Gary Lee Tramel

Gary Lee Tramel, 75, of Locust Grove, Oklahoma, passed away on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at his home. He was born on April 2, 1949, in Chapel, Oklahoma, to WL and Alice (Turner) Tramel. Gary graduated from Pryor High School in 1966 and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Education from Northeastern State University in 1970. He began a fulfilling career as an educator at Locust Grove High School, where he taught with dedication, served as a senior sponsor, and drove a school bus, building strong connections with his students and colleagues. After decades of shaping young minds, Gary retired in 2002. Gary married the love of his life, Janice Lovett, on July 19, 1968, in Gideon, Oklahoma. Together, they built a life of love, faith, and service to their community. A man of deep faith, Gary shared his love of music as the music leader at First Baptist Church in Locust Grove before continuing to lead music for many years at Lakeview Baptist Church in Salina. His beautiful piano playing and heartfelt singing brought joy and inspiration to countless lives. Gary’s legacy is one of kindness, service, and a passion for teaching and music. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

Gary is survived by his wife, Janice Tramel of the home; sons, Kevin Tramel and wife Donna of Verdigris, Oklahoma, Bryan Tramel and wife Gara of Afton, Oklahoma, Gregory Tramel and wife Bobby of Hartshorne, Oklahoma, and Justin Tramel of Kansas, Oklahoma; 11 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and 2 on the way; sister, Peggy Rhine and husband Jim of Joplin, Missouri; and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, WL and Alice Tramel, son, Bruce Tramel, and brother, Tommy Tramel.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 10, 2024, in the Lakeview Baptist Church in Salina with Reverend Terry Tramel officiating. Burial will follow in the Bryan Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Monday, December 9, 2024, at Shipman’s Funeral Home in Pryor. To leave his family a message, please visit his Tribute Wall at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman’s Funeral & Cremation Service. 

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