Gary Wade Donley, age 84, longtime Butler resident, was born August 27, 1942, in Custer County, Oklahoma, to Wade and Reba (Cooper) Donley. He passed away Septem-ber 24, 2026, in Oklahoma City.
Gary was raised in Butler and graduated from Butler High School in 1960. Butler remained home throughout most of his life, where he spent many years farming and ranching. He was a hardworking man who enjoyed the country life and being outdoors.
In his younger years, Gary enjoyed water skiing and boating, and he always had an appreciation for fast cars. He enjoyed just about anything that gave him a reason to be outside. In later years, he could often be found watching his favorite Westerns on television.
Above all, Gary loved his family. His daughter, Dena, and granddaughter, Abby, held a special place in his heart. One of his simple pleasures was keeping up with the two of them on Life360. Even with them living in Houston, being able to see where they were and know they were safe gave him both enjoyment and peace of mind.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Wade and Reba Donley; his sonin- law, Curtis Day; his brother, Donald Keith Donley; and his sister, Mary Tekall.
He is survived by his daughter, Dena Day of Houston, Texas; his granddaughter, Abby Day of Houston; his nephews, John Donley and Kent Donley; and his niece, Sheila Boelts, all of Arizona; as well as other relatives and friends.
A graveside service for Gary was held Monday, September 28, 2026, at the Clinton Cemetery, under the direction of the Lee Hometown Funeral Home.