Gary Michael Bankhead

Gary Michael Bankhead died on October 29, 2017 in Oklahoma City. He was born March 30, 1947, in Muskogee, OK, to Monte and Joyce Bankhead of Stigler, OK. Gary was the younger of two children in his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Linda Joyce Bankhead. Gary grew up in Stigler, Oklahoma. He played football and participated in track at Stigler High School, graduating in 1965. After high school, he attended college for two years prior to joining the Air Force in 1967. After completing basic training, he was stationed at Elmendorf AFB in Alaska, and held the rank of Staff Sergeant. Gary continued his education while in the Air Force, by attending the University of Alaska. Upon discharge, he completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Math at Northeastern State University. Gary had a successful career as Director of Carrier Access Billing with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. While with the telephone company, he worked in Tulsa, St. Louis and Oklahoma City. After retirement from Southwestern Bell, he worked for ACRS and Aegis Consulting Group as a Communication and Billing Specialist. Gary retired in 2013. Gary married Ann Garland Simank on October 5, 2002. Together they enjoyed many years of traveling, hosting holiday events for children and grandchildren, and spending time with close friends. A favorite and frequent travel spot was their cabin in Red River, NM. He loved fishing for trout in the mountain streams while enjoying the beauty of the mountains. Gary is survived by his wife, Ann Simank Bankhead; daughter, Jean Ann Simank; and son, Edmund Dow Simank III, all of Oklahoma City, OK. He is also survived by granddaughter, Kaylee Simank of Newcastle, OK; grandson, Noah Simank, of Oklahoma City, OK; and daughter in law, Kristy Simank, of Newcastle, OK. Other survivors include cousins, Rod Bankhead of San Diego, CA, and Teresa Street McAdoo, of Stigler, OK. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, November 2, 2017, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 1401 N.W. 25th St., Oklahoma City. Graveside services will be held at Stigler Cemetery, at 10:30 a.m., Friday, November 3, 2017. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to OKC Metro Alliance, First Step Recovery Programs, 1940 Linwood Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73106.