Gary and Lilly Strickland, of Ponca City, marked their 50th wedding anniversary on July 30, 2020.

Due to COVID-19, a very small gathering shared cake (made by the bride of 50 years) and sparkling drinks. Mrs. Strickland wore a gold sparkling dress with an ivory lace coat, along with a diamond pendant (a gift).

Mr. Gary Wayne Strickland and the former Lilly Clara Cartwright were married July 30, 1970 at the Church of God in Lilbourn, Missouri. They made their first home in Ponca City where Gary commuted first to Tonkawa (NOC) and later to Stillwater (OSU). They have resided in their present home for 39 years.

Gary worked at Porter Post & Pole in Pleasantview for seven years. Later, upon his college graduation from Oklahoma State in 1973, he began a 35 year career in real estate and home building.

Gary is a member of the Ponca City American Legion and the Vietnam Veterans Ponca City. Though he did not serve on the ground in Vietnam, he did serve in the Army at Fort Hood, Texas for two years as a mechanic and record keeper for the motor pool. He was President of the Sailfish Swim Club and served on the parks and recreation board.

Lilly was a hairdresser and later worked eight years at the Ponca City News, then spent three years in the funeral business.

Lilly was a Campfire leader and board member, Sailfish Swim Club Awards Chairman, Soroptimist, and a member of the Lions Club and Lions Boy’s Ranch board.

The couple have been members of the First Lutheran Church of Ponca City for 39 years.

They have one daughter, Regan Beatty and son-in-law Brian Beatty of Edmund, OK, and grand-children Ryan, Gretchen and Betsy.