LTC DONALD A. GARY To TAPS

Donald Arthur (Don) Gary died March 14, 2015, at St. Peter’s Hospital, Olympia, Washington. He was a resident of Lacey, WA, since 1998 and previously resided on Lake St. Clair for 19 years. Before moving to Thurston County in 1979, Don resided in Lakewood, WA, for 14 years.

He was born in Chicago, IL, December 2, 1924 to Jerome Arthur Gary and Vonda Eugenia (Townsend) Gary. He married Ghislaine Augusta (Ghilo) Decembry in Namur, Belgium, December 5, 1945, while serving as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II. Ghilo was among the first European “war brides” to arrive in the United States in April, 1946. After 51 years of marriage, she preceded him in death in 1997.

In 1946, he was honorably discharged from the Army and returned to Chicago. After 2 ½ years of civilian life, he returned to the Army as a 2nd Lieutenant, and served continuously in the Army Finance Corps as a disbursing officer and comptroller, retiring in the grade of Lieutenant Colonel in July 1968.

Don was employed by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services as an accounting office supervisor and fiscal manager from 1970 to 1986, retiring from State service in November 1986.

He graduated from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma in 1962, with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree (with honors) while stationed at Fort Lewis. He later earned Masters Degrees from Boston University and from City University in Seattle.

He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lacey, and the Society of Retired U.S. Army Finance Officers.

He is survived by his three sons, Daniel (Nancy) of Lacey; Stephen (Bambi Ball) of Tacoma; and Kenneth (Terri) of Lake Tapps; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral Service 1pm Saturday, March 28 in the Valley Chapel at Mountain View Funeral Home, followed by a graveside service with military honors. Viewing one hour prior to the service, at the chapel. Following the services, a reception will be held in the chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Red Cross.