Gary James Machovina, Colonel, US Air Force (retired), age 78, born November 30, 1945 in Berea, Ohio, passed away September 9, 2024 at Evelyn's Hospice House, Creve Coeur, Mo.

Gary attended school in Berea, Ohio and graduated from Bowling Green State University where he earned his commission through ROTC. He earned a master's in business from Webster College and also graduated from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. He served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War as a C-130 pilot. He was Chief of C-130 Standardization & Evaluation for Military Airlift Command, and Commander of the 621st Air Mobility Operations Group, but the highlight of his military career was serving as the commander of the 21st Tactical Airlift Squadron at Clark Air Base in the Philippines.  Among his many decorations, Col. Machovina was awarded the Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, and Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters. He retired in 1998 from Scott AFB. He then worked for Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), until 2010.

Gary was an avid sportsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, and golfing. He enjoyed drinking Scotch with his buddies and was able to travel the world. He was the ultimate gentleman and was often referred to as "Mr. Safety" for his excessive concern for the safety and well-being of his family and friends. The joys of his life were his family, but especially his granddaughter Hannah and his German shorthair pointers Liesl and Trudi.

Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Joan, nee Habluetzel, Machovina; his daughters Krista Machovina of Echo Park, Calif., and Hilary (Franklin) Sears of Kirkwood, Mo.; he was Papa to Hannah Sears. Also surviving are his brother William (Michele) Machovina of Tenn.; sister-in-law Judy (Habluetzel)  Simon and brother-in-law Andrew Simon and sister-in-law Karen Machovina; and 6 nieces and 20 great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents William and Elaine, nee Luce, Machovina; brother Jerry (Kim) Machovina, and an uncle Clarence "Butch" Machovina.

To offer condolences, please visit www.wfh-ofallon.com.
Memorial donations are suggested to the 26th Gateway Flight Order of Daedalians (accepted at the funeral home) to support their scholarship fund or to Evelyn's House.

The family will receive friends 1-4 pm, Sunday, September 15, 2024 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W. Washington St., O'Fallon.

Friends are welcome at 9:30 am, Monday, September 16, 2024 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home for a funeral procession to depart at 10:15 am, for an 11 am Graveside Service with military honors at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo.