Lt. Geary

Lieutenant Colonel Charles Wayne Geary passed away peacefully in his home on September 30, 2013. Born in Morgan, Utah on March 13, 1922, to Calvin C. Geary and Hazel Wadsworth, he grew up in Morgan. He graduated from Morgan High School in 1940.

Wayne was accepted into the Army Air Corps Aviation Cadet Program, and graduated in 1944 with the rank of Second Lieutenant. During World War II he flew 35 bombing missions over Germany. Wayne was a decorated veteran of three conflicts: World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He served his country with valor and distinction, but was always modest about his accomplishments. His military career continued until his retirement in 1968.

In 1944, Wayne married Virginia Nicolaides of Ogden, Utah and enjoyed a very happy marriage while raising their 3 children, until Virginia's untimely death in 1985. In 1987 he married Colleen B. Follet and their marriage was solemnized in the Ogden LDS Temple in 1993. He and Colleen enjoyed many happy years together until her death in 2011.

Wayne was a man of boundless energy and curiosity. After retirement he received a degree in geology, one of his many interests. (while in the Air Force, he also earned an engineering degree) He enjoyed reading, especially about history, science and archeology. For years he was an avid snowmobiler. Close to his heart was the Red Castle Lakes area of the High Uintas, and he made many backpacking trips there with his sons.

The Geary house was well known for its elaborate model railroad displays, especially his wonderful Christmas Village. Wayne is survived by his children Wayne Lyndell Geary (Louise) of Salt Lake City, Scott Geary of Santa Fe, New Mexico and Kristine (Mark) Roschke of El Guique, New Mexico; and stepchildren Scott (Middy) Follett, Dan (Judy) Follett, Ann (Joel) Fawcett, and Linda (Kelly) Bingham. He also leaves behind 27 grandchildren and 51 great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Saturday October 5, 2013 from 1:30 to 2:45 pm at Walker Mortuary, 45 W. 200 N. in Morgan, Utah. A Graveside Service will take place at South Morgan Cemetery at 3:00 pm.