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Gary Don Powell passed away on June 10, 2026, in Durant, Oklahoma, at the age of 78.
He was born on February 28, 1948, in Wade, Oklahoma, to Jasper and Juanita Powell. Gary graduated from Bokchito High School and shortly afterward married the love of his life, Joan Sherefield, on December 23, 1967. Soon after, he was drafted into the United States Army and served honorably in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. During his military service, he was recognized for heroism under enemy fire and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Combat Infantryman Badge.
After his military service, he continued to build a life marked by dedication and perseverance. He earned a bachelor's degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and began a career with Texas Instruments/MEMC in Sherman, Texas, where he remained for 35 years until his retirement.
Gary was a devoted Christian and member of Silo Baptist Church, his faith was reflected in the way he lived, treated others, and loved those closest to him. He found joy in life's simple pleasures, spending many happy hours golfing, fishing, and tending to his yard. He appreciated time outdoors and took pride in caring for the things entrusted to him, reflecting the quiet, dependable nature that defined him.
Above all, Gary loved his family deeply. He is survived by his wife, Joan Powell; his son, Stephen Powell and wife, Edie; his daughter-in-law, Leslie Powell; his grandchildren, Dylan Powell, Mackenzie Beckham and husband, Ryan, Gracie Powell, and Kaleb Powell; his great-grandchildren, Kooper Powell and Kalli Powell, all of Durant, Oklahoma; and his sister, Olevia Olson and husband, Bob, of Paris, Texas. He is also survived by numerous other relatives and friends who will remember him with love and affection.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jasper and Juanita Powell; his son, Gary Dale Powell; and his brother, Wayne Powell.
Gary's legacy lives on in the family he loved, the values he passed down, and the example he set for those who knew him. His memory will be cherished by all whose lives were touched by his love, kindness, and steadfast faith.
Family hour will be held on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, from 7:00-8:00 PM at Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Silo Baptist Church with Roger Speers officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Highland Cemetery in Durant, Oklahoma, with Military Honors provided by Fort Sill. Serving as pallbearers will be Wendell Peoples, Rick Vandenburg, Sid Tolbert, Tom Marcum, Dan Baskin, and Louis Chandler.
Services are under the direction of Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home. www.holmescoffeymurray.com
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