Edwin H. “Gary” Garrison, Jr.

Edwin H. “Gary” Garrison, Jr.

May 30, 1946 – December 10, 2024

Gary was born into a military family.  His father was a Career Pilot and Air Force Officer, so Gary led a nomadic life, changing addresses 9 times during his first 14 years.  He was born in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and thereafter, lived in Norfolk, Virginia, Boston, Massachusetts, Dayton, Ohio, (home of his brothers, John and LeBron, who apparently never met), Washington, DC, Leavenworth, Kansas, Japan, Lake Charles, Louisiana, Leavenworth, Kansas, and fatefully, Bellevue Nebraska.  He then lived in Omaha most of the rest of his life.

The returns to Leavenworth happened during his father’s temporary duties for the Air Force. Gary, his mother and siblings, John and Kay, stayed with their maternal grandparents, John and Irene Duffin (Pop and Mom).  Their address, 624 Kickapoo, was Gary’s Mayberry, the touchstone where he learned his values, and began a lifelong relationship and friendship with his extended family.

He attended school at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, University of Texas, and University of Nebraska at Omaha, where he graduated in 1974.  He attended Creighton University Law School, and graduated in 1979.  His college career was interrupted in 1968 for a couple of years, after a car accident while he was on spring break in Florida.

Gary worked at Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company in the Law Division and Investment Division between 1980 and 2005, when he went on long term health leave, and ultimately retirement.  He enjoyed his career, and had many memorable experiences, and formed many associations and friendships.

Gary met Gerri in 1995, and they married on July 13, 1997.  With Gerri, he enjoyed the best years of his life.  Together, they traveled and enjoyed trips and vacations to every part of the country.  Gerri kept Gary entertained with her sense of fun and sense of humor.  She also made numerous sacrifices throughout their time together to make Gary’s life full and full of joy.  She brought into Gary’s life 2 wonderful children, Duane and Angela, who shared their mother’s affinity for fun, and who contributed to family enjoyment of holidays and vacations.  They too, were enormously helpful throughout Gary and Gerri’s time together.  Then came Braeden, Gary’s only and favorite grandson.  Gary was a proud “Pops” to Braeden. He loved watching Braeden grow into the kind, intelligent man he has become.

Gary enjoyed reading, particularly detective and mystery novels, and history and the occasional physics book.  He followed Nebraska and Creighton athletics enthusiastically and stayed in touch with all sports.  Gary enjoyed weekly domino games with his family, which turned out to be competitive, feisty, and full of laughs.  He also enjoyed competitive games of Scrabble with his brother, John, at least once a week, and occasionally more often.

Gary was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents; aunts, uncles; his brother-in-law, Andrew; and his niece, Erin.

Gary is survived by his wife, Gerri; his children, Duane and Angela; his grandson, Braeden;his sister, Kay; niece, Mechan; his brother, John and his wife, Marilee and his nephew and niece, Ken and Amy; a very special aunt, Agnes; and a whole host of cousins, extended family and friends.

It was Gary’s wish to donate his body to help others through Live on Nebraska.  He always believed by doing so, he could continue to help others after he was gone.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Monday, December 16, 2024, 2:00PM, Christ the King Catholic Church, 654 S. 86th St.  with VISITATION from 1:00-2:00PM.

Memorials will be directed by the family

To view live broadcasts of the service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.