Gregory Lynn Gass

Gregory Lynn Gass passed from this life on June 18,2024 peacefully in his sleep in his favorite chair and surrounded by his Father’s Day gifts from his loving family.
He was the oldest child born to Jakie Roy Gass and Alma Z Holsomback. The family moved around with his Dad’s job but, settled in Lake Charles in the 1950’s. No matter where they lived- Dad always told stories about the adventures at Grandpa Edward’s property and how much fun he had growing up with all his cousins. Kisatchie Forest area has always been one of his favorite places to be in the world. Gregory graduated from Marion High School in 1965 and soon after he drove himself to New Orleans, LA to enlist in the U.S. Navy.
Vietnam was a pivotal point and he carried the weight of that war and the lost soldiers and friends with him throughout his lifetime.  We all knew a little but, none of us knew all of the horror. Gregory was injured after an RPG struck the front of the PT boat he was on as he was the front gunner on board. He was in hospital for a time and finally returned to the USA and awarded the Purple Heart Medal of Honor. He returned home and soon after married Deborah Louise Frey and two children born to this marriage- Charlotte Vanessa and Jared Christian.  Settling in Maplewood, LA was a great area for the young family.
There were many years of family vacations that were straight out of National Lampoons Vacation comedy and drama. He coached several sports teams over the years and was always present unless he was working.
Gregory was employed at Firestone Tire and Rubber Plant and retired after 30 years.
Gregory was a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America chapter. He was a member of the Honor Guard and traveled all over Louisiana and Texas with their mobile museum. In 1989, Greg was chosen by KPLC to fly to Washington D.C. and visit the Vietnam Wall. He also got to meet Mr. Jan Craig Scruggs- the Founder of the Vietnam Wall Memorial.
Dad was proud to have served his country but was also a very private person as were most of his generation.

Gregory Lynn, as told by his sister Cynthia- he had the biggest heart, he loved so much of the world but, part of him never came back from the War.

Gregory is survived by daughter Charlotte Vanessa Gass Sheffield and son Jared Christian Gass (Laura Miller);  grandchildren: Tylan Jared Gass, Tanner Kade Gass, Baylor James Gass and Allyson Louise Rae Sheffield. He loved his grandchildren so very much and was SO proud of all of them. He is also survived by his brother Larry Gene Gass and little ‘seester’ Cindi Annette Gass Goodeaux. Gregory is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, brothers in law, mother of his children Deborah and also mother in law Helen Frey that loved him like a son and cooked and sent brownies as often as she could. He is preceded in death by father Jakie Roy Gass and mother Alma Z Holsomback.
Gregory had a host of friends and neighbors that looked out for him and they are absolutely precious to us- especially the Walker families (Pat and Ruth) , David Barrilleaux (Julie Richard), Bruce Baker and family, and most of all Mr. Allen Bailey and the rest of his friends.
The world will not be the same. We love you Dad.

Memorial services for Gregory will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Johnson and Robison Funeral Home with Pastor Marcus Wade officiating.  The family will receive friends from 11 AM until the time of service.  Cremation has been entrusted to Johnson and Robison Funeral Home.