Gary Thomas McNutt

CUT BANK Gary Thomas McNutt, 78, of Cut Bank passed away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his family at the North Valley Hospital in Whitefish on Oct. 25, of medical complications.



Gary was born in Great Falls, on Feb. 2, 1934 to James and Annette McNutt. He grew up on the family farm on Seville Flats west of Cut Bank. There he learned the 'old-fashioned' values of love of family and his animals which were his whole life.



Gary was educated in Cut Bank and graduated from Cut Bank High School. He served in the US Army as a gunner in the Korean War for one year, and then in the Army Reserves earning a 'Good Conduct' medal. Following active duty he married his true love, Sherry Hegle, from Kevin on Nov. 8, 1959.



Gary and Sherry lived east of Cut Bank for the majority of their marriage where they raised their two daughters and numerous horses. Gary worked for Texaco in the oil industry for nearly 30 years achieving 'Production Foreman'. Gary and Sherry raised registered horses as McNutt's Paints and Quarter horses.



Gary was a member of the Cut Bank Saddle Club up until the time of his death holding the office of Saddle Club President and also President of the Roping Club numerous times. Most of the Saddle Club kids called him Grandpa Gary. Previously Gary had been involved in the JayCees and the Elk's club.



Gary was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather who never missed riding horses with his family on mountain rides and at O-Mok-Sees, and attending their other activities. One friend recently described Gary as "a gentle soul". He was loved by all & will be greatly missed.



Gary is survived by Sherry, his wife of 53 years; his daughters TyAnn McGinnis, Cut Bank and Tracey McNutt (Nathan Morgan), Lafayette, LA; grandchildren Kelsey McGinnis, Joplin, MT; Chance McGinnis, Salt Lake City, UT; Jonathan and Joshua Morgan, Lafayette, LA; great grandchildren Reese and Ramee Morgan also of Lafayette; nephew, David McNutt (Rita), Kalispell; niece, Billiette Grigsby, Huntsville, TX; and two brothers-in-law that were like his own family, Hugh and Shane Hegle.



Gary was preceded in death by his parents, James and Annette McNutt and his brothers Merritt McNutt and Gerald (Jerry) McNutt and one infant great-grandson.



Funeral services for Gary is 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30 at First Presbyterian Church in Cut Bank, burial with military honors to follow at the Crown Hill Cemetery. Viewing is 5-8:30 pm Monday, Oct. 29 and Tuesday morning 9-12 at Whitted Chapel in Cut Bank. A reception for family and friends at the Moose Lodge in Cut Bank will follow the interment.



Memorials may be made to the Shriner's Hospital, (911 W 5th Ave, Spokane WA 99204-2901) and Cut Bank Animal Shelter (Medical Donation fund.)



Condolences may be posted at www.whittedfuneralchapel.com