Jack Gay

Jack Leroy Gay, 90, retiree of Phillips Petroleum Company and resident of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, passed away September 14, 2011, in Bartlesville. Jack was born in Yale, Oklahoma on June 12, 1921. He was the son of Orbie Leroy Gay and Rozene (Raffety) Gay. Jack was raised and educated in Henryetta, Oklahoma, graduating from Henryetta High School in 1939. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1943 where he served in the Air Corps during WWII. Jack was a Command Pilot and flew 33 missions in a B-17 receiving an Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters. He was a Captain when he left active duty. He continued his service with the U.S. Air Reserves and received his Honorable Discharge on the 28th day of September, 1957. Jack and Frances Jane Gailland were united in marriage on August 31, 1947. After a few months in California, they made their home in Henryetta, Oklahoma where Jack was employed with Phillips Petroleum Company in the Okmulgee plant. Phillips moved them to Kansas City and then, finally relocated them to Bartlesville in 1953. Mrs. Gay preceded Jack in death and he has continued his residence in Bartlesville since that time. Jack loved his family very much. He especially enjoyed being a Ham Radio Operator. He worked tirelessly on the family's acreage. He played the violin as a youngster and loved flying. Jack is survived by his son, William "Bill" Gay and his wife, Charlottia, of Cleburne, Texas; granddaughter, Jennifer Thompson; two sisters, Elizabeth Ham and Dorothy Langford. He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Jane, on April 21, 2005; and his brother, Frank Gay.