Gary Russell Carls

Gary Russell Carls, 77, of Woodland Park, Colorado, died Friday, April 24, 2026, in Sacramento, California. Born February 1, 1949, in Pomona, California, Gary lived a life marked by duty, steadfast service, and deep devotion to family and country.

Gary was the son of Frances and Wilbert “Web” Carls. He graduated from Montclair High School and went on to serve in the United States Army from 1968 to 1974, receiving an honorable discharge. He served with the 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam, and after returning from Vietnam, he served with the 41st Infantry in a Weapons Testing Unit. He qualified as a sharpshooter (Rifle) and earned the Combat Infantryman Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Purple Heart (wounded in action), Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal.

Following his military service, Gary continued a career rooted in responsibility and public service. He worked for the State of California as a Corrections Officer and retired in 2004.

Gary was married to Katheryn “Kathy” Beeks Carmon from 1971 to 1983. In 2014, he married Marsha Jones Carls.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Wilbert “Web” Carls, and his first wife, Kathy Carmon. He is survived by his wife, Marsha Jones Carls; his son, Nathan Carls (Rebecca); his step-children, Jeff Carr (Jana) and Jill Johns (Robert); his grandchildren, Joshuah, Michael, Harley, and Kaylah; and his step-grandchildren, Lydia, Sophie, Lucy, Josiah, and Jeremiah. He is also survived by his siblings, Brian Carls (Inez), Brett Carls (Dolores “Dee”), Debbie Thompson (Dale), and Robin Brooks (Doug), as well as several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Joshuah Zimmerman, Michael Carls, Nick Swilling, David Doughty, Brett Carls, and Brian Carls.