VERNAL, Utah — Gary Lee Tournear, 78, passed away on May 11, 2025, in Vernal, Utah, where he had lived for the past five years. Gary was born on Sept. 2, 1946, in Great Bend, Kan., to Irving and Mildred (Asher) Tournear.

Gary grew up in Great Bend with three brothers. When he was young, he was very athletic, enjoying all sports while in school. He loved people, loved telling “tall tales” and making people laugh. 

He joined the Navy in 1963, serving four years during the Vietnam War. He then married Sally Cook from Great Bend, Kan., in 1968, and would soon have celebrated their 57th anniversary. He started a family, raising two sons and passed onto them his love of sports, love of laughter and love of life.

Gary liked an adventure, moving his family to Texas, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah. He loved playing golf, KC Chiefs football, boating, fishing and hunting. He loved lawn and garden work; he was always known for “HIS immaculate” lawn. While Gary enjoyed spending time with his family, he adored spending time with his one and only grandchild, Kian, who was the apple of his eye.

During his lifetime, he worked for UPS, oilfield work, gold mining, and trucking.

Survivors include his wife, Sally, of the home; son, Garrett (Marney) Tournear and granddaughter, Kian Tourstone of Vernal, Utah; brother, Ron (Barbara) Tournear of Great Bend; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Gary and Anna Burke of Great Bend, and Paul and Pam Clark of Peyton, Colo.; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Carl “Chuck” Tournear; and brothers, Larry Tournear and Gail Tournear.

Memorial service will be 1 p.m. June 6, 2025, at Bryant Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Singleton presiding. Inurnment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery, with military honors presented by the United States Navy Honor Guard. A further celebration of Gary’s life will continue at First Southern Baptist Church Annex, Great Bend. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been designated to the Parkinsons Foundation or a charity of your choice, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS 67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, May 31, 2025