Gary grew up in Taos, Taos Junction and the Las Vegas, New Mexico, area before the family moved to Arkansas. He graduated from high school in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, in 1956 and went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force from 1956-1960 before receiving an honorable discharge.

On October 5, 1959, he married Betty Patchen, and she passed away in 1992. In 1992, he met his soulmate and his rock, Delores Duran, and they married on July 10, 1993, in Johnstown.

Gary worked as a radar mechanic in the Air Force and later as a print pressman and journeyman machinist. He enjoyed reading history and listening to audio books, being in the outdoors, hunting, camping and fishing as well as enjoying old classic cars, military airplanes and trains. He was a member of the NRA and volunteered with the Red Cross and the Johnstown Senior Center.

Thankful to have shared his life are his wife, Delores; his son, Peter and wife Mary Patchen; his two grandchildren, Nick and Hannah Patchen; very special sister-in-law, Lydia Rutt; his brother-inlaw, Eloy “Jet” Duran; and sister-in-law, Gloria Dozier; two nieces, Stefanie (Carlos) Garcia and Kendra Winters; a nephew, Sal Eric LeFebre; and great-niece and nephews, Monique (Sergio Lopez), Matthew, Ramon, Hugo and Joel; and great-great-nephew, Ezekiel; as well as a special friend, Ron Kirkpatrick.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife Betty; and his siblings, John Patchen, Jean Lowance and Evelyn Lewis.

Gary’s Life Celebration was held February 5 at Grace Community Church in Johnstown with military honors and a reception following.

Memorial gifts may be made to “American Diabetes Association” and sent to Adamson, 2000 47th Ave., Greeley, CO 80634. Condolences may be shared at Adamson-Cares.com.