Gary Bryan Jaetzold, 78, of Bryan, Texas, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2026, in Houston, Texas, surrounded by the love of his family. Gary lived a life defined by family, friendship, service, faith, and an unmistakable gift for making people laugh.

Gary was born on September 29, 1948, in Port Arthur, Texas, to Ernest and Uneadth Jaetzold. He was the youngest of three children, along with his sister, Dolores LeDoux, and brother, Calvin Jaetzold. Gary shared a special bond with his siblings and made a point of staying connected throughout his life, always finding time to call, visit, and keep up with them.

A proud graduate of Port Neches-Groves High School, Gary remained a devoted PNG Indians fan throughout his life. He went on to graduate from Lamar University and proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps.

On June 14, 1969, Gary married the love of his life, Linda Schaefer, in Nederland, Texas. Together, they built a life and raised a family that would always be at the center of Gary's world. His career in Human Resources in the oil and gas industry took the family to communities throughout Texas, Louisiana, and Ohio. Along the way, Gary developed countless friendships and lasting relationships with colleagues, neighbors, and friends. He genuinely enjoyed the people he worked with and never lost touch with the many people who became part of his life along the way. After a long and fulfilling career, he and Linda retired to Bryan, Texas.

Gary found joy in the simple pleasures of life and had a love for the outdoors. Whether hunting, fishing, playing golf, tending to his garden, refinishing furniture, or taking care of his precious lawn, he was happiest when he had something to do and someone to share it with. He was also his family's biggest supporter, taking great pride in cheering on his children and grandchildren in all of their activities, sports, and accomplishments.

Service to others was another important part of Gary's life. He coached his children's youth sports teams, was an active member of his church communities wherever life took him, and served on the board of the Women's and Children's Hospital in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He was also a dedicated supporter of cystic fibrosis research, making a commitment to help find a cure in honor of his grandchildren, Lainey and Graeme.

But perhaps what people will remember most about Gary was his wonderful sense of humor. He had a special gift for bringing laughter into a room, and so many who knew him have shared that simply thinking about Gary brings a smile to their faces. He had a way of making people feel welcome, valued, and loved. To know him was to love him, and his humor, warmth, and friendship will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Above all else, Gary's family was his world. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Linda Jaetzold; his children, Heidii Bugbee and husband Chris, Cory Jaetzold and wife Jennifer; and his five cherished grandchildren, Lainey Jaetzold, Braden Bugbee, Graeme Jaetzold, Brant Bugbee, and Conner Jaetzold. He is also survived by his siblings, sisters-in-law, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members whom he loved dearly, as well as countless friends from every chapter of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Uneadth Jaetzold; his brothers-in-law, Howard LeDoux and Stanley Marks; and his sister-in-law, Pat Jaetzold.

While his family and friends will deeply miss his presence, they find comfort in knowing that Gary is now at peace, welcomed home by his Heavenly Father with the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." His life was a blessing to so many, and his legacy will live on in the laughter he inspired, the relationships he treasured, and the love he gave so freely.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude for the tremendous outpouring of love and support, and for everyone who has shared cherished memories of Gary. Your stories, laughter, and expressions of friendship are a testament to the impact he had on so many lives. Thank you for helping keep his memory and his legacy of humor alive.

Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Life service honoring Gary will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1200 Foxfire Drive, College Station, Texas 77845. Lunch and a time of fellowship will follow at the church.

In keeping with Gary's favorite color, everyone is welcome to wear blue as we gather to celebrate his life.

The family is being assisted by Callaway-Jones Funeral Home in Bryan, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the North Texas Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (www.cff.org/donate) or to any charity or church of your choice.