Gary Cobaugh Sr., 76, of Ogallala, NE passed away on August 29, 2023, surrounded by his family.
Gary was born September 22, 1946, in Arthur, Nebraska, to Cecil and Kathyrine (Bowers) Cobaugh. After graduating from Ogallala High School, Gary enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country in the Vietnam War in five separate campaigns.
On March 16, 1969, Gary married Barbara Richardson in Carson, California. Their union was blessed with two children: Gary "Jamie" Jr. and Julie. The family resided in the Los Angeles area for several years before relocating to Ogallala in the 1970s. There, Gary worked as a machinist and plater at Arnold Engineering.
Quiet yet expressive, Gary was a loving father and doting grandfather. His love for football was well-known, particularly his allegiance to the Huskers, the Denver Broncos, and all the local Ogallala Indian sports. His affinity for vehicles became a running joke among friends; Gary changed cars more frequently than most people change their furnace filters.
Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Barb, in 2014; parents, Cecil and Kathyrine Cobaugh; siblings Myrna, Leonard, Bill, Joe, and LaRene Jurgena; and brothers-in-law Les Potts, Johnny Seffron, and Daryl Jurgena.
He is survived by his son, Gary "Jamie" (Robin) Cobaugh, Jr. of Ogallala; daughter, Julie Cobaugh of Ogallala; eight grandchildren, Ethan, Amaris, Brianna, Teagan, Demi, Cienna, Shianne, and Jayson; siblings Jan (Rich) Adrien, Joyce Seffron, Patty (Don) Fuqua, Tony Cobaugh (Deb Tobler), and Karen Potts; and sister-in-law Cindy Cobaugh.
A memorial has been established in Gary's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the services will be streamed live.
Services will be held Friday, September 8, 2023, at 10 a.m. at the New Hope Church in Ogallala, with Pastor Don Larreau officiating. Inurnment with military honors by the Keith County Veteran's Organizations will be in the Ogallala Cemetery.
Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.