Gary Leroy Evans

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of Gary Evans, who departed this life to be with his Lord and Savior. He passed away peacefully at home on June 1, 2025, holding the hand of his beloved wife and treasured best friend LaDonna. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Gary lived a life defined by faith, service, and love. Gary Leroy Evans was born in Chandler, Oklahoma, on August 10, 1952, to Ole and Viva Lee Evans. He was baptized into the General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn at the age of 13 — a moment that would mark the beginning of a lifelong commitment to serving God and His people. Gary graduated from Cushing High School in 1970. In the Autumn of 1972, Gary’s life took a new direction when he began dating a lovely young woman named LaDonna Lowe. One of their first dates was to a Halloween party, and they were engaged by Thanksgiving — plenty of time for Gary to decide that LaDonna was the one for him. Gary married the love of his life on February 10, 1973. Together, they built a life of faith, family, and enduring love. None of Gary’s family ever had to wonder if he loved them. They didn’t have to. Gary told them—and then he told them again. Over, and over, and over, Gary expressed his love without a trace of hesitation. If you knew Gary, then you were likely a recipient of this out loud kind of love. He was never shy about making people feel valued. Gary showed his love boldly in both word and action. Only hours before his passing he was doing just that, expressing his love for God and for God’s people by tending to the trees on the church grounds. There could not have been a more perfect way for him to spend his last day here on Earth, for Gary had a deep love for God’s creation. He found peace in gardening, being outdoors, and observing the beauty of nature in his own garden. His family knew him to even love the occasional spiders found in the house, insisting to let them live. In all things, he recognized God’s hand and lived each day with gratitude. Gary spent more than 20 years serving as a civil servant for the Federal Government in El Reno, Oklahoma, and later brought his strong work ethic and steady presence to Chesapeake Energy in Oklahoma City. At Chesapeake, he led a large team with wisdom, humility, and a calm confidence that earned the respect of everyone around him. No matter the role or workplace, Gary was known for his honesty, dedication to excellence, and genuine kindness — the kind that made people feel valued and at ease. In the Fall of 2000, Gary was ordained as a Deacon at the Newcastle Church of the Firstborn, a calling he embraced with his whole heart. He faithfully ministered to his church family, baptizing many, officiating countless weddings and offering gentle guidance to all who needed it. Whether standing at the pulpit or sitting across the table, Gary had a way of making people feel seen, heard, and loved. His deep respect for God’s Word and his unwavering faith were evident in everything he did. Gary’s legacy is one of unwavering faith, compassionate service, and unconditional love. He leaves behind a family and community forever blessed by his presence, and a life that truly honored the Lord. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Ole Evans and Viva Lee Evans. Gary is survived by his wife, LaDonna; his sister, Marla Mulford (Kerry); and the four children that he and LaDonna share: Chris Evans (Mariah), Jacob Evans, Tiffany Hinnen (Jerimy Hinnen) and Victoria Landis (Garrick Landis). He was a proud and loving grandfather to Lucas, Max, Harry, and Jude Evans; Isaac Hinnen; and Arabella and Jackson Landis. In addition to the four children that God blessed him with, Gary also considered countless others as his children. He had an abundance of love to share. Above all, Gary's life was centered on service to others. He showed love not just in words, but through his actions and deeds. He made everyone feel welcome, valued, and seen — a reflection of Christ’s love that touched all who knew him. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 6th at 10 am where all who knew and loved Gary are invited to celebrate his remarkable life. Memorial Service - Newcastle General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn, 3330 NW Beverly Lane, Newcastle, OK. Interment to follow at 2:30 pm, Parkland Cemetery in Agra, OK.

Gary Leroy Evans

August 10, 1952 - June 1, 2025