Obituary of Gary P. Rounds

Warrensburg: Gary P. Rounds, 72, of Alden Avenue, passed away unexpectedly Friday, September 5, 2014, at his home. Born April 12, 1942 in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Glendale and Beulah (Baker) Rounds. Gary was raised in Thurman, where his schooling began in a one room schoolhouse in Kenyontown; upon its closing, after six years, he attended Warrensburg Central. He married Linda Dingman on January 18, 1963; the couple raised two sons together. Gary was instrumental in teaching each of them, from an early age how to work with their hands, and to appreciate the satisfaction of a job well done. He continued that legacy with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and enjoyed many days fishing with Gary & Michael by the brook at Papa’s house. Gary worked as a Millwright for Sandy Hill Corp., where he was a dedicated employee for 44 years prior to his retirement in 2008. Along the way, he passed up many management opportunities, as he preferred to work with his hands, and mentoring apprentices at the mill. Gary was known worldwide as being without peer in the industry. He was also a well-rounded tradesman, capable of building or repairing anything made of wood, dirt, metal, stone, or concrete. Since his retirement, Gary was a valued asset to his son’s paving and excavating business, serving as part time mechanic, parts runner, problem solver of all things impossible, banker, and general moral compass. Gary enjoyed spending his time golfing at Cronin’s, with his partner, Donnie Burdett, and was proud to join his son, Bryan, and grandson, Gary, in their first three-generation round of golf earlier this year. He also enjoyed playing in local pool leagues, with teammates, Mike Lawler, Naylor Wells, and the late John Latham. When Gary & Linda celebrated their 50th anniversary last year, young and old got a chance to take a turn at the pool table with him; if you had the privilege of shooting opposite him, you know that he had the uncanny knack of being able to play to his opponent’s ability, making you feel like you had a chance to win, right up until he sunk the eight ball with some incredible bank shot. The family would like all to know that Gary did not suffer, considering that he spent his last few days cutting and splitting next years’ firewood. If you offered him a helping hand, he’d work alongside you for a while, and then say he was ready to call it a day, after you left, he’d head right back out to work alone; he was never a man to idle away the daylight. In addition to his parents, Gary was predeceased by his nephew, Jeffrey Rounds, and his brother-in-law, Ronald Dingman. He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Linda Rounds; two sons, Dale Rounds, and Bryan Rounds and his longtime companion, Ilana Morgan; daughters-in-law, Joan Wolfe and Kathryn Rounds; three grandchildren, Sarah (Mike) Tyrell, and RaeAnne and Gary Rounds; two great-grandchildren, Cierra and Michael Tyrell, and a soon-to-be great-granddaughter, Harper, all of Warrensburg; sisters, Ruth (Art) Wadsworth, of El Paso, TX, and Cynthia (Tom) Needham, of Chestertown. He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Friends may call on Gary’s family from 4 to 7 pm, Tuesday, September 9, 2014 at Alexander-Baker Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg. A funeral service will follow the visitation at 7 pm, Tuesday, at the funeral home, where friends are encouraged to share fond memories of Gary with Rev. Nancy Barrow, Pastor of the Warrensburg Free Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will take place at the convenience of the family in Warrensburg Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations in Gary’s memory to a charity of one’s choice. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guestbook, condolences and directions.