Gary Don Sweeney

Gary Don Sweeney, a lifelong resident of Tulsa,OK, passed away on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at the age of 60. He was born on December 31, 1964, in Tulsa to Rufus Oliver and Gay Don (Shipp) Sweeney. Gary attended Bacone College, where he also played baseball— continuing a lifelong love for the game. One of his proudest accomplishments was winning a state championship for Hale in 1983, a moment he never let anyone forget and loved to reminisce about with a smile.

He went on to work as an insurance agent for Advantage 1 and Metro Insurance, where his outgoing personality and dedication to his clients made him a trusted presence in the community.

Gary participated in fantasy football, spending many weekends enjoying it with some of his closest friends. Any chance he got, he was cooking out in the backyard on the grill with his daughters company, teacher her the ways of the grill. He felt most at peace when he was “getting some sun” outside by the pool. He was especially passionate about coaching baseball and softball, coaching baseball at both Edison and Memorial and his daughter’s softball teams throughout the years. He was dedicated to sharing his time and knowledge of the game to young players, sharing all of his techniques with them. If Gary had the chance to do it all over again, he would’ve chosen to be a coach full-time. He found his greatest fulfillment on the field, pouring his heart into shaping and inspiring the next generation of athletes. Outside of coaching, Gary was a devoted fan of OU Softball and the Nebraska Cornhuskers, never missing a chance to root for his teams and celebrating their accomplishments.

Known for his quick wit and playful sense of humor, Gary was always cracking jokes and giving people a hard time— in the most loving, lighthearted way. He had a gift for making people laugh and feel welcome, and his presence would brighten even the toughest days.

When the mother of his child passed away, Gary stepped up without hesitation to raise his daughter on his own. He made it his life’s mission to ensure she had everything she needed—both emotionally, and physically. He even began taking better care of himself, knowing he had to be strong and healthy to always be there for her. Gary never missed an opportunity to brag about his daughter to anyone he met. She was the light of his life, the best thing that ever happened to him, and his greatest purpose.

He is survived by his loving mother, Gay Sweeney of Tulsa; his daughter, Katie Sweeney of Tulsa; his sister, Brenda Lackey of Tulsa; his lifelong best friend, Barry Simon of Tulsa; and numerous extended family members and close friends.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, Rufus Oliver Sweeney, and his sister Lucinda Renee Obregon.

Gary’s daughter will honor his life with a celebration and burial will be held at a later date.  Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma.