Gregory Kieffer Gutting

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Gregory Kieffer Gutting on Saturday, July 27, 2024, in Midland, Texas, after a sudden and very brief battle with cancer. Greg was a beloved husband of 44 years to wife Debby, and a loving father to Trey and Ashley. He was born on October 3, 1947, in Battle Creek, Michigan, the first of five children born to the late Col. Louis Jacob Gutting and Kathleen (Kieffer) Gutting. Greg often joked about his birthplace that, actually, Jake and Kathleen had sent off for him for 50 cents and two box tops.

The son of an Army officer, Greg was thrilled to travel the world, living all around the country and twice in Germany, first as a youngster, attending both German and American kindergartens, and again as a teenager, graduating from Baumholder American High School in 1965. Following in his father’s footsteps, he earned an appointment to West Point Military Academy. After his plebe year he transferred to the University of Kansas, graduating in 1970.

In 1979 Greg met and married Debby in Fort Worth. Greg would say that he was lucky to have caught her! The family settled in San Antonio where Greg’s natural curiosity and generous spirit eventually led him to his true calling, teaching. He loved and excelled at teaching high school history and geography and made his mark outside the classroom as well, drawing from his personal experiences to coach wrestling and youth soccer.

After retiring in 2009, they returned to Debby’s native Midland to be near family and here Greg used his newfound time to “up” his golf game and enjoy activities with the grandkids. Through his love of history, particularly World War II, he became a docent for the High Sky Wing of The Commemorative Air Force, contributing his writing, photography and speaking skills to strengthen its mission, especially through educational outreach to school groups.

Greg always went beyond the necessary or expected. Behind that steady demeanor and easy smile, he was always striving for excellence. If you had Greg in your life, whether you knew him as Greg, “Geg”, Bubba, Barney, or even “Colonel” Gutting at the CAF, you had a rock you could depend on. He will be dearly missed.

Greg is survived by his wife, Debby Dyer Gutting of Midland, children Trey Garmon (Traci) of Midland and Ashley Garmon of Austin, grandchildren Gramm, Garrett and Gracie Garmon of Midland, Jordyn and Bradley Perry (Courtney) of Midland, great grandchildren Hunter and Hayden Perry of Midland, siblings Ronalee Ann Doucette (George H.) of The Villages, Florida, Kevin Gutting (Evelyn) of Northampton, Massachusetts, Keith Gutting of San Antonio, and nephew Henry Gutting of Northampton, Massachusetts. He was predeceased by brother Scott Gutting (Kelli) of Huntsville, Alabama.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home in Midland. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, August 1, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. at Resthaven Memorial Park in Midland.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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