In Loving Memory of
Billy Dean Gann
November 16, 1939 – May 8, 2025

Billy Dean Gann, 85, of Pawhuska, Oklahoma, passed away on May 8, 2025. He was born on November 16, 1939, in Coweta, Oklahoma, to Harlan “Rabbit” and Edith Wilson Gann. Billy was the second of five Gann boys and grew up surrounded by family, hard work, and strong values.

Billy graduated from Broken Arrow High School in 1958. He was Co-Captain and quarterback of the Broken Arrow Tigers football team and helped lead them to their fourth consecutive Verdigris Valley Conference Championship with a 7-2-1 season—becoming the first team in state history to achieve that record. He was also active in the Science Club, served as Sophomore Class President, and was Junior Football Escort.

On September 29, 1958, Billy married his high school sweetheart, Modena Pate. They had three children—Billy Wayne, Sheryl Sue, and David Allen—and built their home in Linch, Wyoming. During his school years, Billy worked at his Uncle O.H. “Doggie” Gann’s Skelly Service Station and his Uncle Ellis Creek’s Auto Salvage. He built a mile of fence to buy his first car.

Billy began his lifelong career in the oil business. After his divorce from Modena, he moved to California and drilled wells on Venice Beach. In 1970, he returned to Tulsa and met Deana McPherson. Together, they had one daughter, Penny Jo. Bill and Deana owned a nightclub, and Bill also worked as a skilled mason.

In 1981, Bill moved to Pawhuska, Oklahoma, and proudly called it home for the next 44 years. He worked for Producers Oil Company as a pulling unit operator and roustabout. In 1986, he joined David L. Greene as a production foreman and eventually became a partner. A master mason by trade, Bill ran his own business, Gann Masonry, and was known by many as an expert in oil production. After retiring, he continued to serve as a consultant for numerous oil producers in and around Osage County.

Bill loved the town of Pawhuska and its people. His favorite spot was the old city lake, where he spent countless hours fishing. He became a lifelong fan of the Pawhuska Huskies and was often seen at local ball games, proudly wearing his orange Huskies hat—a hat he continued to wear even in long-term care.

He also loved panning for gold, gardening, and sports—especially cheering on the Oklahoma Sooners and the Dallas Cowboys. “Boomer Sooner!” was a favorite phrase, and he never missed a chance to root for his teams.

Above all, Bill loved being with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He especially cherished attending the annual Rosser River Romp—a family tradition filled with joy and laughter.

Bill is survived by his four children: Billy Wayne (Tricia), Sheryl Sue, David Allen, and Penny Jo; 12 grandchildren: Jeremy, Brian, Rebecca, Margaret, Steven, Victoria, Elizabeth, Katelynn, Hunter, Trey, Amber, and Sean; and 14 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Charles, Tommy, and Joe Gann; sisters-in-law Brenda and Charolette; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harlan and Edith Wilson Gann, and his brother, Paul Wayne “Tooter” Gann.

Billy Dean Gann will be remembered for his strong spirit, deep love for family and community, and a life filled with hard work, humor, and heart.