Gary Frederick Henderson

Gary Frederick Henderson, 82, went to be with his heavenly father on Monday January 30th, 2023.

He was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on July 17th, 1940 to Fred and Pauline "Skip" Henderson. He grew up in the Oklahoma City area with his younger brother Larry. He loved working on cars and spending time with his brother with whom he was very close. He graduated from Putnam City High School in 1958 where he played multiple sports.

After graduating high school, he was in the Navy for a brief time until medically discharged later that year. His time in the Navy was spent in San Diego, California. Upon his return from the Navy, he began working at Fretwell Motor Company. It was during this time he met his wife, Margie. They were married in 1959 in Miami, Oklahoma where they eloped. Gary and Margie moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma where Gary began working at Deaconess Hospital.

In late 1959, Gary and Margie's daughter, Kathy, was born. Two years later, in 1961, their son, Chris, was born. Gary's career in hospital administration began in 1966 and moved their family several different places over the years including Pawnee, Drumright, and Collinsville, Oklahoma. Gary had a true passion for music which eventually led to his next career opportunity.

In 1989, Gary began his career at Stillwater Designs in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Gary would eventually retire from Stillwater Designs as General Manager and Executive Vice President after 21 years of service. He continued to serve on the Stillwater Designs Board of Directors until his death. His love for his career and the people he worked with at Stillwater Designs radically changed his life. During this time, Gary and Margie traveled extensively, entertained many foreign dignitaries, and were honored to be true ambassadors for Kicker. His Kicker family continued to love and support him until the very end, which is something his family is endlessly thankful for.

In January of 2010, Gary retired from Stillwater Designs. He and Margie moved to Yukon, Oklahoma to be closer to their children and grandchildren. His retirement years were spent doing things he loved most which included woodworking, casino trips, a clockwork apprenticeship, and driving his 1947 Chevy "The Dream Machine", which he loved entering in car shows through the years.

He is survived by his wife and sweetheart of 64 years, Margie; his daughter, Kathy Hazelbaker and her husband, Lynn; his son, Chris Henderson; 4 grandchildren, grandson Cody Henderson and wife Britney; granddaughter Whitney Hazelbaker; grandson Jacob Henderson; grandson Zachary Hazelbaker and wife Bailey; 2 step-grandsons, Sky Buckmaster and Bryce Craig; 6 great-grandchildren; Brielle, Hayden, Charlie, Harper, Gideon, Josie, and countless other family members and friends.

He is preceded in death by his father, his mother, step father, and brother.

Gary's funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, February 2nd, 2023 at Trinity Baptist Church, 620 N. Cemetery Road Yukon, OK 73099. If a donation is on your heart, please send to either Valir Hospice of Oklahoma City or Trinity Baptist Church of Yukon. Please hug someone you love and tell them how special they are to you today.