Richard D. Gager

Richard (Rich) Dwayne Gager

1934 - 2023

Richard (Rich) Dwayne Gager of Wheat Ridge, CO went home to be with his Lord Jesus on January 18, 2023. He passed quietly at home in the presence of family and friends.

Rich was born on July 2, 1934, in Denver, CO. His parents were Selmer and Gladys Gager. He was one of five children (Tiny, Shirley, Bob, Rich and Barb). He was preceded in death by his parents, Tiny, Shirley and Bob.

Rich attended Brighton High School, leaving school at the age of 16 to work for Keeblers. Two years later he enlisted in the Air Force and served four years as a radio technician earning his GED as well. He spent time in New Mexico, Illinois (near St. Louis) and served two years in Japan.

One night at a church roller skating party in 1950, a boy from North Federal Baptist and a girl from Rocky Mountain Lake Baptist met each other. After a few subsequent 'meetings' they realized they were meant for each other and the rest, as they say, is history.

Their history included over 66 years of a happy and eventful marriage, and a family with three sons, fifteen grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren (three more on the way). Rich also spent 46 years working in the auto parts and service industries with Bandimere Auto Parts, Kenz and Leslie and Rickenbaugh Cadillac.

Sports was a passion Rich shared with his family. He played fast pitch softball and basketball on church teams before going on to coach his sons and a grandson on their youth baseball and basketball teams. After coaching, Rich and Jo spent countless hours attending their sons, grand kids and great grandkids sporting events. They also loved to attend the athletic events involving students from their church's school. Saturday and Sunday afternoons would often find them cheering on either the Air Force Falcons or the Broncos during football season.

For most of his adult life Rich, along with Jo, attended Beth Eden Baptist Church. He served many years as an usher, a deacon and on the school board, but his life was characterized by more than church membership and service. His faith in Christ and the grace of God led to Rich having a servant's heart. For both Rich and Jo, love for God was evidenced by their love for each other and their love for others. Rich has been accurately described as a faithful servant who gave so much and asked so little.

Rich left behind a loving wife and family, a caring church family and close neighbors and friends. The sorrow that his departure has caused is overcome by the comfort of knowing that he has been received into the joy of the Lord with the words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Beth Eden School Student Scholarship Fund in the name of Rich Gager. (He would love that!)