Gary Ray Armentrout, 78, on Monday, October 28, 2024 of Owasso, OK passed away peacefully at home with his daughter Kristy & sister Carole at his side from complications caused by cancerous brain tumors.
He was born May 25, 1946 to Carl & Edna Armentrout in Norborne, Mo. After graduating Norborne High School in 1964 he attended the University of Missouri in Columbia receiving his BS degree in Sociology in 1969 along with his 2nd lieutenant bar. During his junior year in college he married Julie Ingram living happily for 57 years until her passing in June of 2024. Upon his college graduation he immediately entered into the Air Force & his flying career where he remained for 25 years until his retirement attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
After Gary completed his pilot’s training, he was deployed to Vietnam where he flew the OV-10 as a fighter pilot. When he returned he became a Weapons & Tactics Officer, Ordinance Test Coordinator and the Weapons Effects & Targeting course instructor for the A-1, T-28, OV-10,& O-2 pilots. After active duty he joined the Colorado Air National Guard continuing with the same responsibilities along with being a test pilot for the A-7 Simulator fleet modifications. Following Gary’s Air Force career he became a Continental (now United) Airlines Captain until 1992 when he officially retired from flying.
When at home he thoroughly enjoyed buying, selling, & trading his many corvettes as well as being a member of the Corvette Club of Denver. Through this club he and Julie enjoyed a variety of events, including parades, rallies, autocrosses, bracket drags, car shows and socials.
He is survived by his daughter Kristy Sanchez of the home, his sister Carole Vahsholtz, O’Fallon, MO, Grand children Reece & Chase Leikam, Ivan (Savanna) Brown , Denver, CO, Brayden, Sammy, & Champ Armentrout, Owasso, OK, sister-in-law Becky Swan, Champaign, IL. Nieces and nephews include Nathan (Tara) Taylor, Ryan (Julie) Taylor, Julie (Tim) Yeoward, John and Matthew Ackman, Michael (Jeannie ) Ingram, Rory (Veronica) Ingram and Cameron Ingram and many great nieces & nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Bo and wife Julie.
A memorial service will be held at the Mowery Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 5th at 11:00 am, full military honors.
Gary will have a head stone placed at Fort Logan, Denver, CO with military honors November 22, 2024 at 3:00pm..
Memorial contributions can be given to Wounded Warrior Project or Good Shepherd Hospice in the memory of Gary Armentrout.
Gary Ray Armentrout May 25, 1946 – October 28, 2024
