Gary Estes

Gary Wayne Estes, 63, of Alvo, Nebraska, passed away Thursday, February 5th, 2026, at his home. Born October 24th, 1962, in Lincoln, Nebraska, Gary lived his life with enthusiasm and a genuine love for the people and passions that shaped his days. His presence will be deeply missed, but the memories he created—full of laughter, grit, and heart—will continue to ride alongside those who knew and loved him.

Gary was known far and wide as a gifted mechanic and welder. He was someone who could listen to an engine and understand exactly what it needed, and he could look at a broken piece of metal and see not just what it was, but what it could be again. Welding wasn’t just a skill for him; it was a craft he took pride in. Whether he was repairing something worn down by time or fabricating a part no one else could quite figure out, he approached every project with patience, precision, and a quiet confidence that came from years of hands-on experience.

But his talents under the hood and behind the welding mask were only a small part of who he was. He poured his heart into the things he loved most. Gary enjoyed spending time hunting and fishing, rock crawling in his beloved Plum Krazy rig, sharing unhurried moments with friends, and proudly showing up for his grandchildren at every school event he could. Those moments, big and small, meant everything to him.

Racing, though, held a special place in his life. From the time he was young, he was captivated by the roar of engines and the thrill of speed. He grew up watching NASCAR, dreaming of the track, and even spent time racing at local tracks in his younger years with his father. That passion never faded. For many years, Eagle Raceway became almost a second home—a place where he felt alive, connected, and completely himself. Whether he was behind the wheel or cheering from the stands, racing brought him joy that was unmistakable.

Gary is survived by his children, T’Jae (Amber) Estes of Palmyra, Nebraska, and Stormie (Darius) Geiser of Lincoln, Nebraska; grandchildren, Baylee and Paxton Estes of Palmyra, Nebraska; brother, Raymond Estes of Palmyra, Nebraska; niece, Heidi (Troy) Patterson of Lincoln, Nebraska; nephew, Cody (Amanda) Estes of Eagle, Nebraska; great-nieces, great-nephew, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Virginia (Thomas) Estes; and
grandparents, Byron and Mildred (Schulenberg) Estes and Frank and Mary (Finchum) Thomas.

A gathering to celebrate Gary’s life will be held on Tuesday, February 17th, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home, 5200 R Street, Lincoln, Nebraska.