Pat Henry
Henry has lived in Lawton since 1964, after moving from Texas to open the first discount operation in Oklahoma. Henry became the president and one of the principal stockholders of Gibson Discount Centers in Lawton, Duncan and Vernon.
During her career, she has been involved in a large number of civic and educational organizations. She was the first woman to be elected as Chairman of the Lawton Chamber of Commerce and was the first female director of the Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce and Industry. She was also the national president of the Parent/Teacher Association. She is a past president of the United Way Board of Directors and currently still serves on the board. Henry is also a member of the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars.
Henry has received many honors and recognitions during her career. Former Gov. David Walters proclaimed June 15, 1993 as Pat Henry Day in Oklahoma. On Sept. 10, 1995, the Lawton Public Schools Board of Education named Pat Henry Elementary School in her honor. Henry also received Cameron University's Distinguished Service Award (1986).