Kevin L. Fleharty

The state of Oklahoma became a bit quieter on Friday, 16 June 2023, as Kevin L. Fleharty passed away unexpectedly at the age of 66. Shortly before his passing, Kevin was out in his back yard with his dogs doing one of the things he loved most: sharing stories with a friend about his family and his time volunteering for Oklahoma Boys State. 

Kevin was an Automobile Appearance Enhancement Professional – he would often say “What some people call a detail, I call vandalism. Ask me why.”  Once someone brought their car to Kevin, they would understand the meaning behind those words and that he was easily the best in the business. Kevin modestly worked out of his home for most of his professional life, which was fitting because those whose cars he worked on were more than customers or even clients…they always became his friends.

Everyone (and yes, we mean EVERYONE) who met Kevin would quickly find out a few things: one, that he was never short for words or a story; two, all sorts of fun facts about his family, pets, cars, and code enforcement; and three, that he could chain stories together in an epic fashion that made extracting oneself from the conversation as difficult as a novice solving a Rubik’s cube. When his sons were around during his story sessions, they would often play a game amongst themselves to kill time by trying to guess the next story, only to catch Dad glaring back at them wondering what was going on behind the scenes (he never figured it out).

The irony behind Kevin’s social circle storytelling is evident above his desk where he kept a sign that read: “Dogs Welcome. People Tolerated.” Knowing his love for people, Kevin also had an incredible affinity for animals (except squirrels, pigeons, crows, and deer…those he just loved hunting). Kevin loved his pets deeply and is now reunited with them: Sampson, Blue, Chow-Chow, Tazi Bear, Bandit, Baby Girl, Boomer, Peekaboo, and Shadow. 

Kevin is survived by his wife Mary, who he loved deeply ever since they met driving along 39th Street 46 years ago. They were married for 37 years during which they supported each other through their toughest times, even helping Kevin conquer his battle with cancer a couple years ago.

Kevin is also survived by his three sons, Mark, Matthew (with wife Melissa), and Michael (with Kevin’s adorable granddaughter, Surina).

If you would like to provide condolences in the form of a contribution in Kevin’s memory, he would want any support to go to the Oklahoma Boys State program, where he served on staff for 19 years, via the americanleadershipfoundation.org/donate