Gary Helt

Gary Dale Helt passed away at his home northwest of Kingfisher on Friday, July 9, 2021, at the age of 76. Gary was born to Dale M. Helt and Elvena (Thomsen) Helt on Sunday, Nov. 19, 1944. He was raised on a dairy farm northwest of Kingfisher.

Gary graduated from Kingfisher High School in May 1962. During his high school years, he was very active in FFA, serving as an officer and earning the degrees of State Farmer, state and regional Star Dairy Farmer and American Farmer.

On July 19, 1963, he married his high school sweetheart, Kayleen Harrison, in Pampa, Texas.

They would have celebrated their 58th anniversary this year.

To that marriage were born two children, Tena Kaye and Tary Dale.

In the early years of their marriage, Gary continued to work at the dairy with his parents and did custom hay baling.

Down through the years he worked in the auto parts industry at Owens Supply and O’Reillys. He worked at two grain elevators and was part owner in Kingfisher Ford Tractor.

Gary also spent three years managing Evergreen Marina on Lake Eufaula for his longtime friend, Dorsey Brown.

Gary was a charter member of the Kingfisher Elks Lodge where he served in several offices including Exalted Ruler and trustee.

He was a member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Kingfisher and enjoyed traveling with the “Keenagers” group from that church.

Gary had a great love for boating and was never hap-pier than when he was at the lake. Through the years, he also enjoyed water skiing, scuba diving and camping.

In the years after retirement, Gary and Kayleen enjoyed several cruises with their friends, Mike and Janice Reid, including an Alaskan cruise and a Panama Canal cruise.

Gary loved his family and was so proud of each and every one of them and their accomplishments. They brought great joy into his life.

In 2013, the entire family traveled to Red River, N.M., to celebrate Gary and Kayleen’s 50th anniversary.

In 2018 they all traveled to Gulf Shores, Ala., to celebrate their 55th anniversary.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Elvena Helt, and his brother-in-law, Norman Harrison.

He is survived by his wife, Kayleen; his daughter Tena Svoboda and husband Steve; his son Tary Helt and wife Charlotte; his grandchildren Kendra Cox and husband Kevan, Kyle Svoboda and Chris Tiner, Emmaly Helt, Byron Helt and McCayla Hope; great-grandchildren Kannon and Kaelyn Cox; brother Lary Helt and wife Diana; sister-in-law Shirley Harrison; brother-in-law Melvin Harrison; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The celebration of his life was at Kingfisher First Christian Church at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 14, with burial following at Kingfisher Cemetery under the direction of Sanders Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kingfisher First Christian Church, Kingfisher Elks Lodge or Memory Lane.