**Gary Kent Huffman**

August 28, 1946 – March 9, 2026

Gary Kent Huffman, 79, of Broken Bow, Oklahoma, passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord on Monday, March 9, 2026, at Hillcrest South in Tulsa, surrounded by those who loved him most.

Born in DeQueen, Arkansas, to Drew and Etta Huffman, Gary grew up with a quiet strength and a big heart that would define his entire life. A proud 1964 graduate of Broken Bow High School, he went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Education from Southeastern State College. He began his working life as a high school biology teacher and bus driver in Madill, Oklahoma

For nearly 60 cherished years Gary was blessed to share his life with his high school sweetheart, Jane Strain Huffman.  Their marriage was a true partnership - Steady, loyal, and rooted in faith.  Together they built not just a life but a lasting legacy.

After just two years, Gary felt the pull of home. He and Jane returned to Broken Bow where he stepped into the family business—Huffman Wood Preserving—working side by side with his father. Gary’s vision and hard work soon led him to purchase Huffman Lumber Company in Idabel.  With the lumber from this mill, he built the home where he and Jane lived for more than 50 years—a house filled with memories, laughter, and generations of family.  It stood as a reflection of the man himself: strong, steady, and built to last.  Gary turned his business into a thriving cornerstone of the community. He was honored as Idabel Chamber of Commerce Businessman of the Year, a well-deserved recognition of his integrity and forward-thinking spirit. During this time, he became one of the original founders and directors of McCurtain County National Bank of Idabel. 

Beyond lumber, Gary built a life rich in the land he loved. Even after long days of work, he could be found on his tractor from sun up to sun down. In the 1970s he built what grew to be a large cattle and ranching operation and even acquired several race horses during this time. Later, after retiring from the timber industry, he and Jane owned and managed the Vintage House for 26 years.

Gary was never happier than when he was outdoors. An avid outdoorsman, exceptional marksman, and member of the Prestigious Grand National Quail Club alongside grandson Corey.  He cherished quail hunting and deer hunting with a passion that lit up his life. Yet nothing—nothing—brought him more joy than his family. To his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, he was more than “Papa.” He was their rock, their mentor, their biggest cheerleader, and the man with the biggest heart they had ever known.

His nephew Brooks Ellisor once said it best:

“As a boy I spent thousands of hours on Uncle Gary’s property—walking the fields, fishing, sitting in a tree stand. He shared words of wisdom about how to be successful in life; lessons I still carry with me today.”

That was Gary: generous with his time, his stories, his laughter, and his love. He lived his faith quietly but deeply, and the roots of that faith—and his dedication to family—will continue to grow in everyone he touched.

Gary, a devoted member of Broken Bow First Assembly of God Church, is survived by the love of his life, his wife of nearly 60 years, Jane Strain Huffman; his daughter Donna Huffman Brollier and husband Thad of Bixby; his son Sean Huffman and wife Shocka of Broken Bow; his sister Gail Allen of Washington State; five cherished grandchildren—Corey White, Tristan Brollier, Ashtyn Brollier, Dru Huffman and Karstyn Brittington and four adored great-grandchildren—Steelie, Capri, Canyon, and Ivy White.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Drew and Etta Huffman, and brothers Don and Terry Huffman.

A visitation to celebrate Gary’s life will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Bunch-Singleton Funeral Home in Broken Bow.

The funeral service will take place on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Broken Bow First Assembly of God Church, 1501 South Park Drive, Broken Bow, with interment to follow at Hochatown Cemetery.

Gary left this world a better, warmer place. His legacy is measured in the countless hearts he steadied, the lessons he shared, and the love he gave so freely. He will be forever missed, forever remembered, and forever loved.

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