Gary Stairs, Sr. passed away Saturday, May 25, 2024 at his home in Alliance with his family by his side.
He was born March 18, 1948 at Grand Island, NE to Robert Henry and Leta Jean (Strong) Stairs. He was raised in Cairo, NE. He was a U.S. Army veteran and served a tour of duty in Vietnam.
On September 17, 1971 he was united in marriage to Connie Monroe in Alliance.
He is survived by his children, Emma Stairs, Shannon (Rolando) Escamilla, Shurron (John) Fleming and Terry Monroe (Brandy Grossnickle) all of Alliance, Bruce (Mary Beth) Cavender of Pueblo, CO, his son-in-law, Donald Whattler of Las Animas, CO and his nephew, Jonathan (Jill) Baker of Alliance and his brother, Jim (Sheri) Stairs of Boise, ID. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Chris Escamilla (Erica Woodard), Matthew Escamilla, Donald Whattler, Jr., Makyla Whattler, Aiden Whitwer, Mathias Whitwer, Cameo Whitwer, Celeste Whitwer, Steven (Jerica) Parker, his great-grandchildren, Elijah Kol Escamilla and Elias Arraj and numerous other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Connie, his daughters, Cary Whattler, Carol Stairs, Angela Stairs, his sons, Gary Stairs, Jr., Kyle Stairs and Quinby Stairs, and grandchildren, Sophia Escamilla and David Whattler.
Funeral services will be Thursday, May 30 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. A Rosary will be recited at 9:15 a.m. prior to the funeral. Father Matt Koperski will officiate and burial will be in the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 1-6 p.m. at the Bates-Gould Funeral Home.