Gary Owen Bratcher

On Tuesday, December 24, 2019, Gary Owen Bratcher, beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away at the age of 71.  On this most holy Christmas Eve, he returned to the ranks of the heavenly angels. 

Gary was born on January 29, 1948 in Billings, Montana to Clarence B. and Charlotte Milam Bratcher.  Gary spent much of his youth in the beautiful Montana countryside, playing outside and helping with chores at his grandparents' ranch and camping and water skiing with his family and friends.  His love of cooking began as a teenager when his mother enlisted his help in preparing meals for the family.  

Gary graduated from Billings West High School in 1966.  He enlisted in the United States Army in 1968. Stationed in Frankfurt, Germany, he served until he was honorably discharged in 1971.  In 1974, he graduated from Montana State University in Bozeman having earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.  His professional career began with JCPenney where he worked as an Internal Auditor in Seattle, Portland and Dallas.  Gary worked for Halliburton Co. in Dallas starting in 1982.  He began in Internal Audit and then worked in Management Information Systems, Human Resources, and then taught various classes on finance, negotiation and leadership development.  From 2004 - 2009, Gary was an independent Sarbanes Oxley consultant based in Montana.  Throughout his career he traveled to many cities around the world and saw every continent except for Antarctica.  He loved photographing all of the interesting and beautiful places he visited with his work colleagues, and his children looked forward to the souvenirs he would bring back for them.  After retiring, Gary interned as an Apprentice 2x4 Schlepper with the Dan Landon home construction project.  He then returned to the Dallas area to be closer to his children and grandchildren. In his own words, he enjoyed "making every effort to be the grumpy grandpa and thorn in the side of my wonderful kids."

Gary loved outdoor adventures and he delighted in cooking and entertaining.  His wit and humor were legendary; he could always make you laugh and he was the biggest flirt around.  His love, friendship and compassion were equally amazing; he knew just what to do for his loved ones.  A big hug, a pot of soup or a football pot, or sneaking kolaches into your pre-surgery hospital room.  He counted his children among his friends and he was infinitely tender-hearted for his grandchildren.  All who knew and loved him will miss him immensely.

He was preceded in death by his parents Clarence B. Bratcher and Charlotte Milam Bratcher, and many aunts and uncles.  He is survived by his daughters, Dana Jecker (Paul) and Darcy Uselton (Billy, Jr.); son, John Bratcher; former spouse and mother of his children, Kay Bratcher; grandchildren: Jessica Raigoza, Collin Jecker (Nomi), and Madalyn Jecker; great-grandchild, Yisroel Nachman Jecker; brother, Eugene Bratcher (Angie); and a host of other relatives and friends.

In Gary's honor, memorials may be made to Seven Loaves Food Pantry by clicking on the link below.

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