Gary Dempsey Oliver

Following school Gary proudly joined the United States Navy and upon returning from Vietnam began his interests in storm chasing.

Gary was a member of the Cedar Creek Amateur Radio Club. He was much more than just a member. He was friend and mentor to all. Hams are known for their unusual ability to help other hams. Gary was the ultimate in that respect. He helped everyone. I don’t know how he did all that he did. I accused him several times of running 24/7 with no sleep.

Gary was heavily involved in community service through his affiliation of the ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) and state RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service). Gary served as the Henderson County ARES Assistant Emergency Coordinator and the District 6 RACES County Liaison Officer for Henderson County.

Gary was the main mobile storm spotter for ARES. He would go out for hours and provide up to the minute weather situational reports that were either overheard or forwarded to the National Weather Service in Fort Worth. His efforts were instrumental for local news stations ability to warn residents in Van Zandt County of impending tornadoes in 2017 and 2019.

During the past 24 months, Gary was responsible for testing and providing training to RACES personnel in the use of WinLink from both fixed and mobile stations. He was constantly striving to provide better solutions for emergency communications and was committed to train everyone he was associated with in the new methods.

He was the “ham” we all strived to be. He was the best.

Gary was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Dempsey A. and Hortense (Williams) Oliver.

He is survived by his loving family: wife, Renee Oliver; sons: Samuel Oliver, Benjamin Oliver and Allison, John Oliver and Vanessa, Daniel Oliver and Alma; daughters: Jennifer Oliver, Lauren Oliver, Robin Christensen and Matthew, Elizabeth Richins and Curtis; stepsons: Brad Doring and Aimee, Nathan Doring and Sharon, Jeff Doring; 27 grandchildren, 5 step grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; brothers: Michael Oliver and Susan, Rocky Oliver and Denise; sisters: Angela Pease and Nathan, Melissa Carver and Danny.

Memorial services at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery will be announced at a later date.