Wendell McGarvin was born to Adrian and Eldena McGarvin in Clinton, Oklahoma on October 26th, 1943. He graduated from El Reno Public Schools in 1962, shortly after graduation he married Karen Hoskins. Wendell was drafted into the United States Army and served from 1966 to May of 1969. He proudly served his country overseas in Germany where he formed lifelong memories while being stationed there. Wendell returned to Oklahoma and had two children with Karen Hoskins, out of that union he had two daughters, Wendy and Rita. Later in life Wendell found his lifelong companion in Betty Barnett with whom he shared more than 41 years. Wendell welcomed Bettys sons Danny and Jeremy into his heart and treated them as his own.
Wendell worked in the computer department at Conoco for 15 years before starting a commercial cleaning business in Ponca City with Betty. Side by side, they built a life and business together, servicing numerous banks and commercial businesses throughout the area. Wendell would also help his brother-in-law with delivering meals with the Running Chef.
Wendell was an avid naturalist, he loved being outdoors, camping, gardening, flying kites, being with animals, especially his cat Tiger and his dog Candy Cane, or just taking a walk. Wendell has a way of finding beauty withing the simple things in life. He enjoyed those moments in life cooking meals for his friends and family, he was a fierce opponent when playing an intense game of farkle. He loved to teach anyone who would listen, about gardening and enjoyed a good computer game with his sister Carol who he adored.
Wendell’s Greatest Legacy is the love he gave to his family and the joy he found in life’s simple pleasures. He leaves behind his loving companion Betty Barnett, His daughters Wendy Wilson, husband Gary Wilson, her children Jessica Geheb her husband Kelsey Geheb. Anna Spears and her husband Nicholas Spears and their two children Opal and Mara Spears.) His youngest daughter Rita Mcgarvin her children (Joshua Widener, Jonathan Widener, his daughter Payton Widener. Cassandra Lago her husband Eilo Lago.) His son Danny Barnett, his wife, Leanne Barrnett (daughters Hailey Parsons, Brooke Barnett, and son Jacob Barnett.) Youngest son Jeremy Barnett.) His brother, Lynn Mcgarvin. Nine grandchildren, three great grandchildren, one great great grandchild on the way and many nieces and nephews.
Wendell is preceded in death by his parents Adrain and Eldena McGarvin, sister Carol McGarvin and grandson Steven Simmons.
Though he will be deeply missed, Wendell’s memory will live on through the family he cherished, the plants he lovingly nurtured and the way he lived his day-to-day life. He will be remembered with enduring love and gratitude by all who knew him.
Wendell’s celebration of life will be held on Sunday, November the 1st at 1:00 pm at Camp McFadden in Ponca City OK.