Gary Bob Kimball

November 2, 1946 - August 23, 2020

Gary Bob Kimball was born to Bob and June Kimball, November 2, 1946 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He grew up and attended school there. After graduating from Will Rogers High School, he attended one semester at OSU, when he was called to duty, to defend a county he loved. From 1966 until 1970, Gary served his country, his military career ended with him as Sargent E5. While on duty in Germany, Gary met the love of his life Marianne Brugger. On September 24, 1969, Gary and Marianne married in Germany and then returned to Oklahoma where they had a small church wedding with family. Quickly, they returned to Gary’s post in Oakland California for the next 7 months so he could finish out his duties. Gary and Marianne returned to Oklahoma and made their home in Tahlequah as Gary began college at Northeastern State University with his dream of becoming an educator. Always excelling in everything he did, Gary graduated with his bachelor’s degree In Education in 1973 and began working for the Tahlequah Public School system as a classroom teacher. Continuing his education, Gary graduated with a master’s degree in education in 1975. Always wanting to serve his community and make a difference in children’s lives, in 1992 Gary served with honor as principal of Cherokee Elementary until he retired in 2002. After taking a year off, he returned to his love of teaching at Southside Elementary in Coweta for another 9 years. While Gary was reaching his educational dreams, he and Marianne were also reaching their dreams of having a family. Being a dedicated husband to Marianne and father to Jeff, Jay, and Holly, Gary was always finding ways to be better. In 1982 at First Assembly of God, Tahlequah OK, Gary and Marianne gave their lives to Jesus. As with everything else Gary decided to do, he served God fervently. He was ordained as a minister and served speaking at several churches, performing wedding and funerals. Serving his family, his students, his church, being salt and light to all those who met him, was who Gary was. Gary served as a Sunday school teacher, taught the 16 Fundamentals Truths of the Assemblies of God, he served as deacon, and mentor, speaking word of wisdom to those following in his footsteps. He was a member of 29 Eleven Church. Gary had a love for water, he shared this love with his family as they grew up by spending time on the Barron Ford Creek. He was an avid fisherman. It didn’t matter if he was fishing with Jeff from a canoe on the Barron Fork, fishing with Jay on any and all lakes in Northeastern Oklahoma or at the creek or river with Holly and the grandkids fishing or looking for crawdads, he was always sharing this love with his family. Gary was about making memories with those closest to him. His legacy will live on in lives he touched throughout his life. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Bob, and June Kimball. He is survived by his wife, Marianne Kimball of the home, along with his children Jeffrey Kimball of Chouteau; Jay Kimball of Locust Grove; Holly Tamer and Ayman of Broken Arrow; sister Dee Powers and husband Dan of Jenks and five grandchildren, Karrigan Kimball, Kamron Kimball, Joshua Tamer, Elijah Tamer, and Destiny Tamer; as well as many other relatives, friends and loved ones. Given that Gary’s internment will be at the National Cemetery in Fort Gibson, in lieu of flowers donations can be made to 29 Eleven Church.