Gary A. Holman, age 75, passed away unexpectedly on April 29, 2025. Gary was born on March 21, 1950, in Rhame, North Dakota, the son of Lawrence and Mary (Foust) Holman. He was the middle of five children.
Gary grew up in Marmarth, North Dakota, and as a young man spent most of his summers at the ranch of Carl and Ruth Knutson, where he found his love for farming and ranching. Shortly after school Gary joined a combining crew and became a derrick hand in the oil field. Gary met Linda Buckingham, and they married on May 8, 1970. Three weeks later Gary was drafted into the Army and completed his basic training in Fort Lewis, Washington. He was sent to Vietnam for one year and served as a Track Recovery Mechanic. He was honorably discharged in 1971. After his return home he started his construction career for various contractors in the Billings/Miles City areas. He served as a superintendent/project manager for many years during the latter part of his career.
Gary and Linda spent the winter of 1975 ranching on the John Jordan Ranch, where they welcomed their son Cody in the spring. They spent eight years in Colstrip, Montana, where Gary wore many hats working as a rancher, heavy equipment operator at the coal mine, and doing construction. In 1981 the family returned to Terry, Montana, where Gary found his passion for horse racing, and bought his beloved “Last Lark” racehorse, and won the Breeders Futurity in Miles City and Baker. On their farm in Terry, Montana, they ran cows for several years, but Gary’s true passion was always his horses. Gary attended many wagon trains over the years with many friends.
Gary spent a lot of his retirement years with his beloved grandchildren, Kayla and Trever. They spent many days fishing, shooting prairie dogs, and whatever else Grandpa could come up with. A word the grandkids never heard from Gary was “NO”.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his stepdad Vern Rich; infant daughter Amy Holman, brother Steven Holman, and nephew Michael Gartrell.
He is survived by his wife Linda; son Cody (Tracy) Holman; grandchildren Kayla (Dylan Sorenson) and Trever Holman; sister Meridel Gartrell; brothers Pat (Julie) Holman and Gene (Debbie) Holman; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends.
Gary was a jack of all trades and a master storyteller. He loved his family and his loyal dog “Speck”. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend and will be missed dearly.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Gary’s name to the Happy Valley 4H Club- Terry or towards the new 4H building being placed at the Prairie County Fairgrounds.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Terry with Family Receiving Friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Terry. Interment with full military honors will take place in the family lot of Prairie County Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday May 8, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
300 Spring Street
Terry, Montana 59349
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday May 9, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
300 Frontage Rd.
Terry, Montana 59349
Interment with Full Military Honors
Immediately Following the Funeral Service
Friday May 9, 2025
Prairie County Cemetery
72 Cemetery Loop Rd.
Terry, Montana 59349
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday May 8, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
300 Spring Street
Terry, Montana 59349
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday May 9, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
300 Frontage Rd.
Terry, Montana 59349
Interment with Full Military Honors
Immediately Following the Funeral Service
Friday May 9, 2025
Prairie County Cemetery
72 Cemetery Loop Rd.
Terry, Montana 59349
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Kim and Lora Lee Anderson says
Linda and Family We are so sorry for your loss Our thoughts and Prayers are with you all
James Arneson says
Linda and Cody, I am sorry to hear about the loss of your husband and dad. May God comfort you with the best of memories now and always.
Loren and Phyllis Sackman says
Linda and Family, So sorry for the loss of Gary. Our deepest sympathy to you all.
Laurie VanDewerker says
Linda and Cody,
I am so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing.
Verle and I have had many great memories of spending time with your Family.
Karen Ken Strobel says
Linda, sorry to hear this. Prayers to you and family.
Jerry and Sue Backlund says
So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. He was a very kind and good man. We had so much fun running horse’s for you folks.Linda ,Cody and all of Gary’s family, you have our deepest sympathy and condolences.
Lori Ferguson Reierson says
So sorry I have great memories with you and Gary in Colstrip
Kent Benjamin says
My condolences to Linda and family. Gary was a good friend.
Ron Kroshus says
Linda and Family
Sorry to see Gary’ had passed away .
I just talked to him 2 weeks ago.
Again deep condolences
Ron and Linda Kroshus
Larry and Judy Jens says
Larry and I are surely sorry to hear of Gary’s death. He was a good hard working guy, who was always pleasant to visit with. Our hearts and thoughts are with you during this difficult time of adjustment. God be with you all.
Elaine Egeland says
Linda, Cody and family, I’m so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Elaine Egeland says
Linda, Cody and family, I’m so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. We had so many laughs together playing cards with you.
Pam Arneson says
I’m sorry to see the passing of Gary. We have many fond memories of him from wagon train. He always had a cold pop to offer up and a nice visit. We will miss him!
Kenneth, Pam, Taylor and Chance Arneson
Morgan buckingham says
Gary was truly one of a kind! Went on a few wagon parade rides and we had a blast and he never failed to make me laugh. One of my strongest supporters, he came to several of my biggest rodeoes of my career and that just shows how good of a guy he truly was. Words can’t explain how good of a man he truly was!
Charles and Debby DeCock says
Very sorry to hear of my friend and classmate passing!
Gary was so kind to loan out his Wagon for our 50th class reunion. He’ll be missed on many wagon trains and parades. Rest in peace in the Lord’s Kingdom. Sending prayers to all your family!
Tamara Choat says
Before I even knew Gary, I saw he had a donkey, so I called him up and asked if we could borrow it for the Terry Live Nativity. He brought that donkey for many years. He will always have a special place in my heart.
Shirley Rolf says
Linda, Cody and families, So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you guys.
Josephine Meidinger says
So sorry to hear about Gary
Prayers and hugs for all of Gary’s family and friends
Andrea Miller says
Sorry for your loss. Prayers and hugs to all of Gary’s family and friends.
Rene and Newell Clarke says
Prayers and Hugs He was a good one!😥
Tim and Diane Ehman says
Thoughts and prayers to you, Linda and family. Gary was a friendly guy, and always had time to stop and talk.
Mearl DeTienne says
Sorry to read of Gary’s passing, may He rest in peace. Mearl DeTienne Billings MT.
Marty and Jeanette O'Dea says
Linda and family, We were so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers
Lon and Vicki Reukauf says
We are saddened to hear of Gary’s passing . He came out and helped me grind hay when I really needed some help. Where was I going to find a competent loader tractor operator, especially of an older tractor, except Gary. A friend in need is a friend indeed. I really appreciated his help and will also miss his chuckle. I’m sure the family will have lots of good memories, but we will miss him, too.
Tom Masa says
I knew Gary from our childhood in Marmarth. We moved and I lost track of the family. I think If I remember I watched TV for the first time at their house in Marmarth in the mid 50s. My dad ran the gas station across the street from their house. My condolences to the family, I remember Meri and Pat.
Bill smith says
I haven’t seen Gary for years, but I do remember working various jobs together and what a great guy he was to work with,and to work for.We all go back a long way.I am sorry to hear of his passing.
Ray & Joyce Sheldon says
Linda and all Gary’s family
We are very saddened by your loss and will keep all of you in our prayers.
Gary was a great friend and mentor when we worked for Diamond B. I think of him often as I apply the lessons learned through our association.
He will be remembered fondly!
Beth S Jackson says
A good man is gone, rest in peace my friend. So sad to hear of his passing