Gary Lee McAlpine, Sr., 82, of Holton, KS passed away Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at home, with his sons at his side. He was born November 16, 1932 in Los Angeles, CA, the son of Phillip Alonzo and Laura Herrnberger McAlpine.


Gary graduated from San Bernadino High School in 1952. He had lived in Barstow, CA before moving to Holton about a year ago. Gary served in the National Guard for 2 years and later in the U.S. Army for 3 years in Germany from 1955 to 1957. He was a member of the Southern Baptist Church and served as music director for the church.


Gary had worked for Santa Fe Railroad as a mechanic in San Bernadino, CA, Topeka, KS and later in Barstow, CA. He retired after 38 years of service. He later worked as a Flying Scale Mechanic for semi truck weights and measures in Alaska for the pipeline. He invented the portable scales used presently by law enforcement.


He was married to Mary Ann Graham on November 29, 1953. She passed away August 17, 2009. Survivors include his sons, Gary L. McAlpine, Jr., Matthew McAlpine and Mark McAlpine all of Holton; his sisters, Phyllis McAlpine of Highland, CA, Darline Green of Fontana, CA and Laura Adams in Connecticut; 4 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughters, Donna Childers (2002) and Melody McAlpine (1964) and a brother, Earl McAlpine.


Cremation is planned and a private family celebration of his life will be held at a later date.