Garry Lee Landreth, beloved husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and friend, went to be with the Lord on June 11, 2026, at the age of 89. Garry is survived by his wife, Monica; his three children and their spouses, Kimberly and Ross Tatum, Karla and Scott Smith, and Craig and Mendy Landreth; and his six grandchildren, Kara Tatum, Kristen Tatum, Travis Smith (and his wife, Liv), Julia Smith, Ali Landreth, and Jolie Landreth.

Garry was born in the small country town of Woodstown, Oklahoma to Ira Dee and Geneva LeFevers Landreth, along with his fraternal twin brother, Larry Landreth. Garry grew up in a rural community, graduating as valedictorian from Grant High School and continuing his studies at Southeastern State in Durant, Oklahoma. During the summers, Garry made the long trek to Idaho, where he worked for the Forestry Service as a camp cook to help pay for his college education. After earning his bachelor’s degree, he went on to receive his master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of New Mexico before becoming a professor of counseling and play therapy at the University of North Texas, where he taught for more than 50 years.

To the world, Garry was one of the most influential figures in play therapy. He founded the Center for Play Therapy at the University of North Texas, creating what would become the largest play therapy research and training center in the world. He was a pioneer in the field of Child-Centered Play Therapy, authoring more than 150 books, articles, and professional resources, and training generations of counselors who continue his work around the globe. His landmark text, Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship, remains a definitive guide in the field.

His professional accomplishments earned him numerous awards; yet those who knew Garry best understood that he measured success differently. Success for Garry meant that he walked with God, faithfully seeking Him and trusting God to lead him.

When asked to reflect on his life, Garry said, "God has given me direction and motivation throughout my career and the compelling desire to touch the inner emotional world of children, a vision of making the world a safer place for children through play therapy and the challenge of equipping every mental health professional and parent with play therapy skills. However, my family has been more important than all the professional accomplishments."

Family was at the center of Garry’s life. He was always ready to listen to concerns, encourage his family, and was quick to ask about the details of his family‘s lives.

He was a man who wore many hats. He was the yard man who found joy in planting, pruning, and caring for the land around his home.

He was “Granddaddy“, the undisputed King of breakfast. Every family gathering seemed to begin with one of his breakfasts, eventually becoming known simply as "Granddaddy Breakfast.” His grandchildren proudly commemorated his title with an apron decorated with their handprints and the words “Granddaddy, King of breakfast.”

Garry and his wife, Monica, were married for 64 years and treasured time with their three married children and six grandchildren. Family gatherings were frequent and cherished. One of his greatest joys was hosting “Cousins Camp,” where grandchildren spent days enjoying country walks, berry picking, crafts, tractor rides, fishing adventures, and, of course, Granddaddy breakfasts. Each evening ended with one of Garry’s beloved Wild West tales, which he called “The Never-Ending Story.”

He was the patient fisherman who understood that the excitement of a fish biting mattered more than its size. He was the strategist at the game table, the storyteller at bedtime, and the grandfather who always made time. Whether reading books, listening to a grandchild's questions, or helping bait fishing hooks, he offered what children value most: his full attention.

Garry’s life’s work was rooted in a simple conviction: relationships matter. That belief guided his work with children, his teaching, his friendships, his marriage, and his family. In his classrooms, as in his playrooms, students found someone who cared deeply about them as people.

Monica described him as her husband, friend, supporter, and encourager. Together they taught Sunday School classes, led marriage seminars, facilitated child and family groups, and built a life centered on faith, service, and partnership. Through every season of life, he remained her steadfast companion and source of laughter. He loved to tell a funny story and often started laughing before he could finish.

Garry leaves behind an extraordinary legacy—not only in the field of play therapy, but also in the lives of those who loved him. His influence continues through the counselors he trained, the families he helped, the GAP students he mentored, the family he cherished, and the relationships he enjoyed throughout his life.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Garry’s memorial service will be held on July 11, 2026, at 2 PM at First Baptist Church Denton. There will be a reception following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mission Possible which exists to bring the hope of Jesus Christ to vulnerable children and families across Eastern Europe, meeting them where they are and providing help in their daily lives. Donations can be made at mp.org/donate. 

If you are unable to attend the service, you are more than welcome to join via live stream. A link will be provided here once it becomes available.