Gary B Donart

Gary B. Donart, son of Harry J. Donart and Iris Bartlett Donart, was born on September 6, 1940, in Howard, Kansas, and departed this life on January 17, 2026, in Las Cruces, NM.

Gary grew up in western Kansas, where, influenced by his parents, he developed a lifelong love of the outdoors. He especially enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping, interests that naturally led him to Scouting. Through his involvement in Scouting, Gary honed his leadership skills and experienced many memorable adventures, including trips to Philmont Scout Ranch and the National Jamboree in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.

He graduated from Johnson High School in 1958 in Johnson City, KS. His passion for the natural world led him to pursue higher education at Fort Hays State University, where he earned both a Bachelor of Science in Botany and Chemistry and a Master’s degree in Range Science. Driven by a thirst for knowledge and a desire to teach, Gary continued his education at Utah State University, earning a Doctor of Philosophy in Range Science.

Gary began his academic career as an assistant professor at Humboldt State University in Arcata, California, where he helped establish the range science program. He later joined Texas A&M University as an associate professor, building many lasting professional relationships within the field. Seeking opportunities for expanded research, he moved to New Mexico State University, where he conducted extensive research at Corona, Fort Stanton, and Tucumcari for more than 30 years. Upon his retirement in 2001, he was granted emeritus status and continued to teach occasional classes for several years. In addition to his teaching and research, Gary served as Chairman of the Faculty Senate, Chairman of the Advisory Council on Academic Policy, and on numerous other committees and special interest groups.

Throughout his career, Gary influenced the lives of countless students as a teacher, mentor, and advisor to undergraduate, graduate, and international students. He once said, “A major enjoyment for me is watching students integrate knowledge and information. I always get a lift when I see the kids put it together.”

A true Aggie through and through, Gary was an ardent supporter of New Mexico State University, regularly attending men’s and women’s athletic events as well as numerous student activities across campus.

His commitment to the stewardship of land and rangeland resources led to a lifetime of involvement with the Society for Range Management. Beginning with his participation on a 1962 plant judging team at Fort Hays State University and continuing through his years at Humboldt State, Texas A&M, and NMSU, Gary remained deeply engaged with the organization. In 1993, he served as President of the Society for Range Management, where he worked to increase public understanding of rangeland resources and foster partnerships among conservation organizations.

On December 23, 1961, Gary married the love of his life, Glenda Avis Stites, at Prairie Home UMC in Happy Township, Kansas. Together, they shared a spirit of adventure and a love of travel, exploring much of the United States, visiting national parks, historic sites, and enjoying countless camping trips. After retirement, Gary and Glenda continued traveling in their fifth-wheel camper, journeying along the Alaska Highway, exploring Canada, and taking extended trips through the northeastern United States to enjoy the fall foliage.

Family, faith, and community were central to Gary’s life. He was an active member of University United Methodist Church, where he served on numerous committees and participated in outreach missions such as the Ramp Rats. He was a lifelong supporter of youth programs that foster character and leadership, including Scouting America and the Boys & Girls Clubs, and was well known for enthusiastically supporting neighborhood youth by purchasing plenty of cookies and candy.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Iris Donart; his granddaughter, Melissa Donart; and his great-grandchildren, Alex and Samantha Usrey. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Glenda; his sons, Dana and wife Jane of Austin, Texas, and Shane and wife Stacey of Phoenix, Arizona; and his daughter, Michele and husband Mark Usrey of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. He is also survived by nine grandchildren—Elizabeth Usrey Hopper (Randy), Marshall Usrey (Kristin), Jacob Usrey, Emma Menke (Joey), Megan Donart, Bryce Usrey (Joye), Mikayla Donart, Colin Donart, and Madison Donart; three great-grandchildren; his sisters, Marilyn Dugan (John) and Jolene Ryan; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Gary will always be remembered for his calm, caring, and gentle spirit; his devotion to God; his love of nature and the outdoors; his willingness to help others; his acceptance of everyone; his warm, unforgettable hugs; and his remarkable ability to make friends wherever he went. Though his life on earth has ended, his journey has just begun.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on February 20, 2026, at 11:00 am at University United Methodist Church, 2000 S Locust St, Las Cruces, NM. His cremated remains will be interred at a later date at the family cemetery in Kansas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the University United Methodist Church Ramp Rats mission.