Gary Wayne Clyden

Gary Wayne Clyden was born January 8, 1950 in Fort Riley, Kansas to Herbert
Clyden and Lois Jean Edsall.
Gary graduated high school in Watonga, Oklahoma. Then he was drafted into the
United States Army. After getting out of the military, he met Opal Denny and was married
February 26, 1972.
Gary later attended NWOSU and studied Criminal Justice. He joined the Watonga
Police Department in 1974 as an officer and retired in 2012 as the Chief of Police.
Shortly after, he went to work for the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy and then
became Undersheriff and retired in 2018. While working in law enforcement, he was also
enlisted in the Army National Guard for about 12 years. His final duties were for
Watonga Public Schools as a bus driver which he deeply enjoyed. Gary’s
accomplishments and awards included: National Defense SVC Medal 2, Vietnam
Campaign Medal w/60 DVC, Vietnam Service Medal, 1 Overseas Bar, Marksman Expert
Badge (M16), Marksman Expert Badge (M60), Combat Infantry Badge, Air Medal, Army
Commendation Medal 1st Oak Leaf Cluster. Vietnam Combat Certificate 1st Calvary
Division Airbourne.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents and stepfather as well as two brothers:
Ronnie and George; his son Brandon, and grandson Travis.
Gary Wayne Clyden is survived by his wife Opal of Fay; son, Gary and wife Sarah of
Woodward, Oklahoma; daughter-in-law, Melissa of Fairview, Oklahoma; grandsons and
wives: Clayton and Kali, Mitchel and Justyce, Jade and Kylee, Chad and Keonna, Levi,
Wyatt, Austin, Westin, Max, Tate, as well as two granddaughters: Tawny and Haylee;
three great grandchildren: Rowyn , Miles, Amilia; mother-in-law, Donna Woodruff; six
siblings: Terry and Janet Clyden, Mike and Maggie Clyden, Keith and Brenda Estep,
Mark Clyden, Sheri and Susan, Connie Timmons; stepmother, Judy Clyden; numerous
aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousin, and friends.

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