He was born in Lancaster, Ohio on April 16, 1938. He joined the U.S. Airforce when he was only 17. After four years, he joined the U.S. Army where he was part of the 82nd Airborne and fought in the Vietnam War. He retired after 20 years of service. He was always proud of his service and eager to talk to other veterans and active service members. After he retired, he met his wife, Alicia, and settled in El Paso.
Gary was an avid Ohio State Buckeyes Football fan. He looked forward to seeing them play in bowl games. He took many trips with his family which he captured with plenty of photos and video. When he was still able, he enjoyed going to the movies especially when there was a war film playing.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Marjorie Collins, and daughter Dorothy Burnett. He Is survived by his wife, Alicia, his daughter, Clara Peden and Husband Joe of Houston with Granddaughters, Penny, Zuzu, and Charlie Jane, and his son, Don Burnett of Arizona. Gary also leaves behind many cousins, Jane Collins and husband Russel Antel, Robert Hickman, Stephen Secaur and wife Nancy, Jon Secaur and wife Linda Iodine, Julie Siciliano and husband Ron, Sandra Klemz, and Judith McMullen.
Funeral Service will be Tuesday, May 5 at 10:00 am at Crestview Funeral home in El Paso. Burial will be Wednesday, May 6 at 9:30 am at Fort Bliss National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Veterans Of Foreign Wars Foundation at www.vfw.org
