Gary England, a legendary figure in Oklahoma’s weather reporting community, has passed away at the age of 85. His family confirmed that he died peacefully on the evening of June 10, 2025, surrounded by his wife, Mary, their daughter Molly, and grandchildren. The cause of death has not been made public.
- “Gary passed peacefully… surrounded by his loved ones,” the family said in a heartfelt statement. “He took pride in keeping Oklahomans safe during dangerous storms. He will be deeply and forever missed.”
A Life Devoted to Weather and Safety
Born on October 3, 1939, in the small town of Seiling, Oklahoma, Gary England grew up fascinated—and even a little frightened—by storms. That fear turned into a lifelong passion.
After serving in the U.S. Navy, he attended the University of Oklahoma and graduated in 1965 with a degree in mathematics and meteorology. That same year, he began his journey into broadcast meteorology—a career that would make him a household name across the state.
England joined KWTV (News 9) in Oklahoma City in 1972. For more than 40 years, he provided life-saving weather updates during some of the most dangerous tornado seasons in American history. He became known not just for his accuracy, but for his calm voice in the middle of the storm.
- “I liked storms. They scared the heck out of me, but I loved them,” he once said in an interview with The Oklahoman in 2002.
Gary retired in 2013 as KWTV’s chief meteorologist, but his legacy continues through the many lives he helped protect and the young meteorologists he mentored along the way.
Remembering a Legend
Tributes from friends and colleagues poured in after news of his passing broke.
Michael Armstrong, a meteorologist at KOCO 5, wrote:
- “You knew him as an Oklahoma legend. I knew him as a friend. Gary – I love you and will forever miss you. Simply the best.”
Sherry Marshall, President and CEO of Science Museum Oklahoma, praised his lasting impact on public safety and science education:
- “Gary England was a pioneer in weather coverage. He made complex weather science understandable and inspired an entire generation of future meteorologists.”
England is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary Carlisle, their daughter Molly, and two granddaughters, Chloe and Cassidy.
A Lasting Impact on Oklahoma
Throughout his career, Gary England was more than just a weatherman. He helped develop early tornado warning systems and was among the first to use computerized weather radar during live broadcasts—a tool now essential for public safety. His dedication helped save lives and made Oklahoma a national leader in storm preparedness.
For more information about weather safety and emergency preparedness, visit:
Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management
Rest in peace, Gary England. Your voice guided Oklahoma through its darkest storms—and will echo in our memories forever.
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