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From the Kearny Hub (Nebraska):
Gary was born Sept. 4, 1943 in Shidler, Okla., to Charles and Joan (Reece) Punches. He grew up in Pampa, Texas, and graduated from Pampa High School. After high school, he attended North Texas State in Denton. He entered the U.S. Navy in 1963 and was in active service in Vietnam until 1966.
Gary married Brenda Waller on Feb. 3, 1964, in Perryton, Texas. After the Navy, they lived in Greenville, Texas, and Wichita Falls, Texas, where Gary worked with computers for Univac as a civilian contractor for the U.S. Air Force. In 1969, they moved to Oklahoma City. Gary began his career in real estate and property management and started his own company in 1971. Gary retired in 2010, and they moved to Kearney in 2012.
He always taught Sunday school and had a lifelong gift and passion for ministry. Gary was on the Oklahoma Board of Realtors for 40 years and was past president of the South Oklahoma City Board of Realtors. He was also a member of the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis. He was a member of Spirit of Life Open Bible Church since 2012. Gary enjoyed playing golf, fishing, and traveling with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Brenda of Kearney; daughters, Kelly Spears and her husband, Damon, of Austin, Texas, and Toni Harvey and her husband, Scott, of Kearney; grandchildren, Nick Spears and Amy Spears of Austin, and Roman Harvey and his wife, Leah, Dalton Harvey and Savanna Harvey, all of Kearney; brother, Gerry Punches of Oklahoma City; sister, Sandy Davis of White Deer, Texas; and numerous other relatives. Gary was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Janet McInturf.
Memorials are suggested to Spirit of Life Church or the donor’s choice.
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Robert L. Neslage
Gary was a very enjoyable person to be around, he will be missed by all who knew him. Duriing the 35th class reunion I had the good fortune to play golf with him and get to know him better. His father had been an accomplished boxer and taught Gary to box and I think few people knew this but, would have found out quickly if they gave him any grief. He was a religous man and had asperations of starting his own ministry. I regret that I did not spend more time with Gary. My best to all his family! Bogey Bob.
Lyndell "Corky" Godfrey
Gary was a very good friend and a Godly man. He will be missed by those who are left behind. He has fought the fight and run the course. He is in the bosom of Jesus now. No more tears, hurt or pain. May God bless his family that he left behind.
Marilyn Scott (McCoy)
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Friends like Gary leave a huge hole where his physical self was. He is now watching over all his loved ones from the lap of the most High. enjoyed getting to renew friendship at the reunion and will look forward to the joy we will share in the future.
Love and Prayers,
Marilyn Scott McCoy
Sandra Whelchel (Brown)
I was in school with Gary from through high school. Gary did not have an easy growing up. His faith saw him become a big success in his adult years. He was always up beat and a good friend. I was always so happy to see him at our class reunions. He is now with our Lord and keeping a watch over family & friends. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. May our Lord bless & keep you.
Blessings,
Sandy Whelchel Brown
Margaret Burns (Matson)
So sorry for your loss. Gary was a good friend and person. May God comfort you and Gary's good works be multiplied by his children and grandchildren.
Wilna Carlile (Shumate)
I've known Gary since first grade. We lived near each other growing up and rode the same school bus for a number of years and he would sometimes ride his old horse over to the Cabot camp to see us. He was a great friend and wonderful godly person who blessed many over the years. We renewed our friendship after the 35th reunion and corresponded several times. We shared mission stories, "God" stories and growing up times. He will be greatly missed . My deepest sympathy to Brenda and family.