Gary Lee Etherton

Gary Lee Etherton, 74, of Grand Island, passed away on December 19, 2014 at the Grand Island VA Medical Center. Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 23, at the United Congregational Church, located at 405 E. Bismark. Reverend Lonnie Logan will officiate. As per Gary’s wishes, please come as you are, formal attire is not required. Burial will be in West Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Navy and the Grand Island Veterans Honor Guard. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Monday at All Faiths Funeral Home. Gary was born in Grand Island on November 1, 1940, to James Claude and Goldie Gladys (Martin) Etherton. He is survived by three sons, Ross (Chas) Etherton of Berlin, Germany, Rhett Etherton of Denver, Colorado and Rylee Etherton (Amanda Bockman) of Brandon, Florida; two stepsons, Ryan Richards (Aimee Rocheleau) of Phoenix, Arizona and Reid Richards (Brenda Thompson) of Grand Island; stepdaughters, Pam (Bill) Grossart of Grand Island and Julie (Dave) Ogden of Wood River; his beloved grandchildren, Sophie, Elijah, Jayden, and Aliya; and furry friend, No-No Kitty. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Wesley, Don, and Darrell; and sisters, Beulah Thavenet and Shirley Shick. A 1959 graduate of Grand Island Senior High, Gary served in the US Navy from 1959-1963, during which he was stationed in San Diego, CA and Lakehurst, NJ. He also helped enforce the Cuban Blockade aboard the U.S.S. Northampton in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. For his service, he received the Navy Good Conduct Medal, the Navy Expeditionary Medal, and the National Defense Medal. Gary was a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service from 1967-1992, during which he served as Secretary/Treasurer, Vice-President, and President of the Br. #390 National Association of Letter Carriers AFL-CIO. After his retirement from the Post Office, he worked part-time for the St. Francis Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center and the YMCA. He married Sally (Rose) Gydesen on May 24, 1975, and Carol (Mader) Richards on June 5, 1981. Gary loved his God, church, children and grandchildren, Postal Service gang, Aerobics Group, his cat No-No Kitty, and working with his fellow veterans. He loved to read, take care of his flowers, art, music, and going to movies. He was a friend of Bill W. for 24 years; he loved the AA way of life and the 12 Steps. Memorials are suggested to United Congregational Church.

Gary Lee Etherton

November 1, 1940 - December 19, 2014

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Gary Lee Etherton

November 1, 1940 - December 19, 2014

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support