Gary Leo Konechney

OKLAHOMA CITY - Gary Leo Konechney, son of Harry and Celestine Konechney passed away May 5, 2024. He was born in Choctaw, Oklahoma, January 7,1935. He was a graduate of Choctaw High School, class of 1953. He married Shirley Barker, December 17,1955. Gary met Shirley on a bus tour of OBU during high school and was smitten. After high school he joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in England. He asked Shirley to marry him and she traveled by boat to join him and they were married at Lincolnshire Air Force Base. They had two children, Terry and Darren. Gary joined the Oklahoma City Fire Department in 1959 and retired as a captain in 1982. Gary’s faith was the cornerstone of his life. He was kind, loving and thoughtful. He was a living example of a true Christian man, husband, and father. Gary attended Southern Hills Baptist Church for over 50 years, also serving on the board of trustees. Gary enjoyed landscaping and took pride in his lawn- winning yard of the month many times. He also enjoyed spending time with friends, playing cards, tennis and in later years visiting at the donut or coffee shop. When his wife Shirley’s health failed, he was her faithful and dedicated caretaker for many years. When she was in memory care, he visited multiple times a day (never missing a day to visit her). Gary was an avid golfer and enjoyed watching golf in later years. Family was Gary’s pride and joy. He was so proud of his sons and talked often of their accomplishments. Gary was especially close to his granddaughter, Lindsey. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren- watching them play sports and grow up. He loved talking baseball and basketball with his great-grandsons and hearing about his great granddaughters school and cheer accomplishments and his grand-daughter’s dance awards. Gary Konechney was a loving husband, a caring father, a proud grandparent, and a devout follower of Christ. He touched many lives in his 89 years and he will be truly missed by his family and all who knew him. Gary is survived by his sons Terry and Darren, wife Christy, grandchildren Lindsey Golightly, husband Robert, Josie and Kelsey Saunders, great grandchildren, Kynzie, Blake and Jace. He was proceeded in death by his loving wife, Shirley, parents, sisters, Wanda Jo and Yetta Clark. He is also survived by numerous other beloved family members and friends. Visitation for Gary will be from 1 pm - 4 pm, Sunday, May 12, 2024 at Advantage Funeral Home, 7720 S. Penn. Ave, OKC, OK. Services will be at 1 pm, Monday, May 13, 2024 at Southern Hills Baptist Church, 8601 S. Penn. Ave, OKC, OK with interment to follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens, OKC.