Gary Glendy, age 77 of rural Broken Bow, passed away Oct. 6, 2023, at his home.

Gary Lee Glendy, the youngest son of William (Bill) and Elsie (Pflaster) Glendy was born Sept. 29, 1946, in Broken Bow. Gary grew up on the Glendy Ranch near Pressy Park gaining his love and knowledge for the cattle and hills from his father Bill, Grandpa LO, and Uncle Elden. He attended Tuckerville School north of Oconto up to the 8th grade and graduated from Oconto High School in 1965. Gary attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln majoring in Agronomy. Gary was a member of the Tuckerville 4-H club, forming many lasting friendships while Range Judging and as part of the Custer County Square Dance team. 

Gary was very active in Custer County 4-H participating in Junior Leaders, showing Hereford cattle and South Down sheep, and was crowned Custer County 4-H King in 1965. Sports were a big part of Gary's life from playing shortstop with the Broken Bow Junior Legion, playing men's softball, and coaching the Oconto Ladies softball team. Gary was an avid horseshoe player winning the championship horseshoe tournament at UNL. He was a walking encyclopedia of baseball and football statistics.

Gary loved music and had an extensive library of cassette tapes, CDs, and iPod songs. He documented 385 songs that he had performed by memory. He spent countless hours playing accordion and singing with Ram Rods, Blue Stem, and the South Loup Sunrise at gigs throughout Nebraska. He was able to travel with friends to Washington, DC, Washington State, Branson, and Colorado which became cherished memories for him. Gary married Donna Van Cleave Glendy on July 15, 1985, and became a part of her children, Brian, Brenda, and Layne's lives.

Gary was an avid historian and worked extensively on his family genealogy. He was very active in the Seven Valley's Historical Society and spent countless hours documenting over 10,000 graves throughout the southwest corner of Custer County. He wrote a book about the Oconto Cemetery called End of the Trail. Gary loved a good card game and playing cribbage, pitch, canasta, and jokers with anyone who had a free minute, often beating them.

Gary peacefully passed from this life on Oct. 6th, 2023, at his home east of Callaway, leaving behind his wife Donna; children, Brian Glendy (Suzanne), Layne Glendy, and Brenda Still (Richard); grandsons, Logan Glendy (McKayla Bacon), Colter Glendy, and Marshall Still (Mykelsi); granddaughters, Rebecca Eggleston (Wyatt), Kalie Glendy, and Emalee Glendy (Zach Warnken); great-granddaughters, Esmae and Etta Eggleston, and great-grandson Tripp Glendy.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Bill (2002) and Elsie (2006) Glendy; brother, Jerry Glendy (1978); in-laws, Harlen (1996) and Alice (2010) Van Cleave; and great-granddaughter, Eden August Eggleston (2021).

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 11, at 2 p.m. at Govier Brothers Mortuary in Broken Bow. Burial will be at a later date in the Oconto Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Callaway EMT, Seven Valleys Historical Society, or Donor’s Choice. A time to greet the family will be on Tuesday, Oct. 10, from 5-6 p.m. at Govier Brothers Mortuary. Govier Brothers Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Words of encouragement may be left at www.govierbrothers.com.