Dr. Gary Kris Goforth

It is with profound sadness, we announce the passing of Dr. Gary Goforth. Gary Kris Goforth was born September 27, 1935 in Winfield, Kansas, to K.C. and Alice Goforth. He passed peacefully two days shy of his 89 th birthday on September 25, 2024. Gary graduated from Classen High School in 1953 as an Eagle Scout. From there, he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree at Kansas State Teachers College of Pittsburg along with a Masters Degree in Preventative Medicine and Public Health from the University of Oklahoma. In 1962, he earned a Doctorate Degree in Osteopathic Medicine from the Kansas City College of Osteopathic Medicine. During these years, he was a distinguished ROTC military graduate and a 32 nd Degree Mason.

Gary began his career as an intern at Oklahoma Osteopathic Hospital, now OSU Medical Center, in 1963. From there he became a Family Practitioner, serving his community for over 5 decades in Tulsa, OK. During these years, his accomplishments were many. Gary was a member of the Department of General Practice at Columbia Tulsa Regional Medical Center, a President of the Tulsa District Osteopathic Society, Chairman of the Department of General Practice at Oklahoma Osteopathic Hospital, as well as a member, Board of Trustees, for the Oklahoma Osteopathic Hospital Founders Association. Professional advancements include completion of board certification by the American College of Osteopathic Physicians, and in 1986, a California State Medical License. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, Gary raised a family of three sons, Scott (1960), Steve (1962), and Brian (1965). On November 24 th , 1978, he married the love of his life, Tommi. The result was a blended family that now included a beautiful daughter, Mollie (1976).

A trusted community leader, Gary was wise, intelligent, astute, yet, a humble man with a great sense of humor. He was comical, witty, and there was not a person who did not enjoy being in his company. One was to always be on guard in anticipation of a quick well-crafted response at any moment. He loved golf, along with his boys, who honor his memory and “live” the game. Never short on helpful advice, a favorite was “Nothing is ever as bad as it seems”. You might not know why or like it, but eventually you will figure it out. In his death, it finally makes sense. He was a great man with a loving heart, warm presence, and generous spirit. We are grateful that his humor will live on through each of us, and we will carry him in our hearts forevermore.  He is survived by his wife, Tommi, his son, Scott (Suzanne) of Oklahoma City, OK, his son, Steve (Brooke) of Tulsa, OK, his son, Brian (Lisa) of Tulsa, OK, and his daughter, Mollie (J.W) Craft of Tulsa, OK. He is survived by his grandchildren: Kelsey, Hunter (Olivia), Caitlin (Henry), Brady (Emonni), Jake, Kingsley, Holland, Lachlan, and Windsor; great-grandchildren, Bennett & Brooks, Paul & Halle, and Kamden & Emersen. 

The family would like to offer its sincerest gratitude to those who cared for Gary on his journey to Heaven. Nicole, Katie-Ann, and Tim from Suncrest Hospice, the staff at Porta Caeli House, and Tulsa Fire Station No. 5. Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, October 11, 2024 at Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church, 4818 E. 9 th St, Tulsa, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Suncrest Hospice and Porta Caeli House at Catholic Charities.