Gary Holcomb

B: March 18, 1940
D: June 20, 2020

Gary was born on March 18th, 1940 in Shamrock, TX. He was the son of Albert and Oleta Holcomb (deceased).

Gary graduated from Del City High School in 1958. He met and dated Virginia Thrasher at this time. After graduation, he attended the Oklahoma Military Academy (Claremore) for 2 years. He attended Southwestern State College and married Virginia during that time. He completed a Bachelor and a Master's degree.

Gary taught biology at Lone Wolf, OK and became a principal/teacher at Apache, OK. He then moved to Oklahoma City to work for the Dept. of Human Services as a Special Education Counselor. During this time, he developed a program known as Joint Training Partnership Act (JTPA) which served to incorporate special needs students into local businesses for job training skills. He was also instrumental in creating the OK Dept of Vocational Rehabilitation Services. He became the liaison for all of Okla. High schools who had Work Study Programs. He started the Deaf Ed. Program in Del City, OK, and the Summer Program for Special Needs students and the first Hearing Impaired Drivers Ed. Program in Moore Gary retired 1997. Gary thought highly of his profession.

Gary loved to hunt, fish and garden. Anything to keep him outside and doing things he thought worth doing. He created immaculate flower beds around the house and always had fresh tomatoes during the summer. Weeds in the yard were considered trespassers and treated harshly for their crime. His favorite thing to do was go to the family farm with his dog Pepper, and later Goldie, to hunt/fish and go to bow shooting events.

Gary died on June 20, 2020 with his family by his side. Gary is survived by his wife Virginia Holcomb of 57 years, 2 wonderful sons (Joe and David), sister Ann Holcomb of Grove, Oklahoma, and many cousins. He and his father are now drinking their morning coffee and planning the next hunt.

Services will be held Wednesday at 11:00 at NEW HOPE CHRISTIAN CHURCH 12323 S Pennsylvania, OKC. Interment will follow at Resthaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Children's Church at New Hope Christian Church or the NRA.