Services for G.W. Posey

VISITATION:

    Friday October 7, 2 pm, at Lord of Grace Church, 7250 N. Cortaro Rd., Tucson, Az.

MEMORIAL SERVICE, TUCSON, AZ.:

    Immediately following the Visitation, 3 pm.

MEMORIAL SERVICE AND BURIAL, FARMINGTON, N.M.:

    A second memorial service will be held at Emmanuel Baptist Church (corner of 20th St. & Sunset) in Farmington, on October 11.  Visitation will be at the church from 9 am to 10 am, service will begin at 10.  Burial to follow at Memory Gardens of Farmington, 6917 E. Main St.  Following the burial, a reception will be held at Emmanuel Baptist.  Services are being coordinated by Brewer, Lee, Larkin Mortuary of Farmington, 1-505-325-8688.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the family.

Celebrate the life of G.W. Posey

GW Posey was born on November 23, 1972 in Durango, Colorado, and died peacefully in his Tucson home surrounded by his family on October 5, 2005.   G.W. is survived by his wife, Gina, daughters Kellyn and Kendra; parents Gerald and DeeAnn; brother Tyke and Tyke's wife Jamie; maternal grandparents Sara & LY Jackson, uncle Leland Jackson; and paternal grandmother Katherine Posey.  G.W. was 32 years old.  He was raised in Farmington, N.M.  As an all around athlete and excellent student, G.W. excelled in track, swimming, and football, playing quarterback in high school and for Missouri Southern College.  On Sept. 4, 1999, he married Gina Fini.  Soon after, they had 2 daughters, Kellyn age 3, and Kendra, 16 months.  G.W. loved kids and was the best father his daughters could ask for.  He worked for Union Pacific Railroad and loved being an engineer of the powerful locomotive.  After fighting for 14 months, he lost his battle with melanoma cancer.  G.W. was a well-rounded, loving young man who touched the hearts of all those who crossed his path. 

Please share some of your own memories of G.W. -  wrwellman@comcast.net.

 

CONTRIBUTIONS FOR THE FAMILY MAY BE MADE AT ANY WELLS FARGO BANK, ACCOUNT # 989 213 7812

EULOGY GIVEN BY GINA FINI:

GW was an amazing husband, father, and my best friend.  There are so many characteristics that I admire so much in GW.  First, his strength.  Over the past 14 months, GW's battle with cancer consisted of more surgerys, treatments, and ups and downs, than most of us experience in a lifetime.  And not once did he complain, whine, or feel sorry for himself.  He just did what needed to be done, surpassing everything the doctors had said.  When he WAS hurting, he never showed it, and was more concerned about his parents, his mother, and myself.  I remember the doctor visits, getting the various "bad news"; instead of being upset himself, he would console ME.  He was my rock.  His strength showed me that we could tackle anything.

 Another quality that I loved about GW was his love for kids.  Gw had a special way with kids.  I'll never forget the times when GW volunteered for my “Moms” group to help watch the kids.  Imagine 15 preschoolers in a small room, playing, crying, and screaming for 2 hours.  The little boys thought GW was just so cool because he drove trains.  But GW loved it and had the patience for it.  I believe he touched those kid’s lives.

 Another story was told to me about a time when GW was playing football in college for Missouri Southern.  There was a family there that he was close to. The little boy of that family loved football, and had a birthday party.  GW came up with the idea to have him and several of his football buddies show up at the party.  They helped the kids throw the football around.  GW and his friends were super stars to those kids and their lives were touched. 

Then GW gave me 2 of the greatest gifts... Kellyn and Kendra.  Unfortunately, Kendra didn't have as much time to get to know her daddy before he got sick.  But, Kellyn and GW have had some wonderful times that I will always remember.  With GW's unusual hours that he worked with the railroad... he was able to take Kellyn to Story time, Gymboree, and swimming lessons.  He was there in the middle of mostly other moms and their kids, and he was the proudest.  One of my favorite things to do was to sit back and watch GW two step around the house with Kellyn on his hip, or watch them wrestle on the floor, play with blocks, read books, and he even offered to change the diapers.  Our kids were his pride and joy.  On a few occasions, I think GW made an excuse to go down to the yard office for this or that, just so he could bring Kellyn along and show her off.

