Ted Gatewood Jr.

1933-2024

On August 27, 1933, the new hospital in Anadarko, OK celebrated the birth of its first baby! Ted and Jenny May Gatewood (nee Kelin) were excited to meet their baby boy, as well. Ted was so excited that when the nurse asked the new baby’s name for the birth certificate, he blurted out the name he had been calling him for months, hoping for a boy, “Teddie Jr.!” and that is exactly what the nurse entered on the form. Teddie ultimately became Ted Gatewood Jr. so as not to have to explain.

Ted called many towns in Oklahoma “home” at one time or another and attended school in several of those: including Verden, Anadarko, Pauls Valley, Stillwater, The Village, and Guthrie. After a stint in The U.S. Air Force he came back to Guthrie and there he found the mother of his 4 girls, Luann.

Ted had gone into banking after the service and opened a loan company. He operated and owned several savings and loan companies before finally going to work as a loan officer at The First National Bank & Trust of Guthrie, OK (The oldest in Oklahoma). He would go on to become Sr. Vice President by the time he retired.

He was very proud of the work he did at the bank. There are many people who have a home, land, a farm or ranch, or a business because of his support through the bank. At a time when it was sometimes difficult for some people to access funding, he encouraged entrepreneurs and found ways to help them bring their visions to fruition. Though his family was unaware at the time, many years later we would hear stories from friends and acquaintances about the help he gave their family which made all the difference to their future.

At home he was a proud father of 4 lovely girls, a fun friend, an avid athlete, a traveler, and an overall character. He loved to show his girls off (thanks Mom for cleaning us up from time to time), a trait that continued for the rest of his life. He played tennis like a semi-pro, water skied, snow skied, did scuba diving, and played golf. He shot a hole in one the first year he played!

After divorcing in 1974 he soon discovered the love of his life had been right in front of him for years. He and Claire Escott Carey married in 1975. Claire had 2 boys of her own to add to the crew, Mike and Paul Carey, making it a full house. They enjoyed a vibrant social life with friends across the country, traveling extensively and partying all along the way. Ted and Claire shared adventures and fun with family and friends until his passing.

Ted and Claire also supported each other through the tough times including the tragic loss of his youngest daughter, Vicki Jo Gatewood. Also preceding Ted on their journey to the next great adventure were his father and mother, Ted and Jenny May Gatewood.

Ted enjoyed having family around, in spurts; about 10 minutes into a visit from the grandchildren or even his children he would often be heard saying, “ Thanks for coming!” That was our cue to leave and Claire’s cue to tell him that she was still visiting.

Ted leaves his wife Claire to care for his favorite daughter and constant companion, Julie the cat. They will both sorely miss his presence.

Ted’s surviving daughters are Jenny Lucille (Lucy) Swanson and partner Leslie Branch of Guthrie, OK, Cissy Ann Winn and husband David of Bellaire, TX, and Freddie Sue Gatewood and partner Michael VanderHam of Santa Fe, NM.

His surviving stepsons are Mike Carey and wife Jeanie of Guthrie, OK and Paul Carey and wife Becky of Sand Springs, OK.

Surviving grandchildren include: Annie Rae Swanson Neilson (Chris), Eric Kelin Swanson (Gentry), Jenny Lauren Swanson, Jordan Ariel Swanson, and Courtney Grace Swanson, Spencer Gatewood Winn, Andrew David Winn, Stephanie Carey Watson, Paula Claire Carey Harned (Bill), Brenton Carey. 18 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank all the caregivers and Companion Healthcare who have shared their expertise and kindness. You have made this difficult transition easier.

And now Ted moves on to the next great adventure, and we believe he will live with the same zest wherever he roams. Us, “We love you, Daddy!” Ted, “Oh, you love everybody!”

In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite cause.

Published in the Guthrie News Leader - April 24, 2024