Gary Holman

1950 - 2025

Gary A. Holman, age 75, passed away unexpectedly on April 29, 2025. Gary was born on March 21, 1950, in Rhame, North Dakota, the son of Lawrence and Mary (Foust) Holman. He was the middle of five children.

Gary grew up in Marmarth, North Dakota, and as a young man spent most of his summers at the ranch of Carl and Ruth Knutson, where he found his love for farming and ranching. Shortly after school Gary joined a combining crew and became a derrick hand in the oil field. Gary met Linda Buckingham, and they married on May 8, 1970. Three weeks later Gary was drafted into the Army and completed his basic training in Fort Lewis, Washington. He was sent to Vietnam for one year and served as a Track Recovery Mechanic. He was honorably discharged in 1971. After his return home he started his construction career for various contractors in the Billings/Miles City areas. He served as a superintendent/project manager for many years during the latter part of his career.

Gary and Linda spent the winter of 1975 ranching on the John Jordan Ranch, where they welcomed their son Cody in the spring. They spent eight years in Colstrip, Montana, where Gary wore many hats working as a rancher, heavy equipment operator at the coal mine, and doing construction. In 1981 the family returned to Terry, Montana, where Gary found his passion for horse racing, and bought his beloved "Last Lark" racehorse, and won the Breeders Futurity in Miles City and Baker. On their farm in Terry, Montana, they ran cows for several years, but Gary's true passion was always his horses. Gary attended many wagon trains over the years with many friends.

Gary spent a lot of his retirement years with his beloved grandchildren, Kayla and Trever. They spent many days fishing, shooting prairie dogs, and whatever else Grandpa could come up with. A word the grandkids never heard from Gary was "NO".

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his stepdad Vern Rich; infant daughter Amy Holman, brother Steven Holman, and nephew Michael Gartrell.

He is survived by his wife Linda; son Cody (Tracy) Holman; grandchildren Kayla (Dylan Sorenson) and Trever Holman; sister Meridel Gartrell; brothers Pat (Julie) Holman and Gene (Debbie) Holman; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends.

Gary was a jack of all trades and a master storyteller. He loved his family and his loyal dog "Speck". He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend and will be missed dearly.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Gary's name to the Happy Valley 4H Club- Terry or towards the new 4H building being placed at the Prairie County Fairgrounds.

Funeral Services were held in Terry on Friday, May 9, 2025 with interment at Prairie County Cemetery with full military honors.