Gary Edward Conley was born in Missoula, MT 3/19/1940 and passed away after a brief illness at Benefis Hospital, Great Falls, MT 11/25/2016 in the presence of his family.
He graduated Missoula County High Class of 1958. Entered the US Navy Oct 1, 1958 with the first perfect test score. He served as an E5 Electronic Technician aboard the USS Mullany DD528 until Sept. 30, 1964. While on night watch in the Philippines circa 1959, he spotted pings on the radar reporting it to his superior. It was Sputnik.
Gary and Linda married in 1961 and stayed in So Calif, upon discharge from the navy, where he worked at Volt Technologies on the Atlas Missile Program Launch Control Procedures; also at Electro Optical Systems R&D Environmental/Space Lab where he produced the solar wind spectrometer that was left on the moon’s surface by Niel Armstrong during the 1969 Apollo moon landings. At JPL, he was involved with the Voyager Spacelab. He also developed the starlight scope for the Military during the Vietnam War. He was a color tech at Xerox R&D developing color printers and QMRP, Quick Map Response Program, for the US Army.
Gary was a gifted and accomplished man, his hobbies included woodworking, making furniture and a gliding horse. He built a working steam engine and enjoyed riding his backyard train with his grandchildren. He was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting, fishing, camping and just being in his beloved Montana.
He was recently reunited with his Mullany shipmates.
Gary was preceded in death by his mother, Josephine and step father Merle Rognrud. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Linda (Krout) Conley, daughter Catherina Conley, son David Conley, granddaughter Peyton, grandson Trevor; sister Roxie (Larry) Peterson, brothers Col. Gordon Rognrud & Dean (Bobbie) Rognrud plus numerous nephews and step nieces.
A Funeral Liturgy will be 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 2nd at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E. 6th Avenue. Burial with Military Honors will follow the service at Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Hero’s Road, Fort Harrison. Memorials in Gary’s name may be made to the donor’s choice. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Gary.
Service Schedule
Funeral Liturgy
1:00 p.m.
Friday December 2, 2016
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
Following the service
Friday December 2, 2016
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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Dona Frey says
My thoughts are with you all as you say goodbye to a wonderful man. We have all been very lucky to have known him.
Mrs. Lillie says
I’m sorry for the loss of your dear loved one, Gary, may you find comfort in the God of all comfort, Jehovah, in his word, the bible, in Psalms 34:18: Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted; he saves those who are crushed in spirit. God’s word, also says in Isaiah 25:8: He will swallow up death forever, And the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces…For Jehovah himself has spoken it .(Psalms 83:18; Titus 1:2) Isaiah 33:24: Revelation 21;3-5; / John 5:28,29; John 11:25,26; Acts 24:15. This is what God’s Kingdom, under Jesus Christ rulership, will accomplish in the near future, for all those who love righteousness. The true God, also promises in his word, in Psalms 37:11,29:..The meek will possess the earth, And they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace, 29: The righteous will possess the earth, And they will live forever on it. Psalms 104:5; Psalms 115:16; Ecclesiastes 1:4; Job 33:25; Isaiah 35:5,6; Isaiah 65:21,22; Psalms 37:34. (New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures)
Frank Torrez says
Mrs. Conley,
Sorry for loss. David and I go back a long time, playing sports with and against each other. I always remember you and Mr . Conley being there. May God bless you and your family at this time.
Frank Torrez jr
Sandi Bullen says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Find comfort in all the beautiful memories, the laughter and love that you all shared. Lean on those that give you comfort…love you all.
Leslie Presberg says
Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. May God give you the comfort and peace that you seek and may the soul of your loved one rest in peace.
Cathy says
Many fond memories of my dear friend and his family. As neighbors watching our kids grow, and having cocktails and many discussions about life i will always cherish those times… As friends we shared laughter and sorrow rip dear Gary. God bless you Linda, Catherina, and David ..
Kathy Salsgiver says
Dear Linda, Although I didn’t know Gary very well, I know how much you loved him and how much you will miss him. Please know that you are in my prayers and thoughts..
USS Mullany Reunion Family says
The men and mates of the USS Mullany would like to extend their condolences to Linda and the family of Gary and to thank you for his service to our country. We will properly honor him at our 2017 reunion by ringing the ship’s bell in his name.
Jon & Tammy Miller says
Linda our deepest sympathies to you and your family on the passing of Gary. We enjoyed meeting both of you at the Mullany Reunion in Helena and were very thankful that you and Gary saw the sign and attended. You will both always be a part of the Mullany Family! God bless and know that you are in our prayers.
Debbie Foster says
You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time!!!
Kermit Eastman says
I am sorry for your loss. It was my privilege to meet you and Gary at the banquet i Helena. I served on the Mullany during WWII and was the only WWII vet at the reunion. We had a good conversation and I would have liked to have been able to know him better.My thoughts and prayers are with you. The poet said: “God gave us memory that we might have roses in December”. Your memories will be bright. With deepest sympathy.
Teresa (Krout) Brown says
Aunt Linda, Catherina & David,
You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Uncle Gary will be truly missed. Reading the comments above, he was loved and he will be missed. I hope you find comfort in knowing that he is in a much better place and one day you will be reunited. May God give you comfort in this very difficult time.