Gail Ellen McCurry

Gail Ellen McCurry was born on August 14, 1952, to Neva and William Payne at Deaconess Hospital in Freeport, Illinois. She grew up in Stockton, Illinois alongside her three siblings, Bill, Ann and Mike. Gail was baptized on September 17, 1952 at Christ Lutheran Church in Stockton, Illinois. In 1961, her family moved to Grand Terrace, California, and later, in 1965, to Davis, Oklahoma. Gail received her First Communion and was Confirmed at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Midwest City, Oklahoma. She attended Davis High School. On October 10, 1969, Gail married Brian McCurry in Gainesville, Texas. Together, they shared 56 years of loving marriage, building a beautiful life together. Gail dedicated more than 30 years of services to the National Park Service, supporting many of our Nation’s treasured parks and monuments. Even after her retirement, she continued serving part-time with the Park Service and later worked for Gordon White Lumber Company and T.H. Rogers Lumber Company. Gail was a remarkable wife, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She was a woman of deep and abiding faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As a founding member of Hope Lutheran Church in Sulphur, Oklahoma, she faithfully served her church community for more than 60 years, including in the role of church secretary. Her commitment to God, family, friends and community knew no bounds. Gail found joy in gardening, quilting, reading and above all, caring for those she loved. Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith touched countless lives and will be remembered by all who knew her. Gail passed away peacefully at her beloved home on July 16, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Neva Payne; her sister, Ann Lambert; her mother in law, Willa McCurry; her father in law, Mac McCurry; and her sisters in law, Pat Payne and Debbie Payne. Gail is lovingly remembered by her husband, Brian McCurry; her brothers Bill Payne and Mike Payne; her brother in law, Daryl Lambert; brother in law and sister in law, Jon and Brenda McCurry; brother in law, Tad McCurry; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, church family and cherished friends including Earl and Darlene Coll and Stan and Pam Hefley. Though she is no longer with us, Gail’s legacy of faith, love, service and compassion will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. Services will be held at Hope Lutheran Church in Sulphur, OK on Thursday July 23, 2026 at 11:00 AM with burial following in Greenhill Cemetery in Davis, OK. Visitation will be Wednesday July 22, 2026 from 5 to 7 PM at DeArman Funeral Home in Wynnewood, OK. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hope Lutheran Church (mailing address: 220 East 3rd Street, Sulphur, OK 73086).

Tributes

Gail Ellen McCurry

August 14, 1952 - July 16, 2026