 GW was a wonderful father and husband and he has touched the lives of all those who crossed his path.  I am the luckiest person to have had the time I did with him, and he will be in my heart forever.

MEMORIES OF G.W.:

I HAVE KNOWN THE POSEY FAMILY FOR THE BETTER PART OF MY LIFE.  THEY ACCEPTED ME FROM THE FIRST DAY I MET THEM.  THEY WELCOMED ME INTO THEIR HOME WITH OPEN ARMS, EVEN THOUGH I USED TO BREAK KNICK KNACKS (THANKS DEE ANN).  I HOLD EVERY MEMBER OF THAT FAMILY IN A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART.

 
MY FAVORITE MEMORY OF G.W. WAS WHEN WE WERE STANDING ON THE STAGE AT TYKE'S WEDDING.  I WAS STANDING RIGHT BEHIND GW, AND I HAD STARTED TO CRY.  GW TURNED TO ME AND SAID "YOU ARE THE BIGGEST BABY I KNOW".  HE GAVE ME THAT CROOKED GRIN THAT HE HAD WHENEVER HE LAUGHED AT HIMSELF. 
 
GW WAS THE MOST INTELLIGENT AND MOST TALENTED PERSON I HAVE EVER KNOWN, AND YET HE WAS SO HUMBLE AND GRACIOUS TO ALL PEOPLE.  HE TREATED EVERYONE EQUALLY, EVEN THOUGH HE WAS BETTER THAN ALL OF US.  HE LIVED HIS LIFE LIKE A MAN SHOULD: LOVING, CARING, AND CHEERFUL IN ALL WEATHERS.  HE HAS A BROTHER AND TWO DAUGHTERS TO CARRY ON HIS LEGACY, AND I HAVE NO DOUBT THEY WILL CARRY IT WELL.
 
GW WAS AN HONORABLE AND COURAGEOUS MAN, I AM GRATEFUL TO CALL HIM MY FRIEND.
 
IN CLOSING, I WAS AT LUNCH TODAY WITH CLAY JAQUA...HE TOLD ME THAT HE WENT TO CODY ROBERTSON'S GRAVE THIS MORNING.  I ASKED HIM WHY?  HE SAID "I WANTED TO TELL CODY TO LOOK OUT FOR GW UP THERE, SHOW HIM THE ROPES".  THAT WAS SUCH A BLESSING TO ME TO HEAR THAT.  GW AND CODY WERE SUCH GREAT FRIENDS.  NOW THEY CAN LIVE TOGETHER IN HEAVEN AND WATCH OVER THE REST OF US FARMINGTON BOYS, GET A GOOD LAUGH AT US I'M SURE.  WE WILL ALL MISS THEM BUT WE WILL ALL LAUGH AT THEM AS WELL.
 
REST IN ETERNAL PEACE GERALD WAYNE POSEY, YOU ARE A GREAT MAN.
 
TO ALL THE POSEY FAMILY:
 
THE BROTEN FAMILY WILL ALWAYS BE YOUR FRIENDS AND COMPANIONS IN GOOD TIMES AND BAD.  WE LOVE YOU
 
NATHAN P. BROTEN AND FAMILY

This is for the girls... I also found some great pics of GW and I in Jr High. 
You are in my thoughts and prayers,
DeAnza
 

My Memories of GW Posey:

 

I first met GW in 7th grade at Heights Jr. High.  He was part of a group of us that were bussed from Valle Grande subdivision to Heights.  Those were great times on that bus!  We would all walk home to our respective houses.  GW lived close to Janelle McCoy and I remember that they lived close to the bus stop. 

 

He was a swimmer and so his hair always looked bleached on top.   GW  was also well known for “popping” his collar.  This is back in the late 80s...mind you! 

