Gary Wayne Poore

Born March 12, 1954, in St. John’s Hospital located in Tulsa OK, Gary grew up in various states graduating from Valley High School in West Des Moines, Iowa and continuing to the University of Iowa where he received his bachelor’s degree.

Gary always had a sense of humor, his laughter being heard by all and bringing a smile to everyone around.  “There’s a million ways…” – one of his favorite sayings he lived true to throughout his life from his various careers in family businesses as well as working in the world of lasers and printers for over 30 years.  Gary had a passion for helping people realize their dreams and never listened to the terms “have to” or “should.”  There are always options, opportunities, and ways to accomplish anything.

His passion for fishing with his best friend Chris Adams was known to all as we looked forward to the Alaskan smoked Salmon that would soon to be coming or the fresh canned Albacore Tuna.  One of Gary’s greatest memories is his grandson Sam’s first fishing trip, the picture he carried in his laptop bag wherever he went as well as the picture of Sam and Evie, his little princess who built the great fort in his front room and remodeled it throughout the weekend.

Gary’s life touched so many people words cannot contain all the wonderful experiences, mentorship, love, support, and joy he brought wherever he went.  Gary was happy to be home in Skiatook after spending the majority of his life in Northern California/Washington State as a “roadie” in business, finally enjoying retirement watching the sunrise, sunsets, and storm skies of Oklahoma.

Gary’s last decade of life was filled with joy and love as he rebuilt his home and retired with his beloved wife Chrystal, enjoying family, trips, remodels, barbeques, and all the things he loved in life.

Those who knew Gary will not be surprised to learn he did not wish for a formal service, but rather to be cremated with his ashes spread at the pond where he spread his sister Deanne’s ashes. Gary’s world was so vast with so many people that loved him or respected him, it is impossible to include everyone.  Gary’s wish was to be remembered as he was in your life and all the wonderful times you experienced with him.  Before Gary’s passing, he wanted everyone to know “I had a good run and enjoyed my life.  I am so proud of my daughters for the independent women they have become, appreciate their wonderful husbands and my grandchildren who are now big cheeses.  Let everyone know I had no ill feelings for anything and was happy.  Do not be sad.”  As Gary would always say – Enjoy!

Gary Wayne Poore passed away peacefully in his home in Skiatook at 2:15 a.m. Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at the age of 70.  Gary was preceded in death by his father Rex Poore and sister Deanne Phillips.  He is survived by his wife Chrystal, mother Dottie (Miller) Poore, sister Sue Watson (Tom), daughters, Meghan Huber (David), Hilary Eddlemon (Troy), Elizabeth Wanamaker (Robbie), his grandchildren Sam and Evie Huber, best friend Chris Adams, many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, colleagues and individuals he considered sisters and brothers such as J.L. and Ronda Holt, Scott and Carol Johnson, Booker and many others too numerous to mention regardless of their blood relationship with Gary.

The family of Gary are grateful to the care and services of Sien-Shelton Funeral Home Skiatook, OK 918-396-9500.  Randy, Adam and their staff have been very helpful and respectful during this time honoring Gary’s wishes in his passing.  Thank you!