Gary Schwab passed away unexpectedly from natural causes at his home in Stillwater, Oklahoma on January 28, 2024, after an extended illness from cancer that had only been diagnosed three days before his passing. He was 67. Family and friends were shocked and saddened at the news. Gary's love of God, country, family, and friends was ever present and his presence will be missed by many. A memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 3, 2024 at the First United Methodist Church in Stillwater. Inurnment will follow at 1:00 p.m. Strode Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of the arrangements.

Gary grew up in a loving family with two older brothers. He was born in Guymon, OK, on July 15, 1956. In January 1963, the family relocated to Stillwater. Other than a few years, when he was in his 30's living in Perry, Stillwater remained Gary's home. After graduating high school, he attended Oklahoma State University. He opted to go to Indian Meridian Vocational College in welding. After several years of welding at Vasser's Welding in Perkins, he became a materials handler at Mercury Marine in Stillwater, until the plant closed in 2009. He was a security guard at 7 Clans Casino until COVID, and worked at McDonalds until his retirement in 2023.

Gary enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was fascinated by the tools necessary to participate in those activities every bit as much as the activities themselves. Gary was in his element when afforded the opportunity to share this knowledge, especially at the shooting range. Few things brought him more joy than introducing someone to the sport of shooting firearms. Gary was a member of the Stillwater Rifle and Pistol Club and a Lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. He was a history fanatic for all of his life and his ability to retain details of historic events was uncanny. Before Google, there was Gary when a history question was presented. Gary also enjoyed photography, science fiction and going to movies. He and his son, Jeremy, went to the movies almost every week for years. His Christian faith was strong and demonstrated by his decades of being an active member of First United Methodist Church in Stillwater, OK. He attended the early service to worship, then served in the Closer Walk service by operating the screen projectors, for the congregation.

Gary was preceded in death by this father, Delbert Schwab (2014), and mother, Margie Schwab (2023).

Gary and his son Jeremy remained close following the divorce. He also loved and enjoyed his two nieces Samantha Bultmann and her husband, George; Lori Schwab-Uchanski and husband Mark; and his nephew Scott Schwab and wife Doreen Lee. The two grand-nieces and six grand-nephews of Samantha and Lori were very special and brought much joy to Gary. In addition to those mentioned, Gary is survived by his two brothers, Coyle Schwab and wife Sue; and George Schwab (Lyne-deceased).

Those wishing to honor Gary's memory may do so by making contributions in Gary's name to the charity of your choice.