Gary E. Cruzen

Gary Eugene Cruzen passed away July 11, 2019, following a brief illness. Gary was the eldest son of Gene and Vesta Cruzen, born in Hominy, OK, on November 8, 1948. His family moved to Cleveland, OK, where he attended school, graduating from Cleveland High School in 1967. While in high school, Gary was Student Council President and played in the school band.Gary attended Central State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Secondary Education, and then followed up with a Masters Degree from the University of Oklahoma in Secondary Administration. Gary then embarked on a 38-year career in education with the Oklahoma City Public Schools as a teacher, coach, Athletic Director, Assistant Principal and Principal, beginning during a time when the school system was in the process of integrating schools. His value as an educator and administrator led to him serving as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at a number of the high schools within the system. Gary was an excellent storyteller, and he effectively used this talent to reach, educate, organize, and lead those whom he was responsible, and received the admiration of his students and colleagues. Gary retired from a career well served in 2009.Gary's hobbies included cheering on the Sooners and Thunder, and taking some down time to watch the History and Discovery Channel. Gary is survived by his wife Dorothy, son Rob Cruzen, and daughter Katie (Jake) Armstrong, father Gene Cruzen, brother Larry (Beth) Cruzen, stepsons Matt (Sherry) & Jon (Lizzy) Montgomery, and grandchildren-Ava, Alexander, Emerie, Maeve, Griffin, Mason, Kaesen, and Bodhi. He is preceded in death by his mother Vesta Cruzen, and his beloved "fur-babies", Lexi, Laci & Lucy Belle.