 

I also remember G “dub” as very smart  - he was ALWAYS getting straight As!  Outside of his academic successes, GW was a natural leader in athletics.  Our 9th grade year at Heights we won an unprecedented sweep (outside of girls track) of all Basin titles for the 9th grade boys and girls.  GW was at the helm for most of those championships.  Since I was an “HJH” cheerleader I must have seen every one of GW's games!  We used to giggle at DeAnn because she would come to the game decked out in Black and Gold outfits– with Black and Gold ribbons in her hair!   She was so proud of her boys – and since GW was the "Stud QB" – why shouldn’t she be!   I also always liked Gerald too - he's always been so kind and friendly to me. 

 

One of my favorite memories of GW in Jr. High was in 9th grade hanging out at one of Kristy Hopper’s movie parties and us cruising around with a classmate of ours,  Lance,  who had just got his drivers license and he was driving crazy so GW and I were cracking up!  We cruised in the foothills neighborhood blasting “White Wedding” by Billy Idol and we thought we were sooo cool!

 

GW continued his athletic and academic reign through High School graduating with honors and as an all state HS football player.  I would say hands down -  GW was the most talented, handsome and popular member of our class. I remember my father always saying that GW should go to West Point because he had what it took to make it in the nation’s best universities.  I definitely believed it!

 

I did not see much of GW through college.  It was not until he and I graduated from college that we met back up in Phoenix .  He was living with Greg Tucker (I think) and I was just visiting and planning to head to ASU for graduate school.  A group of us went floating down the river together and then hung out in Scottsdale .  I saw GW a few other times in AZ after that.  I remember a mutual friend Jen Tucker commenting on how mature she thought GW had become. Whatever! JK!  GW WAS more mature, and with his QB days behind him I assume he was looking for a new challenge. 

 

Next thing I heard GW was married and living in Tucson .  It was great to meet Gina at our 10 year class reunion.  They seemed very happy and Gina was a perfect match!  I was able to talk to GW several times after the reunion.  He was very interested in the Railroad Benefits bill in Congress and was asking for some help on how to lobby Congress. I had encouraged GW to run for office in Tucson- he would have been a natural at it.  I was also very happy to learn that GW was a good Democrat!

 

I had not heard much else from GW until I heard the news about his illness.

 I will miss you GW - as will so many of us. You and your family will remain in my prayers.

 Thanks for the memories….

 

DeAnza Valencia

FHS Class of 1991

10/5/2005

DeAnza M. Valencia
(505) 301-9202
 

I AM DEEPLY SADDENED FOR YOUR LOSS.  GW WAS A GREAT GUY. I ENJOYED WORKING WITH HIM.  HE ALWAYS MADE ME FEEL GOOD WHEN WE WERE HAVING A BAD DAY.

 HE WILL BE MISSED, AND WE ARE ALL THERE FOR YOU AND THE FAMILY.
 
THERE ARE TOUGH TIMES AHEAD, BUT YOUR CHILDREN AND FAMILY WILL GET YOU THRU IT. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
 
DEEPEST REGRETS,
RICK DAY
Our Daddy was the greatest daddy ever. He played with us, read books to us, danced with us, and tickled us a whole bunch.  We will always remember him. 
Love,
Kellyn and Kendra

To Gina and her family, and to the Posey family:

  I am so happy that I got a chance to see G.W. when he was here in May for the race.  You could see that he’d had a rough year, but he still had that great smile, and he still was fun to be with.  He just seemed to be such a great guy.  What a tragedy for his family and friends.  I guess we need to be thankful that we had him as long as we did.  Gina, you were his love and his best friend, and for the last year and a ½, his best advocate.  You and the kids kept him a happy man in spite of all that has happened.  My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  Skip

I didn't really have an opportunity to get to know GW in high school.  We became friends in Arizona while I was attending Grad School and he was living a few doors down from me with Greg. What an unexpected friend!  I remember him being so sweet, so giving and so FUNNY!  We were both in such a transitional time in our lives and we talked a lot about our hopes and dreams for the future.  We had a lot of time to talk during the drive between Tempe and Farmington!  I have such sweet memories of GW and Gina.  What a completely adorable couple!  I remember them always laughing and giggling together.  What an inspiration their relationship was to me!  GW was a precious friend during a very difficult and uncertain time in my life.  I will always be truly grateful for his friendship, his generosity and his kindness!
 
