Lt. Col. Gary A. Kilgore

Lt. Col. Gary A. Kilgore, USA, (Ret.), age 71, of Erie, passed away on Monday, March 6th, at the VA Medical Center (Erie), following a lengthy illness.

Gary was born in Napa, Calif. on November 6, 1945, son of the late Ira and Margaret Paterson Kilgore.

He graduated from Napa High School, had many graduate degrees, a Master's Degree and a Ph.D. in Communications from Washington State University.

Gary retired from the U.S. Army attaining the rank of Lt. Col., serving in Vietnam, the Gulf War and as a Military Intelligence Specialist.

Gary was a man of many interests, including theatre and photography. He enjoyed Harley Davidson motorcycles, was an avid rider and was also a great storyteller. Gary was an active contributor and supporter of many Catholic Charities and a lifetime member of the American Legion, the VFW and the NRA.

Gary's greatest joy and love were his family and especially his six grandchildren.

Along with his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his younger brother Richard.

He is survived by his wife Kristine Scholtz Kilgore, daughters Heatheranne Amari (Lee) and Nicole Michelle Kilgore, both of California and three step-children Joshua Curtze of Erie, Jessica Curtze of Erie and Rachel Curtze Szalay (Greg) of California. He is further survived by six grandchildren, Christopher and Anthony Amari, Tristen, Raegan and Austen Curtze and Frank Szalay.

Friends may attend a Memorial Service on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. in the VA Medical Center Chapel, 135 East 38th Street, Erie, PA 16504.

Arrangements are entrusted to Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 West 26th Street, Erie PA 16506.

Memorials may be made to the VA Medical Center or to the family in care of the Burton Westlake Funeral Home.

To send condolences, please visit www.Burtonfuneralhome.com.

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