Gary Lynn Bracken passed away January 29, 2022. He was born February 20, 1956 to Raymond and Margaret Bracken in Jackson County, Missouri. He lived in Prairie Village, a suburb outside of Overland Park, Kansas, until he graduated High School in 1974. After high school he attended Baker University where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree. While there he was an Alpha Delta Sigma Honorary and was a member of the Zeta Chi Fraternity. After receiving his Bachelor of Science Degree he attended the University of Kansas where he received a Juris Doctor. He also achieved Order of the Coif and Law Review. While at the University of Kansas he was a Phi Kappa Phi Honorary.

After receiving his Law Degree from the University of Kansas, Gary moved to Denver, Colorado and practice as an Attorney for Calkins, Kramer, Grimshaw & Harring.

In 1983, Gary moved to Ponca City, Oklahoma where he practiced as an Attorney of general practice of law, emphasizing in business, estate planning, real estate, banking and school law.

On April 20, 1985 he married Nancy R. Bowen. They made their home in Ponca City for 17 years. On September 28, 2007, he married Shirley Mae Gardner. They made Ponca City their home for 11 years.

During the last two years of his life Gary enjoyed spending time with a very special friend, Sue Milsap, of Sand Springs, Oklahoma.

During his time in Ponca City practicing as an Attorney he represented the Ponca City Schools for over 25 years. He also helped with the Standing Bear Foundation, Pioneer Technology Center Foundation, Ponca City Friends of Education, University Center of Ponca City, University Center Foundation, Attucks Community Alliance, the Ponca City Business Incubator, Cimarron Broadband Project, Inc., Ponca City Rotary Club and Foundation, and the Salvation Army, and many other organizations and foundations that he donated his time and expertise to. He was also on the Board of Directors for several of these organizations and foundations.

He was admitted to practice before Colorado courts, Oklahoma courts, Federal District courts for the Districts of Colorado, Western District of Oklahoma, Northern District of Oklahoma, Tenth Districts Circuit Court of Appeals, United States Supreme Court, and United States Tax Court. He was a member of the National Lawyers Association, Oklahoma Bar Association, Kay County Bar Association, Colorado Bar Association, Salvation Army, Past Master of the Ponca City Masonic Lodge, a member of the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce, a member of MENSA, and Oklahoma Municipal Attorneys, a member of the Ponca City Elks Lodge and a member of Rotary Club of Ponca City for thirty-eight years and served as club president from 1990-1991. He was recognized by The Rotary Foundation as a Multiple Paul Harris Fellow for his philanthropic giving.

During his free time, he enjoyed gardening and landscaping. He also had several other hobbies that he enjoyed very much.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, grandparents, and aunts and uncles. He is survived by several cousins.

Per Gary’s wishes, a small intimate service will be held in Colorado later this year.

Gary was a great asset to this community and will be greatly missed by many.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ponca City Service Center of the Salvation, P.O. Box 549, Ponca City, Oklahoma, 74602-0549.

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