He will be remembered for his generous heart, strong values, and unwavering love for those closest to him. His presence brought warmth, his words brought comfort, and his legacy lives on through the many lives he touched.
Gary was born on October 26, 1944, in Denver, Colorado, to Stella and Melvin Keliiholokai. In August 1963, he joined the United States Navy, where he honorably served for 22 years, retiring as a Master Chief Petty Officer at Wheeler AFB in Hawaii.
During his service, he was awarded numerous honors including:
– Joint Service Commendation Medal
– Navy Commendation Medal
– Navy Achievement Medal
– Navy Good Conduct Medal (4th Award)
– Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
– Battle “E” Ribbon (3rd Award)
– Navy Unit Commendation
– Vietnam Service Medal
After retirement, Gary earned his Bachelor of Business Administration Magna Cum Laude in 1988 from Chaminade University in Honolulu. In May of 1999, he received his Certificate of Ordination from Lighthouse Promise Ministries.
The early 1980s also marked the beginning of a new calling—Gary and his wife Maria’s foster care journey. Together, they opened their home to numerous children with special needs and emergency placements, offering love, stability, and compassion to those in greatest need.
Gary also worked at San Antonio Recovery, where he helped his son, Gary Jr., run and grow the family’s auto repossession company. With his steady leadership and commitment, they built it into one of San Antonio’s top auto repossession businesses.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Stella and Melvin Keliiholokai; his loving wife, Maria Amezcua; and his sister, Tammy Keliiholokai.
He is survived by his children:
– Christine Jackson (Tim),
– Stephanie Herrera (Henry),
– Jamie Cadena (Chris),
– Nani Rivera (Mike),
– Don Garnevicus (Kathy),
– Gary Amezcua (Tiffany Salazar),
– Mario Amezcua (Kristen),
– Michael Walker (Laurie)
Also survived by daughter-in-law, Debbie Amezcua and son-in-law, John Kamahele.
Gary is also survived by his siblings: brothers, Michael Keliiholokai, Steve Keliiholokai, Tom Keliiholokai, and William Keliiholokai; and sisters, Kathy Keliiholokai, Sherrie Keliiholokai, and Rae Weber Keliiholokai.
He leaves behind 19 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren—each of whom brought him endless pride and joy. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Gary and his beloved wife Maria shared a deep devotion to Jesus Christ and left behind a legacy of faith, service, and unconditional love. His life was guided by purpose, grounded in grace, and rooted in an unshakable foundation. Gary’s own words capture that faith best:
“The ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of convenience, but where they stand in moments of challenge—moments of great crisis and controversy.
My stance is firm on a foundation that is unbreakable, never ending, filled with eternal promise...
His name is Jesus!!”
– Written by Gary Amezcua Sr.
The family will receive friends on Monday, August 11, 2025, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 10:30 a.m. at Porter Loring Mortuary North, 2102 North Loop 1604 East, San Antonio, Texas 78232.
A committal service with military honors will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, Texas 78209.
