Gary Lane Beatty

Gary Lane Beatty, aged 75, passed away in Edmond, Oklahoma on Saturday, September 27, 2025.

Gary was born September 12, 1950, in Fort Belvoir, VA, joining his older brother, Keith, and his parents Col. Roy P. and Bonniejean (Miller) Beatty. Being in a military family meant living in multiple locations and although he graduated from high school in Panama, Gary considered Picayune, MS his high school alma mater and Mexico, MO his family home.

Gary received his BS in Business Administration, majoring in Finance in 1972 and a Master of Science in Accountancy in May 1976 from the University of Missouri. Gary was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army Adjutant General’s Corps and served two years at the Pine Bluff, AR Army Arsenal.

After completing his education and military service, Gary then joined Conoco in Ponca City, OK. A dedicated employee, Gary worked for Conoco (which later became ConocoPhillips) for 31 years before retiring in 2007. While with Conoco, Gary worked in Ponca City, OK, Stamford, CT, Wilmington, DE, Houston, TX, and Bartlesville, OK in various roles rising to the level of Finance Director and Audit Manager. In his Audit Manager role, he continued travelling the world, reminiscent of his younger years growing up as a military dependent. Gary always reflected that the oil operations he audited were rarely located in exciting urban tourist areas but rather in remote isolated locations.

Gary married Cathy (Cooper) on June 9, 1973, and together they raised one son, Brian, who continued the family military legacy by graduating from West Point and serving as an officer in the United States Army. Gary later married Diane (Thomas) on July 24, 2009, and they moved to Edmond, OK where they were active members of St. Luke’s Methodist Church. Ever the traveler, Gary continued exploring the world in his retirement with Diane. Those who were fortunate to have known Gary knew him as a skilled conversationalist with the unique ability to make every person feel as though they were the most important in the room. Most of all, Gary embraced being a grandpa, becoming a fixture on the sidelines at his grandchildren’s soccer games and in the audience at their many performances. He was their tireless cheerleader, taxi driver to activities, storyteller, and willing listener.

Gary is survived by his wife, Diane, his son, Brian (Regan), and grandchildren Ryan, Gretchen, and Betsy all of Edmond, OK. He is also survived by his brother, Keith, of San Diego, CA, and first cousins Ada Lee Gibbs, Kansas City, MO, Ron Jenkins, St. Louis, MO and Stuart Miller, Mexico, MO.

Memorials may be made to St. Luke’s Methodist Church, 222 NW 15th Street, Oklahoma City, OK to be used in their Poteet Theater ministry. 

The family will hold a private graveside service.