Gary W. Harms Sr., 79, of Sterling entered into eternal life on Saturday, November 18, 2017 in Greeley, Colorado. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 27, at Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. James R. Nash officiating. Inurnment will be at Riverside Cemetery.

Gary was born in Sterling to George and Nona (Hradecky) Harms on May 25, 1938. Gary graduated from Fleming High School in 1956. Gary lived his entire life in the Fleming and Sterling area. As a young man, Gary worked as a truck driver and an electrician. Later he became a minority owner of Colt Productions and Industrial Welding functioning as accountant and office manager. For fifteen years, Gary worked as a conductor on the Burlington Northern / Sante Fe Railroad. Finally, Gary spent 10 years working as CFO for Gary Jr.'s businesses.

Gary was a member and Past Exalted Ruler of Sterling Elks. He was a member of All Saints / Prince of Peace Episcopal Church serving as Bookkeeper, Treasurer, Junior Warden, and Senior Warden. Gary was a model train enthusiast. Gary and Mel were passionate about supporting their grandchildren in all their activities, particularly in their athletic endeavors. Gary married Dorothy Rizzolo in 1956. He later married Emelda "Mel" Burkey on August 4, 1984.

Gary is survived by his wife, Mel; children, Gary Harms Jr. and Cindy, Scott Burkey and Barbie, Nicki Swedlund, Tamara Buchleiter, and Sherrie Ertle; grandchildren, Brandon Buchleiter and Heather, Taylor Thomas and Harry, Lance Harms and Sara, Jason Harms and Luisa, Kelly Harms, Mindy Harms, Katie Buchleiter, Cody Burkey and Danielle, Erin Burkey, Payton Swedlund, Shyloh Ertle, Brock Swedlund; seven great-grandchildren; and siblings, Dena Merithew, Carol Boysen and Frank, David Harms and Tong, Georgia Perlette, Daniel Harms and Helene, Christine Wanek and Lonnie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Nona Harms; sister, Gail Winfrey; and grandson, Andrew Buchleiter.

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association in care of Chaney-Reager Funeral Home, PO Box 1046, Sterling, Colorado 80751.