Gary Don Matlock
Funeral services for Gary Don Matlock, of Garvin, Okla., will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 11, 2026 at Rufe Baptist Church.
Gary Don Matlock, 72, passed away surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on July 25, 1953 in Garvin, Okla., to Clyde A. Matlock and Melda Bell (Jamerson) Matlock.
Gary Don was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers: Lawrence Dale Matlock and Charles Ray Matlock; and his beloved sister, Kathy Kulaga.
He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, JoAnn Dupree Matlock; his daughter, Jodi Elizabeth Andoe and husband; his son, Gerrad Don Matlock and wife; and his five cherished grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Norma Sue Fields; his brother, Floyd Matlock and wife; a special niece; and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.
Gary Don dedicated 30 years of service to Weyerhaeuser Paper Mill before retiring in his early 50s. Retirement allowed him to devote more time to what he loved most: farming and spending time with family. He found great joy in working the land, growing vegetables to sell at the farmers market or simply give away to friends, neighbors and family members.
A lifelong outdoorsman, Gary Don loved hunting, fishing, riding horses and camping at the lease. He enjoyed rodeos, old Western movies, and any opportunity to be outside. With his wicked dry sense of humor and mischievous grin, Gary Don had a way of making people feel at ease. He loved visiting, telling stories, and sharing a laugh, and those who met him rarely forgot him. Gary Don’s greatest happiness was found in the simple things –– riding horses, visiting with family and friends, sharing stories, and cooking meals for the people he loved. His kitchen was often filled with good food, laughter, and the warmth of his generous spirit. Gary Don met the love of his life as a teenager and married JoAnn in 1973. Together they built a life centered on family, hard work, and unwavering devotion to one another. He was a patient and caring husband who rarely told JoAnn no. Whether it was a trip to Hobby Lobby, which he jokingly called by another name, a visit to the nail salon, or traveling across the state for counseling conventions, if JoAnn wanted to go, Gary Don made it happen.
Above all else, Gary Don fiercely loved his family. Nothing brought him more happiness than spending time with his grandchildren. His four grandsons and his favorite granddaughter were the pride and joy of his life, and he treasured every moment spent with them. Gary Don leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, generosity, and hard work.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at Valliant Miller & Miller Funeral Home.
Interment will be held Thursday, June 11, 2026 at Moran Cemetery, under the direction of Miller & Miller Funeral Home.
