Latest news with #OklahomaHallofFame
Yahoo
a day ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Gary England, beloved CBS meteorologist who appeared in Twister, dies aged 85
Gary England, who spearheaded local weather coverage for over 40 years and became internationally recognized for his work, has died at 85. 'We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved Gary England passed this evening,' his family said in a statement to local CBS affiliate KWTV News 9, where he worked for 41 years. '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.' Born in Seiling, Oklahoma, in 1939, England completely changed the way severe weather was covered across the United States and internationally. He made history in 1981 when he became the first person to use Enterprise Electronics' Doppler radar for direct warnings to the public. But his innovative ways didn't stop there. In 1990, England developed an automated severe weather warning system known as First Warning. The system showed warning maps in the corner of the TV screen for viewers to track serious storms. The next year, he created StormTracker, a system that projected the path of storms as well as their time of arrival. That system is now used nationwide. A 2013 Oklahoma Hall of Fame inductee, England wrote four books, including an autobiography titled Weathering The Storm, and had a fifth written about his life and work. In addition to appearing in over 50 national and international severe weather programs, England was also in the opening scene of the 1996 Steven Spielberg film Twister as a meteorologist. Longtime News 9 viewers have been heartbroken to learn of England's passing. 'RIP king. I remember as a child with pretty bad Tornado anxiety in OK, it always made me feel better know Gary was on watch. What a legend,' one viewer wrote on X. 'Truly the greatest. nothing else made me feel safe during a tornado than his voice!' someone else wrote. 'The world genuinely owes him a debt of gratitude for how he advanced weather science & tech. the lives he's responsible for saving are countless. godspeed good sir,' another shared. Someone else said: 'A true pioneer and legend. He somehow always had a way of making you feel safe even in the most treacherous of storm conditions. RIP to a true legend and weather pioneer.'
Yahoo
a day ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Oklahoma Meteorologist Gary England Passes Away at 85
Gary England, the legendary Oklahoma meteorologist and longtime face of KWTV's weather team, has died at the age of 85, with news of his death confirmed on June 10, 2025. Known for revolutionizing severe weather coverage and becoming a trusted voice during Oklahoma's most dangerous storms, England's impact spanned over four decades. Here's what we know so far about Gary England's death. Oklahoma's pioneering meteorologist Gary England died on June 10, 2025, at the age of 85. Amanda Taylor, KWTV co-anchor, announced his death during News 9's 10 p.m. newscast. England retired in 2013 after serving as chief meteorologist at KWTV for 41 years. Born on October 3, 1939, in Seiling, Oklahoma, England developed an early interest in storms and photography. He joined the Navy at the age of 17 and later earned a degree in mathematics and meteorology from the University of Oklahoma in 1965. His broadcast career began in 1971 at KTOK radio, and he joined KWTV the following year. England was the first meteorologist to use commercial Doppler radar to issue public storm warnings, starting in 1981. He helped develop tools like time-of-arrival warnings, corner screen maps, and mobile video transmission. These innovations are now standard in severe weather reporting. During his career, England received multiple Emmys, the Edward R. Murrow Award, and the Silver Circle Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. In 2002, he was inducted into the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2013. The University of Oklahoma awarded him an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in 2014. He appeared in the 1996 film Twister and participated in over 60 national and international weather programs. England also served as keynote speaker at the 2006 dedication of the National Weather Center in Norman. Bob Burke, Oklahoma City historian, said, 'He developed the storm tracker system … and charmed two generations of viewers,' (via The Oklahoman). Shannon L. Rich, Oklahoma Hall of Fame CEO, stated, 'His legacy of innovation, dedication to the safety of the general public, and ability to make learning about weather fun will forever be a source of immense pride for our state.' Originally reported by Vritti Johar on The post Oklahoma Meteorologist Gary England Passes Away at 85 appeared first on Mandatory.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Longtime Oklahoma meteorologist, Gary England dies
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Gary England, a former and longtime Oklahoma meteorologist, also known for pioneering weather technology innovations, has died at the age of 85. England, an Oklahoma native, was born in Seiling, has been recognized for his coverage of severe weather events, with many prestigious awards, including induction into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Away from the television screen, England had written several books on Oklahoma weather, including his autobiography, Weathering The Storm. He is survived by his wife, Mary, and his daughter, Molly. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Boston Globe
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Mary Lou Retton, US gymnastics icon who survived health scare, arrested on suspicion of DUI
Mary Lou Retton, left, seen in 2017 with Oklahoma Hall of Fame inductee Shannon Miller in Oklahoma City. Sue Ogrocki/Associated Press Her attorney listed in court records, Edmund J. Rollo of Morgantown, did not immediately respond to phone and email requests from The Associated Press seeking comment. Retton was 16 when she became the first American female gymnast to win the all-around at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. She also won two silver and two bronze medals to help bring gymnastics into the mainstream in the United States. Advertisement In 2023, Retton's family disclosed she was recuperating from a rare form of pneumonia that
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Honorees announced for the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Class 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – On Thursday, the highest honor in the state was presented to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Class of 2025 Honorees during a luncheon at Gaylord-Pickens Museum. The Oklahoma Hall of Fame founded in 1927, tells Oklahoma's story through its people. USA Rare Earth cuts ribbon on new lab in Stillwater The Honorees in the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Class of 2025 are: Ronnie Dunn, Tulsa, one half of Brooks & Dunn, country music's most awarded duo, and one of the most influential voices of the genre. Eddy Gibbs, Owasso, a generous education supporter and entrepreneur who re-established Shangri-La as a northeast Oklahoma destination. Taylor Hanson, Tulsa, award winning songwriter and musician who rose to fame with his brothers and supports multiple causes, including food insecurity. Dr. Mautra Staley Jones, Ardmore, nationally recognized, transformational leader in higher education and the first female Black president of OCCC. Bert Mackie, Enid, a longtime banking leader, passionate champion for higher education, and committed community supporter of Enid. Dr. Michael A. Mares, Norman, evolutionary biologist, renowned desert rodent expert, and former director of the Sam Noble Museum. Sam Presti, Oklahoma City, visionary executive vice president and general manager of the Oklahoma City Thunder and a dedicated philanthropic supporter of the OKC community. Shannon L. Rich, President & CEO of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame released the following statement with excitement for this year's class of Honorees, stating: 'As we approach the 98th year of presenting Oklahoma's Highest Honor, I am again filled with immense pride at the extraordinary individuals who make up this year's class. Each of this year's Honorees embodies the very spirit of what makes Oklahoma so special – they have investedin our state's future and also inspired millions of people around the world. Their accomplishments and commitments to making a difference serve as a powerful reminder of the impact Oklahomans have.' The Class of 2025 is scheduled to be inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame on November 13 in Tulsa. Tickets to the 98th Annual Oklahoma Hall of Fame Induction ceremony is set to be on sale starting the end of August at Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
