Gary Spiva, Stillwater, OK—The community of Stillwater, OK is mourning the loss of Gary Spiva, a beloved veteran and dedicated family man, who passed away following a tragic vehicle accident on August 15, 2024. Gary’s passing has left a profound impact on all who knew him, especially his wife, Daun Lyons, and their son, Barrett.
Gary served his country with honor, dedicating 28 years to the US Army and the Oklahoma Army National Guard, with deployments to Korea, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Known for his caring and generous nature, Gary was deeply involved in the local military and veteran community. He worked tirelessly on fundraisers, donated his time to assist fellow veterans, and volunteered alongside his wife at the annual Gold Star Parents Retreat.
One of Gary’s most cherished dreams was to transform their small farm into "The 22," a safe haven for veterans struggling with mental health issues and those experiencing homelessness. This initiative was named in honor of the 22 veterans lost to suicide each day, a cause close to Gary’s heart.
Following Gary’s unexpected death, a fundraiser was organized by Eva Turner to support Daun and Barrett. The fundraiser, which aims to raise $20,000, has garnered $450 so far, thanks to the generosity of donors such as Martijn Harmsen, Clayton Moers, Alicia Requenez, and Leonard Vandersterren.
Eva Turner, who organized the fundraiser, shared her grief on Facebook, recalling how she met Gary several years ago while reroofing an elderly veteran’s home. She praised Gary and Daun for their unwavering support of the local military community and urged others to contribute to the fundraiser to help the Spiva family during this difficult time.
In addition to the financial support, Daun is working with a local company to replace the outdated air conditioning unit in their home, a project Gary had begun before his passing. Donations can also be made directly to Daun via PayPal, and a poker run fundraiser is being planned by local veterans to further assist the family.
Gary’s memory will live on through the love and kindness he showed to everyone around him, and through the legacy of service he left behind. The community’s outpouring of support is a testament to the profound impact he had on those who knew him.
We extend our deepest condolences to Daun, Barrett, and all of Gary’s loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this incredibly difficult time.
Short Summary of Gary Spiva
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Gary Spiva |
| Date of Passing | August 15, 2024 |
| Fundraiser Created By | Eva MT |
| Goal Amount | $20,000 |
| Amount Raised | $450 |
| Location | Stillwater, OK |
| Purpose | Support for Gary Spiva’s family, home remodeling, and funeral expenses |
Note:This post was written and edited by Samantha Young, based on their expertise and research. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. We welcome your feedback and questions on this content. Please feel free to contact us.