Gary W. Garver

Gary Wayne Garver, 59, of Auburn, Nebraska, passed away in his sleep in Winslow, Arizona, on October 19, 2021. Gary was born in Auburn on June 27, 1962, to Ron and Janet (Hill) Garver. He graduated from Auburn High School in 1980. In 1986, he married Kathy Maddox, and they welcomed their son Billy in 1989.



Whether it was at Big A Auto Supply, Johnson Motors, or John Deere, Gary was your guy when you needed an auto part. When he wasn’t keeping inventory, he stayed busy with odd jobs around Auburn, fixing what he could for whom he could. Gary loved a good classic rock station, a good joke, and a good story.



In his spare time, you could see Gary cruising between Auburn, Brownville, and Peru, looking for the most promising fishing hole or hunting spot for the day. His joy in the solitude of the river and the road led him to driving semitrucks later in life. Most recently, Gary enjoyed his work driving for Greater Omaha Express, where Kathy was able to accompany him as they caught new sights together across the country.



Gary will be remembered fondly by Kathy, his wife of 35 years; son Billy (Caitie Leibman) and grandchild Gwen of Lincoln; brother Jeff (Kristy) of Auburn; nieces Jacy Pollard (Matt) of Syracuse, Jordan Maher (Chris) of Auburn, and nephew Josh of Steamboat Springs, Colorado; grandnephews and grandnieces; aunts and uncles; and dear friends. He is preceded in death by his parents.



The family will be gathering privately, and then friends and family are welcome to attend a brief graveside service at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery on October 26 at 10:30 a.m. with a luncheon to follow at 11:30 a.m. at Arbor Manor, 1617 Central Ave., Auburn, NE 68305. Dress code: ball caps.



In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Nebraska Game and Parks Foundation.