Geary William Wootten

July 3, 1951 – November 14, 2017

Geary William Wootten

In the early evening of November 14, 2017, Geary William Wootten passed from this world to his

eternal home in heaven. Geary was 66 years old. He had suffered a massive stroke on October 10th and

had fought valiantly, surviving for 36 days. Geary was a gifted artist and a talented musician who was

known and loved by many in both Hanford and Cambria, California.

Geary was born on July 3, 1951 in Hanford. He attended Hanford High School and graduated in 1969.

Geary majored in Art throughout his college years. He attended College of the Sequoias, Pasadena

College and lastly Point Loma Nazarene College. He also attended the Art Center of Los Angeles. Geary's

love of the creation, especially the ocean fueled his creative side.

In 1973 Geary met and married Margie Landis. During their marriage they had two beautiful children,

Toby and Elizabeth. After some time they decided to part as friends. They have maintained a loving

friendship for the sake of their family for all these years.

In 1983 Geary was introduced to Julie Aslesen, through a mutual friend. They fell deeply in love and

were married 4 months later! They enjoyed nearly 34 years of happiness together. Geary and Julie lived

in Hanford, Morro Bay, Los Osos, San Francisco and Seattle throughout the years. Julie and Geary often

worked together in the sign industry both in their own shops and for employers. They did not have any

two-legged children, but-several four-legged furry ones! The two enjoyed doing just about everything

together from golfing to attending NHRA drag races. Geary got a kick out of Julie's love of the sound of

the engines and the smell of top fuel and burnt rubber in the air! Geary's family his children and

grandchildren meant the world to him. He was at his happiest when he could spend time with them!

Faith in God and music were a huge part of Geary's life. Geary was raised in the Nazarene Church in

Hanford. He was mentored by many wonderful Christian men and women, most notably, Pastor Jim

Tubbs. Geary and Julie led worship in several churches, most recently at St. James Lutheran Church in

Hanford. He was a great support to Julie with his drumming, singing and guitar playing. Geary also was a

drummer for: The Terry Collins Band, Lee Riders, Mussel Slough, Roadhouse, Backroads, Rollin' West

and Voyce. He was known as a warm, easy-going guy who was always excited to play and sing! He

played for many of the Melco Reunion Dances of recent years. He was known for his great vocal covers

of "House of the Rising Sun" and many Elvis tunes! Most recently, Geary paired up with a keyboardist in

Cambria for a duo called the Tonewheels that did classic rock, funk and jazz.

Geary's professional career as a sign painter and fine artist spanned for some 45 years. He was an

accomplished journeyman sign painter, whose work was well-respected by his peers. His fine artwork

was of exceptional quality. He had built a following both here in Hanford and in Cambria, where he

realized his dream of having his own art studio for four years. He was known in Cambria as one of the

best seascape artists' in the area and some of his graphite drawings have won national recognition in

two published books.

Geary Wootten is preceded in death by his father, George, his mother, Wanda and his sister, Mary

Wootten. He is survived by his wife, Julie; his sister, Linda Jones and husband Anthony of Hanford; his

son Tobias Wootten-Porter of Hanford; his daughter, Elizabeth Wootten-Porter of Modesto; his six

beloved grandchildren: Haylee Hammerson, Savanah Pardee, Scout Porter, Makayla Pardee, Lilly

Mansfield-Porter and Leah Pasquini. Geary is also survived by many wonderful nieces and nephews and

their children.

There will be a Memorial Service for Geary on Friday, January 12th at 2:00 p.m. at the First Christian

Church; 505 W. Cameron St. Hanford, CA.

Memorial gifts may be sent to: Kings Art Center- kingsartcenter.org - click on support, Hanford Church of the Nazarene; P.O. Box 496 Hanford, CA 93232 or to St. James Lutheran Church; 1780 Emma Lee Ln., Hanford, CA 93230.

The family wishes to thank the community for their love and kind support throughout this period of Geary's illness and passing.

Family and Friends are invited to view Geary’s legacy at www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com and write condolences.

Services by People’s Funeral Chapel 559-584-5591.