Gary William Sallee passed away Thursday, March 6, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 11, 1947, in Lamar, Colo. to the late Thomas and Mary Ellen (Killion) Sallee. Gary attended Ponca City High School in Ponca City.
After graduation, Gary enlisted and proudly served his country in the United States Navy. He was severely injured during his first tour of duty to the Mediterranean. After recovering, he was assigned to the USS Tanner and subsequently deployed to Vietnam. During his time in Vietnam, Gary served as a Senior Petty Officer aboard a survey/gunboat working in conjunction with Task Force E115 and Task Force E116. He was awarded the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Award and the Purple Heart Medal. Gary received an Honorable Discharge from the Navy in 1969. He continued his military service in the Naval Reserve.
Gary later attended Oklahoma State University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife Biology and a Master of Science Degree. He worked as a Realty Specialist for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and retired in 2003 with 34 years of civilian federal service.
Gary enjoyed competing in field trials with his hunting dogs, duck hunting and collecting arrowheads. His love of all things nature was unrivaled. He spent his later years conducting genealogy research and was able to trace his ancestry to the early 1800s. Of all his life’s accomplishments and achievements, his daughters and grandchildren were his pride and joy. His legacy will live on through them.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents July 11, 1947 – March 6, 2025
and a sister, Elizabeth Rettberg.
Survivors include his two beloved daughters, Hailey Lane Baker and husband Nick of Jones and Julia Paige Pinkston and husband Lee of Beggs, his five precious grandchildren Rylan, Tenley and Barrett Baker and Brynlee and Morgan Pinkston and sister Yvonne Sallee of Lamar, Colo. as well as a host of extended family and friends.
Serving as pallbearers are Lee Pinkston, Nick Baker, Justin Satterfield, Wade Mathis, Zachary Satterfield, Michael Love and Justin Jackson.
Friends may visit the funeral home on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, from 2-7 p.m. and the family will be present to receive friends beginning at 5 p.m.
A funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, March 13, 2025, at McClendon-Winters Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Kevin Jones officiating. A committal service will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Quinton Cemetery in Quinton.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in memory of Gary Sallee at https:// support.woundedwarriorproject. org/. Arrangements have been entrusted to McClendon-Winters Funeral Home of Okmulgee. Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on Gary’s Tribute Page online at www.mcclendon- winters.com.
