Gareth Leigh Beitzel

Gareth Leigh Beitzel—Gary to his friends and family—a dedicated family man, lifelong learner, and tireless community servant, passed away peacefully at home in San Antonio, Texas, on January 8, 2026, at the age of 85.

Born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on July 31, 1940, Gary grew up with a strong work ethic and curiosity that carried him through life. He graduated from Philadelphia Central High School in 1958 and went on to attend Temple University before answering the call to serve his country. From 1961 to 1967, he proudly served in the U.S. Air Force as a Field Training Instructor at Lowry AFB in Denver and McClellan AFB in Sacramento, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant.

While stationed in Sacramento, Gary met his beloved wife, Margery, at a church picnic in 1965. Their connection was immediate, and they were married the following year in 1966 in Davis, California. Their first son, Derek, was born in 1967. That same year, the family moved back to Denver, where their second son, Brett, arrived in 1971. This loving partnership would last 60 wonderful years.

After his military service, Gary continued his career in civilian roles with the U.S. Air Force Air Training Command—first at Lowry AFB from 1967 to 1983, and then at Randolph AFB in San Antonio from 1983 until his retirement in 2002. Along the way, he earned a BS in Business (Magna Cum Laude) and an MBA in Management Science from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1973 and 1976, respectively. He retired as Chief of the Information Management Requirements Branch after an impressive 41 years of service.

Retirement didn’t slow Gary down. In 2002, he was elected to the Board of Trustees for the Alamo Community College District in San Antonio, where he served with distinction until 2014—including as Board President from 2010 to 2012. He was passionate about education and helping others succeed.

Gary was deeply involved in his community and family life. He was always active in his sons' lives, including serving as Cubmaster and Scoutmaster for their Boy Scout troops in the 1980s. He was a devoted church member and served as a deacon and in other leadership roles at churches in Denver and San Antonio. Earlier in his career, he chaired the Board at Lowry Federal Credit Union. His greatest act of generosity came in 1976, when he and his family sponsored three Vietnamese brothers—Hoang, Chuong, and Hai Nguyen—who were refugees after the Vietnam War. The brothers lived with the Beitzels for three years, becoming part of the family forever.

Above all, Gary was known for his wisdom, dry humor, and willingness to help anyone in need. A true “Mr. Fix-It,” he could repair or build just about anything—cars, furniture, electronics, you name it—and he never hesitated to lend his time, tools, or advice to friends, neighbors, or family. He had a passion for the outdoors, loving camping and hiking, and he approached life with a practical, can-do spirit that made everyone around him feel supported. Gary also loved his pets, especially his dogs—of which he had many over the years—including the loyal golden retriever he left behind, Liberty.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Margery Beitzel; his sons, Derek Beitzel (Heather) and Brett Beitzel (Cath); his granddaughters, Alexandra McDowell (Jack) and Annamarie Beitzel; his sister, Judy DeLuca; and his sponsored family members, Hoang Nguyen and Chuong Nguyen, who remained close to his heart.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11am on Sunday, January 25th at Porter Loring Mortuary North, 2102 N Loop 1604 E, San Antonio. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests considering a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project, The Salvation Army or The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Aurora, Colorado —causes close to Gary’s heart.

Gary lived a full, purposeful life marked by service, family, and quiet kindness. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.