Obituary of Gary Lee Gann

. Gary Lee Gann, age 76, passed away in late May, 2019. Graveside services will be held July 6, 2019 at 11:00 am Mountain Time at Lovington Cemetery, 600 W Gum, Lovington, New Mexico, 88260. Lovington arrangements are under the direction of Kirby-Smith-Rogers Funeral Home. He was born in March of 1943, in Levelland, Texas to Gordon and Evelyn Gann. The Gann family moved from Levelland, Texas, to Lovington, New Mexico, in 1948. By helping his father farm, Gary developed a strong work ethic. He graduated from Lovington High School in 1961 and then attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science in 1966 and a Master of Science degree in Meat Science in 1969. Gary continued his graduate studies at Michigan State University, where he earned a PhD in Meat Sciences in 1974. As his education suggests, Gary had a life-long love of learning. He even had his pilot's license and enjoyed flying in his younger years. His first job upon completing his graduate study was with the John Morrell Meat Company in Chicago, Illinois. After a year there, Gary moved to Houston, Texas, and began working in the oil and gas business as a landman. He worked as an independent contractor for many years, and he became very respected in the business. In 2001, he went to work for EnerVest as a Senior Landman, and he worked there until he retired in 2016. But Gary was passionate about his work, so six months into retirement he accepted a position as Lead Landman at NextEra Energy Resources, where he was employed at the time of his death. Gary enjoyed sharing his knowledge and experience of the land business, and he often mentored those new to the profession. It pleased him to watch others achieve, and, as a result, he became very close to many of the people with whom he worked. Preceding him in death were his parents. He is survived by three sisters, Darla Evans of Houston, Texas, Sylvia Mahoney of Fort Worth, Texas, and Susie Potter and husband Ray Potter of Houston, Texas. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. A host of special friends were important to Gary, especially Jesenda Burns and Michael Carlson, whom he loved like family. A celebration of life memorial service was held on June 29, 2019 at 2:00 pm at the Addison Funeral Home at 18630 Kuykendahl Road, Spring, Texas, 77379. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be sent to New Mexico Christian Children's Home, 1356 New Mexico 236, Portales, New Mexico, 88130-9411. Condolences may be sent to www.kirbysmithrogers.com.