Garnier King Puryear

He was born July 3, 1937 to Mary Emily (King) and Sidney Garnier Puryear. He and older sister Elizabeth Ann grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. When Gar was in his early teens, the family moved to Arkansas where he attended Little Rock Central High.

Gar studied at the University of Arkansas, graduating with a business degree in 1960. During that time he was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity and an Arkansas Razorbacks cheerleader.

In 1961 he married Ann Martin and settled in Little Rock. Together they started a family as he established himself in the banking industry, rising to executive vice president at First National Bank of Arkansas. In 1978 they moved to Colorado Springs where Gar became president of Exchange National Bank. He ultimately headed eight regional banks with assets over half a billion dollars. In 1986 he transitioned into investment banking, forming the PGW group that grew out of Boettcher, Kemper, and Smith Barney.

Gar actively participated in the business community (Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce and Convention/Visitors Bureau, Colorado Bankers' Association). He was a volunteer leader in organizations that he believed in, including Board or Trustee roles with First United Methodist Church, Colorado Springs Symphony and Fine Arts Center, Center for Christian-Jewish Dialog, President's Council at Colorado College, and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. He greatly enjoyed his membership at the El Paso Club.

After Ann’s death in 1993, Gar married Patricia Corey. After Patricia’s death, he married Susan Heim.

Gar will be remembered for his hospitality, strong will, sense of humor, and commitment to every endeavor. He enjoyed fine wine, his family, music, travel, playing bridge, and until recently, a long brisk walk every day.

Gar was dearly loved by his family. He leaves behind children Mary K. and Chuck Bridges, Beth (Villa-Lovoz) and Martin Puryear, Elizabeth and Jeremy Thies, plus ten grandchildren and one perfect four-month-old great-grandson.

A service for Gar will be held on Saturday, January 7th at 1:00 pm at First United Methodist Church, 420 N Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903

In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to Penrose Hospital Cancer Center.