Gary Lee Johnson was born November 23, 1939 at St. Joseph Hospital, Alliance, Nebraska.
Gary was the 3rd child born to Burrel B. Johnson and Livonia H. Johnson Tucker. He went home to be with his Lord and Savior on December 22, 2025.
Gary grew up in Alliance, Nebraska where he graduated from Alliance High School in 1957. Known or his great wit and sense of humor, it was noted in his senior yearbook that Gary would mostly likely be the inventor of the flatless tire. He was known to be putting air in his tires both at lunch and after school.
After graduation and before entering the US Army in 1958, Gary was employed by Pepsi Cola and Cashway Candy Company. He was stationed at Fort Bragg where he received his basic training as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne where he accomplished many jumps while stationed in Germany, where he also learned the German language. Gary was honorably discharged in December of 1960. Gary served faithfully and was proud to be a US soldier and serve his country.
Gary received a Bachelors degree in mathematics from Chadron State College Cum Laude and was a member of the Cardinal Key Club. While attending college Gary worked as a brakeman with the Burlington Northern Railroad and seasonally on the 1880 train in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
After graduation Gary accepted a job with the government at Holloman Air Force Base, Alamogordo, New Mexico. Gary moved to Colorado to further his career with the City of Denver as a systems analyst and received his master's degree with the University of Denver. He subsequently worked at NCR for many years and retired from Quest Insurance Company. He was working on his doctoral thesis in Theoretical Physics when medical issues interfered with completion of his degree.
Gary was a kind, soft spoken man who loved his family and would help in any way without question. Gary had a witty sense of humor and was loved by all who met him. He especially enjoyed fellowship with Veteran friends by attending breakfast Bible Studies with them. He was an active member of Highlands Baptist Church. Garys athletic abilities included baseball, tennis and skiing. He loved the mountains of Colorado. Gary also had a love for animals especially dogs.
Gary is survived by his wife Suzanne Koegle-Johnson of Huron, Ohio; a son Marc A. Johnson; brother Larry E. Johnson (Janet) of Omaha, Nebraska. Sisters - Virginia (Ginger) Szabo (Pete) Homosassa, Florida; Beverly Kosloski (Danny) Homosassa, Florida; Debra Bowenkamp (John) Naples, Florida; and Diana Stanley (Mike) Box Elder, South Dakota. Gary will be missed by many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, two infant brothers Dennis and Douglas and sister Connie J. Foreman.
A celebration of life will be held later in the spring. Burial will be at the Alliance, Nebraska Veterans Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made in Gary’s name to: Namaste Hospice, 5161 East Arapahoe Road, Centennial, Colorado 80122 or to Disabled American Veterans.