Garry Joe “Night Train” Lain passed away on June 7, 2021, after a brief battle with cancer. Garry was born on November 17, 1957, in Norman, Oklahoma, to Bobby Joe Lain and Audra Louise (Shaver) Lain, joining his sister, Linda, to complete their family of four. Garry and Linda have wonderful memories of growing up, going to Lake Thunderbird, working the concession stand at the softball fields, travelling to Virginia and West Virginia to see their extended family. Linda often said that even though she was the older sister, Garry always watched out for her. They were very close their whole lives.
Garry enlisted in the Air Force in December 1976, and retired in December 2012. He served those 36 years honorably. When he joined the Oklahoma Air National Guard, following in his dad’s footsteps, the C130 Hercules Aircraft were brand new. Garry was assigned to the propulsion section. Since the planes were new, there were few repairs to be made. That’s when and where he honed his domino and card playing skills. He eventually became a Crew Chief on #807 and took great pride in making sure that “his” plane was not going to be the one to hold up a mission if he could help it. He finished his civilian and military career with the 137th Civil Engineering Squadron.
Garry had a gruff exterior, but he also had a soft side. He mentored numerous young Airmen and always rooted for the underdog. He was not afraid to stand up for what he knew was right and never tried to be anything that he wasn’t. He also never wanted attention. He used the skills he learned in Air Force Self-Aid and Buddy Care to save at least two lives. One was that of a young Airman while they were on deployment to Panama and the other one was a man at Lake Texoma who was suffering from heat stroke. In fact, Garry was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for his actions in Panama. His calm and in-control demeanor certainly made a life and death difference in both circumstances.
Garry married Jennifer Ann Jones on August 10, 1985, in Lawton, Oklahoma. Garry and Jenny had a wonderful 35 years together, having more fun and adventures than most people ever have. There was always a party when Garry was around. His “Love Language” was Acts of Service and there was nothing more that he loved than feeding people! Garry was a friend to everyone the minute he met them. He had a welcoming and hospitable heart.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, especially by Jenny.
Survivors include his mother, Audra Louise (Shaver) Lain; his wife, Jennifer Ann (Jones) Lain; his sister, Linda Kay (Lain) Warford; five nieces and nephews; seven great nieces and nephews; his dogs, Izzy and Shorty; and numerous other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Bobby Joe Lain.