John Mallory Gay

John Mallory Gay
April 16, 1943 – December 13, 2025

John Mallory Gay, 82, a lifelong gardener, outdoorsman, and beloved member of his community, passed away on December 13, 2025, in Pueblo, Colorado, surrounded by family. John was well known for his kindness, compassion, and unwavering willingness to serve others.

John was born in Ridgway, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Johnsonburg, Pennsylvania. As a boy, he loved hunting and fishing with his brother, cousins, and neighborhood friends—interests that remained dear to him throughout his life.

In June of 1961, immediately after graduating from high school, John joined the United States Navy. He served for eight years as an electronics technician.  He served aboard the USS Oriskany. Following his military service, John moved to Northern Nevada, where he worked on a ranch before settling in Battle Mountain, Nevada.

During his early years in Battle Mountain, John was introduced by a close friend to Marjorie Kay Campbell. They were married and sealed in the Oakland, California Temple on October 25, 1974. Battle Mountain became their home for the next forty-eight years.

John held a variety of jobs throughout his working life, including employment at a local grocery store, as a haul-pack driver at Duval Mine, as a delivery truck driver, and as a custodian at Battle Mountain High School. The job he loved most was working for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served faithfully for eighteen years. John often spoke of how close he felt to his Savior during the quiet moments he spent maintaining church buildings.

John was a devoted and active member of his church and took great pride in serving others. He held many callings, including Stake High Councilman, Ward Mission Leader, and service in both the Young Men and Primary auxiliaries. He was happiest at church each Sunday. John also loved genealogy and spent countless hours researching church records and discovering his ancestors.

An avid gardener, John took great pride in his garden and enjoyed teaching others as a Master Gardener for the Northern Nevada region. He also loved hunting and fishing. Known throughout his community for his compassion and friendliness, John seemed to know everyone—and everyone knew John. He was often seen riding his bicycle around town, which he continued to do until the age of seventy-five. When his children were young, he frequently volunteered as an umpire at local sporting events.

John was a devoted husband and father, and he especially cherished his role as “Papa John” to his grandchildren.

Three years ago, John, along with his wife Marjorie and son Christopher, moved to Pueblo, Colorado, to be closer to family and to receive better health care.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the entire staff at the Pueblo VA Community Living Center, where John spent his final year. He received exceptional care and was able to enjoy many meaningful outings, including fishing, dining out, and attending college baseball games.

John is survived by his loving wife, Marjorie Gay; four children, Ryan (Denise) Gilbert, Jana Mallory, Justin (Cecilia) Gay, and Christopher Gay; and ten grandchildren, Keegan (Kristen), Rory, Kylie, Riley, Aaron, Cam, Christopher (Kaity), Kaylani, Tutaumuaitaisousou, and Samuel.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Glenn Earl Gay; his father, George Earl Gay; and his mother, Marjorie Elaine Johnson.

Visitation, 1 p.m. Monday, December 22, 2025, in the Montgomery & Steward Funeral Chapel. Interment, 11 a.m. Monday, December 29, 2025, at Pikes Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Springs, with U.S. Navy Honors. Online condolences, www.MontgomerySteward.com