Gary Joe Hastings

Gary Joe Hastings, 79, of Gering, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 5, 2025.

Gary was born on September 27, 1945, in Sutherland, Nebraska, to Robert and Irene (Derra) Hastings. He grew up in Hayes County alongside his siblings, attending school there and graduating with the Hayes County High School Class of 1964. Following high school, Gary continued his education at McCook Community College, Chadron State College, and Kearney State College.

On August 7, 1965, Gary married the love of his life, Rosalie, in McCook. Together they were blessed with three children. Gary began his career as a teacher in Hamlet and Imperial before accepting a principal position at Hayes Center Public Schools in 1971, where he and Rosalie raised their family. In 1994, they moved to West Point, where Gary served as an elementary counselor at Arlington Public Schools until his retirement.

Never one to sit still, after retiring from education, Gary took on the role of Northeast Regional EMS Specialist, continuing his long-standing dedication as an EMT in Hayes Center and West Point. In 2006, Gary and Rosalie settled in Scottsbluff/Gering, where he served as the executive director of the Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Panhandle Region until his second retirement.

Gary had a servant’s heart and wore many hats throughout his life. He was deeply involved in his community, serving as a certified EMT and EMT trainer with Hayes County Volunteer Fire and Rescue, a member of the Critical Incident Stress Management Debriefing Team, and a member of the Hayes Center Village Board. Above all, Gary was fundamentally a teacher. He was always delighted to see former students, greeting them with pride. Some of his most cherished memories were presenting high school diplomas to each of his three children and coaching volleyball for Kim and Jodi. Gary will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family, students, and community and for the many lives he changed through his service and kindness.

Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Rosalie; his parents, Bob and Irene; his brother, Wayne (Joyce) Hastings; sisters, Delores (Dale) VanBoening and Wanda (Rich Aldrich); parents-in-law, Elmer and Reva Cox; brothers-in-law, Rich Anderson, Duane (Lois) Cox, Darrel (Norma) Cox, and Merle Cox; nephews, Stuart VanBoening, Mark Cox, and Robin Cox; and niece, Connie Tines.

He is survived by his children: Kim Loomis of Gering, Jodi (Joe) Benson of Scottsbluff, and Bob (Traci) Hastings of Norfolk; ten grandchildren; and eighteen great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers-in-law Lee (Jan) Cox of Omaha and Pat Cox of Hayes Center; sisters-in-law Gloria (Leland) Messersmith of Cozad, Linda (Joe) Shandera of Lincoln, and Cathy Cox of McCook; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:00 to 7:00pm, and a recitation of the Rosary will follow, beginning at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home in McCook.

The funeral Mass will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in McCook, with Father Bernard Kimminau officiating. Burial will follow at the Hayes Center Cemetery in Hayes Center, NE. A luncheon for family and friends will be held at the Community Building at the Fair Grounds in Hayes Center following the graveside service.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers are suggested in Gary’s name to Hayes County Volunteer Fire and Rescue 500 Tate Ave Hayes Center, NE 69032.