What I Admired About Gary Durk

This world has lost one of its best heroes...but the next world has gained one. God bless you Gary and rest, rest, rest in the peace of God...
When we first arrived in Jefferson City, Gary had just left for Iraq...that was 6 years ago and the war was much younger then than it is now...and I was so very touched to hear that his son Chris was also going to be deployed. I had not known anyone who was in Iraq at that time and I was so concerned...the war was and still is so dangerous!...Gary was the first soldier I prayed for. Not too long into that time, a member of the church wanted to mail out a devotion every week or two including a prayer. I helped her get it in the mail, and within a month or so, I got a note from Gary, thanking "whoever it was" that was sending these devotions. he said they helped him make it through. Gary was never short on "thank yous"

After his return, Gary was one of my greates fans. When times were tough and I was wondering if I was in the right place doing the right thing, it ws Gary who said: "I appreciate every word you say...EVERY word. Thank you" Well, Gary was the voice of God that said, keep going.

As I came to know and love Gary, I mostly came to love his passion of this life. I never had a conversation with Gary that I wasnt' sure he was telling me what was on his heart and mind. No balonie...no hype, no kidding...
That included his love for Marylin. I was scheduled to pick her and Lanie and the rest of the Africa crew up from the airport. Gary called me the night before we were leaving and asked if he could come with me...I said of course. Well Gary met me at the church and followed me in his car, while I drove the bus. The trip to KC airport is long and I didn't stop, and Gary gave me such grief becuase I didn't stop at all on the way up...but all was forgiven when he saw Marylin.
He loved his wife more than anything else I know of.

Truly a hero, truly an unfair loss, and truly one of God's children that has gone home to be with his creator.
Thank you Gary for all you have meant to me and all those who knew you!