Gary John Oswald

Gary John Oswald was born on December 2, 1939, in Story City, Iowa. He died on April 14, 2022, in San Antonio, Texas, with his wife of 41 years, Maggi (Ellis) and his good friend, Jasmine Skala, by his side.

Gary graduated from Story City High School in 1957. In 1966, Gary joined the US Border Patrol in Brownsville, Texas. In 1970, he transferred to the US Customs Service as a Special Agent. He was selected as one of the very first Sky Marshalls flying all over Europe and the Middle East on Pan Am Airlines to combat high-jacking.

In 1972, Gary received a Presidential Commendation for Exceptional Service signed by President Richard Nixon after he was injured in an undercover narcotics investigation.

In 1973, Gary was one of the many US Customs Agents who were transferred into the newly created Drug Enforcement Administration, stationed in Brownsville.

In 1978, Gary returned to the US Customs Service with the Air Support Branch in San Antonio, where he remained until he was forced to retire due to complications from the gunshot injury he sustained in 1972.

During his retirement, Gary kept busy with target shooting, riding motorcycles, flying radio-controlled airplanes, and most satisfying of all, carving carousel and rocking horses.

Gary is preceded in death by his father, John William Oswald; Mother, Adeline (Sylvester) Oswald; Brother, Gordon Alan Oswald.

He is survived by his wife, Maggi (Ellis); son, Anthony Oswald (Sarah); three grandsons, and four bonus grandchildren; daughter, Michelle Jackson (Glen); two grandsons and a granddaughter; sisters-in-law, Nancy Jennings and Laura Sanchez; nephew, Ricardo Sanchez (Kara) and their two children; niece, Veronica Wohltman (John) and their 3 children; and his beloved German Shepherd, Jethro.

Maggi expresses her thanks to Dr. Abelardo Rodriguez who was Garys doctor for over 40 years; Dr. John Gresham, Cardiologist; Griswold Home Care; and Amedisys Hospice Care for their kindness, professionalism and care; and last but not least, Ms. Lorraine Aguirre, Garys caregiver for the past 2.5 years. Lorraine made Garys days comfortable and fun.

At Garys request, there will be no service. A memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Garys memory can be made to one of Garys favorite organizations:

NCTA K9 Search and Recovery, PO Box 840, Summerfield NC 27358