Carol Boone Gwin

Carol Maxine Boone Gwin died in her sleep on New Year’s Day, 2014. She had just moved into a new studio apartment at Quail Ridge Assisted Living following a brief hospitalization and recovery. Carol was born in Oklahoma City on April 23, 1915, just eight years after statehood. She was a true Oklahoman with a strong pioneer spirit.

Carol was the daughter of Thomas Hampton Boone and Helen Hyde Boone. She had three brothers: Milton, Lindsey and Hugh. She attended Jefferson Elementary, Harding Junior High, and Classen High School, graduating in 1932, and was President of the Student Council and recipient of the Classen Medal of Honor. Subsequently, she received a scholarship to Christian College in Columbia, Missouri, and graduated in 1934 with the first degree in Dance, and was President of her Senior class. Carol attended OU from 1934 to 1936, pledged Tri-Delt, working in the library and teaching dance to pay for school.

Carol and her mother attended Crown Heights Christian Church, formerly the Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club, from its inception in the early 1930’s. Her father died when she was young. Carol married Jimmy Gwin on June 6, 1936. They lived in Wichita, Kansas, and several cities prior to returning to OKC in 1956. Jimmy was a captain in the Army Air Force, stationed in Palm Springs, California, where their first son, Jim, was born. By the time they returned to OKC, they had three more sons: John, Bob and Bill.

Carol was very active in the church for fifty years and, as with everything she did, she was fully committed to the church, helping create the Harmony Garden and restoration of the stained glass rose window.

After Jimmy died in 1977, Carol began a new life at the age of 62. She travelled to China, India, Russia, Egypt and the Caribbean, always returning with renewed energy. In the mid-1980’s, the Oklahoma economy was in recession when Carol got the idea to put a dome on the state Capitol building primarily as a vehicle for boosting the spirit and pride of the people. This single idea turned out to be a life-changing project for her, working as a full-time volunteer with the Capitol Preservation Commission from 1987 through 2002. In 1990, the “Capitol Domer’s” was organized. Her work and dedication to the Dome and Plaza project was recognized by the American Institute of Architects, who awarded her Honorary membership in 1990. In 2002, Carol received the Governor’s Arts Award at the dedication of the Dome. Other awards: 2008 – Distinguished Alumna, Class of 1932, Classen High School, 2011- Governor's Commendation in Recognition of outstanding volunteer service to the State of Oklahoma, Friends of the Capital, Friends of the Mansion, being a role model for the many lives touched with your compassionate and caring ways; Commendation and Citation from the Lieutenant Governor; Citation of Appreciation from the Oklahoma State Legislature for her major contributions and having been a role model for all Oklahoma Citizens.

Carol was predeceased by the love of her life, Jimmy Gwin, her three brothers, Milton, Lindsey and Hugh, and her grandson, Daron Gwin. She is survived by her four sons: Jim and his wife, Karen, John, and his wife Beverly, Bob and his wife, Dallas, and Bill; her grandchildren, Adam, Jennifer, and Parker; and numerous nephews, nieces, grandnephews, and grandnieces.

A memorial service will be 3 p.m., Saturday, January 4, 2014 at Crown Heights Christian Church, 4020 N. Western Avenue.