Gary Ward Davis

Gary W. Davis is a Christian, husband, father, grandfather, brother, lawyer and friend. He went home on September 27th, 2016, fully ready to be with his Father and his Lord. Gary was born August 29th, 1931

to Delphine Ward Davis and Harry Davis. He grew up in the 30’s and 40’s in Iola, Kansas. He graduated from Kansas University in 1953. During college Gary

married his wife of 64 years, Sally, whom he still referred to as his bride. During Law School at KU, his education was interrupted by a two year tour of duty with the United States Air Force attaining the rank of First Lieutenant.

After fulfilling his military obligation, Gary returned to KU to complete Law School. He graduated first in the class of 1957, and also served as editor of the KU Law Review. Following Law School, Gary accepted a position in Phillips Petroleum Company’s Legal Department in Bartlesville, OK. He spent the next 19 years with Phillips and eventually moved from the Legal department to serve as Vice-President of the Petrochemical division. He had been a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association and Kansas Bar Association for over 50 years.

He then became CEO of Commonwealth Oil and Refining Company in San Antonio, TX. In 1978, Gary returned to doing what he loved most - practicing law and trying lawsuits - when he joined Martin, Pringle, Fair, Davis and Oliver in Wichita, KS. In 1982, Gary was lured away from Wichita to join Crowe & Dunlevy in Oklahoma City, as head of its oil and gas practice.

Gary loved the practice of law, served his clients with extraordinary talent and energy, and was a mentor to many, until his resignation from Crowe & Dunlevy January 1 of this year, at the age of 84.

As much as Gary loved the law, he loved studying and teaching the Bible more. For many years he led a Bible study at work, taught the Ambassadors Sunday School Class at Crossings Community Church and taught at Living Faith Ministry. He also loved being a member of The Whitfield Society and teaching his really delightful home Bible studies when the whole family was gathered.

Gary taught us many lessons, but primary among these were to put your life and trust in Jesus Christ, to give your tasks your very best, and to love each other. He was also blessed with many friends and colleagues over the years, for which he was very grateful.

Gary is survived by his wife, Sally; his children: Gary Jr. (Cindy), Anne (Chuck Covington), Mary Jane (Mike Lauderdale); grandchildren: Katherine (Justin Allen), Luke, Bennett,(their mother Elizabeth Davis), Channing and Riley Davis; Charlie Covington and Davis and Lyvia Lauderdale; his sister, Marjorie Lenski; and his nephews John, Grady, Frank and Erik Lenski.

God blessed Gary and his family with incredible caretakers and close friends, Melinda Lewis, LaRessa Jones-Henry and Ashley Addy.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, September 30th, 2016 at 10:30 am in the Chapel at Crossings Community Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: Crossings Community Church, 14600 N. Portland Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73134, Parkinson’s Foundation of Oklahoma, 720 W. Wilshire Blvd., #109, Oklahoma City, OK 73116, Living Faith Ministry, 1401 E. I-44 Service Road #A, Oklahoma City, OK 73111 or The Whitfield Society, 6608 N. Western Ave. #182, Oklahoma City, OK 73116.

Arrangements under the direction of Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors, Oklahoma City, OK.