By Cara Cowan Watts | Cherokee 411
November 26, 2026 – August 1, 2026
Bartlesville, Oklahoma
Cherokee Nation Citizen
Military Veteran
Obituary for Gary Lynn Rhoton
Gary Lynn Rhoton, affectionately known as “Mr. Rhoton,” age 85, passed away on August 1st, 2026, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.
Gary was born on November 26, 1940, in Shidler, Oklahoma, to Woodrow and Juanita Rhoton. He graduated from Shidler High School in 1959. That same year, he and his high school sweetheart, Karen, attended Central State University in Edmond, Oklahoma, where they both pursued careers in education.
After college, they moved to Dewey, Oklahoma, in 1964, where they both served as educators in the Dewey Public School system for more than 30 years. In his early years, Gary taught history and social studies, coached athletics, and mentored countless students. In the early 1970s, he earned his master’s degree and became principal of Dewey Elementary School, where he faithfully served until his retirement in 1991.
Gary proudly served his country in the United States Army and Army Reserves. During the summers, he also served as an Oklahoma Lake Patrol officer for 19 years at Hulah and Copan Lakes. His radio handle was “William 91,” and he served under the leadership of his lifelong friend, Bill Dunlap.
To generations of students, parents, teachers, and the community, he was simply “Mr. Rhoton.” Nearly everyone had a favorite “Mr. Rhoton” story—from the time his pants caught fire after standing too close to a space heater in his office to seeing him planting trees and flowers around the school playground. He led with kindness, humor, and a servant’s heart, leaving a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Gary enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, gardening, and spending time outdoors. He was a proud citizen of the Cherokee Nation and, in his later years, was known for visiting a local tribal casino or two.
Gary is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Karen Rhoton; his son, Jeff Rhoton, and daughter-in-law, Jennifer Rhoton, of Collinsville, Oklahoma; and his daughter, Kerri Ramos, and son-in-law, Mario Ramos, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma.
He was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren: Noah and Abbie Billingsley of Warr Acres, Oklahoma; Hayden Billingsley, Sofia Ramos, and Tomas Ramos of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; and Taylor Rhoton, Kellen Rhoton, and Garrett Rhoton of Collinsville, Oklahoma.
He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Kaye Klintworth, and his cousins, Renae VanVranken, Claude VanVranken, and Patricia Spillers.
The family would like to express a heartfelt Wado (thank you) to his hospice family, Sally and Ashley of Rivercross Healthcare, as well as the compassionate staff at Bartlesville Health and Rehab for the exceptional love, kindness, and care they provided during Gary’s final days.
A celebration of Gary’s life will be held on August 15, 2026, 2 – 4pm at the Cherokee Cultural Community Center, 700 E. Durham Ave., Dewey, Oklahoma 74029.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Dewey Elementary School in Gary’s memory. Please contact the school’s administration office for donation information.
Gary’s legacy lives on through the thousands of students he inspired, the educators he mentored, the community he faithfully served, and the family he loved so deeply. His kindness, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to others will never be forgotten.
