Scott, Lana and Baby Sarah
. Gary wasn’t unmindful when receiving a call from his eldest son in Oklahoma City, there was an addition to the Willson heritage. Scott’s significant other, Lana Nowicki, giving birth to Sarah Miranda Willson on August 29, 1998. It had been some time since his last visit to Oklahoma City, having been caught up in the throes of his personal life, informing Scott he would be heading his way, somewhat curious how his 35 year old son would address the responsibility of being a father. This was Gary’s initial visit to the couple’s Northwest 21st street residence, and meeting Tad and Shylee, Lana’s two children from a previous marriage for the first time, a realization life can change so unexpectedly.
. Before departing Oklahoma City, Gary visiting his daughter Marlo, grandchildren, Garrett and Allison, and a cordial meeting with his ex-wife Kaye before a visit to a Skilled Nursing facility in the Southwest part of the city, to pay his respects to Kaye’s mother Helen. Gary having maintained a congenial relationship thru the years with his ex-mother in-law, visiting her and Kaye’s grandmother Sarah before she passed away at the age of 98. Gary not at all surprised Sarah was named after her Great Great Grandmother, still cherishing the memory of this amazing lady, who literally raised Kaye. Gary enjoyed listening to the elder Sarah, relating her turn of the century experiences, how her family moved from Missouri to Nowata Oklahoma by wagon, and how her father had to return to Missouri for the remaining family possessions.
. Visiting with a nursing home bed ridden Helen, discovering she was cantankerous as always, complaining about the care, which Gary could understand as Helen was an active person when at home. She always maintained and cultivated a well kept garden of herbs, vegetables and also cultivated a well kept supply of cold Stag Beer, her favorite. Helen having attained thirty eight years of government service, serving as Chief of the Audit Adjustment Branch, Finance Division, and retiring as Missile Item Manager. Gary and Kaye attended her retirement ceremony, the honor being held in the normally off limits to the public, Tinker Air Force Base War Room, where she worked. The Tinker Air Force Base Commander giving the presentation, Gary very much aware it was a precedent few would ever experience.
. One last stop at Jerry Willis and his wife Shirley, on southwest 25th, to say hello to his best friend and longtime band member before directing the Buick northwest back to Kansas. The lack of avidity during the family visit was troubling, Gary attributed this to his new-found station in life, living solitary, departed was a sense of communion, and confronted with having to look forward to the future with anticipation, but at the same time painfully longing for the past.
. Finding the solidarity of bachelor life in Kiowa Kansas not always entertaining, but there were excerptions, Gary accepting an invitation from Brad and Glenda Holdaway to join them to watch the weekly television boxing broadcast. Brad having worked most of his life for the railroad, including the physical demanding road gang, was an avid fight fan and known to venture some distance to partake of a deserving bout. Gary having grownup sharing an interest in boxing, he and his dad never missing televised legendary Gillette Friday Night fights of the fifties. Brad although younger, displaying knowledge of the names and records of many of the prominent boxers of that era, the two able to visit and share comments about the broadcast. Glenda an admirable friend, whom like Gary was employed at the Hospital, always providing something special, whether homemade cookies or an enterprising desert, the weekly visits brightening Gary’s life, giving a meaningful evening ‘sense of family atmosphere.
Inquisitive Quest 
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