Gary Lightner

Gary Thomas Lightner was born May 10, 1961 in Sioux City, IA to Mary Elizabeth Lightner and the late Harry Thomas Lightner. Gary was the fourth child born to this union. He was raised with his sisters, Lorraine, Sharon, Linda and Maneca. The family moved to Denver in 1976 from San Diego, CA. He attended Thomas Jefferson High School and entered into the Navy, based in San Diego at the age of 18. He served four years and was honorably discharged. He met and dated Jeanetta Clayborne in Denver and to this union a son was born, Marlan Thomas Lightner. Gary was proud of his musically gifted son and would always brag about how smart and talented he is. Many years later he met and married Karon Dixon. He embraced her 3 children like his own - Kisha, Niki and Michael. From these 3 children, 6 grandkids were born and one great-grandbaby. He cherished them all. Even after his marriage ended, he continued to be a heavy presence in all of the children's lives. Gary started working at the Post Office in 1993 until his passing. Gary loved his work but definitely had no problem speaking his mind when something was going on that he didn't like. Although Gary was a mail handler, you would think he was the COO of U.S.P.S. the way he walked around barking orders to people that would look at him like he was crazy! Always very involved in his social life and relationships, from sports to barbeques. Gary was a die-hard Raiders fan and loved talking smack when they played against the Broncos. He couldn't wait to walk in, ready for anyone down to challenge his argument as to why the Raiders were better than the Broncos. Gary always shared his opinions with everyone and always felt he was right. He was also a momma's boy and he had no problem letting anyone know it. His mother meant everything to him and anything she needed, he was going to get it done. Gary Thomas Lightner was called home on Thursday, April 2, 2015. Those left to cherish his memory his children, Marlon, Kisha, Niki and Michael; his mother, Mary Lightner; his sisters, Lorraine Lightner, Sharon (Robert) Jackson, Linda (James) Glasker, Maneca Lightner; his brothers, Harry Lightner, Eric Lightner; 6 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends! Gary would like to be remembered as well liked and loved. Very well dressed and a strong, intelligent man with a big heart.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremation - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Visitation: 4/10/2015 at 4:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 4/11/2015 at 2:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 3370 Ivy Street, Denver, CO