Randy Albert Gilkey's Obituary
Randy A. Gilkey resident of Fort Gibson, Ok formerly resident of Tulsa, Ok, passed away on December 3rd at Saint Francis Hospital at the age of 68. He was born March 27, 1950 in Searcy, Arkansas. He attended East Central High School where he played varsity football. He loved hanging out with his friends, especially his long time friends, Ronnie Stefanoff and Rev. Sam Davis. Spring Break of 1970, Randy and Ronnie joined the Marines on the buddy system. After surviving boot camp, he signed up to go to Vietnam. He had boots on the ground at the age of 18 in Da Nang. His MOS was a helicopter gunner and a parameter guard. He later was sent to Japan to be a MP. He returned home in September of 1971 and met his wife Elizabeth, while she was cruising the Restless Ribbon on Peoria. Randy said she was in a “butt ugly” green Gremlin. He took her out dancing at the factory telling her that he was going to marry her. Five months later they were married on February 19, 1972. In 1978 they were blessed with their son Randal Sean. While getting ready to go to the hospital, Randy was so excited, he said to Marlene “This is the happiest day of my life.” Randy loved spending time with his family. He loved to travel, go kayaking, playing games, hunting, fishing and four wheeling though the mountains. You name it he loved it. He was a proud Marine and always wanted to ride with the Rolling Thunder.Randy will be missed by his wife, Marlene Gilkey of 46 wonderful years; their son, Sean Gilkey and daughter Abby Gilkey; granddaughter, Courtney Gilkey; grandson, Trevor Gilkey; father, Thomas A. Gilkey; his siblings, Sandi and Hershel Sinnett and Terry and Melba Gilkey; his uncle, aunts, several cousins, nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary E. Gilkey and sister, Nancy Jo Gilkey.Viewing will be held Sunday, December 9th from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Floral Haven Funeral Home in Broken Arrow.Services will be held at 12:30 p.m. Monday, December 10th at the Southwood Baptist Church in Tulsa with Reverend Sam Davis officiating.Military Honors will be conducted by the United States Marine Corps.
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