Gary England, legendary Oklahoma Meteorologist, died at 85. Oklahoma and the meteorological community are mourning the death of a true weather icon. Gary England, the legendary former chief meteorologist for News 9 (KWTV) in Oklahoma City, has passed away at the age of 85. His family confirmed that he died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on the evening of June 10, 2025. England was more than just a television weatherman — he was a pioneer, a protector, and a trusted voice for generations of Oklahomans facing the wrath of Mother Nature. For over 40 years, Gary England was the face of severe weather coverage in Oklahoma, keeping viewers informed and safe during some of the region’s most dangerous storms.
Gary England Death
Born on October 3, 1939, in the small town of Seiling, Oklahoma, Gary England had a deep-rooted connection to the land and the skies of his home state. He pursued a degree in meteorology at the University of Oklahoma, a program renowned for producing some of the nation’s top weather experts. After graduation, England worked with the Navy and the National Weather Service before joining KWTV in 1972. At KWTV, he quickly became a household name. England’s calm demeanor, deep knowledge, and unwavering presence during storms earned him the trust of viewers throughout the state. His career spanned decades of technological advancement, but what never changed was his commitment to public safety and education.
A Technological Trailblazer in Weather Forecasting
Gary England’s impact on meteorology extended far beyond the television screen. He was the first on-air meteorologist to use commercial Doppler radar to warn viewers of an incoming tornado — a groundbreaking moment that changed how severe weather is covered nationwide. His efforts to integrate real-time radar and storm tracking into television broadcasts saved countless lives and set the standard for how meteorologists operate during weather emergencies. England was instrumental in the development and use of the First Warning system and other early alert technologies still in use today. His foresight and innovation earned him accolades from scientific communities, government agencies, and broadcasting organizations alike.
Gary England Obituary
In addition to his meteorological work, Gary England authored the book Weathering the Storm: Tornadoes, Television, and Turmoil in 1996, which detailed both the science and the personal stories behind Oklahoma’s notorious storms. His contributions to popular culture included a cameo in the 1996 blockbuster movie Twister, which was inspired in part by the real-life storm chasers and meteorologists of Oklahoma. Gary England retired from daily weather duties in 2013 but remained a revered figure in Oklahoma broadcasting and beyond. News 9 often referred to him simply as “The Legend,” a title he earned through decades of dedication, innovation, and life-saving work. Even after stepping away from the green screen, his legacy endured through the systems and practices he helped create.
Colleagues and viewers remember him for his steady voice during tornado outbreaks, his passion for education, and his ability to communicate complex weather patterns in a way that made sense to the everyday viewer. Gary England’s passing marks the end of an era for Oklahoma and the meteorological world. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the science of weather forecasting and on the lives of countless people who relied on his forecasts to keep their families safe. From rural farms to city schools, his voice was the one people tuned into when the skies turned dark.
As the state remembers a giant in meteorology, tributes continue to pour in from across the nation. Former colleagues, weather professionals, and storm chasers alike have shared heartfelt messages honoring the man who revolutionized severe weather coverage. Gary England is survived by his wife and family, who were by his side during his final moments. The family has requested privacy as they mourn and prepare funeral arrangements. In a region known for its volatile weather, Gary England was a constant — a trusted guide through the storms. His legacy will forever live on in the safety protocols he helped develop, the lives he helped save, and the hearts of the people of Oklahoma.
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