Longtime Oklahoma meteorologist Gary England dies at 85

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Longtime Oklahoma meteorologist Gary England died on Tuesday, his family confirmed. He was 85. >> Download the KOCO 5 App | Subscribe to KOCO 5’s YouTube channelEngland was born on Oct. 3, 1939, and was a native of Seiling. He joined the U.S. Navy and attended the University of Oklahoma before graduating in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and meteorology, according to the Seiling Chamber of Commerce. He spent decades keeping Oklahomans informed on weather events while helping revolutionize meteorology and winning countless awards in the process. “We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved Gary England passed this evening. Gary passed peacefully on the evening of June 10th surrounded by his loved ones, including his wife of 63 years, Mary, and his loving daughter, Molly. Gary was proud to have protected Oklahoma from its deadliest storms. He will be deeply and forever missed," his family said in a statement. KOCO 5 Field Meteorologist Michael Armstrong also posted a tribute to England. "You knew him as an Oklahoma legend, a Hall of Famer. I knew him as friend. Gary - I love you and will forever miss you, but I’m so thankful to have been able to work so closely with you doing what we both shared such a passion for. 'Simply the Best,'" Armstrong wrote in a social media post. Sen. James Lankford issued a statement after learning of England's death, calling him a "calm in the storm." "Cindy and I are saddened by the passing of Gary England—a U.S. Navy veteran and pioneering force in television meteorology. Born and raised in Seiling, Oklahoma, Gary earned international recognition for his groundbreaking innovations in weather technology, including implementing the world’s first commercial Doppler weather radar in 1981 and becoming the first person in history to use it to issue direct warnings to the public. His innovations in advanced warnings undoubtedly saved countless lives across the country. Generations of Oklahomans remember well his winsome, 'Let’s check it out' and his celebration each week of 'Friday night in the big town.' He was our early warning and our calm in the storm. Cindy and I are praying for his wife, Mary, of 63 years, and all who loved him as they grieve his loss." Top Headlines Body found near Oklahoma City motorcycle crash site one day later Tulsa police car runs over man accused of jaywalking Pictures show evidence that mountain lions may be breeding in Oklahoma Zach Bryan announces surprise and affordable show at iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre Funding crunch looms as the cost of fixing America's roads rises

Longtime Oklahoma meteorologist Gary England died on Tuesday, his family confirmed. He was 85.

>> Download the KOCO 5 App | Subscribe to KOCO 5’s YouTube channel

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England was born on Oct. 3, 1939, and was a native of Seiling. He joined the U.S. Navy and attended the University of Oklahoma before graduating in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and meteorology, according to the Seiling Chamber of Commerce.

He spent decades keeping Oklahomans informed on weather events while helping revolutionize meteorology and winning countless awards in the process.

“We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved Gary England passed this evening. Gary passed peacefully on the evening of June 10th surrounded by his loved ones, including his wife of 63 years, Mary, and his loving daughter, Molly. Gary was proud to have protected Oklahoma from its deadliest storms. He will be deeply and forever missed," his family said in a statement.

KOCO 5 Field Meteorologist Michael Armstrong also posted a tribute to England.

"You knew him as an Oklahoma legend, a Hall of Famer. I knew him as friend. Gary - I love you and will forever miss you, but I’m so thankful to have been able to work so closely with you doing what we both shared such a passion for. 'Simply the Best,'" Armstrong wrote in a social media post.

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Sen. James Lankford issued a statement after learning of England's death, calling him a "calm in the storm."

"Cindy and I are saddened by the passing of Gary England—a U.S. Navy veteran and pioneering force in television meteorology. Born and raised in Seiling, Oklahoma, Gary earned international recognition for his groundbreaking innovations in weather technology, including implementing the world’s first commercial Doppler weather radar in 1981 and becoming the first person in history to use it to issue direct warnings to the public. His innovations in advanced warnings undoubtedly saved countless lives across the country. Generations of Oklahomans remember well his winsome, 'Let’s check it out' and his celebration each week of 'Friday night in the big town.' He was our early warning and our calm in the storm. Cindy and I are praying for his wife, Mary, of 63 years, and all who loved him as they grieve his loss."

This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

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