Gary Sherman Colonna

Gary Sherman Colonna LTC (USA Ret) Gary Sherman Colonna, of Lansing, KS, passed away at 94 at the Eisenhower VAMC on January 16, 2025, after a brief illness. Gary was born in Denver, CO, and grew up in Riverside, CA. After his father returned from WWII, the family relocated to Oconomowoc, WI, where Gary attended high school. After one year at the Virginia Military Institute, Gary received an appointment to the USMA in West Point, NY, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in1953. Gary had a 20-year career as an Infantry officer, including two tours of Vietnam where he was awarded two Bronze Stars for Valor in combat. During his career, he was also awarded two Legion of Merit medals, a third Bronze Star, an Army Commendation Medal, and 8 Air Medals. As a Battalion Commander, he was the Army's first recipient of a Meritorious Service Medal for actions conducted north of Alaska's Brooks Range. Gary earned a Master of Science in nuclear physics from Tulane University in 1963 and retired from active military service in 1973 while residing in Springfield, VA.

After retirement, Gary worked as a civilian contractor and graduated from the National War College in 1979. He earned a PhD in higher education from American University in 1980. From 1980 to 1983, he was Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff, US Army Intelligence and Security Command in Arlington, VA. He then worked for the Combined Arms Center at Ft. Leavenworth until his retirement from government service in 1991.

Gary was married to his first wife, Patricia Remers, from 1954 to 1981. He married Frances Hereford in 1983, and they lived in Lansing until their deaths. Gary and Frances were very involved, locally, nationally, and internationally with the American Red Cross. Gary taught math and science at Kansas City Kansas Community College for many years, in addition to teaching college extension courses at Ft. Leavenworth for a number of colleges and universities. He also taught at the Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary as a volunteer. An avid swimmer, Gary was a swim team coach at Ft. Leavenworth and taught Red Cross swim instructor lifesaving classes.

Gary Colonna was a loving and generous man, who served his country proudly. He was a devoted husband and loving father. He will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery. He was preceded in death by his great grandson Benjamin and his wives Patricia and Frances. He is survived by his sister Colleen Wagner, his children: Ann Brenneman, John Colonna, and Stephen Colonna and stepchildren: Kathryn Nevins and Kelly Crigger. At the time of his death, Gary had 21 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.