Gary M. Humphrey

Gary M. Humphrey, Age 65, peacefully passed away Saturday, September 16, 2017 at St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

He was born August 10, 1952, in Chickasha, Oklahoma, to George Marshall Humphrey and Barbara Humphrey. Gary grew up in Chickasha, Oklahoma, attending Friend School and later going on to graduate from Chickasha High School. He then attended St. Anthony School of Nursing in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and there he began his career in nursing.

On August, 2, 1974, Gary married Kevin Van Ess. Shortly thereafter, they moved back to their hometown of Chickasha, to start a family. Together, they had two daughters, Blair and Amity Humphrey. Gary worked for several years as Director of Nursing at Grady Memorial Hospital in Chickasha,Oklahoma. In 1988, Gary and family moved back to Oklahoma City where Gary continued his nursing career at St. Anthony. He worked in several departments throughout the years, but spent most of his career in Behavioral Medicine, at St. Anthony, where he worked until his retirement in January, 2016.

Along with being a devoted father to Blair and Amity, his greatest passion and sense of purpose was caring for the patients in behavioral medicine and building meaningful relationships with his staff and peers.

Gary was a jokester and loved to pull good pranks as often as possible. He was quick-witted and full of humor. He was an incredible story teller and truly loved making others laugh. He was an amazing cook who enjoyed gathering his loved ones for a gourmet meal. He was informed and passionate about politics and was always game for a spirited debate. He had a love for the beauty and solace of Hawaii and made several trips over the years. It was his safe haven and he felt deeply connected to the islands. If you knew Gary, you know of his love for everything Hawaiian.

When loved by Gary, you were loved “big” and his support was steadfast. He was a loving, funny and bright man whose huge heart will be missed by so many.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, George Marshall Humphrey, his mother, Barbara Humphrey Persinger and his sister, Debbie Bloomfield. He is survived by his daughters, Blair and Amity Humphrey of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and their mother, Kevin Van Ess, also of Oklahoma City,Oklahoma; a brother, Greg Humphrey of Lawton,Oklahoma, a sister, Tami (Rick) Ford and his step-father, Donnie Persinger, of Chickasha, Oklahoma. He is also survived by many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

A memorial service celebrating Gary’s life will be held at 1:00 P.M. Sunday, October 1, 2017 in the Grand Hall at Castle Falls which is located at 820 N MacArthur Blvd, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73127.

Gary’s Family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of St. Anthony Hospital, Valir Hospice and PARCway Recovery Center, for the knowledge, compassion and professionalism exhibited over the last few months. Memorials can be made to the National Kidney Foundation of Oklahoma. https://www.kidney.org