Jennifer (Tucker) Stork
Our love for GW goes back to Gerald and Dee Ann's friendship with some good friends of ours. GW and Tyke would strut their stuff with matching "cowboy" jeans, boots and belts! (with their names on the back!)
GW always had the sweetest smile and I know he was the greatest Dad and husband.
After the Posey's all moved from Farmington we thought of them all so often and missed them and miss them so....
Gina will always have GW with her in loving memories and in those adorable little girls.

 

Love to you all,
The Trotter's
Farmington, NM

It is hard to pinpoint one or even a few memories of the time I spent with GW that stick out.  It seems like it is harder to think of a time we spent growing up that he wasn’t around.  My earliest memories of GW were from some 25 years ago, staying the night at his house and making fun of little Tyke because he got run over by a car.  It seemed like Tyke was always getting hit by something!!!  But man, he sure loved his little brother.  Tyke, you’ll always be his pride and joy.  Or memories of DeAnn and Gerald getting all twisted at us because we stole some of Gerald’s beer or kept little GW out too late.  Try pulling a fast one with an extra set of parents!!!  Gerald and DeAnn definitely did a fine job with GW.  He was always the smartest and best athlete (hell, I was a year older and he used to kick my tail), but he was always the happiest, too, and I know that came from the love in his home and from his parents.  Gerald and DeAnn should be so proud.  The time between being kids and now, falls into that none ya business category.  But I gotta tell you, we sure had some good times.  If you were there, I know you’re smiling.  That’s the GW I want to remember.  That and the man he became.  My best memory of GW is at his house in Tucson last year.  He was such a great father and husband.  He had the kind of love for his family that I pray everyone gets the opportunity to experience.  And though he was battling for his life, he was more concerned for everyone else, because that’s who he was.  Everyone who didn’t know him that well, saw the athlete and the popular guy.  Those of us who were lucky enough to truly know him, knew him as kind, selfless, and humble.  He truly defined the words brother, son, husband, father, and friend.  The world has truly lost one of the good guys.  I know we all have a big hollow space left by his passing, but I know he wouldn’t want us to dwell on it.  As hard as it is, If we could see him now I know he would give us that dumb laugh and tell us he’s ok.  I'm sure Cody and him are cuttin’ up right now and preparing a place for the rest of us.  My prayers are with you Gerald, Deann, Tyke, Jaime, Gina, Kendra, and Kellyn.  You will always have a friend in me.  There are a lot of us who will be there for anything you may need, because we know he would’ve done the same.

Rest in Peace Brother….Until we meet again!

Mark Wulfert

What can I say.  The first time I met G.W. was when he was just a baby.  I have known Gerald, G.W.'s Dad, since we were just very young folks and Dee Ann , G.W.'s Mother, since about the time we were in the 7th grade or so.  Anyway to make a very long story short we have known them a LOONG time.  What a family.!!!   G.W. and Tyke started out as little mini cowkids.  Jeans, boots and hats.  And then they ended up in preppy clothes.  That is a big shock to the parents.   What changes the boys went through.  G.W. and that crooked smile and what an athlete he became.  Quite a kidder also.  There were many special times with the kids at Ancho, at my folks place north of Capitan, and in Roswell at ball games.  Dee Ann, G.W. now gets to ring the cow bell at those ball games in heaven.  Then when I think back there were not enough of those times.  Time goes by too fast and soon G.W. was married and had two wonderful little girls.   Fighting the battle he did for over a year is more than I can imagine.  He had to have a strong heart full of love and courage.  He has touched many lives in 32 years, and I know his family has so many memories that will be with them forever.

To Gina, Kellyn, Kendra, Dee Ann, Gerald, Tyke and the rest of the family, we love you very much.  Our hearts ache for your loss. God will continue to give you the strength to get through each day with memories and love for G.W. 

God bless the Posey family and the wonderful grandparents G.W. has.

