Gary Lemuel Adkins

Now abideth faith, hope, love, these three.

But the greatest of these is Love.

(1 Corinthians 13:13)

LIFE REFLECTIONS

Gary Lemuel Adkins was born to the union of Lester and Hartense (Mucker) Adkins on January 5, 1958, in Davenport, Oklahoma. He is preceded in death by both parents, a brother, Leroy Adkins, and a sister, Ruth Adkins. Gary was so special to us. He was born with a congenital heart defect and Intellectual disability (ID). He underwent heart surgery to repair the hole in his heart at a very young age. God truly took care of his special angel. Gary lived with his maternal grandparents (Elder Eli and Mary Mucker) in Oklahoma City for a season. As time passed, he moved back home to Davenport, Oklahoma and attended Davenport schools with his siblings for a little while. Gary loved going to church. He accepted Christ Jesus at an early age and became a member of the Church of the Living God (C.W.F.F.) of Davenport. As time passed, he also resided in Enid, Woodward, and Chandler care centers, where many friendships blossomed. He never met a stranger. Gary loved making friends.

In 2000, Gary made his home at Weleetka Group Home in Weleetka, Oklahoma. He did not let his disabilities define him. He enjoyed being outdoors, riding his bike, and picking up cans which he liked to collect and sell. Everyone in the community saved their cans for Gary to come around and collect them on his bike, which he bought with his can sale, and earned him the nickname (Rich Man), because of all the cans he had collected. His saying, in a joking way with his hand stretched out, “LAY SOME BEN FRANKS ON ME.” (referring to the 100-dollar bill). He often attended some of the churches in Weleetka. He looked forward to family visits, coming home on the holidays, and other family gatherings.

As time passed, Gary’s health began to fail so he moved a little closer to home. In 2016, he made his home at the Drumright Care Center in Drumright, Oklahoma. He settled in well and made lots of friends in no time. The residents and staff took to him with such a warm welcome. He enjoyed all the fun activities, going out to dinner every now and then, and shopping at Wal-Mart. His favorite was playing BINGO at the center with his friends, which he played well. He loved watching a good movie, dancing, listening to music (POP and Christian), Bible study at the center, coloring beautiful pictures for someone, or dropping a birthday card in the mail for family members. Gary loved to celebrate all the favorite holidays at the center because he got to dress up for the occasion and eat good refreshments. Sometimes he would win the best dressed costume. Gary got a kick out of giving the nursing staff a hard time (in fun). His sense of humor and orneriness could sometimes get the best of him. But his sweet caring side earned him the nickname (Gare-Bear) from some of the staff.

Gary was a ray of sunshine, a blessing from God, his unselfish heart, a caring spirit for family and friends, and a gentle giant with a heart of Gold. Thank you, God, for giving us our brother Gary for a season. Gary went home to be with the Lord on November 13, 2025, at Ascension-St. John Hospital in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, at the age of 67. He will be missed by the many lives he has touched.

Cherishing his loving memory are his seven sisters, Zelma (Bobby) Jackson of Midwest City, Oklahoma, Rose (Steve) Perocier of Fairfield, California, Mable Adkins of Davenport, Oklahoma, Opal Williamson and Mary Smith both of Arcadia, Oklahoma, Brenda Adkins of Billings, Oklahoma, Minister Sheila Thomas of Davenport, Oklahoma; one brother, Anthony (Sylvia) Adkins Sr. of Davenport, Oklahoma; one aunt, Jurene (Mucker) Wandrick of Rodeo, California; a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives, and friends.