Gary Voigt

Gary Charles Voigt escaped his worldly bonds to join the heavenly orchestra on March 13, 2017 at the age of 83. He was born on August 2, 1933 in New Braunfels, Texas to H.H. (Chili) and Wanda (nee Albrecht) Voigt.

Born during the Depression, the third of 3 children, Gary made friends quickly with his natural ability to make people laugh. He was part of a tight knit group of musician friends, raising their children together to either play or appreciate great music and to think outside the box.

Gary was a gifted drummer. Incredible talent and passion allowed him to play across multiple genres including jazz, military, big band and polka. In New Braunfels High School Band, Gary won numerous awards and rose in leadership to orchestra student conductor. His first "paying gigs" were at age 14, playing dance jobs with the Lee Kohlenberg Orchestra and the Al Schnabel Orchestra. After high school, he attended The University of Texas, while playing with the Allen Pittmann and Van Kirk Orchestras. Although he spent nearly 25 years of Saturday nights playing with the Hi Toppers, and was the requested drummer for Myron Floren for many years, a little jazz trio held a special place in Gary's heart. When not playing music, he was listening to music and had a fantastic record collection.

As if that wasn't enough music, Gary served 15 years in the 36th Division National Guard Band, where the duties included military parades and functions for dignitaries. As part of that band, he also performed with "The T-Patchers" orchestra. There was still room for more music, so he performed and competed with the American Legion Post #179 Band.

In 1954, Gary's best friend & comedic sidekick, introduced him to June Keith. No one had ever made her laugh so hard in her life. They were wed in June 1955. Together they shared 61 years of love, laughter and music while raising their children, Tara, Greta and Todd.

Gary's love of people led him to serve others and the community he grew up in, including New Braunfels Jaycees, over 25 years in the New Braunfels Volunteer Fire Department, New Braunfels Rotary Club, Wurstfest Association Opa, First Protestant Church Sunday School teacher & Council Member, New Braunfels ISD School Board Trustee '73-'75. He was also a proud Texas Ex and diehard Longhorn sports fan.

In 1975, Gary and family began a new era, as he and June joined Keith Furniture & Appliance in Borger, Texas. Again his quick wit and comedic charm helped him to build great new friendships. In Borger, he was a member of the Elks Club and First Presbyterian Church.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents; sister & brother-in-law, Gladys & Kermit Greebon; his brother & sister-in-law, Dean & Beth Voight; his sisters-in law, Dona Pavillard & Jan Summers; brother-in-law Dr. Walter Guyton; nephew Alan Voight and his very special niece Karen Greebon.

He is survived by his wife, June; daughters, Tara Kohlenberg (Michael) of New Braunfels and Greta Newsom of Amarillo; son, Todd Voigt (Sandi) of Frisco; grandchildren, Amanda Nelson (John), Kelly Neumann (Shaun), Shannon Campbell (Landry), Kimberly Donnell (Brad), Russell Newsom, Austin Voigt and Mason Voigt; great-grandchildren, Emily, Collin and Rylan. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Glenda Guyton of Tuscaloosa, AL; brothers-in-law, J.D. Pavillard of Amarillo and Darrell Summers of Lubbock, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11am Saturday, March 18 at First Presbyterian Church in Borger. Private internment will be held at later date. Direction by Minton Chatwell Funeral Directors of Borger.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation or First Presbyterian Church, 418 W. Coolidge, Borger, TX.

Service

Celebration of Life

First Presbyterian Church
418 W. Coolidge
Borger, TX  79007
Saturday, March 18, 2017
11:00 a.m.

Cemetery

Westlawn Memorial ParkH
8745 Hwy 136 - 6 Miles West of Borger
Borger, TX  79007

Memorial Contributions

Cerebral Palsy Foundation


First Presbyterian Church
418 W. Coolidge
Borger, TX  79007