GARY LAVAUGHN GEISE/1942-2025
Clocked Out: December 18, 2025/1:30 a.m.
Gary Geise has officially left the jobsite—and nobody believes it.
Born July 27, 1942, in North Platte, NE, Gary started working at 16 and spent his life working all over the United States. Sitting still never made sense. He eventually came roaring home and joined Burnett Painting Contractors, Inc., immediately becoming the human definition of dependable.
Gary lived by “I’m Third.”
First—Miss Barbara.
Second—family.
Third—life itself: work, land, motion, purpose, and staying busy.
Gary and Barbara were married for 64 lovely years—a partnership forged in loyalty, hard work, laughter, and love.
He was 140 pounds of controlled chaos—task-loving, too-fast-driving, and armed with hands so large that cell phones never stood a chance. He carried bacon strips in his pocket for dogs, fed a nightly herd of deer like clockwork, gardened relentlessly, and treated the land like part of the crew. He adored his grandchildren and followed every adventure like it was the most important job he ever had.
Gary is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; daughters Tammy Inskeep (Gary) and Tracy Reed (Tom); grandchildren Shane Inskeep, Scott Inskeep, Amie Gardner, Forrest Reed, and Cameron Reed; and great-grandchildren Mila Reed, Baker Inskeep, Aiden Inskeep, Devin Gardner, and Dalton Gardner.
Gary didn’t retire. He didn’t slow down. He didn’t fade out.
He clocked out for the night, went home thinking of Miss Barbara, and is still finding things that need doing.
Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at Beard’s Funeral Chapel with Pastor Jasper Hankins officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Olive Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 9:00 AM until service-time at the funeral home on Tuesday.
Barbara, Tammy and Tracy. My condolences to you and your families. I have so many great many memories of Gary when he lived in Houston. His personality was so vibrant and caring. I will greatly miss him. Prayers for your families during this difficult time. Love, Debra Atkinson.
Riding 65 down the dirt road to the creek while mom “Tracy” was hollering slow down in the cab while the rest of us were holding on for dear life in the back of the work truck will be the greatest memory of all time. I know you’re in a better place now with all your dogs. Keep feeding them bacon.
We love you Papa and we’ll miss you!