Gary Lewis Wentz, Sr.

On Wednesday, September 20, 2023, Gary Wentz passed away unexpectedly, at the age of 71, with his children by his side.

 

Capt. Wentz, USMC (Ret), was born in Buffalo, New York, raised in Hanover, Pennsylvania and Glen Burnie, Maryland. He currently resided in Biloxi, Mississippi. Wentz enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1969 and completed basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina. He was selected to participate in the Navy Enlisted Scientific Education Program. In 1979, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Kansas. In 1985, he completed his Master’s degree in Computer Science at the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, California. Wentz spent over 20 years in the United States Marine Corps, where he served our country faithfully, as a Field Artillery Officer.  Following his retirement from the Marine Corps, he continued to serve the country as an industry professional developing systems to support the warfighter. Wentz helped maintain the security of the nation during a critical time in its history with a devotion to duty and a spirit of sacrifice in keeping with the proud tradition of the military service.

 

In addition to his passion and commitment to the country, he was equally devoted to his family and particularly his granddaughters. He always participated in their sports and school activities, enjoyed teaching them to bake family recipes, and games like pool and chess. They were the center of his universe.

 

At the age of 71, he died too soon, with many "missions" still to carry on. He is survived by his former wife, Pamela Wentz; their son, Gary Wentz Jr and wife Christy of Madison, AL; their daughter, Sherry Wentz of Ft Worth, TX; their granddaughters, Kourtney Hughes and husband Justin of Opelika, AL, and Desarae Montero of Ft Worth, TX; his brother, David Wentz; and sisters, Cathy Trueworthy and Linda Crump. He was predeceased by his father, Earl Wentz; and his aunt, Mary Lou Connelly.

 

There are no services scheduled at this time. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Gary Lewis Wentz, Sr.