G.W. is walking on streets of gold and we will all meet beyond the sunset, and then we will understand why he had to go so soon.
 

Love and Prayers,

Sharon Bird

I graduated from FHS the same year as GW and although I did not have the
good fortune to know GW as a close personal friend, I did know who he was.
Thinking back I don't feel there was a single person at FHS who didn't know
who GW was.  How I remember GW is being a person that people gravitated
towards.  He was tall, athletic, super smart, popular, and extremely good
looking.  From the outside looking in he embody all the great qualities and
characteristics a person could have, and that's why he was so well-known and
admired in HS.  I wanted to honor his memory for his wife, daughters, family
and all those who were close to GW by letting them know that he was highly
thought of and a well respected man.  My thoughts and prayers are with you
all during this time. 

Veronica (Sewell) Jarrels 
Sugar Land, TX

I knew GW in high school and then got to know him better
when we both moved to Joplin, MO to attend MSSC.  It was nice
to know someone from home, being so far away.  GW always
made it a point to say "Hi" to me in the halls or out around
town.  He was an amazing athlete and a good friend. I still
live in Joplin and people still talk about GW and his time
spent as a quarterback at Missouri Southern.  GW will be
sorely missed!  My thoughts and prayers go out to his
family.

Jenny (Mullikin) Cox

I coached G.W. in college football at Missouri Southern.  He was one of the toughest and most intelligent football players I ever coached…but better than that, he never complained about anything.  He was a fighter and a leader.  When things got tough, he never whined around and felt sorry for himself—much like he approached cancer.  By graduating in 4 years (1995), he was a great model for his teammates.  When I knew G.W., he practically worshipped two guys—his high school coach Bernie Busken and his dad.  I know from Coach Busken that G.Dub was a great father and husband, and he loved his family.  I’m not surprised.  He will be sorely missed.

Jon Lantz

Missouri Southern State University mourns the loss of another Lion...

It is with great sadness that we received the news of GW's passing.  It
weighs especially heavy on our hearts as we mourn the loss of our head
coach, John Ware, who passed away September 27th while working at his desk.
The Missouri Southern Lion Pride grieves the loss of two lionhearted
members of it's family.  We send our most sincere condolences to Gina,
Kellyn and Kendra, and the rest of the Posey family.  Your family will be
in the thoughts and prayers of many in the Joplin area.

In the Pride,  

Sallie Beard
Athletics Director
Missouri Southern State University
3950 Newman Rd. Joplin, MO 64801
417-625-9574     FAX 417-625-9570

The one thing I do recall about G.W. is that he was a "Star" to us youngsters and loved by all.  My brother Jaysen knew GW more, as he graduated with him in 91.  Gina and the Posey family, you will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.  G.W. will never be forgotten... His memory will live on through his two beautiful daughters.

He will continue to be a "Star" shinning on us! 

Jenifer Pinckley

jenifer.pinckley@hubinternational.com

I haven't seen GW for many years but still hold him as a good friend, keeping track of him through friends and parents of friends in Farmington.  I met GW, his parents, and brother, Tyke, through sports--from little league baseball on up to high school basketball, football and track.  GW was an awesome friend and athlete.  I'll probably always remember GW as the quarterback and leader of our football "family" that made it to the New Mexico state semi-finals in the fall of 1989.  GW was a junior that year when I was a senior---but even as younger classmate, GW was the type of guy that everyone looked up to and listened to.  His linemen took good care of him because they liked him so much.  No one messed with GW.

On and off the playing field he was a class act.  He was respectful and thoughtful towards others.  He always greeted my parents respectfully and took the time to stop and talk with them, which my parents appreciated (A tribute to his personality and his parents raising a quality person).  He was a good friend to my younger sister, Missy, and my two younger brothers, Paul and Greg. 

My heart and prayers go out to his family. 

Sincerely,

Matt McGee

To Gina, Kellyn and Kendra,

While we all knew GW all these years, and loved him from the moment he smiled, you will be forever beside him.  Your strength made him stronger.   Your love let him love you and his girls until his forever came.  This group of friends he has will surround you all and never let the three of you go.  You can count on that!  We will all say prayers for you.   Take our strength and love, for your forever.  Thank you Gina for making GW's life everything wonderful.

