Submitted by Family
Gary Miles Victor died Sunday, November 24, 2024, after a short illness. Born Aug. 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 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. Gary was honored to serve in the Navy, viewing his ranks and his awards as his proudest achievements.
After his discharge from the Navy as a lieutenant, they moved to Albuquerque. He taught mechanical drafting and art at St. Pius X High School. He then devoted the rest of his career to architecture. His favorite projects included the athletic dorm at OU, the OBU athletic building and renovations of the old Central High School, the OSU Gallagher-Iba Athletics Center and Sharp Chapel at TU.
Gary was a talented artist. His fascination was in the act of creating. He enjoyed working with all mediums. Gary shared his love of art with his grandchildren, holding art classes on Saturday mornings.
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 powwows. Civic-minded, he served on the Tulsa Board of Adjustment for several years, including two as president.
A devoted husband and father, Gary loved watching Notre Dame football and playing board games. Gary was quite humorous and made people laugh.
Gary and Penny loved being Grandma and Poppy to thirteen grandchildren and Gigi and Poppy to five great-grandchildren. Gary was happiest when the family was together for birthday parties and holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas, which were filled with great food, loud conversations, games and much laughter.
Gary is preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather James Dunbar, and his stillborn brother, Roger Victor. He is survived by his children and spouses/partners, Marycarol (Jack) Page, Chris (Sharon) Victor, Craig (Carla) Victor, Justin (Elizabeth) Victor, and Matthew (Sharla) Victor; grandchildren, Tom Page (Colleen Thurston), Veronica Page (Eryn Clement), Catherine Page (Anthony Sekinger), Erin (Joe) Bianco, Maggie Victor, Allison (Joe) Flanders, Cameron Victor, Cailin Victor, Rachel Victor (David Hoover), Katherine Victor, Sophia Trotta, Carter Park, Mary Park, and great-grandchildren Gemma, Teddy, Tvli, Lula and Violet.
The family would like to thank the staffs of Zarrow Pointe and Miller Hospice for their loving care during his last years and months.
Viewing will be from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, at Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, Tulsa. Rosary will follow at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Tulsa.
Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel (918) 291-3500.
