Gary Estes, 72 passed away on June 10, 2023 with his loving family by his side. Gary was born August 22, 1950 in Phoenix, Arizona. He grew up in Buckeye, Arizona and was a member of the graduating class of Buckeye Union High School in 1969. In Buckeye, he met his high school sweetheart, Tootie and began their 48 years of marriage until her passing in 2018.

Gary began working for El Paso Natural Gas when he was 18 as a yard hand and trained to become a Corrosion Specialist.  During his 33 years with El Paso, he and Tootie raised their 3 children (Cory, Kris and Kamie) while living all around the southwest and would eventually settle down for a time in Flagstaff, AZ.   They would then later move to Bakersfield, California where Gary worked for Mojave Pipeline Company.  After 7 years in California, he and Tootie returned home to Flagstaff, Arizona for his first retirement and to be closer to their grandchildren.  Not yet ready to fully retire, he and Tootie would make their final move to Sun City, Arizona where Gary worked for Accurate Corrosion, a company he deeply cherished.

Gary's 50+ year career in the natural gas industry allowed him to connect with so many wonderful people who got to experience Gary's sense of humor.  While Gary loved spending time on the golf course, his true passion was connecting with others in his pursuit to seemingly make every stranger his friend.

Gary loved spending time with friends and family and was known for his welcoming spirit and great generosity.  He loved being outdoors, traveling as well as hunting and fishing.

He will be greatly missed. He was survived by his children Cory, Kris (Shannon), Kamie (Matt), grandchildren CJ, Conner, Zachary, Sean, Kendrick, Kru and Daxton and great-granddaughters Blakely and Harper.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St. Phoenix, AZ 85014

Memories and condolences can be shared with family directly or online at www.norvelowensmortuary.com