Gary Walton Romans, age 74 of York, NE, was healed in the arms of Jesus on July 30, 2025, in York.
Gary was born March 7, 1951 in Decatur, Illinois to Walton C. and Barbara Jean Wilson) Romans. He grew up mostly in Omaha, NE, graduating from Metro Tech Community College as a member of Phi Theta Kappa (NHF) with an AAS degree.
He worked various jobs such as customizing vans, carpentry and marble work, and then started working at the NPPD coal fired Kramer Station in Bellevue, NE as a Material Handler in Aug. 1979. A coworker, Stan Chalupa, suggested he take his daughter out for a date, and God continued His plan. Patty (Chalupa) brought joy and stability to his life, so they were married April 14, 1985. Three wonderful children followed, Tabitha, Samantha, and Adam.
In 1987, he was transferred to Ogallala, NE as a Substation Test Technician for the western part of the state. It was there, God’s Word took hold of him with Pastor Curtis Tschetter and he lived a humble life pleasing to God.
He then transferred to York, NE as a Substation and Metering Technician in 1998, eventually retiring from NPPD after 35 years in 2014 as an Electric Utility HV Technician.
He was a member of Arbor Drive Community Church, where he loved helping Patty teach Sunday school and beautifying the church grounds, facilitated and belonged to numerous Bible studies, went on mission trips, and ran the A/V for church functions such as services and VBS.
He loved collecting and watching movies, Star Wars, carpentry, HO trains, fixing things, and the numerous road trips with Patty to Orlando to Walt Disney World and Universal Parks. A grand accomplishment was the shed he built.
He was most proud of his three kids, his grandchildren he loved greatly, who brought him much joy and laughter, and that he and Patty were able to recently celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary.
He will be greatly missed by his wife Patty, of York, NE; daughter Tabitha (Matt) Thorne, and grandchildren Brynlee, Riley, Kinzley, Grayley and step granddaughter, Londyn, of Lincoln, NE; daughter Samantha (Brad) Oberg, and grandchildren Braden, Judson, Axel, and Dylan of Waverly, NE; Son Adam of Dublin, Ireland; Granddoggie Flo;
Sisters Cheryl Knotts, of Decatur, IL; Barbara (Ken) Warren, of White Pigeon, MI; Lori Romans of Decatur, IL; Brother Jeff Romans, of Springfield, MO,
Mother-in-law, Rita Chalupa (Dave), of Bellevue, NE; sister-in-law, Debbie (Bill) Clarke, Omaha, NE; brother-in-law, Marty (Angie) Chalupa, Omaha, NE, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Val Romans, father-in-law Stan Chalupa, and his beloved pup, Yoshi.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 9, 2025 at Arbor Drive Community Church in York, with Reverend Jon Hawkins officiating, and live streamed through the church’s Facebook page. A private inurnment will take place at a later date at Greenwood Cemetery in York. It was Gary’s wish to be cremated. There will be no viewing or visitation. In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials may be sent to Pathway to Victory, Greenwood Cemetery of York, UNMC Oncology/Hematology Div. Development Fund, or the family for later designation. This is a joyful celebration, wearing your Jedi t-shirts or Disney apparel is encouraged. Choose Joy!