Littleton, Colorado, resident Gary D. Isabell passed away Sunday, August 9, 2020 at the Kearney Regional Medical Center, Kearney, NE at the age of 64.
Gary was born July 12, 1956 in Denver, CO the son of Roy and Florence (Sardini) Isabell. Gary graduated from Kennedy Senior High School in Denver, Colorado in 1974. He started his railroad career shortly after.
Gary married the love of his life, Deanna Lynn Ingram, on June 19, 1976, in Long Island, KS. He spent his life devoted to his wife. They spent an amazing 44 years together.
Gary had a love of fishing and hunting and spent many years going to the same locations with the same people instilling the love of hunting into his son and others as well. He would look forward to his annual hunting trip each year where he did all the grocery shopping and planned the meals.
Gary also took his family on many camping trips every year to many different locations across the United States. He planned the vacations around each family members interests and wishes. Vacations were special to Gary because he got to spend time with his family and experience many new things. He loved to find interesting and unique food items and bring them to his father in law to try.
He spent many days fishing with both of his children, his wife and eventually his grandchildren. After 42 years of service, Gary retired as an engineer in August of 2016. He spent most of his retirement summers in Kansas with his family where he loved the lake and the land.
Gary's grandchildren had a special place in his heart; from picking up his grandchildren from school in the "fast black car," placing his granddaughter’s picture in his work locker and telling everyone who it was and building her a garden bed; and to buying his grandson a small tractor to chase him in the yard while he mowed.
Gary loved his son in law as if he was his own son. He loved to sit and talk with his son in law about everything and nothing.
Gary had an enormous heart and was extremely generous. He would do anything for anyone who was in need. He spent this summer helping mow his father in laws yard and even the neighbor’s yard too. He was often known to visit lemonade stands of children in his neighborhood and give them $20 and not take the lemonade.
Gary had the habit of making a huge impact on the people around him. He would talk to everyone around him whether it was at the campground, work, or even at the store. He loved to sit and make conversation with anyone who happened to be around. Gary had a way of making that person feel important.
Gary is survived by his wife, Deanna and son Chris, both of Littleton, CO and daughter Teri Lingane and husband Justin of Denver, CO; two grandchildren Cody and Shelby; and a sister Kathy May of Rock Springs, WY.
Cremation was planned. A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 16, 2020 in the Long Island Cemetery, Long Island, KS.
Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, 1115 2nd St., Phillipsburg, KS 67661.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Heart Association c/o Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel or to your neighborhood child selling lemonade.
Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, P. O. Box 53, Phillipsburg, KS 67661, is in charge of arrangements.