Gary Paul Heerwald was born on March 15, 1951, in Clinton, Oklahoma, and died on August 18, 2026, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He was 75 years old and surrounded by his family at the time of his passing.
He was born to William John “Bill” Heerwald and Marguerite Elizabeth Self Heerwald, joining his older brother, William “Billy Don” Heerwald. He graduated from Clinton High School in the class of 1969 and continued his higher learning at the University of Oklahoma, earning a degree in journalism.
Gary retired from the State of Oklahoma after working in several departments, including the Department of Commerce and the Department of Central Services.
Gary had a great love for animals, particularly dogs.
This trait evolved from raising dachshunds as a child and selling puppies. Later in life, he raised many awardwinning standard poodles and schnauzers.
Travel was one of Gary’s favorite passions. He traveled extensively throughout Europe in his younger years and continued to explore the country and the world throughout his life, often traveling with friends.
Gary was always up for adventure.
If there was somewhere to go, something to experience, a new restaurant to try, or an opportunity to spend time with friends, Gary rarely needed convincing.
Gary had a deep and abiding love for the arts, and was active in the art world in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, including holding board positions with various nonprofits, including ARTSPACE at Untitled. He also volunteered his time at various art exhibits and as a volunteer tour guide for the Devon Tower in downtown Oklahoma City.
Gary was adventurous, artistic, jovial, fiercely loyal, and unabashedly himself. He was a massive cheerleader for the people he loved, encouraging them to be exactly who they were and never compromise their values or what they believed in. He was incredibly caring, supportive, always willing to help, and always looking for the positive in every situation.
Gary loved to laugh, and his laugh was one of the loudest in the room. To know him was to love him. Gary leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured simply by the places he traveled, the organizations he supported, or the things he accomplished. His greatest legacy is the countless people that felt seen, encouraged, loved, and supported because Gary was part of their lives.
Gary was preceded in death by both of his parents, Bill and Marguerite Heerwald, and his sisterin- law, Katherine Heerwald.
He is survived by his brother, Bill Heerwald, and two nephews, James Heerwald and his wife, Carolyn, and daughters Alyssa and Courtney, Michael Heerwald and his wife, Traci, and daughters Harli Day and husband Hunter and Lillian. He was also survived by many cousins and several close friends that were like family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Arts Council Oklahoma City or ARTSPACE at Untitled.
A celebration of life for Gary to be announced at a later date.