Gary Dean Fleenor

Gary Dean Fleenor, 72, of Walla Walla passed away peacefully, Friday, Aug 8, 2014, at his home with both of his daughters at his side.

Gary was born Dec. 11, 1941, in Walla Walla to Ronal and Doris (Davis) Fleenor. He attended local grade schools, Sharpstein and Jefferson, and both Pioneer and Garrison Junior High. He graduated from Walla Walla High School in 1960 and attended Columbia Basin Junior College in Pasco for two years. In June 1964 he married Carmen Kelly; they had two daughters, Ginger Fleenor-Watko (David) of Pomeroy and Suzanne Fleenor-Lougy (Curt) of Walla Walla. Gary and Carmen later divorced.

Gary went to work for the Union Pacific Railroad on May 2, 1962, as a clerk. Then on May 2, 1964, he went in to train service as a brakeman. His promotion to conductor came in March 1971. He enjoyed his work immensely, reluctantly, he retired on Sept. 30, 2005, after 41½ wonderful years in train service. He spent 16 years coaching girls Walla Walla Pacific League Softball. He had many fond memories of coaching and up until his passing, frequently reminisced and visited with the girls when he would run into them around town.

He was also an avid supporter of his grandchildren’s sports and activities and was often recognized by the team parents as one of the regular faces at most of the games. He took every opportunity to pass on advice to his granddaughters as he watched them grow and participate in softball. Also to be noted, he visited Baskin Robbins on a daily basis for 17 years to visit with the “kids” working in the store (many of whom he remembered from softball) while purchasing his daily “Cappuccino Blast.” It was literally the highlight of his day. During one of his hospitalizations, he had four different visitors show up with a Blast for him.

A celebration of life service will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 14, 2014, at Herring Funeral Home. Pastor Steve Morris will officiate. Interment and burial will be at Mountain View Cemetery on Second Avenue following the service. Viewing will be from 4-7 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2014, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Blue Mountain Humane Society and Walla Walla Community Hospice. It is the request of family that dress attire be casual, as Gary will also be casual (no suits, ties). Following burial at the cemetery, the family would like to invite guests to join them at Fort Walla Walla for a potluck celebration. Guests are invited to bring a dish. Burgers and brats and some refreshments will be provided. Pall bearers include Zachary and Trevan Lightfoot, Nickolas Schultz, David Watko, Curt Lougy and Darren Kelly. Honorary pall bearers include Doug Gallo, Dick Votendahl, John Hair, Jack Hamburg, Tom Carlyle and Dick Daniel.

Gary is survived by two daughters, Ginger Watko (David) and Suzanne Lougy (Curt); 12 grandchildren, Zachary (Kayla) Lightfoot, Trevan Lightfoot, Nickolas and Heidi Schultz, Lauren, Lucas, Sydney and McKenzie Watko, Ralondra (Chaz) Floyd, Brittney, Ashley and Josh Lougy; and five great-grandchildren, Peyton and Ian Lightfoot, Raegan Leiferman-Schultz, Bradley Watko and Ash Floyd; sister-in-law, Kim Kelly; nieces, Amy and Angela Locati; sister-in-law, Deanna Kelly; nephews, Brian (Michelle) Kelly, Darren Kelly; and several great-nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.