Gary Lee Almquist, of Thrall, went to be with the Lord Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022, at the age of 57. He was born on Jan. 13, 1965, in Taylor, to parents Gus Leon Almquist and Peggy Irene (Hester) Almquist.
Gary graduated from Hutto High School and continued his educational career at Texas A&M University at College Station where he graduated with a bachelor’s in science in agricultural education. He was the proudest fighting Texas Aggie, class of 1987.
Gary left a significant legacy in Texas FFA through his devoted work and commitment to children, families and their livestock. His keen eye and expertise in raising and showing animals led to numerous championship placings in state and local stock shows. He could pick the champion turkey better than anyone else.
He loved anything to do with ag from being in the show barn to teaching kids how to weld. He thoroughly enjoyed being with his students, his family and the FFA community, so much that even after retiring in June 2021 he could still be found at the livestock booster club fundraisers and stock shows this past Fall.
He was baptized and confirmed in the Hutto Lutheran Church and served on the St. John Lutheran Church Council in Thrall.
He will always be remembered for his kind heart, being at stock shows late into the night serving students and the ag community, and being a confidant to many all while being the very best friend to his loving wife.
Gary was preceded in death by his father, Gus; eldest brother, Greg Almquist; grandparents, Arthur and Rosa (Olson) Almquist; Elmer and Ruby (Bingham) Hester; and mother-in-law, Sue (Goodding) Bradshaw.
Gary is the beloved husband to Beth (Bradshaw) Almquist, and stepfather to Thomas Speer and Sarah Speer Ornelas (Michael). He is the honored son of his loving mom, Peggy Almquist and son-in-law of Olen Bradshaw. He is the proud Grandpa to Ariya Ornelas.
He is the brother to Paula Almquist Martin (Dwayne) and Glen Almquist (Janet). He is the brother-in-law to Jeannie Bradshaw Warren (Harvey) and Margaret Bradshaw Watson (Brian).
He is the proud uncle of Tristan Almquist (Candace), Cody Almquist (Lindsie), Angela Dismukes (Adam), Avery Martin (Devin), Matthew Warren (Alyssa), Andrew Warren (Kaitlyn), James Warren (Caroline), Larry Watson (Aron), George Watson (Maggie) and Mark Watson.
Gary is the beloved great uncle to Jack Dismukes, Ellis and Briggs Almquist, Dwayne Gaida, Emery, Elena, and Elijah Warren, Kinley, Daniel, and Riley Warren, Ellie Grace and Claire Warren, Beatrice, Theodore, Vivienne and Mathilda Watson.
He is also survived by numerous uncles, aunts, cousins and many friends he called family.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate his life at his graveside viewing at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, at Hutto Lutheran Cemetery in Hutto. Following the viewing, the family invites guests to stay for the graveside service at 11:30 a.m. In memory and to honor his legacy, please consider donating to one of the following:
Thrall 4-H/FFA Livestock Booster Club
P. O. Box 163
Thrall, Texas 76578
St. John Lutheran Church
P. O. Box 265
Thrall, Texas 76578