Shelley (Stevens) Rabbai

Rabbaimi@aol.com  616.890.9204

I am the Pastor of G.W.'s grandmother's church in Ancho, NM.  I visited
with her yesterday and assured her that the God we serve owns both sides
of the river.  When we leave loved ones on one side we are at the same
time greeted by loved ones on the other side.  We have been praying for
GW and family since his illness began, our prayers remain with his wife
and children.

I am told that there is a Special Fund being set up for his girls.  Can
you forward me the account information.  Many here dearly loved GW and
want to support his family during this time.

God's loving peace  be with all,
Pastor Terry Aiello
PO Box 401 Corona NM  88318
505-849-0105

    More than a friend to me, GW truly was a brother.  Other than his parents, I've probably known him longer than anyone.  Growing up on the small street of Camina Flora was a time that we shared that most people never experience.  More than thirteen boys on the same block from when we were babies until we became adults with kids of our own (Myself, GW, Tyke.  Roger Wilson, Jeff McCoy, Tim & Jim Jackson, Wilson & Riley Smith, Joey Gould, Mike Ammerman, John & Richard Houghton).  We even go back father than that to our grandparents and great-grandparents who all pioneered and homesteaded in Otero and Lincoln counties.  I remember going to the museum in Ancho and thinking that GW and Tyke's grandparents had the coolest house.  Anytime I think back to my childhood, it is always filled with memories of GW.  It is still fun when I look at my moms old photo albums to see pictures of GW.  I think he was at every birthday party I ever had.  One funny memory that I can barely remember because we were so little is when we took Gerald's truck for a drive around town.  Wilson Smith drove and GW, Tyke, Roger and I all assisted. Wilson was still too small to reach the gear shift so the rest of us had to shift for him.  Tyke was only about five years old.  We were driving down a street on the other side of town by Ladera elementary school and we had to shift gears.  We must have put the gearshift into 1st gear because when Wilson let off the clutch, the rear wheels locked up and sent the truck sliding down the street. Tyke fell off of someone's lap and landed on the floorboards.  We somehow managed to make it back home.
    As I was reading the stories that people sent in about him, I noticed that people remember him for his academic and athletic successes.  I guess since I was around him all of the time, I saw some of the not so successful moments.  Like the time when we thought it would be smart to walk down to the river on the Bolack ranch and take a shortcut across what appeared to be a small pool of shallow water.  Of course the "shallow water" turned out to be deep mud that we got stuck in for hours.  Another not so great academic or athletic moment was a time when we were on the school bus riding to Heights Jr. High.  We all took black-cat fire crackers with us so that we could set them off at school.  GW thought that it would be a good idea to light one and throw it out the window of the bus.  I guess his throwing arm was not yet fully developed because the fire cracker didn't fly as far as planned.  It went out the window then blew back into another window and exploded inside the bus.  We were met at school by the principal and we all had to surrender our prized fireworks.  After that, we had to have a teacher ride on the bus with us for a few weeks.  When GW was in 9th grade, I remember him coming down to my house late one night.  The coming weekend was a big football game between Heights and Hermosa Jr. High schools.  Some Hermosa students had gone to Heights and painted the "H" on the hillside red.  GW was Heights quarterback, and he could not let that go unanswered.  Since at the time, I was a sophomore in high school, I tried to explain to him that it wasn't a big deal to me but before I knew it he had me driving him over to Hermosa in the middle of the night.  We snuck onto their football field and GW proceeded to paint their bleachers black and gold.  He then used weed and grass killer to write "HJH" on their field.  We read about it in the police report in the Daily Times a few days later but this is the first known confession to that caper. Thanks GW!
    As GW grew up he met more and more people, and his infectious smile and sense of humor earned him many friends.  Since he was a year younger than me, we each had friends from our own grades.  While we each had our own friends, we were still more like brothers.  If there was school, a game, dance, party, movie or any thing else going on we always had to car pool together. No matter where we went or who we wound up hanging out with, we always knew where the other was.  It was like that as we each went on to college.  No matter how much time went by, whenever we talked it was as if no time had passed at all.  When I would return to Farmington on holidays or school breaks, GW would be home too.  I never had time to get out of the car in the driveway before I could see him come jogging down the street to my house with his big grin.  When I was living in Las Cruces and GW was at school in Silver City, he would show up at my apartment late on a weekend night.  He knew that since it was family, anytime he wanted, he could invite himself to stay for the weekend.
    Everyone remembers his smile and crooked grin, but none of those smiles compare to the ones he had for Gina and the girls. In the husband and father that he grew to be, he became more than anyone ever could have imagined.  Of all of my memories of GW the most important and consistent one is of his love of the Lord.  He knew Jesus as his savior early in life and it was his faith that enabled him to be the man that he was.  The high school paper would run articles on students and would ask them their favorite quotes.  Most would quote some lyric from a corny 80's song or make up something silly to get a laugh from their friends. GW's favorite that he listed was Psalm 23:
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me besides quiet waters, He restores my soul.  He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies.  You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.  Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.  
Though GW's walk through the Valley was too early, his walk with the Lord will be forever.  I know that when I see you again, as always my brother, it will seem as if no time has passed at all.
 
