Gary England Obituary: Oklahoma’s Legendary Meteorologist Dies at 85

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Gary England Obituary: A Life Spent Guarding the Skies Over Oklahoma

On June 10, 2025, the skies above Oklahoma grew a little quieter with the passing of Gary England, the man who spent his life warning others when the clouds turned dark. At 85 years old, England passed away peacefully, surrounded by his devoted wife of 63 years, Mary, and their daughter Molly.

A pillar of Oklahoma weather broadcasting, Gary England was more than just a weatherman—he was a trusted voice during the state’s most terrifying storms, a pioneer in meteorological science, and a comforting presence to millions who relied on him to stay safe.

Early Life and Military Service

Born in the small town of Seiling, Oklahoma on October 3, 1939, Gary England’s humble beginnings were the seeds of a storied life of service and scientific innovation. Growing up in rural Oklahoma, England developed a keen awareness of the sky and its moods—no small thing in tornado alley.

Before diving into meteorology, he answered a different kind of call—serving his country in the United States Navy. This experience laid the groundwork for the discipline and commitment that would later define his career in broadcast weather.

Academic Foundations at the University of Oklahoma

After his military service, England enrolled at the University of Oklahoma, a school well known for its meteorological program. There, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Meteorology in 1965. His education provided the tools he would later use to change the face of weather reporting in America.

Pioneering Weather Broadcasts

Gary England’s career in meteorology began in earnest when he joined KWTV-News 9 in Oklahoma City. Over decades of service, he built a reputation as not only a forecaster but a lifeline. He was one of the first broadcasters to use cutting-edge radar and computer technology to deliver real-time tornado warnings—a critical evolution in severe weather safety.

His work helped make Oklahoma one of the first states in the country to implement an advanced storm warning system, saving countless lives. Through both innovation and presence, he helped set the national standard for meteorological reporting in severe weather-prone regions.

A Legacy of Firsts and Innovations

England wasn’t just on the cutting edge—he was the cutting edge. He was the first to implement many tools that are now standard in storm tracking:

• Street-level storm tracking: Allowing viewers to know exactly when a storm would arrive in their neighborhood.

• Live radar integration into broadcasts: Long before it was common, Gary made storm systems visible to every home.

• Public safety messaging: He communicated risk with clarity, calmness, and urgency.

His calm voice and steady demeanor during Oklahoma’s most dangerous tornado outbreaks earned him the trust and gratitude of generations. When Gary England was on TV, Oklahomans paid attention—because they knew he could save lives.

Tributes and Remembrances

Following his death, tributes poured in from fans, colleagues, and fellow meteorologists. KOCO 5 meteorologist Michael Armstrong, who worked closely with Gary, shared an emotional message on social media:

“You knew him as an Oklahoma legend, a Hall of Famer. I knew him as a friend. Gary – I love you and will forever miss you, but I’m so thankful to have been able to work so closely with you doing what we both shared such a passion for. ‘Simply the Best.'”

The phrase “Simply the Best” captures what many felt about England. He wasn’t just an expert in his field—he was an icon, a trusted figure, and a friend to many who never met him in person but saw him on TV during some of the scariest nights of their lives.

Honors and Awards

Over the years, Gary England received numerous awards and accolades, both for his scientific contributions and his public service:

• National Weather Association Broadcaster of the Year

• Induction into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame

• Emmy Awards for Broadcast Excellence

• Lifetime Achievement Honors from multiple scientific and media organizations

These awards serve as formal recognition, but perhaps the most enduring honor is the countless lives he impacted—those who he guided to safety with his steady voice and unshakable presence.

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FAQs About Gary England

Q: What was Gary England best known for?
A: He was best known as Oklahoma’s trusted meteorologist and a pioneer in using technology for real-time tornado warnings.

Q: How long did Gary England work in meteorology?
A: Gary England spent more than four decades in the field, primarily at KWTV-News 9.

Q: Did Gary England serve in the military?
A: Yes, he served in the United States Navy before attending college.

Q: What legacy does Gary England leave behind?
A: England leaves a legacy of life-saving meteorological innovations, mentorship, public trust, and pioneering work in tornado forecasting.

Q: Who survived Gary England?
A: He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary England, and their daughter Molly.

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Conclusion: A Life of Service, Science, and Heart

Gary England didn’t just report the weather—he helped transform how it was understood, communicated, and respected. His life was one of selfless dedication to the safety of others, blending rigorous science with deep compassion. For decades, Oklahomans knew they could count on Gary to guide them through the worst storms, literally and metaphorically.

His passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the story of weather broadcasting. Yet, the systems he helped pioneer, the lives he touched, and the safety culture he helped foster will continue to shape the field for generations to come.

In remembering Gary England, we honor not just a man, but a mission—one of vigilance, care, and courage in the face of nature’s fiercest threats. He truly was Simply the Best.