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The services celebrating the life of Mr. Gary E. Strimple, 73 of Enid will be held 10:00 A.M., Thursday, June 23, 2016 at the First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Andrew Long officiating. Cremation will follow under the direction of Brown-Cummings Funeral Home. The family will receive friends and loved ones at a jazz band wake on Wednesday, June 22, 2016 from 5:00 P.M. through 7:00 P.M. at the Brown-Cummings Funeral Home.
Mr. Gary E. Strimple was born on July 28, 1942 in Norfolk, Nebraska to Jesse Dale and Hope Shannon Strimple and passed away June 16, 2016 in Jasper, Colorado at his beloved cabin.
Gary moved to Enid when he was child to be near extended family. He traveled throughout Northwest Oklahoma, for his step-father's work as a school superintendent, during his youth. Gary returned to Enid in 1956 where he attended Enid Schools, graduating from Enid High School in 1961. Gary attended Phillips University, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education in 1965 and a Master's Degree in 1968. He was a member of Camelot Social Service Club and Phi Mu Alpha Music Fraternity. He served as Alumni Advisor to Phi Mu Alpha while pursuing his Master's Degree.
As an undergraduate student, he attended Phillips University Science Camp for summer sessions, and continued affiliation with that institute for several years where he worked on building and maintenance crews and finally became assistant administrator. During his time at Science Camp he found property in the same area, on which he built a cabin. This was part of his life that always remained dear to him.
Gary married Eddie Lou Sims on June 5, 1971, at First Christian Church of Houston, TX.
Gary was assistant band director at Enid High School during his senior year at Phillips, and then taught his first year at Billings High School. He became band director at Emerson Junior High School, and later transitioned into the elementary class room as a 5th and 6th grade teacher. Starting at Monroe Elementary School and then transferring to Hoover. Upon retirement, he continued to drive a school bus for the Enid School Systems. Gary's hobbies were flying, carpentry, reading and photography.
Gary was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and sang in the adult choir for 58 years. He served as a deacon and an elder and interim choir director.
Gary's survivors include his wife, Eddie Lou; sons, Sean & wife Tracy of Chicago, IL, Ian & wife Macy of New York City; daughter, Shannon Hamilton & husband Clay of Colorado; grandsons, Jack and Will; granddaughters, Bennett and Melonie.
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