Scott Russell Gard

     Scott Russell Gard, 70, of Sterling, Kansas, passed away February 2, 2021 at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis, Wichita, Kansas. He was born November 28, 1950 in Sterling, the son of Russel Winfield and Millie Elizabeth Heter Gard. Scott attended Salina High School and later graduated from Sterling High School with class of 1969.  He attended Northern Virginia Community College, and later received his bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Tennessee Knoxville. Scott has resided in various locations throughout his life, and in 2014 he moved to Sterling for his retirement years.

     Scott served in the United States Marine Corps from December 30, 1969 until June 15, 1980. He worked for the Alcoa Corporation in TN, as an industrial engineer; worked for the Eaton Corporation in Hutchinson as a logistics manager; and for the VA Hospital in Topeka, as an energy project manager until his retirement in 2015.

     He started the Veterans Equine Team, Inc. in Sterling, which was developed to pull the caisson wagon. Scott was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Sterling; lifetime member of the American Legion Post #128 Sterling; lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge; and was a member of Path International. He enjoyed riding horses, singing, dancing, playing his guitar, reading, and working with his hands.

     Scott was known for his infectious smile, generous spirit and his passion for animals.  He always had a story to share, whether it was about his travels around the world, the “screaming deal” he just found or bragging on his kids to anyone who would listen.  He played guitar and sang in the band Classics, a local gem at the Sterling American Legion on many occasions.  Scott was the first to help someone in need and stepped in to assist.

      On July 3, 1972, Scott was united in marriage with Pat McMurphy in Sterling. They later divorced. He later added bonus-dad to his resume on May 31, 2008, Scott was united in marriage with Amy Crabtree in Abilene, Kansas. She survives of the home. He is also survived by his son, William Boswell of Austin, TX; two daughters, Jessie Boswell of Satellite Beach, FL, and Carlie Anne Boswell of Omaha, NE; four siblings, Dan Gard and wife Ann of Salina, KS, Maggie Lantez and Lewis Wacker of Lincoln, KS; Joe Gard and significant other Kristy of Salina, KS; and Jessica E. Gard of Salina, KS; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

     Scott was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Charity Ann Gard; and brother, John W. Gard. Funeral service will be at 1:30 P.M., Monday, February 8, 2021 at the First United Methodist Church, Sterling with Pastor Amy Foster officiating. The service will be live streamed for friends to view on Birzer Funeral Home’s Facebook page. Please use this link to view the service https://fb.me/e/2nahZWZI8 Burial will be at Sterling Community Cemetery with military honors by the United States Marines Corps. Visitation will be from 1:00 until 3:00 P.M., Sunday, February 7, 2021 at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling with family present. Memorials may be given to American Legion Post #128 Sterling in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.                  

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