SADDLER, GARY

Gary Lynn Saddler was born on June 17, 1941, in Colby, KS, the son of Guy and Berta Saddler. He died Monday, January 29, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family.
Gary grew up on his parent’s farm near Gem, KS, and went to grade school, jr. and sr. high school in Gem, KS. Upon his high school graduation, Gary went to Fort Hayes State University in Hayes, KS, graduating in 1963 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.
Two weeks after college and graduation, Gary got his draft notice and decided to go to Denver, CO and enlist in the Navy. He attended Officer Candidate School for 3 months before beginning his 3 years of active service in the U.S. Navy aboard the aircraft carrier USS YORKTOWN. The ship did several tours of duty off the coast of Vietnam in support of the war effort there. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in November, 1967 as a full Lieutenant.
On September 2, 1967, he was united in marriage to Nancy Howard, and they moved to Denver, CO upon Gary’s separation from the Navy. They had 3 children: 2 daughters and a son, each of whom he was very proud. When the 4 grandchildren came along, he enjoyed taking them on walks and spending time with them.
Upon their return to Denver, Gary joined Burroughs Corporation, which later became Unisys Corporation. When he left Unisys, he worked at the headquarters of the Colorado Department of Corrections in Colorado Springs, CO in the I.T. Department before his retirement in 2010.
Gary enjoyed gardening, taking care of the lawn, fishing, playing guitar, and taking long walks. He also enjoyed working in the churches they attended, and helped in several roles from usher to Chairman of the Deacon Board. The children remember him faithfully reading his Bible every day before he left for work.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Berta Saddler, and 2 older brothers, Delbert (in infancy) and Robert (Bob).
Gary is survived by his wife of 56 years, Nancy, his daughters Lara Perrin and husband Rob of Colorado Springs, CO, Garlyn Saddler of Denver, CO, and his son Brian Saddler of Denver, CO; 4 grandchildren, Chloe, Robert, Andrew and Peter Perrin of Colorado Springs, CO, his sister, Rita Green, of Salt Lake City, Utah, his younger brother, John Saddler and his wife Becky of Phillipsburg, KS, and a host of other much loved family and friends.