Gary B. Hatfield

Gary Bain Hatfield of Muskogee, Oklahoma passed from this life to his Heavenly home on November 7, 2024 at the age of 80, at St. Francis Hospital in Muskogee. He was born October 31, 1944 along with his twin sister, Sherry, in Muskogee to Bain Rex Hatfield and Ruth Laverne (Miller) Hatfield. Gary grew up in numerous places as they traveled often due to his parents’ jobs. They lived in Winton, California, Mulvane, Kansas, and Sallisaw, Oklahoma. His family decided to come back to Muskogee where he attended Muskogee Central High School until 1962 when he decided to enter the job force early. He obtained his GED later in life. Gary and Judith Ann Shropshire were united in marriage on July 4,1963 in Eufaula, Oklahoma. They lived in Muskogee for a few years before welcoming their daughter, Krista Renee (Hatfield) Toney on May 19, 1966. Shortly after her birth, they moved to Eufaula to raise their family. Gary was a hardworking, dedicated man to whatever job he was doing. He worked as a butcher, bread delivery man, and then as a life insurance salesman. He found his true calling in the mid 70’s when he started volunteering as a reserve police officer for the City of Eufaula and eventually worked his way up to City Marshall and Police Chief. He worked as a finance manager for Family Ford for a while, but the law enforcement bug was always calling him back until he found his favorite job of serving the State of Oklahoma as a park ranger at Fountainhead State Park now known as Lake Eufaula State Park. He worked there for many years before his health pushed him to retire early due to multiple illnesses. They eventually moved back to Muskogee. Gary loved to fish, hunt, and go camping. He loved to take his granddaughters to Marvel Resort in Gore to fish for trout, camp, and all the activities in the summertime. This provided so many memories for his girls. Gary loved Oklahoma Sooner sports. Football was his favorite, but he watched them all as a proud Sooner fan. He was so excited when he found out his granddaughter, Kaytlynn was going to OU. Even though his illness limited him from attending a lot of activities, he was adamant about attending her graduation from OU. He also was so proud of his granddaughter, Emerson and her love of the game of basketball. He played basketball in school and was excited to attend her games and watch her play. He could be heard yelling for her in the stands. He was a member of Southeast Baptist Church in Muskogee and loved to attend Sunday School and church for many years until he was no longer able to. He was a proud member of the Cherokee Nation tribe, CLEET certified law enforcement officer, CPR instructor, a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and Retired Law Enforcement of Oklahoma. Gary is survived by his wife of 61 years, Judy, of the home; daughter, Krista Toney and husband Evan; granddaughters, Emerson Toney, all of Muskogee, and Kaytlynn Toney of San Pedro, California, and his honorary granddaughter, Pyper Sheets of Muskogee; his brothers, Lynn Hatfield of Tulsa, and Bill Hatfield and wife Lisa of Owasso, Oklahoma; brothers-in-law, Bruce Shropshire and wife Shirley of Muskogee, Hubert Shropshire and wife Debbie of Wainwright, Jon Paul Shropshire of Eufaula; sister-in-law, Glenda Hendricks of Muskogee; special nieces and nephews who looked up to him as a grandfather figure, Michele Hatfield and Rex Hatfield (Liz), Greg Hatfield (Mel), and Crystal Hatfield; along with numerous extended family members, friends, and coworkers. He was preceded in death by his father, Bain Rex Hatfield; his mother, Ruth Laverne Hatfield; his twin sister, Sherry Elaine Allen; his sister-in-law, Laurie Hatfield; in-laws, Bill and Hattie Shropshire; and his brother-in-law, Skip Hendricks. Gary will be forever loved and missed by his family, friends, former coworkers, church members and all who had the privilege of meeting and knowing him in this life on earth. The family would like to thank St. Francis ICU unit doctors and nurses as well as the hospice staff for their excellent care of Gary and compassion and kindness shown to his family during his final journey home to meet his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Gary’s life will be celebrated at 11AM, Saturday, November 16, 2024 at Cornerstone Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Monty Baggett officiating.

Gary B. Hatfield

October 31, 1944 - November 7, 2024