Gary Miles Victor died Sunday, November 24, 2024 after a short illness. Born August 6, 1937, he was the younger son of Robert Victor and Patricia Miles. He graduated from Cascia Hall Preparatory School in 1955 and from the University of Notre Dame in 1960. He graduated from Officer Candidate School in the Navy as an ensign in 1961.
While in high school, he met the love of his life, Penny Pence. They both immediately knew they were meant for each other and that this was God's plan. They were married at Christ the King Catholic Church on March 11, 1961. During his time in the United States Navy, they were stationed in Las Vegas, Eleuthera, the Bahamas and Long Beach, California. Gary was honored to serve in the Navy. He viewed his ranks and his awards as his proudest achievements.
After his discharge from the Navy as a lieutenant, he and Penny moved to Albuquerque. He taught mechanical drafting and art at St. Pius X High School. He loved teaching and interacting with the students. He then devoted the rest of his career to architecture. His favorite projects included the athletic dorm at OU, the OBU athletic building and the renovations of the old Central High School, the OSU Gallagher-Iba Athletics Center and Sharp Chapel at TU. Gary often combined his Catholic faith with his architectural talents by serving at Cascia Hall, Christ the King and Catholic Charities on various construction projects.
Gary was a talented artist. His fascination was in the act of creating. He enjoyed working with all mediums, including wax, oil, watercolor and pen and ink. Gary shared his love of art with his grandchildren, holding art classes on Saturday mornings for years.
A proud Osage, Gary served on the board of directors of the Indian Health Care Resource Center. He was president of the Tulsa Indian Club and helped with their pow wows. Civic minded, he served on the Tulsa Board of Adjustment for several years, including two years as president.
A devoted husband and father, Gary loved spending time with his family. Fond memories his children have include Saturday afternoons spent watching Notre Dame football and playing board games. Gary was quite humorous, mischievous, and loved making people laugh.
Gary and Penny loved being Poppy and Grandma to thirteen grandchildren and Gigi and Poppy to five great-grandchildren. Gary was happiest when the family was together for family birthday parties and holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. Family gatherings were filled with great food, loud conversations, games and much laughter.
Gary is preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather James Dunbar and stillborn brother, Roger Victor. He is survived by his children and their spouses/partners, Marycarol and Jack Page, Chris and Sharon Victor, Craig and Carla Victor, Justin and Elizabeth Victor, and Matthew and Sharla Victor; grandchildren, Tom Page and Colleen Thurston, Veronica Page and Eryn Clement, Catherine Page and Anthony Sekinger, Erin and Joe Bianco, Maggie Victor, Allison and Joe Flanders, Cameron Victor, Cailin Victor, Rachel Victor and David Hoover, Katherine Victor, Sophia Trotta, Carter Park, Mary Park; and great-grandchildren, Gemma, Teddy, Tvli, Lula and Violet.
The family would especially like to thank the staffs of Zarrow Pointe and Miller Hospice for their loving care during his last years and months.
Viewing will be 5:00-7:00 pm, Thursday, January 2, 2025 at Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, Tulsa. Rosary will follow at 7:00pm. Funeral Mass will be Friday, January 3, 2025 at 11:00 am at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Tulsa.
FITZGERALD SOUTHWOOD COLONIAL CHAPEL 918-291-3500