Dr. Gary Dan Davis

Gary Dan Davis was born July 26, 1947 in Tahlequah, OK, the son of Albert “Doc” Davis and Myrtle Marie (Proctor) Lechner. He was one of seven siblings and a graduate of Haskell High School. It was after graduation he chose to enlist in the United States Army National Guard in April of 1969, proudly serving as an engineer and demo specialist in the 45th Infantry Division for six years. He earned his Marksmanship Badge for rifle qualifications and was honorable discharge April 22, 1975. From there, he continued his education at Northeastern State University, receiving his bachelor’s degree in Social Work. After which, he began his career at Eastern State Hospital in Vinita as a clinical social worker. His passion for helping individuals and families powered his drive to complete the Master’s program at Oklahoma University. This allowed for a stepping stone in his profession at Indian Health Services in Talihina and with the area office in Oklahoma City. As someone with many goals and ambitions, Gary perused a side venture, starting Kwik Karry Store in Haskell which became the family business. Even after Gary moved to Utah for a job opportunity with IHS and to complete his doctorate, his parents continued to manage the store for many years. After earning his Doctorate and moving to Stillwater for a promotion to CEO for IHS in Pawnee, he decided it was time to sale his business to focus on his career. Over the course of many years, he would move all across the US with IHS, from Parker, AZ at the Arizona Indian Health Center and back to Oklahoma at Lawton Indian Hospital. In early 2000s, he retired from IHS to circle back to where it began, becoming a professor of Social Work at NSU in Tahlequah and later teaching at Bacone College in Muskogee. He then became CEO for Cherokee Nation Health Services in Salina before his official retirement. He stood for integrity and was highly esteemed by all that knew him. As a Cherokee Indian, he was proud of his Native American heritage. He sought to help the Cherokee people and tribes across our country throughout his career and as a member of the Cherokee Warrior Society and chairman for the Cherokee Nation Scholarship Foundation. Gary was unwavering in achieving all he put his mind and heart to. This same attention carried over to his love for his family. He was blessed with one son, Nicholas and proud grandpa to four grandchildren. He made a goal to be a great co-parent and co-grandparent with his former wife, Ann and was everyone’s friend. He made frequent visits with his friends at Chicken Creek, Helen and Kathy and was faithful to his morning breakfast at Boomarang Diner. The waitresses knew him by name and he had a nickname for each of them. He got a chuckle out of teasing the staff on a daily basis. He frequently would stop by his granddaughter’s salon to check up on her on his way to pick up his favorite Starbucks coffee or after taking his dog Boris and cat Bella out for a walk. He was determined, intelligent and gave a great deal of thought to everything he set his hands to and toward every conversation that he held. Yet, he loved to joke around and show his goofy side. His somewhat dry humor left others pondering if he was being serious or not, a quality that only brought more comedy to the banter. Gary was truly one of a kind and had a heart of gold that was admired by many. On Tuesday, October 29, 2024, his journey on earth came to a close. He was 77 years old and leaves a void that can no one could fill.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Albert “Doc” Davis and Myrtle Marie Lechner, three brothers, Brent Davis, Keith Lechner and Jerry Lechner, one sister, Debra Lechner and one grandson, Jacob Soraringeagle Davis.

He is remembered by his son, Nicholas Todd Davis and wife Amber of Tahlequah, OK, one brother, Dale Davis and wife Cathy of California and two sisters, Debbie Archer and Beverly Miller and husband Shawn, both of California. His legacy lives on through four grandchildren, Lauren Ashley Davis, Austin Bruce Davis, Cody James Davis and Todd Michael Davis, all of Tahlequah, OK, former wife and cherished friend, Ann Davis of Muskogee, OK, many adored cousins and numerous friends, colleagues and other loved ones.

Friends and family are welcome for a time of visitation Tuesday, November 5, 2024 from 2:00pm until 6:00pm at Reed-Culver Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Gary will be held on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at 10:00am at Reed-Culver Chapel with Brother Randy Proctor officiating. He will be laid to rest at Cookson Proctor Cemetery in Cookson.

Serving as pallbearers include Cody Davis, Todd Davis, Austin Davis, Jason Lechner, Jordan Lechner and Ronnie Proctor. Honorary pallbearers are Nicholas Davis, Kent Proctor, Randy Proctor, Dorothy "Dottie" Proctor, Bob Hasapipe, Watt Osage, Deb Proctor, The Lechner Family, The Waterdown Family and The Proctor Family.