Sapulpa, Okla., farrier Gary Gloden passed away May 15, 2026. He was 79 years old.

"Gary was influential in my early days in the trade. We had quite a bit in common as shoers, and I hung on his words during our many discussions. He shared a lot of interesting and valuable information, not to teach me anything for he always regarded me as a peer. In the course of our quiet conversations, he deepend my understanding of the farrier industry and life in general," says Hall of Fame farrier Jim Keith.

Gloden was a Certified Journeyman Farrier and both an Oklahoma Farrier's Association and American Farriers Association member.

"I was proud to have worked with Gary Gloden a couple times in Tucumcari as judges for the Most Versatile Blacksmith competition. He was a fine blacksmith and honorable man," says Indiana farrier Pancho Willoughby.

A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 27 at Sapulpa Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Oklahoma Farriers Association Injured Farriers Fund; The Footprint Foundation (in memo: TLC Hospice); and/or Sapulpa Methodist Church.