Guy Hoyt Liebmann

Guy H. Liebmann, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, businessman, public servant and proud Oklahoman, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026, at the age of 90.

Born on April 27, 1936, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, to J.G. and Barbara Hoyt Liebmann, Guy spent his life embodying the values that defined both his family and his beloved home state: hard work, integrity, patriotism, generosity and an unwavering commitment to serving others.

To know Guy was to know a man who never met a stranger. His booming greeting, unmistakable laugh and larger-than-life personality could brighten any room. He loved people, loved conversation and loved bringing family and friends together. Whether hosting a holiday gathering, firing up the barbecue, sharing stories over a margarita or planning the next family adventure, Guy had a gift for making every occasion memorable.

A proud Oklahoman through and through, Guy carried a deep love for his home state everywhere he went. He affectionately referred to Oklahoma as "God's Country," a phrase he used so often that family members could recite it by heart. No matter where his travels took him, Oklahoma remained home and the place that always held his heart.

Guy attended Gatewood Elementary School, William H. Taft Junior High School and graduated from Classen High School in 1954. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in business management from the University of Oklahoma in 1958, where he was a proud member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and developed a lifelong love for the Sooners.

Following graduation, Guy answered the call to serve his country. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps and served as an officer from 1959 to 1961. His military service remained a source of great pride throughout his life and helped shape the leadership, discipline and patriotism that would define his many accomplishments.

After returning to Oklahoma, Guy joined the family business, becoming the fourth generation of the Liebmann family to work in the ice industry. As president of Liebmann Ice Co., he helped build upon a legacy that stretched back generations. Under his leadership, the company grew into the second-largest privately owned ice manufacturing company in the United States, with operations throughout Oklahoma and Florida. An innovator by nature, Guy helped pioneer advancements in the industry, including the use of plastic packaging and the production of small-format packaged ice. Through hard work, vision and determination, he built upon the foundation laid by previous generations and established the company as a leader in the industry.

In 1983, Guy sold the company and embarked on a decade-long journey of exploration with the love of his life, Judy. Together, they traveled the world, visiting six continents and creating memories that would become cherished family stories for years to come. Their adventures also extended to the water, where they spent countless hours sailing throughout the Caribbean and competing in races. Guy was a longtime member of the Oklahoma City Boat Club, serving as commodore in 1974, and later served as commodore of the Caney Creek Yacht Club on Lake Texoma. Family members often joked that he may have collected more sailboat racing trophies than anyone in the history of the Oklahoma City Boat Club.

Though retirement could have been permanent, Guy felt called to serve the community he loved. Returning to Oklahoma City, he successfully ran for the Ward 8 seat on the Oklahoma City Council and served for 10 years, including a term as interim mayor from 2003 to 2004. A strong advocate for economic growth and civic improvement, he brought a practical, pro-business perspective to local government and played a meaningful role in helping shape modern Oklahoma City.

During his public service career, Guy worked with the Oklahoma City Water Trust, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Oklahoma City Fairgrounds Trust, the MAPS initiative and the Emergency Medical Services Authority. Among the many projects he championed was the installation of cable barriers along the Lake Hefner Parkway, a safety improvement credited with saving numerous lives.

Guy later served eight years in the Oklahoma House of Representatives representing District 82. During his tenure, he served on numerous committees, including Appropriations and Budget, Rules, General Government, Economic Development and Financial Services, while chairing transportation-related initiatives. Throughout his years in public office, he remained committed to strengthening Oklahoma's economy, supporting business growth and helping position Oklahoma City as a destination for visitors, investment and opportunity.

His civic involvement extended well beyond elected office. Guy was a member of Rotary Club 29, the Men's Dinner Club and the Classen High School Alumni Association, where he proudly served as president. He was a believer in community, friendship and the importance of staying engaged.

While Guy's accomplishments were many, his greatest pride was always his family. He was a devoted husband to Judy E. Liebmann, his beloved wife and partner in life's adventures. Married in 1959, they built a life filled with love, laughter, travel and countless memories.

He was an extraordinary father to his three daughters: Barbie C. Taylor and her husband Don Taylor of Oklahoma City; Jill Barnhart and her husband Bob Barnhart of Las Vegas; and Julie McKevitt and her husband Alastair McKevitt of Venice, California.

He was a proud grandfather to Lauren, Brandon, Austin, Victoria, Layne, Britney, Angus, Philippa and Maeve, and cherished great-grandfather to Addison and Rosalia, with three more great-grandchildren expected later this summer.

His grandchildren knew him as "Granddaddy," a title he wore with immense pride. Whether teaching life lessons, sharing stories, documenting family moments with his camera, spoiling grandchildren with adventures or simply making them laugh, he created memories that will live on for generations.

Guy found joy in life's simple pleasures: a perfectly grilled barbecue meal topped with Head Country barbecue sauce, a coconut cake shared with family, a vanilla malt from Braum's, a good margarita, a Mexican food feast complete with queso, a trip to Home Depot or Sam's Club, the latest gadget or technology, cheering on the Oklahoma Sooners and Oklahoma City Thunder, and spending time outdoors tinkering, fixing and improving whatever project had captured his attention that day.

He lived by a simple philosophy: "The harder you work, the luckier you get."

Guy's legacy lives on through the family he adored, the businesses he built, the communities he helped strengthen and the countless lives he touched through his generosity, friendship and leadership. He leaves behind a legacy of service, adventure, laughter and love that will endure for generations.

Memorial donations may be made to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104.

Though his booming hello may no longer greet us at the door, the stories, lessons, laughter and love he shared will continue to echo in the hearts of all who knew him.

A public Celebration of Life honoring Guy H. Liebmann was held on Monday, June 29, in the 4th Floor Rotunda of the Oklahoma State Capitol Building, 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73105.