Gary Lee Bark

Milo – Home going services for Mr. Gary Lee Bark, 74, long time resident of Milo, are scheduled for 2:00 P.M., Wednesday April 12, 2023, at the Milo Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Johnston and Rev. Chuck McElroy officiating. Interment will follow at the Milo Cemetery with Bro. John Spradlin officiating and with Chickasaw Nation Honor Guard team providing military honors. Services are under the care and direction of Alexander Gray Funeral Home of Wilson.

Gary was born on July 3, 1948, at Claremore, OK to the late Mr. Sunday “Nick” Bark, Jr., and Mrs. Gladys (Chaudoin) Bark. He heard his heavenly call on Friday, April 7, 2023, at the Hospital in Ardmore.

Gary was raised at Salina where he attended school there, graduating from High School in 1966. Thereafter he was drafted into the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. Soon he became an Aircraft Mechanic working on B-52 Airplanes, serving honorably for 3 years. He received his discharge on February 8, 1970, as the rank of Airman First Class. He returned to Oklahoma and attended college at Northeastern Oklahoma University in Tahlequah, studying Sociology and Psychology.

While attending the vesper at the Baptist Student Union, Gary met and soon after married the former Anita Knight. They married on November 6, 1970, at the old Cherokee Tribal Court House. Gary would finish his degree and then they moved to Arizona in 1976. He worked as the Social Worker of Pima Indian Reservation and joined the National Guard furthering his military career. In 1984 they moved to Milo where Gary worked in the oil field and at the Veterans Center of Ardmore. He was a proud member of the Cherokee Nation, being a qualified member of the United Keetoowah Band. He enjoyed attending church at the Milo Baptist Church where he was a long-time member and loved to fish as much as possible. Gary was an ordained Baptist Minister attending seminary school in Marlow with his good friend, John Spradlin numerous years ago. He always had a passion and love for the teachings of Christ. 

Preceding him in death are his parents; sons, Gary Bark, Jr. -1993, Matthew Hayden Bark- 2013; siblings, Larry, and Glenda.

Survivors include his loving wife, Anita of the home; son, Nick Bark of Milo; sister, Rebecca Riley of Pryor; four grandchildren, Lauryn Geneva Sydney Bark, Kathleen Georgia Leigh Bark, Maxwell Michael Chapman Bark, and Vivian Evangeline Selleck Bark; numerous nieces, nephews, other family, and friends.

Pallbearers will be Maxwell Bark, Chance Campo, Larry Young, Wes Christopher, Kelly Joe Norman, Darren Langley, and Cory Lee.

Honorary Bearers are John Spradlin, Chuck McElroy, Tony Lyle, J.C. Awtrey, Jon Lofton, Don Langley, and Jason Bennett.

Family visitation will be held from 6-8 P.M. Tuesday evening at the Alexander Gray funeral Home Chapel in Wilson.

Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.alexandergrayfh.com.