1940-2019
A life well lived describes Gary Lee Shreck. To Paulette Patten Shreck, his wife of 51 years, he is the love of her life who could always make her laugh. His children, Brett, Garrick and Tiffany, know that his love of God gives them a legacy for their children. His former students call him “beloved.” Gary was a man among men, one not often encountered in our world.
Gary was the son of Charlie and Edna (Vanderpool) Shreck, and grew up in Blackwell, Oklahoma, with his younger brother, Leo. He earned a doctorate degree in education, and became an educator – a professor for 36 years at Oklahoma Christian University – who taught future teachers. He served as the dean and the chairman of the department for many years. Students describe him as an encourager, ready with a smile, and an inspiration. Gary was named into the OC Master Teacher Hall of Fame in 2018.
Teaching God’s Word was the story of Gary’s life. While a professor at Oklahoma Christian, he and his family took students on mission campaigns for 17 years, to Yugoslavia and Hungary while communism still reigned. Hundreds of students were influenced by him, with many becoming teachers and missionaries. He was also the sponsor of the Vienna Studies Program in 1987.
When he retired from OC, he did not retire from spreading the word of God. Gary had a heart for people, and he began to participate weekly in the prison ministries for Memorial Road Church of Christ. He poured into the lives of these inmates, taking copious notes so he would remember what was on their hearts from week to week. He prayed faithfully.
As much as his godliness, he is remembered for his humor. Whether he was making you laugh as you played the family favorite of “Bobity Bop Bop,” or giggling with his many grandchildren, he made you smile. His smile was contagious.
Gary is survived by his wife, Paulette, and his three children and their spouses, Brett Shreck and wife Keli, Garrick Shreck and fiancée Ashley Sellers, and Tiffany Shreck Smith and husband Norm; his brother Leo Shreck; and grandchildren Kassidy, Natalie, Benjamin, Nicholas, Gloria and Moses Shreck, and Hannah, Fisher, Isaac, Essie, Annie and Gabriel Smith; his sister-in-law Patty Gail Patten, and numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his parents; his sister-in-law Claudette Patten Dills, and her husband, Harold Dills.
Gary’s memorial will be Saturday, March 30 at 10:00 a.m., Memorial Road Church of Christ in Edmond, Oklahoma with interment to follow. There will be a viewing on Friday evening, March 29, at Matthews Funeral Home, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with the family present.
As an expression of Gary’s love for missions, memorial contributions in his name may be sent to Rwanda Outreach & Community Partners at www.rocpartners.org/donate.
Paulette and the kids,
I am so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. True he was very inspirational to many. His laugh and smile is most remembered. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jennifer Lowry Grady
Paulette and family,
I am sorry to hear about Gary’s passing and know that he has left a huge legacy like ripples in a lake that never end.
Please know that I am thinking of you and your family and you are in my prayers.
Kaye
Shreck family, I have so many fond memories of ‘Coach’. He was there to encourage me when seemingly no one else would. He was a great teacher, and his legacy will live on in classrooms and youth ministries around the globe. I consider it the greatest privilege ever when I was invited to share family time with you guys.
I will always remember fondly the time we painted the garage with the big buster and the little buster 🙂
I can see Gary telling Paul about when he reached for his wallet when he was young
Love you guys.
Jim Wille