Gary Lynn Whybark

Gary Lynn Whybark, age 79, died on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at his assisted living home in Lawton, Oklahoma after a long battle with chronic illnesses.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lucky and Joyce Whybark, his brother, Ricky Tom Whybark, and his son, Gary Thomas Whybark.

His surviving immediate family members include his wife, Rose Whybark; his sister and her husband, Becky and Clif Davis; his nieces: Crystal and Cynthia Whybark; his nephew, Justin Davis and his fiancé, Justine Banda; and his niece and her husband, Rachel and Thomas Slack.

Gary was born in Marlow, Oklahoma on September 12, 1946, to Corris Ansel (Lucky) and Evelyn Joyce Whybark. He graduated from high school in Willingboro, New Jersey in 1964, where he was a star football player and president of his senior class. After high school, he attended college before joining the army.

Gary was a highly decorated U.S. Army veteran who fought in the Vietnam war from 1967 to 1969. He served in the 7th Armored Squadron; 17th Air Cavalry attaining the rank of Sargent E-5. Gary was awarded the Bronze Star on December 30,1968 for "meritorious service in connection with military operations against a hostile force". His other service awards include the Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Gary did not talk much about his experience in Vietnam but from one story he did tell, he was at one point trapped behind enemy lines with his unit and was one of the few survivors of that battle. For certain, he was a humble and brave soldier, and proud to have served his country.

Gary married Rose Marie McCune on April 7, 1987. They resided in Philadelphia before moving to Marlow, Oklahoma later that same year. Gary worked in his family's greenhouse business and subsequently as a meat cutter and inventory clerk at the Homeland Grocery stores. Gary and Rose adopted Gary Thomas Whybark, "Little Gary," as their only child.

He resided at his home in Marlow until May of this year when he moved to assisted living in Lawton.

Gary was a master storyteller and especially enjoyed recalling family memories. He could spin a good yarn with the best of them. Watching western, sci-fi and action movies was one of his favorite pastimes. Gary had an infectious laugh and maintained a positive outlook no matter what challenge he was facing.

Gary will always be remembered as a loving, outgoing and gregarious son, husband, father, brother, and friend. He was well loved by his family who are rejoicing that he is in Heaven with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and is free of all pain and suffering.

A memorial service is planned for 10:00 A.M., Monday, December 8, at the Whitt Funeral Home Chapel with Ron Stough officiating. Inurnment in the Fort Sill National Cemetery in Elgin, Oklahoma will follow at 1:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Wounded Warrior Project in memory of Gary L. Whybark (https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org).




 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gary Lynn Whybark, please visit our floral store.