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Garry "Duane" Harp was born Sunday, May 14, 1950, in Keota, Oklahoma, to William "Bill" Allison Harp and Edgal (Iness) Harp. He passed away on May 2, 2024, in Norman, Oklahoma, at the age of 73. Garry was a loving husband to Shirley, a dedicated father to Crystal, Cody, and Camille, and an extremely proud "Pop" to Ireland, Gavin, Caitlin, Phoenix and Scout.
Garry attended Edgemere Elementary, Harding & Northwest Classen High School in Oklahoma City, and Tuttle High School. In 1964, around the age of 14, he met the love of his life, Shirley Kuhlman. Garry would ride his horse, "Punkin", 10 miles one way to visit Shirley at her home in Tuttle. After Garry and Shirley shared their first kiss, he said to her “Welp, I guess I have to marry you now!” Despite Shirley’s parents' disapproval, there was no stopping this love story. They married in 1969, had three children and enjoyed nearly 55 years of constant companionship and deep affection for one another.
His passion for hard work and his restless spirit led him to several careers, many times these endeavors overlapping. He excelled in concrete construction throughout his life, and also built a successful tile business alongside his son, Cody. For years, Garry worked nationwide as a construction supervisor for Confederate Builders. Garry and Shirley also had a successful band and ran a bar and music venue in Grady County, where they entertained patrons with music ranging from Garry's original songs to ZZ Top to Merle Haggard. Garry was also a mechanic who owned and operated both an automobile shop and motorcycle shop at times in his life. He was a determined laborer without a hint of surrender. He never met a puzzle he couldn't solve, nor a challenge too great to conquer. Oftentimes, solutions would come to him in his dreams. His love for learning, and his extraordinary artistic vision lead him to an active life in music and mechanics.
An exceptionally talented, self-taught guitar player, singer, and songwriter, Garry captivated audiences with his musical prowess. His ability to imitate voices of iconic artists like Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings showcased his imagination in music. Garry could play guitar tirelessly for hours, sometimes to Shirley's dismay, as she played bass alongside him. Garry loved an audience. His knack for storytelling drew people in, and sparked connection with his listeners. Garry loved to share his music and bring lightness to a room with a song, a joke, or his playful teasing. His wit kept anyone around him laughing and without a doubt, you left his company feeling lighter.
Garry was a true renaissance man and became proficient at any endeavor he chose to follow... (except maybe the fiddle). Along with many unforgettable friends, he enjoyed long days of quail hunting and trained many excellent bird dogs. He roped, rode horses, and loved the excitement of racing quarter horses. He raced dirt bikes and rode Harley-Davidson motorcycles across the country. He excelled in his softball league with Shirley. He enjoyed fishing with his kids and grandkids in his home pond and spent countless hours maintaining his property that he called his "Kingdom". He loved to tinker and rebuild antique Harley-Davidson golf carts. Garry was a natural teacher. He guided many people in their lives toward music, construction, and mechanics. Garry didn't only want to help you, he wanted to teach you. His patience was undeniable, his attention to detail; unmatched. He was an inventor and earned the nickname "MacGuyver" because of his ingenious ideas when building and repairing things.
Despite Garry's accomplishments, he remained humble and modest in his character. Always giving credit where credit was due and encouragement to those around him to do their best. He was driven to help others when he was needed and was always ready for a cold beer to celebrate a job well done.
Garry will be dearly missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, and siblings, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends he considered his family. Garry is survived by his wife, Shirley Harp of the home, Crystal Gregory & Frank Orman of Asher, Cody Harp & Natalie Oswald of Blanchard, Camille Harp-Young & Thomas Young of Norman, Grandchildren Ireland Gregory, Gavin Harp, Caitlin Harp, Phoenix Young and Scout Young. Jo & Jack Oxford of Cypress, TX, Verjetta Sue Williams & Darwin Hatley of Tuttle, Bill & Margie Harp of Tuttle. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Barbara Jean Harp.
The family will hold a memorial service celebrating Garry's life at The Railhouse in Norman, Oklahoma, at 2 pm on May 14th, 2024, on what would have been Garry's 74th birthday. Garry's legacy of music, humor, and love will forever be cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing him. Arrangements are under the direction of Eisenhour Funeral Home, Blanchard, Oklahoma. Online obituary and guestbook are available at www.eisenhourfh.com
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