Gary Don Magness

Gary Don Magness was born on Monday, November 3, 1941, in Olney, Illinois. He was the second child born to A.J. and Verna Magness. Gary's family moved to Oklahoma City when Gary was a teenager, where he attended John Marshall High School. Gary graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1963 with a degree in business administration. Following college, Gary began his career in the oil business, first working for his father's company, Magness Petroleum Company, and later started Midwest Oil Investments. He also became a developer, building both residential and commercial properties. During the 1980's, Gary pursued a number of business ventures. In 1990, with his father's encouragement, Gary and his siblings re-formed Magness Petroleum which acquired and operated oil fields in California. After retirement, Gary returned to Oklahoma to be near his friends and family. Until his retirement, Gary lived his life with passion and focus. He loved all things fast, whether on land, in the water, or in the air. His was not a life lived in reserve. It was one filled with excitement. Booms or Busts! He was a bright light – a candle burning at both ends. After retirement, he slowed down long enough to share stories of past exploits. Gary is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jay Dean Magness. He is survived by his sister, Sue, sons, Marcus, Andrew, and Steven, daughter, Michelle, and many grandchildren. Services will be held at Smith & Kernke N. May Chapel, Saturday, February 18, 2017 at 10:00 a.m.