LTC Gordon T. Carey USA (Ret)

LTC Gordon Thomas Carey, USA (Ret.), age 81, passed away on February 12, 2015 in Austin, Texas. A true patriot and admired leader, he embodied the best of the Greatest Generation. He will be deeply missed as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother, and remembered fondly as a respected army officer, businessman, and friend. His great sense of humor and engaging personality drew people around him wherever he went.

Born on a family farm in Nash County, NC, on March 20, 1933, he was the son of the late Paul Theodore Carey and Pearl Elizabeth Davis. He graduated from Kenwood High School in Baltimore County, Maryland. Gordon attended the University of Maryland and graduated from the University of Nebraska.

Gordon’s interest in service to his country began at a young age. He served as the Cadet Captain of the Civil Air Patrol and later joined the Maryland Air National Guard. He entered the US Army in 1952.

Gordon retired, after more than 20 years of service, in 1972 as a Lieutenant Colonel. His final assignment was in the US Army Research and Development, Special Projects Group, in Washington, DC. Trained as a multi-engine and helicopter pilot, he logged approximately 3400 hours flight time and over 800 hours of combat flight time. As a veteran of the Korean War and Vietnam War (3 tours) in the Army Air Cavalry, he received several commendation awards and medals, including the highest achieved Silver Star for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 07 May 1970.

Gordon served as a Commanding Officer of the Company “A”, 2nd Battalion, 66th Armor, 4th Armored Division in Germany; the 71st Assault Helicopter Co. in Vietnam; and the 3rd Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry in Vietnam.

Subsequent to service, Gordon spent over 30 years in real estate management in the Washington, DC metro area; San Fernando Valley, CA; and Las Vegas, NV.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Crete Carey; daughters, Holly Helms (Ryan) – Austin, TX, and Lauren Langis (Benjamin) – Boston, MA; son, Mark Carey (Cindy) – Wake Forest, NC; sisters, Ruth Swanstrom (Bill) and Shirley Burdeaux - MD; brother, Tony Carey – Myrtle Beach, SC; and grandchildren, Luke Helms – Austin, TX; Brian Carey – Seattle, WA, and Shannon Carey – Wake Forest, NC. Gordon was predeceased by sister, Jean Johnston – Chambersburg, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Luke’s on the Lake Episcopal Church, 5600 Ranch Road 620 North, Austin TX 78732 or Azalea Charities (wounded warriors), PO Box 579, Dumfries, VA 22026.

To share condolences with the Carey family please visit our website at www.cookwaldenchapelofthehills.com.