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Harry George Gartside, Jr., 80, left this world to renew his joy with his savior Friday, November 25, 2016 at Alliance Health of Ponca City.
A ceremony to celebrate his life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, December 1, 2016 at the First Presbyterian Church with Reverend Robert Montgomery officiating. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 30 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Trout Funeral Home.
Harry was born on March 7, 1936 to Harry George Gartside, Sr. and Mollie (London) Gartside in Leadville, CO. He graduated from Minturn High School in 1953 where he played every sport offered. He received a B.S. in Math from Colorado State University, where he was a member of Kappa Mu Epsilon - National Honorary Mathematical Honor Society. He then attended the University of Colorado to begin a Master's Degree in Math and suspended his studies to enter Naval Officer Candidate School, where he finished in the top 17% of his class. Harry became an ensign in the Navy in 1959 and proudly served on the USS Midway. During his naval career, he was assigned to the Nuclear Weapons Division and the Defense Atomic Support Agency, earning the rank of Lieutenant Commander. One of the crowning moments of his naval career was when he was ordered to Admiral Hyman G. Rickover's office for a personal interview. On January 1, 1961, Harry married his high school sweetheart, Glenda Lynne Walker. Upon receiving an honorable discharge in 1964, Harry continued to serve his country in the Navy Reserves until 1974. In 1964, he joined the computer department at Continental Oil Company in Ponca City and was transferred between Ponca City and Houston; retiring in Ponca City after 28 years of service.
Harry not only served his country, but also his community. He received his 50-year membership pin from the AF&AM Masonic Lodge in Leadville, Colorado. He was an active member of First Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon and an elder, and was a member of the Elks Lodge. In his most recent years, he thoroughly enjoyed his membership in the Noon Lions Club. He felt privileged to be a recipient of their highest honor, the Melvin Jones Fellow Award. Anyone who knew Harry, knew he loved puzzle books, card games, and was an avid sports fan. Harry enjoyed all sports and all levels from high school to college to professional. His favorite team was the Texas Rangers and he also liked the Denver Broncos and Dallas Cowboys. He enjoyed playing tennis and golf until he was no longer able to do so because of health reasons. If there was a sports event on television, Harry was sure to be watching. Glenda delighted Harry on his 65th birthday with a surprise trip to Atlanta with his son and son-in-law to watch his then favorite team, the Braves.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 55 years, Glenda of the home, children, Kim Dobbs and husband Preston of Heath, Texas; Kenny Gartside and wife Donya of Ponca City; grandchildren: Laura and Jay Dobbs, Gabrielle, Melanie, and Benjamin Gartside; great-grandchildren, Brantley and Rhett Cady; sister, Luanna Leidy and husband, Russell; brother-in-law, Byron Walker, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and infant son, Douglas Ray Gartside.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 1505 E. Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601 and/or the Ponca City Noon Lions Club, P.O. Box 532, Ponca City, OK 74602.
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