Lake Kiowa, TX - Gary Lyman Northern, 84, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2021, in Gainesville, TX.

Gary was born in Greensburg, KS, on October 29, 1936, to Harold and Leona (Herd) Northern. He attended Coldwater High School in Coldwater, KS and then on to college at Northwestern in Alva, OK.

Gary joined the Navy in January of 1955 and was in active duty until January 1959 and then stayed in the reserves until his honorable discharge in 1963. He was a part of the US Navy attack squadron 113, which served on the Shangri-la ship in between the Korean and Vietnam War. Gary was honored with a medal for his service in the US Navy.

He married Connie McGill in the early 1960's and they had two kids, Greg and Rene. They later divorced and he then married Jeanie Northern in 1973, and they had another daughter, Chena. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather and Great Grandfather.

Gary leaves behind his beloved family: daughter, Rene Verhaert and husband David of Lake Kiowa, TX, son, Greg Northern and wife Dee Dee of Alva, OK and daughter, Chena Northern of Frisco, TX and his grandchildren. His grandchildren were his pride and joy: Dylan Verhaert of Carrollton, TX, Kyle Verhaert of Carrollton, TX, and David Verhaert Jr and wife Shelby of Carrollton, TX. Courtnie Webster and her husband Jalen and their children McKinley "Mac" & Elijah Webster of Aubrey, TX.

Gary loved a good party with his favorite scotch and pack of Marlboro cigarettes with his good friends. His family was the highpoint of his life, he constantly bragged about all his kids and especially his grandchildren. His great grandchildren were the sparkle in his eye, Mac, would come visit and bring "Papa" a piece of candy to open, they have a special bond. Elijah was born just days prior to Papa passing however he was able to facetime him and meet him before joining Jeanie in heaven.

Gary was a man of few words however when he spoke you listened as he was either educating you or telling you one of his famous stories from back in the day. He knew how to tell a story where you were engaged on every word listening for how it was going to end. Our dad was the fun guy at the party even as kids, he was the one slipping us our first drink or playing a prank on his friends. Every Sunday in the summer on the boat with BBQ's at the lake were some of the fondest memories of him. He enjoyed life to the fullest and he held those special to him close to his heart.

He will be laid to rest on Saturday, January 30, 2021, at Crown Hill Cemetery in Coldwater, Kansas, next to his beloved wife of 45 years, Jeanie, and Gary's parents, Harold & Leona Northern and his brother, Rick.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Protection Valley Manor in care of Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, P.O. Box 417, Coldwater, KS, 67029.