Gary Wayne Connelly was born September 21, 1946 in Chandler, Oklahoma to Emery Thomas Connelly and Opal Marie Newby.

He passed away unexpectedly December 28, 2013 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at the age of 67.

Gary was full of pride to have graduated from a small town high school, Wellston Class of 1964.

He married Sherry Rawdon and worked in construction while they lived in Oklahoma City for a short time.

He attended Central State College until he went to Vietnam proudly serving his country in the United States Marines Corps. Upon his return he joined the Oklahoma Army National Guard and worked at Tinker Air force Base where he later retired after 30 total years of service.

Gary was a long time member of the Wellston United Methodist Church, served multiple terms as president of the Wellston Alumni Association, retired from service as a Wellston Volunteer Firefighter, served with the Wellston American Legion and was the caretaker and sexton for the Wellston Cemetery.

In his retirement he found joy caring for others working at Baggerley Funeral Home and Lehman Funeral Home along with many of the other Dignity funeral homes in the metro area.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Ronald Verne Connelly.

Survivors include his wife, Sherry Connelly of the home; two sons, Jason Connelly and his wife Misti of Edmond; Justin Connelly and his partner Olivier Pratt of Oklahoma City; four grandchildren, Rachel, Zachary, Sydney "little bitty", Jordan "Blondie"; sister, Sharon Miller and her husband George of Wellston; five nephews; seven nieces; and an endless host of friends.

A funeral was held at 2:00 Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at the Wellston Missionary Baptist Church with interment following in the Wellston Cemetery.

Arrangements were under the direction of Lehman Funeral Home of Wellston.