Gary Lee Butler

Gary graduated from Adams City High School, Denver, in 1957 and went on to graduate from Colorado State University, Fort Collins, in 1961. Gary married Betty Jean Rowland, August 8, 1959, in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. The two resided in the Fort Collins/Greeley area since 1957, and later lived in Windsor, Colorado.

Beginning in 1964, Gary built a long and distinguished career in banking. He served as Branch President of Centennial Bank of the West, Lemay Branch, and worked at multiple banks in the region, including Farmers Bank, Rocky Mountain Bank, and Century Bank. Gary was a respected and a wonderful lender, who was always involved in his client's businesses and dreams. He was a man of his word and expected the same from his friends and clientele.

Gary loved people and would schedule breakfasts, lunches, and dinners to share his diverse knowledge with all. Gary's life was full of travel, hunting, and fishing. He was a partner in a beautiful vintage car collection, and a PRCA Rodeo Stock Contractor of a Rodeo Production Company. He loved golf and was a holder of a Hole-In-One distinction. Gary was well-known gentleman cowboy at the National Finals Rodeo, Salt River Rodeo, Greeley Stampede, and Turquoise Circuit Finals.

He also gave him time and leadership to numerous organizations and causes, including the following: DeMoley, Freemasons (Lo10), Elks (Lo804), Highland Lions Club, and served as director of the Foundation Board at Foothills Gateway. He was involved with the Boy Scouts of America, PRCA Rodeo, and the Colorado Banker's Association.

Gary will be remembered as a steadfast, devoted and respected presence to those who knew him and worked alongside him.

He is survived by his wife, Betty, and his three children: Monty (Adrienne) of Windsor, Colorado; Sandy Thomas of Overland Park, Kansas; and Teri (Brian) Driskell, of Stillwell, Kansas. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Keven Thomas and Wyatt Driskell in Kansas; his brother, Jeff Butler of Crystal Beach, Texas; and a cousin, Janet Oleson of Denver, Colorado.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026 from 3:00pm to 6:00pm at the home of Wes and Trudy Sargent, 5412 Vardon Way, Fort Collins, Colorado. Burial will be at Resthaven Memory Gardens in Fort Collins.