Gary Wayne Kirk was born April 3, 1948, in Elk City, Oklahoma, to Sarah Faye (Dodson) and Martin John Kirk. He passed away Saturday, August 22, 2020, at his home in Elk City, Oklahoma, at the age of 72 years, 4 months and 19 days.
Gary grew up in Elk City and attended school in Merritt where he graduated in 1966. During his time in high school, at the age of 16, he married Glenna (Stone) at Wheeler, Texas, on November 27, 1964.
He was active in FFA and farming. Gary and Glenna made their home in Elk City and attended Sayre Junior College for two years where Gary obtained his associates degree in education. In 1968 they moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma. He attended Oklahoma State University and worked full time on the Allen Dean dairy farm. He graduated in 1970 with his bachelor’s degree in agricultural education. Gary’s first job was at Coyle, Oklahoma, where he remained for two years before moving to Cheyenne where he completed his 36-year career.
After his retirement they moved to Elk City where Gary enjoyed collecting and restoring John Deere tractors, working in his yard and during his declining health he enjoyed watching John Wayne movies. Gary loved to read history and National Geographic magazines.
He was also very patriotic. Besides his family, Gary’s passion in life was attending his Bible school class.
Throughout Gary’s life, he was an educator that saw his profession as more than just teaching students. He viewed his role being an influence in kids’ lives, and there were numerous times he would help his students with more than school projects. Gary tried to instill life lessons and values within every student he taught.
Gary was a member of the Cheyenne Kiwanis club, a volunteer on the Cheyenne Fire Department for 30 years and numerous state agricultural education associations. He was also a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one granddaughter, Faith Elizabeth Biddy.
Gary is survived by his wife, Glenna, of the home; three children, Wayne Kirk and wife, Lisa, Weatherford, OK, Susan McElhaney and husband, Evan, Weatherford, OK and Bob Kirk and companion, Jenny Jones, Elk City, OK; seven grandchildren, Brandon Kirk, Trey Biddy, Tyler Kirk, Jake Biddy, Braxton Kirk, Hailey Kirk and Jaxon Gamble; one brother, Rick Kirk and wife, Lou, Elk City, OK and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral Services will be held Tuesday August 25, 2020, at Elk City First Baptist Church with Dr. Russell Duck, and Pastor Terrell Romberg officiating. Burial will be at Fairlawn Cemetery under the direction of Chris Whinery and the staff of Affordable Cremation Service-West. Condolences can be made online at www.classicfunerals.com.