Webb

Gary Lynn Webb, 67, entered the kingdom of his heavenly father in the early morning of Dec. 19, 2021. He was born in Jacksonville, Texas, on March 13, 1954, to Carroll and Waldine Webb, the younger brother of Diane Webb. The family moved to Dimmitt in October 1956, where Carroll pursued several successful business ventures– from Minneapolis Moline irrigation motors to Webb-Mears Chevrolet–which would lay the foundation for Gary’s fascination with anything powered by a motor.

Gary’s first vehicle was a 1970 Chevrolet Nova, the car in which he would take a pretty twirler two years his junior to a Christmas party, the last first date he would have in his lifetime. Known for his catcher’s skills and drumming ability, Gary graduated from Dimmitt High School in 1972 and then attended Abilene Christian College, where he pursued a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications. In his tenure at ACC, Gary was a well-known campus radio personality known as GWCool; he would spend hours playing the newest rock-and-roll hits for students across campus. Prior to his 1976 graduation, Gary married his high school sweetheart, Rhenea Baker, on March 21, 1975. They resided in Abilene and then returned to Dimmitt in May 1976, at which time Gary partnered with his father and, soon thereafter, his brother-in-law, Carter Townsend, as a farm machine dealer at Dimmitt Equipment Company. Gary would eventually become known across numerous states as an expert in moline motors, working with farmers in efficient irrigation practices in agriculture. He was quick to share his time, talents, and treasures with anyone in need, and he would often find buckets full of fresh sweet corn, tomatoes, or cantaloupe as expressions of gratitude for his fair business dealings.

In 1980, Gary and Rhenea welcomed a son, Kurt, and in 1982, a daughter, Kylie. Gary was their constant cheerleader, their strongest advocate, and their sharer of wisdom–from his broad knowledge of the Bible to rock and roll. He attended numerous karate matches, Pinewood derby races, spelling bees, basketball games, and Odyssey of the Mind competitions, driving his children and their friends from here to there, typically to a soundtrack of Pink Floyd, Chicago, or Fleetwood Mac. In spite of their busy schedules, the family would do their best to fellowship together at supper each evening, and Gary would signal it was time to gather around the table by playing James Taylor; Jimmy Buffet; or Phillips, Craig, and Dean. In 2005, Gary embraced a second son, Eric Lyons, through marriage to Kylie, and in him found a friend and fellow music lover, classic car enthusiast, and mustachewearer.

Gary served as a deacon and elder at the 4th & Bedford Church of Christ, always the first to arrive and the last to leave. He enjoyed congregational singing and homemade ice cream nights. Gary was able to make a special connection with the youth group, teaching Bible class and driving carloads to youth rallies, in hopes that young congregants would know the goodness of God. He considered it great joy to serve as a board member of Camp Blue Haven Youth Camp. He looked forward to every summer when, in between basketball tournaments and family trips to Lake Granbury, he and Rhenea would drive Kurt and Kylie to Camp Blue Haven, tucked away in the Sangre de Cristo mountains outside of Las Vegas, New Mexico, thought to be “a mile and a half toward heaven.”

Gary was a beloved fixture in his community. He found commonality with all and never hesitated to help fix something–rarely meeting a challenge he could not solve with a wrench and some WD40–and was known as a sweet, kind, social man, opening Dimmitt Equipment for coffee and “shop talk” daily. After his retirement in 2016, Mr. Webb became a familiar face around the halls of Dimmitt High School, where he was well known for his storytelling, often pairing life lessons with the academic content he delivered to students as a substitute teacher.

Gary’s greatest achievement was his forty-six-year marriage to Rhenea. Together they had countless adventures road-tripping, water-skiing, or their favorite, cruising around Alaska together; as is typical of any couple, they weathered many storms, facing life’s challenges hand-in-hand and in ceaseless prayer, as Gary fervently hoped that he and his house would always be in service to the Lord.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, Carroll, and his mother, Waldine; his brotherin-law, Carter Townsend; and his mother-in-law, Joy Baker; as well as numerous friends and family members. He is survived by many who will cherish his memory: wife, Rhenea Baker Webb, of Dimmitt; son, Kurt Webb, of Dallas; daughter, Dr. Kylie Webb Lyons, and son-in-law, Eric, of Oklahoma City; sister, Diane Webb Townsend, of Dimmitt; father-in-law, Bob Baker, of Dimmitt; and brother-in-law, Bobby Baker, and wife, Cindy, of Kingwood. He was the proud uncle of nephew Joel Townsend and wife, Lisa, of Fort Worth; nephew Jared Townsend and wife, Ashley, of Lubbock; nephew James Baker and wife, Sarah, of Lewisville; niece, Amy Baker, and husband, Anthony, of Kingwood; and their families; as well as numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, and other members of his extended family. Gary’s two grandsons, Joah

Lyons and Coen Lyons, of Oklahoma City, brought him immeasurable joy. It was not uncommon to find them curled up beside him watching Nascar, basketball games, or “Home Alone,” and he always had a spare two-dollar bill to share with them. They will never forget their time with G, the many hugs, jokes, stories, and adventures shared with their precious Groucho–a misnomer, we do recognize.

Gary spent much of his time studying the numerous Bibles he’d collected throughout his life and would often speak about the incomprehensible beauty of heaven. Although we would have loved more time with him on this earth, we rejoice in knowing that Gary is free of sickness and pain and has realized his life’s primary goal–a seat at the banquet table, surrounded by friends and family who have gone before him, in constant thanksgiving and a cup overflowing–most likely with ice-cold Dr. Pepper.

How beautiful heaven must be.