Mr. Gary Wray Roth

Gary Wray Roth, age 74, of McCook, NE passed away on Monday, September 6, 2021 at Bryan West Hospital in Lincoln, NE.

Gary was born July 23, 1947 in Portsmouth, VA to parents Wray N. and Dewinta (McDowell) Roth.  He was one of seven children.  Gary graduated from high school in Palisade, NE with the Class of 1965.  In 1966, Gary enlisted in the United States Navy.  He proudly served his country until his honorable discharge in 1970.  At that time, Gary furthered his education by completing his Carpenter Journeyman’s Certificate at a trade school in Denver, CO.  Following trade school, he began his career as a carpenter.  He worked at many different businesses in McCook but his favorite job was managing the Wigwam (Student Union) at McCook Community College.

On March 16, 1974, Gary married Christine (Salek) Roth in Denver. The couple became proud parents to three children:  Janette, Michael and Sara.

Gary became a certified scuba diver while serving in the Navy.  He was a gunner’s mate on the Patrol Boat, Riverine “PBR”, as well as the boat’s scuba diver.  One of his many responsibilities was to scuba dive into the rivers of Vietnam that they patrolled and destroy hidden weapons with plastic explosives.

Gary continued to dive following his military discharge.  Scuba diving with sharks at the Denver Aquarium and in the mountain lakes of Colorado were some of his favorite past times.  Gary was also an accomplished artist who created beautiful oil paintings for his family members.  He was a history buff and a jack of all trades who enjoyed classic cars, specifically the 1974 VW Super Beetle he worked to restore with his son Michael, cooking, baking, raising chickens and growing tomatoes with good friend Paul Ricley, remodeling homes, studying genealogy, race cars, singing, hunting, fishing and staying active in the lives of his grandkids.

Gary was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints as well as a decorated veteran whose accolades include the National Defense Service Medal, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, Combat Action Ribbon, the Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, George Hammond and John Hammond; and his sister, Celia Rose.

Those left to celebrate his life include his wife, Christine Roth of McCook; son, Michael (Heather) Roth of North Platte, NE; daughters, Janette Roth of Omaha, NE and Sara Roth of McCook; brothers, Mark (Carmen) Roth and Waldo (Deb) Roth all of Laramie, WY; sister, Lora (Tim) Zick of Omaha; ten grandchildren and a host of extended family members and friends.