Pauls Valley, Oklahoma — Gary R. Readnour, 66, was born into this life on November 20, 1946 to Tommy and Gladys Readnour of Wynnewood, Okla.

He graduated from Wynnewood High School in 1965. Gary met his lovely wife, Linda Carol Burns, of Davis, Oklahoma at East Central University. They were married on October 11, 1969.

While at East Central, Gary earned a Bachelor of Science with a major in accounting. Upon graduating in 1969, Gary became a Certified Public Accountant.

He moved his family from Ada to Pauls Valley, his home for the remainder of his life. He practiced accounting for 40 years, 28 of which was with his own practice.

Gary departed this life to be his with his Lord on January 28, 2013.

Gary was a loving and loyal husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He was loved, respected and admired by everyone he came in contact with. He never met a stranger and would spark up a conversation with anyone at anytime. He was always such a selfless man putting others before himself even up to the final moments of his life.

He will be sorely missed by all and you can be certain that most would agree that their life was better for having known him.

Over the years Gary was actively involved in local organizations such as Kiwanis, Elks Lodge, Boy Scouts of America, Little League coaching and he was a member of the First United Methodist Church. He often donated his time and professional services to various charities and organizations in the local communities.

Those who knew Gary appreciated his simple nature. You could even say he was “old school.” He wasn’t a flashy individual, but instead was a very humble man that wanted everyone to know he “was raised in the back of a feed store.” He’d drive a truck until it gave out on him, he never shopped for his own clothing and he had no interest in technology as he even refused to operate a computer at his office.

His only real indulgence in life was the cigar he enjoyed chewing on every day since anyone can remember. Although he did not have many hobbies, there were a few passions that defined his life: his family, work, horse racing and sports.

Gary developed his love of horse racing from his longtime friendship with Jim Wells. They developed a special bond as friends and as partners in the horse racing business. Together they enjoyed great success and lasting memories as they followed their horses to the winning circle in race tracks all over the country for many years.

Another one of Gary’s passions in life was sports, especially football. Gary enjoyed going to high school football games all over the state, high school basketball playoffs at the Big House and OU football games.

For 10 years Gary coached the Grasscutters and Blue Jays little league football teams in Pauls Valley with his friend Bill Stephens. Together they compiled a record that would make Vince Lombardi jealous, 62-7-3.

Gary loved coaching but he especially loved the kids and the men they became, many of whom still called him “Coach” to his dying day.

Most of all though, Gary loved to watch his children and grandchildren in any sporting event or activity they participated in whether it was football, tennis, dance recitals, academic meets or even awards assemblies.

Gary’s biggest passion in life was his family. He was devoted to his wife and children but held a truly special place in his heart for all of his grandchildren. He loved them with every ounce of his being and they were always the topic of conversation amongst friends and even strangers.

Gary was predeceased in death by his parents, Tommy and Gladys Ozell (Anderson) Readnour of Wynnewood, Oklahoma; his brother Glenn Readnour of Wynnewood; and his infant brother, Thomas Allen Readnour.

He was survived by his wife of 43 years, Linda Carol Readnour; a daughter, Tami Readnour of Dallas, Texas; and three sons: Keith Readnour and wife Nikki, Kevin Readnour and wife Lauren, and Kyle Readnour and wife Melanie, all of Pauls Valley.

Gary has 12 grandchildren that he loved dearly; Steve, Rachel, Eric, Natalie, Garrett, Kendall, Keira, Kenzi, Malia, Graham, Dylan, and Drew.

A celebration of Gary’s life will be held Friday, February 1, 2013 at 3:30 p.m. at the Pauls Valley High School Auditorium officiated by Rev. Tom Buzbee. Interment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery under the direction of Stufflebean-Coffey Funeral Home.

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the family’s guestbook www.stufflebeanfuneralhome.com.

Memorials may be made to the ‘Gary Readnour Memorial Scholarship Fund’ set up by the Wynnewood High Class of 1965 at both banks in Wynnewood. Please send memorials to: Landmark Bank, at PO Box 609 in Wynnewood, OK. 73098, or to the State Bank of Wynnewood at PO Box 369 in Wynnewood, OK. 73098.