Gary Lee Divel, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend graduated from this life into his Lord and Savior’s arms on December 7th, 2020.
Gary was born on March 30, 1941, on the family farm in Jewell, Kansas to Rex and Doris Divel. An avid sports enthusiast, Gary loved to compete in a variety of sports. In high school he was a multi-sport star where he excelled in football, basketball and baseball; and ultimately went to college on a football scholarship where he graduated from Emporia State College in 1963.
On October 14th, 1961, he married his forever sweetheart, Betty Selvy, in Independence, Kansas. Gary and Betty celebrated over 57 years of wonderful marriage before our Lord called Betty home in 2018.
Gary began his professional life working in what became a long and storied career in Civil Service. For over 23 years, this brought him much success in procurement, contract, negotiation and disputes related work, and conducting seminars for industry and government personnel on DOD acquisition procedures. Highlights during his civil service career include playing a decisive role in Department of Defense acquisitions over many years, and spearheading an international contracting exchange program with the Peoples Republic of China in the late 1980’s. After his government career Gary moved into the private sector working for both Space Mark and Excel in Executive positions until 1995. He then ran his own business until 2008. After retiring Gary kept busy as an arbitration consultant in Colorado.
Gary always had a passion for serving others and being involved in the community. Over a lifetime of activity, he coached sports for his children, served in various leadership and service roles at church, and held community volunteer roles that provided food and housing assistance in and around Colorado Springs. Another love of Gary’s was visiting other countries and throughout the course of his professional career he enjoyed traveling extensively and sharing gifts and mementos of different cultures with his family and friends.
Gary was an amazing caregiver for not only his special needs son Lance, but also to his mother-in-law Hazel and wife Betty when they were both facing significant health challenges. This aspect of his character was directly linked to his strong faith and continual desire to study scripture and better understand God’s love for us. A favorite scripture of his is Proverbs 3:5-6:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.”
A blessing of Gary and Betty’s journey together has been the abundance of cherished friends and family with whom they have shared a lifetime of fellowship, fun and support.
Gary is survived by his daughter Marcy and son-in-law Jon, his son Aaron, grandchildren McKenzie, Bryce, Trevor, Elise and Caleb, and his brother Jerry, along with many wonderful in-laws, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his wife Betty, son Lance, his parents Doris and Rex, brother Leon, and sister Judy.
Gary will be deeply missed by all who knew him. We look forward to fellowshipping with him again in heaven!
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:30pm, February 6th, 2021, at Academy Christian Church, in Colorado Springs. Those unable to attend can view the service at this link: https://vimeo.com/488970765/cfde1b9e73
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to any of the following:
- American Cancer Society
- Academy Christian Church
- Mercy’s Gate
Fred Duncan
12 Dec 2020Mr Divel, You left an Amazing Legacy & wonderful children on this earth. We will see you again.
Lynda Martin
12 Dec 2020Sincere condolences
Karen Smith
12 Dec 2020A wonderful life. We were blessed to know him and have him as a member of our family. He was my go to person for needed prayers. I will miss him. Blessings to the family.
Dennis Aleson
14 Dec 2020As a retired AF chaplain I was blessed to volunteer with Gary at Northern Churches Care / Mercy’s Gate, and also connect through Sunrise UMC when Gary, Betty, and Hazel still attended there. He was an inspiration and man of faith who truly impacted every life he touched…..My visit with him at his home a few months ago inspired and encouraged me with his deep faith and peace as he faced the final months of his earthly life. No one deserves more to hear the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant”, as Gary surely has! …I thank God for his friendship and his life, He was a brother in Christ and will be missed!
Kelly Townsend
15 Dec 2020A really humble and giving man. We will miss him very much. Enjoyed his dedication, humor and always keeping the goal in focus as we go through life. I had the opportunity to work with him at Mercy’s Gate for a number of years and anytime he was asked to help his favorite word was always, “sure.” He introduced me to Bible Study Fellowship and his wife, Betty, was a participant and leader for over 20 years. We are encouraged by his life.
Nancy Streit
16 Dec 2020My sincerest condolences to you in your loss
He was our neighbor growing up and a classmate of my brother . May he RIP.
Jim & Cheryl Harding
2 Feb 2021We are so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. He was a great friend, as was Betty. We miss them both. I worked with Gary for about 7 years at Excel and then a little more when he helped us at Team Management Services. Wonderful man. Our condolences to the family.
Stephanie Chakiris
6 Feb 2021Betty and Gary have been the best neighbors, and friends. They were loving and kind. Served the Lord and mankind. I will always remember them fondly! They are missed.
Anonymous
6 Feb 2021We watched Gary’s service and it was a beautiful service for a really great man. You all can be proud of him and Betty and know they lived a great life together in service to all those around them. RIP
Jim & Cheryl Harding
6 Feb 2021We watched the service for Gary and it was a beautiful service for a really great man. Gary and Betty lived lives that you all can be proud of and lived it in service to all those around them. RIP