Gary Robert Gosdin

Gary Robert Gosdin entered his eternal home on Monday, March 30, 2026. He was born on September 28, 1946, in Lubbock, Texas, to Leah and Mark Gosdin. Gary spent his formative years in Lubbock, where he developed a strong sense of character, leadership, and service. An active member of scouting, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout at just 15 years old — an achievement that reflected the determination and integrity that would define his life.

During his senior year of high school, Gary’s family moved to Austin, Texas. After graduation, he attended The University of Texas at Austin. In the summer of 1968, before his senior year of college, Gary married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, D’Awn Howell, beginning a devoted marriage that would span nearly 58 years.

In 1969, Gary graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Zoology. Through his participation in R.O.T.C., he also received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army on the very same day. Following graduation, Gary pursued his lifelong dream of becoming a physician by attending UT Southwestern Medical School. He graduated in 1973 and began his surgical internship at Parkland Memorial Hospital.

After completing his internship, Gary was promoted to Captain and called to active duty with the Army. He and D’Awn were blessed with an assignment to Amberg, Germany, where he served for two years with the 3/2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment. During his service in Germany, he was promoted to Major. Following his active-duty service, he remained in the Army Reserves until 1977.

Gary returned to Dallas in 1976 to begin his surgical residency at Parkland Hospital. After completing four years in General Surgery, he pursued an additional two-year residency in Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at UT Southwestern, completing his training in 1982. He then entered private practice alongside classmates Larry Schorn and Michael Mack, forming Cardiothoracic Surgery Associates of North Texas (CSANT), which grew into a highly respected and successful practice.

In 1985, after establishing his medical career, Gary rejoined the Army Reserves. During Operation Desert Storm, his unit was activated, and he once again answered the call to serve, spending approximately six months on active duty. He later retired from the Army Reserves with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

In the late 1980s, Gary found a second passion outside of medicine when he began feeding cattle alongside his cousin, Dan McWhorter. In 1989, Mc6 Cattle Feeders Inc. was formed. Already involved in farming and cattle feeding on land adjacent to the feedyard, Gary gratefully accepted Dan’s invitation to become a partner in the business. He deeply cherished the time they spent together and often credited Dan with teaching him invaluable lessons. The work at the feedyard became a meaningful balance to the demanding world of cardiothoracic surgery.

In November 2000, Gary’s life changed dramatically following a motor vehicle accident that left him unable to return to either his medical practice or the feedyard. Even through those difficult years, Gary continued to pursue the things he loved, especially his antique duck decoy collection, a passion he had cultivated since 1985.

Gary loved the Lord deeply and treasured his weekly Bible study with the men of Christ Church. He was an avid fan of the Texas Longhorns and loved attending Longhorn football games. When health permitted, he enjoyed bird hunting, camping, traveling, golfing, and above all, spending time with family and friends. His greatest joy in life came from his children and grandchildren, each of whom he loved dearly and took immense pride in.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 58 years, D’Awn Gosdin; his daughter Lyndsay Wells and husband Jeff, and their daughters Hannah and Sarah; his son Mark Gosdin, granddaughters Emily and Avery, and their mother Brandi; and his daughter Hayley Fuller and husband Josh, and their children Katelyn, Lacey, Luke, and Clay. He is also survived by his sister, Cherie Gosdin; his brother, John Mark Gosdin; and many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his son, Geoffrey Gosdin; his parents, Leah and Mark Gosdin; and numerous beloved grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Gary lived a life marked by faith, service, perseverance, and devotion to family. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion, strength, and unwavering love that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ Church summer children and youth camp scholarships.