Gary Andrew Jefferson, age 72, passed away at Sterling Regional MedCenter on January 6, 2010. Gary was born on May 23, 1937 to Kenneth Early Jefferson and Mary Ann Marick Jefferson in Akron, Colorado. He grew up on a farm near Anton, Colorado. He attended elementary school at Harrisburg, grades one through eight, and then continued his education at Akron High School. While attending high school, he boarded with family and family friends in Akron. He graduated in 1955, and enlisted in the United States Air Force. Upon completion of boot camp, he attended Aircraft Mechanic Jet Engine School in Amarillo, Texas. While in the Air Force, Gary was stationed overseas in Japan for two years, and then was stationed at MacDill Air Force Base until his enlistment ended. He was very proud of his service as a crew chief on F-86 F jet aircraft and enjoyed all types of aircraft throughout his lifetime.

After his military service, he married Wally Simon on January 6, 1962. To this union, they had two children, Jerry Kenneth and Saundra Marie. He worked in various occupations: construction, oil field, drafting, farming, and trucking. He was in a work related accident in November of 1964 that then took him back to school. He attended CSU and graduated in 1970. He worked as a draftsman on the Front Range until 1974. He then moved back to Akron farming and trucking with his brothers until 1987. He was employed at the SCS office and at Hayes Aviation as a certified weather observer. He enjoyed all types of mechanical and industrial equipment and carpentry, spending time with his family, and keeping in touch with old friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Mary Ann Jefferson, father and mother-in-law Michael and Marie Simon, brother Alvin Jefferson, sisters-in-law Betty Simon, Elfreada Smith, and Marie Dilka, and brother-in-law Art Guetter Sr.

He is survived by his wife Wally of Akron; son Jerry Jefferson of Akron; daughter Saundra Stallings of Yuma; grandsons Matt Stallings and family of Lochbuie, Jeremy Stallings and family of Sterling, Dustin Stallings and his girlfriend Ashley Bornhoft of Denver, Zakaria Stallings and Chancellor Stallings of Yuma. He is also survived by his brothers Garold Jefferson, Merrill Jefferson and wife Judy, Marvin Jefferson and wife Rosalie, and sister-in-law Opal Jefferson, all of Akron; sisters-in-law Madaline Guetter, Annie and husband Don Brunner, Teresa and husband Paul Maier of Sterling, and Cecilia and husband Clay Mason of Broomfield. He is also survived by great grandchildren Katelyn, Justin, Ryson, and Kyler, and a host of nephews,, nieces, cousins, and friends.

A Funeral Service was held Monday, January 11, 2010 at the First Presbyterian Church in Akron. Inurnment will follow at Akron Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Washington County Nursing Home or the American Heart and Lung Association.