Born March 23, 1950 in Shawnee, OK
Died March 30, 2024 in Harrah, OK
Survived by one brother, Charles Mathis and wife Mary Jean of Oklahoma City. Two sisters’ Mary Lou Smith and husband Jack of Oklahoma City and June Mathis of the home. Four nephews Edward Mathis, Gary Mathis, Mark Vinson and Greg Smith. Six great nephews and nieces and five great, great nieces and nephews. Plus numerous other relatives including Aunts, uncles, cousins and he considered his neighbors family. He was a long time member of the Southwest Neighborhood Watch Association.
He was proceeded in death by his twin brother Carl. His mother Vivian Mathis and his father Luther Mathis.
He went to Harrah Schools.
He was a member of The Life Church of Edmond.
He had a love for anything with wheels, especially bicycles whether it was riding, working on, building or seeing that every kid in the neighborhood related or not had a bicycle and knew how to ride. He rode in many bicycle rides including the Redbud Classic many times. His cousin Oney said he gave him his first bike and they had many rides together. He also introduced Oney to foosball where they played many tournaments together.
His nephew Mark said a short list of things he learned from his uncle Garl was how to ride a bike, ride a motorcycle, fix a motorcycle, shoot a gun, hunt, fish, how to climb a tree, jump out of a tree, how to jump in a creek, throw a horse shoe, throw a spear throw a knife. How to hide, to track and trap animals, play card and how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. And that is just a short list. His nephew Gary said some of the earliest memories were of him showing him forts he built in the cane fields and trees. And kept him rolling with the pol--- jokes. His brother Charles said he was the best mushroom hunter in the world.
Garl loved fishing with all the cousins which he never ran out of, because he is one of 65 first cousins. He is one of twelve double cousins.
Garl was a very hard worker. He was always ready to help anyone that needed help. Burt and Diane Tumey were just two of many special friends to him and they were there when he needed them. As it was with all his neighbors. They were all family to him.
A graveside service for Garl will be held Friday, April 5, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Jamison Cemetery.
PALLBEARERS
Onney Smith
Stephen Anthony
Brian Smith
Jimmy Vinson
David Vinson
Gary Mathis
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