Gary Gene Eberly, 86, of Cody went home to Jesus Tuesday August 20, 2024. Gary was born July 2, 1938 in Mullen to Forrest Fremont Eberly and Leona (Sieck) Eberly.
His early childhood was spent in a home north of Mullen. The family then moved to the Cole Ranch east of Merriman where his father, Forrest, was employed. Gary began his elementary school years in a country school east of Merriman. Leona, his mother secured a teaching position with the Cody Public School. At that time the family moved to Cody and resided there. Gary completed his education in Cody. He graduated from Cody Public School in 1957.
Gary joined the United States Army and was a member of the 82nd Airborne division. He served from October 17,1957 to October 16, 1959. When he returned home he worked north of Harrison, where he purchased a sorrel mare that he was quite proud of. He started working on the Homer Hinton Ranch south of Cody.
Gary and Wava Jean Welker were married December 20, 1964. In June of 1965, they became a family when they brought home their daughter Jo Jean.
Gary and his family ranched in the Cody area most of his life. Gary would map out how many Little Britches Rodeos that Jo Jean could run at each weekend. Then he would drive to the rodeo and sleep after they arrived so he would be ready to go to the next one.
Later, he was a very proud grandpa to his granddaughter, Charlsee Ray Eberly, who he had in the saddle at a very early age. He attended many barrel races in support of his daughter and granddaughter over the years.
Gary was a member of the Cody Legion Post #319 for 65 years. He served as Sargent at Arms for many of those years. Gary was responsibly for the Color Guard and Honor Guard for 55 years, and rarely missing a monthly meeting.
Gary was a huge supporter of the Cody-Kilgore Unified School. He ran the score clock for the games for more than 50 years, and helped to promoted Veteran’s Day and the Legion programs at the school.
Gary enjoyed, and spent his life ranching, hunting and enjoying God’s country. Gary enjoyed a competitive game of cribbage with his friends. On a snowy day he could be on his snowmobile and coyote hunting with his brother and friends.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Forrest and Leona Eberly; brothers, Deon Eberly and Forrest Lee Eberly, and granddaughter, Charlsee Ray Eberly.
Gary is survived by his wife, Wava Jean, Miami, OK; daughter, Jo Jean Eberly, Miami, OK; brother, Leon (Sharon), Gordon, and nieces, Jamie Eberly, Gillette WY, and Julie (Chris) Hilliker Gordon. Also surviving are great nephews, Justin (Mallory) Hilliker, Caleb (Jada) Hilliker and great-great nephew, Riggin Hilliker.
A graveside service was held at Prairie Lawn Cemetery in Cody September 5, 2024. Memorial donations maybe made to the America Legion Post #319 Building Fund, PO Box 23 Cody, Nebraska 69211 or the GoFund Me Protect the White Elephant Hall page. https://gofund. me/873f4b81.
Sandoz Chapel of the Pines in Valentine was entrusted with service arrangements.
