Age: 65
Whitworth, Gary L.
Gary L. Whitworth, loving husband and father, and friend to all, passed away Saturday May 8, 2010 in Mesa, AZ. He was born in Battle Creek, MI, the son of Leo F. Whitworth and Helen L. Whitworth. Gary was married to Kathleen A. Bray on June 27, 1964. During their married life, they lived in Denver, CO, Battle Creek, MI, Mt. Vernon, OH, Jackson, MI, Glendale, AZ and Mesa, AZ. He is survived by his wife Kathleen, his two children Lori A. Simmons and Jeffrey O. Whitworth, son-in-law, Brent A. Simmons, and two granddaughters Kaitlyn A. Simmons and Jenna J. Simmons, of Mesa, AZ and a brother, Franklin Whitworth of Paw Paw; MI. Gary graduated from Paw Paw High School in 1959 and Western Michigan University in 1969. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army where he served 3 years as a medical specialist at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Denver, CO. After the army, Gary worked in the field of Human Resources for various companies. In 1996 Gary began a second career and graduated from the Arizona Correctional Officer Training Academy. He retired from the Department of Corrections as a Corrections Officer after 12 years of service, in December 2007. A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, June 11th, 2010, 4 p.m. at St. Marys Catholic Church, Paw Paw with Rev. Fr. Joseph Xavier officiating. Interment was in the National Veterans Cemetery in Cave Creek, AZ with military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to East Valley Hospice, 1351 N. Alma School Rd., #250, Chandler, AZ 85224 or the American Cancer Society , 4550 E. Bell Rd. #126, Phoenix, AZ 85032. Arrangements are by the Adams Funeral Home, Paw Paw.
