Ronnie of Drumright; nine grandchildren: Hayley McGee, Hannah Parsons, Ariel Schoenecke, James Snead, Kris Snead, Kassandra Snead, Clayton Snead, Liam Smith, and Caleb Smith; nineteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, August 2, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., August 3, 2026, at the First Church of God in Cushing. Interment to follow at Stroud Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family via an online guestbook at www.palmermarlerfh.com
