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BORN
1949
DIED
2021
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Gary Thayer Obituary
March 24, 1949 - August 3, 2021
Gary W. Thayer, of Yarnell, Arizona, and longtime resident of Yuma, was called home to heaven on
August 3, 2021, in Phoenix following a long battle with diabetes.
Gary was born in San Diego in 1949 to Melvin and Ruby Thayer. At 18, he enlisted in the US Army and served two tours in Vietnam, and received a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts for his service. After the war, Gary settled in Yuma to start a family. He was a proud Vet; even after the war left him with disabilities, he volunteered his time to the Yuma County Sheriff's Office Search & Rescue for many decades.
Gary enjoyed hunting and the outdoors and was an off-road enthusiast who'd been turning heads with his Crotch Rocket ATC's for years. He was an avid sand drag racer and longtime member of the Yuma Drag Racing Association.
Most of all, Gary enjoyed his family and friends and made new ones wherever he went. He is survived by
his daughter, Angie Beyer (Phil) of Evanston, IL, his son, Douglas Thayer of Yuma, AZ, his special niece,
Galene Thayer, his ex-wife, Gloria Gastelum, his stepdaughter Erika Escalante (Tommy), and grandkids,
Vinny and Lucy, stepson, Daniel Cannon, his nephew, Marvin Thayer (Rhonda), his dearest friends, Andy
and Ginger Foster, Zeke Secor, Greg Nelson, Jon Stevens, and many other special friends and extended
family.
A memorial service will be at Yuma Mortuary and Crematory (775 S 5th Avenue) on Friday, August 13,
2021, at 10:00 am. A Celebration of Life will follow from 12:30-3 pm at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (2485 E 14th St). Please consider donating to the American Diabetes Association in honor of Gary W. Thayer in lieu of flowers.
Please sign the guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/yumasun
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Thayer
Sponsored by Yuma Mortuary & Crematory.
2 Entries
Dawn M. Brown (Shipp)
December 15, 2021
I'm so sorry to hear of your dads passing Angie. Your dad was always a great man. Love and prayers.
Colleen Langewisch
August 10, 2021
Marvin and Family - I remember you always speaking highly of your uncle. I am sorry for your loss.
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