Gary Vaughn Liesen was born in Eads, Colorado on August 29, 1950, to Thomas Hadsell Liesen and Philomene Trotter Liesen. Gary graduated from Eads High School and attended Lamar Community College. Having two parents that were both music teachers, it was only natural that Gary would become an excellent musician mastering the instruments of Guitar, Banjo and coronet. Gary gave many guitar lessons to students in and around the town of Eads. Gary, Tommy and Philomene always made time for the musical interests of our community. The hundreds of funerals and other occasions that Gary sang and played for are a testament to his love for music.

For all of Garys adult life, he was a faithful partner to his father Tommy on the farm and ranch. Gary particularly enjoyed doing the farming and took great pride in growing milo. He knew how to farm the sand and was very successful. Gary understood the importance of water in our area, and knew how to make what little water that we get go as far as it could. Gary was an avid collector of guns and ammunition. He loved shooting and going to gun shows with his friend Perry Middleton. Gary was an excellent marksman. Gary enjoyed studying history, both Biblical History and American History. He was a lifelong conservative.

On Mothers Day 2002, Tommys unexpected death left Gary to do the ranching and farming all by himself. He continued to operate the ranch, just as he and Tommy had done for so many years, but it just was not ever the same for Gary without Tommy. Gary loved the ranch, but without Tommy along by his side, the enjoyment was not the same. In May of 2004 Gary fulfilled a lifelong dream of owning a Harley Davidson motorcycle. He spent many hours on the highway alongside his friend Rich Hockett riding. He was even known to give Philomene a ride or two. With Tommy gone, it was just Philomene and Gary. Gary really poured himself into helping his mother with musical events and caring for her.

On March 11, 2006 Philomene died after battling cancer. Philomenes death was hard for Gary. He had been with her throughout her battle, and was determined not to endure anything like this himself. After her death, Gary became very active in his church, the Eads United Methodist and also the Eads Assembly of God. He learned to play the piano and his relationship with the Lord seemed to really take a hold. He attended Bible studies at the K & M and was very serious about learning the things of God. Gary also began to spend a lot of time at PTs Gun Shop with his friends. Gary missed his parents deeply and for him, life just was not the same.

Gary Vaughn Liesen died unexpectedly on April 11, 2011 at the ranch that he so dearly loved. He is preceded in death by his parents Tommy & Philomene and by his uncles Virgil Trotter, Lew Hodgson and Herb Crow and his aunt Joann Crow. He is survived by two aunts: Suzanne Trotter and Gwendolyn Hodgson, his cousins Diane (Mike) Chapman, Cheryl (Randy) Borisenko, Sam (Jenise) Trotter, Wendy (Bob) Cardell, Gordon (Betty) Crow, Norman (Nancy) Crow, Sheri Ledesque and Karen (Ken) Forrest and many friends.

Funeral services for Gary Vaughn Liesen were held on Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at the United Methodist Church in Eads with pastor Nancy Peacock and Shawn Johnston officiating. Members of the community came together to sing as a choir for the service. Nancy Walker, Charlotte Woelk and Batty crow served as instrumentalists. Casketbearers were: Perry Middleton, Monte Ausmus, Blaine Schmitt, Chris Wilkenson, Ken Smartt and John Bowers. Honorary casketbearers were Rich Hockett and Ronald Ferris. Final committal services were held at the Eads Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the Eads United Methodist Church or the Eads Assembly of God Church. Friends can sign the guest book at www.brownfuneraldirectors.com. Funeral services were entrusted to the care of the Brown Funeral Home in Eads.


Gary was a lifelong Kiowa County resident, being born in Eads. He farmed and ranched alongside his father Thomas Liesen all of his life. He was very musical, playing many instruments, but always particularly loved the guitar and banjo. Gary was an avid collector of guns and music. His talents will be greatly missed by many in southeast Colorado. He died unexpectedly at his ranch southwest of Kit Carson, CO.


Gary is preceded in death by his parents Thomas "Tommy" and Philomene Trotter Liesen and by 3 uncles: Herbert Crow, Virgil Trotter and Lew Hodgson and 1 aunt JoAnne Crow. He is survived by his 2 aunts Suzanne Trotter of LaJunta, CO and Gwendolyn Hodgson of Calgary, Alberta Canada and by 8 cousins.