Obituaries

Gary R. Sigler

July 14th, 1942 – January 20th, 2025

Gary R. Sigler, 82 of Auburn passed away Monday, January 20, 2025 at his home. He was born July 14, 1942 in Bloomington, IL, the son of Richard and Wava Buckley Sigler. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister in law, Constance Harris. Gary married Pamela Harris on January 10, 1965 at Table Grove Christian Church in Table Grove, IL.

Gary was born in Bloomington, Illinois, grew up in Colorado, and earned his BS in psychology from Colorado State University in 1965 where he met Pam. In his early life he was focused on his love of country and sense of duty. Gary had US Air Force pilot training in Lubbock, Texas, was stationed in South Carolina and Idaho, and went to Thailand in November 1966 shortly after moving Pam and Becky back to her family farm in Illinois. He and his Co-Pilot and mentor, Mark Stephenson, volunteered to deploy together and fly reconnaissance where they successfully flew 92 combat missions over North Vietnam. They were eventually shot down April 29, 1967 after volunteering for what was to be their last high-risk mission of the that tour. After gathering intelligence, they turned the F4 Phantom toward home flying 600 mph at 200 feet skimming treetops and mountains to avoid radar. After taking fire from surface to air missiles they took evasive actions at which point the plane caught fire. Gary ejected from the plane and Mark was unable to do so.

Gary suffered extreme injuries from the force of ejection, sought to find his way to safety and was captured by villagers May 1, 1967, which was his daughter’s first birthday. Gary was held captive in Viet Nam prison camps including the Hanoi Hilton, Dog Patch, and others for almost 6 years. Gary earned the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star, 9 Air medals, and 2 Purple Heart Medals.

Upon his return from Vietnam, Gary And family moved to Colorado, where he was a flight instructor at the Air Force Academy. Later, the family returned to Table Grove and the Harris family farm. Here Gary learned to farm, raise livestock, ride quarter horses, and started an executive career in insurance. He retired in 2001 as a VP of Marketing. In 2002, Gary and Pam moved to Springfield Illinois to be closer to family. Since that time, Gary loved to drive his motorhome, tinker on antique cars and trucks with son, Zac, watch his family grow, and stay connect with the best of friends near and far.

Pam and Gary were able to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on January 10, 2025.

Surviving are his wife, Pamela Diane Harris-Sigler; one daughter, Becky (Tim) Straley of Vero Beach, FL; one son, Zac (Abbey) Sigler of St. Louis, MO; seven grandchildren, Elizabeth (Adam) Pritchard, Nicole (Will) Harrisson, Heather Straley, Gracelia Straley, Alex Straley, Evelyn Sigler, and Barrett Sigler; two great grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Jamell (Jeff) Adkisson, one sister, Judy (Jack) Makens; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Cremation rites were accorded.

A graveside service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, June 21, 2025 in the Harris Cemetery in Table Grove, IL. Mike Ulmer will be officiating. A Military and Masonic service will be held at the gravesite. Memorials may be made to St. Louis County Police Welfare Association, 7900 Forsyth Blvd, Clayton, MO 63105.

Condolences

May 24th, 2025

Our thoughts and prayers are with Pam and Gary's family!
Wayne Demott

May 24th, 2025

My thoughts and prayers to the Harris and Sigler families.

May 25th, 2025

My deepest condolences to Pam and all Gary's family and friends. He was a true American hero. Linda Bean Windsor