Gary Gardenhire

Its not the birth of a man nor the death that tells the story. Its the space in between. Gary Gardenhire chronicled a life of truth, dedication, honesty and purpose. He was not a person who made a name for himself, but was instead a person who made his character, true blue.

Born to a young mother, who was taken too soon, Gary was raised by his grandparents, Dezzie and Alan Whitley, in a house of aunts and uncles who became, in his mind, brothers and sisters. This combination household produced a warm, sensitive, funny, loving man who reveled in the life he was givenand God was good to him.

It was the Disco Age and the club was called The Other Place. Both Gary and Nancye loved to dance and dance the night away. One night, Gary asked another girl if she would like to dance, she said no and Nancye said I will There, to the beat of Staying Alive by the Bee Gees, a romance was born. Nancye chuckled and said, We were dancing fools, getting down. Two hearts became intertwined and they married on July 1, 1977. They were two of a kind, fearless, adventuresome and ready to face the world.

Nancye became an operating room technician, and Gary went to work as a machinist for BJL Machine and Rig Repair. For 31 years he was hard working, dedicated, and responsible, providing for his family. Even days before his death, he told Nancye he thought he would try to go to work for a few hours.

A son and a daughter were born to Gary and Nancye, Jody and Keesha. When Keesha and Jody would have their friends over, because of the practical joker that he was, he would think up 101 ways to use some tactic to scare the liver out of them. It became a refined sport for the kids and the grandkids. It didnt matter how many times he jumped out from behind the door, they would beg and plead for PaPaw to do it again, one more time. What a fun household he and Nancye produced.

Their adventurous spirit led them to become volunteers of Citizens on Patrol. They attended a 13 week Citizen Police Academy in 1998 and in 2003. Gary became Cop Coordinator until 2005, building and establishing his program. He found his purpose in life helping his city and dedicated his energy into logging 20,000 volunteer hours in the last 10 years. He was an active member until his death and his commitment earned numerous awards from the city mayor and chief of police for the hours of service he gave.

The older he got, the more of a people lover and a people person he became. His wit, his humor, his kind spirit, his ready tears contributed to the great man named Gary Gardenhireson, husband, father, grandfather, soninlaw, friend, employee, brother, child of God. He lived his life, told his story, and he did it well. On Wednesday, June 5, 2012, the space between birth and death became complete.

Gary was born October 21, 1946 to Hazel E. and Troy C. Gardenhire. He is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, sister, Sharon Gardenhire, brothers, Joe Whitley of Lamesa, Texas and J.D. Whitley of Lovington, NM, daughter, Shari Gardenhire of Emory, Texas and his beloved dogs, Katie and Tubby.

He is survived by his wife, Nancye Barr Gardenhire, daughters, Shelly Gardenhire and lifelong partner Tiffany Perruca, and Keesha Gardenhire son, Jody Gardenhire and wife Amy brother, Clark Whitley of Lamesa, Texas sister, Clara Parsons of Lovington, NM motherinlaw, Clara Barr grandchildren, Kaiden Gardenhire, Grace Gardenhire, Trey James, Briley Gardenhire, Shaylee Perruca, Russell Gardenhire, Amanda Zachary and Michael Bell. He is also survived by four great grandchildren and numerous friends, family and loved ones.

Special thanks go to Home Hospice staff, the doctors and staff of Acute Surgical care Specialist, The Odessa Police department Citizens on Patrol, Medical Center Hospital Operating Room Staff, and the Odessa Fire and Rescue Station 8.

Visitation with the family will be 68 PM Friday, June 6, 2012 at Sunset Funeral Home. Funeral services are scheduled for 1:00 PM Saturday at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Marcus Zuniga officiating.

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