Gary Colson Mahan Col. USA retired

Gary Colson Mahan Col. USA retired passed away on Sunday, April 18, 2010 in San Antonio after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was 78. Col. Mahan was born in Camden, Arkansas on October 11, 1931. He was preceded in death by his parents, H. Colson and Selma Mahan, and also by his second wife, Julia. He is survived by his son, Keith Colson Mahan of Orlando, FL; his daughter, Lorrie Mahan Garcia and son-in-law, Carlos M. Garcia of Austin; granddaughters Alicia Garcia of Rome, Italy, Maya Garcia at the University of Virginia; and his first wife, Ernestine Whitter Mahan of Indian Harbour Beach, FL. Gary graduated from Bolles Military Academy in Jacksonville, FL before entering the University of Florida in 1949 where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. He enlisted in the US Army in May, 1951 and was assigned to the 8th Infantry Division at Ft. Jackson, SC. In 1952, he attended Officer's Candidate School at Ft. Bliss where he was the Honor Graduate of his class. Col. Mahan had a long and illustrious career. He fought in both Korea and Vietnam. In Korea he was assigned to the 7th Infantry Division where he commanded HQ Battery and C Battery of the 15th Airborne Division and was S3 of the 80th Airborne AAA Bn. In Vietnam he was an assistant G3 in HQ, II Field Force at Long Bien. His career history included service as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne at Ft. Bragg, NC, command of a double Nike battery in the 54th AAA Missile Bn in Maryland, command of the 8 inch Howitzer Battery of the 1st Bn, 9th Artillery, 3rd Infantry Division in Germany, and attendance at Command and General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth, KS in 1964. Following his service in Vietnam, Col. Mahan was assigned to the Pentagon in 1969 as an assistant to the Secretary of the General Staff where he performed the duties of Congressional Assistant to the Chief of Staff of the Army, General William C. Westmoreland, for three years. He commanded the 31st ADA Brigade at Homestead AFB, FL followed by assignment to the Army War College in Carlisle, PA in 1974. He completed his military career as the Commander of the 1st ADA Training Brigade at Ft. Bliss, TX, retiring on August 1, 1981. Col. Mahan holds the following decorations and awards: three Legions of Merit, Army Commendation Medal, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four Campaign Stars, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Parachutist's Badge, and Army General Staff ID Badge. Col. Mahan completed his Bachelor of Science degree at St. Benedict's College graduating Summa Cum Laude. Following his military career, he joined Westinghouse in Baltimore as an executive for 15 years. Col. Mahan had a passion for genealogy and reading, particularly American and World History, frequently astounding his friends and family with his recall of details and ability to bring history to life. He was an often requested Docent at the San Jose Mission for this reason. His thirst for knowledge was unquenchable. He was a 32nd Degree Mason in the Scottish Rite, an accomplished photographer, an avid fly fisherman and skeet and trap shooter belonging to Hill Country Shooting Sports Center and the Bunker Club. His shooting excellence earned him a spot in the Olympic Trials in 1988 and again in 2008. He was an active member of the San Antonio Jaguar Club and always loved hitting the open road. He was a member of the First Unitarian Universalist Church. He was a warrior, patriot, leader, gentleman, and gracious host; a great man to his children and beloved granddaughters. MEMORIAL SERVICE FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2010 7:00 P.M. FIRST UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH 7150 IH 10 WEST MAPPING ADDRESS: GILL RD & BERYL DR. SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78213 Rev. Bret Lortie will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Friends of Hospice and Palliative Care, 4241 Woodcock, San Antonio, Texas 78228, 210-785-5850.