Ray Gerhardt
May 24, 1971
May 1, 2026
Ray Gerhardt, born May 24, 1971, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, lived life wide open and exactly how he wanted, right up until May 1, 2026, when he passed away at his home in Chouteau. Raised in Oologah, Ray grew into what can only be described as a stubborn, compassionate, selfless, big-hearted, awesome old redneck with the sunburns and tattoos to prove every bit of it.
If something was broken, Ray could fix it. If someone needed help, Ray was already on his way. Whether it was turning a wrench, lending a hand, or pulling someone out of a snowy ditch, he never hesitated to show up. He was a true jack of all trades, and somehow managed to be good at just about all of them.
When he wasn’t helping others, Ray might be found tending to his garden (especially his tomatoes and peppers) but most likely he was out fishing, which was less of a hobby and more of a lifestyle. He could spend all day “snaggin’” fish without a care in the world, even after everyone else fell asleep, that is, unless there was a full moon, because then, well… it was probably best for everyone if Ray stayed home. And if you ever found yourself near him at the grocery store, you might’ve also found yourself wondering what in the world that smell was, but somehow, even that just added to his charm.
Ray had a soft spot for animals of all kinds. From stray critters to snakes, he never turned one away. But the one who truly held his heart was his loyal chihuahua, Mimi, who no doubt knew she had him wrapped around her tiny paw.
He is preceded in death by his father, Garland Lee Stinnett; his grandson, Nathaniel McIntosh; and his beloved Nana, Etta Harker.
Ray leaves behind a full house and a full legacy. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, LeQuita; one son, Cory Houck; his “baby girls,” Hailey and Jose Lemus; Brittney and Kyle Williams; Shyanne and Walter Nebelski; and Stormy and Robert Sherwood; his step-sons, Zach Schutts and partner Crystal Roberts, and Eric Schutts; his mother, Latricia Deason; 12 grandchildren; his best friends and brothers in all but blood, J.C. Chidester and Dennis Howell (who could both tell some wild stories about fishing, and some might even be true!); and a whole crew of extended family and friends who have a story (or ten) about Ray.
Ray didn’t just live life, he left fingerprints all over it. In the things he fixed, the people he helped, the fish he caught, and the laughs he left behind, his legacy is one that won’t soon be forgotten.
A time of visitation will be held at Tulsa Caskets and Cremation from 3:00 - 6:00pm, on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Burial will be at Chouteau West Cemetery on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 10:00am.