Gary Eugene Burlingame

Gary Passed away at his home on November 17th, after a brief illness. Gary was born in Portsmouth Virginia at the Naval hospital. His parents moved back to Clinton, Iowa, where he attended elementary, junior high, and high school. He graduated from Clinton High School in 1973. Gary had numerous occupations throughout his life, including Chicago Northwestern Railroad,Collins Manufacturing, semi truck driver, and security guard.

Gary has three children, Eric Burlingame and Khara Meserli with their Mother Carrie Erwin. And daughter, Elisabeth with mother Cindy Burlingame ( passed away). He had a companion, Debbie Smith (passed away) who he spent time with. Gary was good friends with Robert Johnson over the last years of his life.

Gary enjoyed fishing, hiking, and collecting train and world war memorabilia. He was a history buff in the areas of trains, planes, and automobiles. He loved visiting museums related to trains and World War history. He was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist church and enjoyed attending Sunday services and Sunday school. He resided in Tucson, Arizona for the past twenty years.

Gary joined the Iowa National guard, from August 1980 until June 1989. He was discharged with the rank of E5 Sergeant. He was a member of the American Legion, Tucson Post John P Burns, Post 36. Gary was an avid gardener in Tucson and he loved tending his beautiful cacti. Gary loved a great variety of animals over the years, ranging from reptiles to cats and dogs. He enjoyed watching the hummingbirds outside his porch.

He is survived by his parents; Wally and Shirley Burlingame, sister Anne Lampe (Vaughn), sister Laurie Farmer (Leo Trujillo), son Eric Burlingame and family, daughter Khara Messerly (Josh), and daughter Elisabeth Burlingame. Aunts Joanne (Dave Morton),Mary ( Denny)’ Uncle Ernie (Donna) Farris, and many cousins. 

A celebration of life will be held at St.Paul’s United Methodist church ,Tucson Arizona, with the date to be announced.