Gary Wayne Carmichael passed away in Oklahoma City on Saturday, April 29, 2017, at the age of 76 years.

Gary was the son of Howard & Walsie Frances (Richardson) Carmichael, born on May 7, 1940 in Palmdale, California. He was brought up and attended schools in Holdenville, Oklahoma, and graduated Holdenville High School with the Class of 1958. He joined the U.S. Army and served ten years, from 1954 to 1964.

He married Mary Kathryn Lucas on October 5, 1960, in Kansas City, Missouri, and returned to Oklahoma at the end of his military service. He worked as a machinist and diemaker for Western Electric, and attended East Central University in Ada, where he earned two masters degrees. He taught school in Oklahoma, Texas, and California, and received his third masters degree from California State University in San Bernardino. We worked in Oklahoma as Principal, for the State Department of Education, and as Superintendent. Over the years he was active in Kiwanis and Lions Clubs.

Gary was a man of extensive talent and ability. He loved working outdoors, and twice built his own home. He was a skilled welder and gardener. His greatest joy was his family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Howard & Walsie Carmichael; one brother, Sammy Lee Carmichael, and infant triplet siblings; two nieces, Kimberly Colleen Carmichael Harvey and Debra Lee; one nephew, Donnie Lee; his mother-in-law, Minnie Lucas.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-six years, Mary Kathryn Lucas Carmichael, of the home; two children: Russell Charles Carmichael (Carla), and Gay La Dyan Carmichael, all of McLoud; three grandchildren: Katie Carmichael, Sean Carmichael, and Adam Carmichael; one sister, Joyce Lee of Norman; one niece, Rachel Carmichael Haskins, and three nephews: Samuel Carmichael, Steven Wyrick, and Terry Hearn; cousin Kenneth Roberts of Holdenville; many other relatives and friends.

Private family services were held with military honors at Holdenville Cemetery.