Ryan Buckner
ryjenbuck@aol.com
Though I didn't get the chance to know Gina and the girls, I did know GW from our job.  We really didn't know each other well, but he did leave a lasting impression on me.
One day when I was flying my rc airplane at the park near our homes, he stopped from a run and showed much interest in what I was doing ( we had also talked about it before at work!), and I remember being so glad that I might be able to involve a fellow co-worker in my hobby of flying!  Soon after I was told he was sick....I just want to tell him that when I fly High into the skies from now on, I will think of you up there watching!
I also want to say that I wish I could have had the chance to know him better.....from that impression he had on me, from work, and that day at the park, I know we would have hit it off!  We will all miss you and keep your family in our prayers.

Martin Villaneda

(Tucson, AZ)

To sweet Kellyn and precious Kendra:

There may come a day when you ask what was my father like in high school?

And we will say wonderful.  He was popular, smart, athletic and looked up to by most everyone in his class.  He was that guy you prayed to see in the halls between classes and when he turned your way and said hello... you knew your day was made.  And although he seemed to have it all, he always made everyone around him feel like his equal.

There may come a day when you ask what was my father like after college?

And we will say wonderful.  He was so laidback.  Always up for anything.  He would be so patient when it took Gina and I almost an hour to decide where to go to eat.  And he would humor us with our silly lists of ideas of what to do on a Saturday.  He could have been the absolute best roommate anyone could possibly have.  After a good night of  playing games and having drinks, he would still take the time to clean up everything.  EVERYTHING!  Have the bottles thrown out, wipe the counters down... he was even known to vacuum the floor on occasion, yes, at 2am....just so next morning's hangover would be a little more bearable.  He knew how to give us a hard time without truly giving us a hard time.  Knowing when to hold back such as when we attempted to work out to Cindy Crawford....well, how could anyone hold back on that one.  Yep, he would just sit on the couch and watch....laughing in hysterics.  And there was that smile again...genuine and sincere.

There may come a day when you ask what was my father like as a father?

And we will say wonderful.  You were his everything.  You made him laugh out loud when you did silly things.  You could see when he picked you up and hugged you that family was all that mattered in the world.  He was honest, loyal, and hardworking.  And he adored your mom.  He seemed to love her even more when she would make up silly poems or sing way off key.  I mean, way off key.  ;-)  He was respectful and kind.  Always.

There may come a day when you ask what was my father like?

And we will say wonderful.

GW, thank you for letting us be a part of your life. 
Love, Rebekah Stevens

Gina, Dee Ann, Gerald, Tyke, Kellyn and Kendra, 

I was informed this morning that G.W. has passed away.  I have written a poem and haven’t been able to send it because something inside of me just kept hoping for a miracle.  The poem is to the girls, and it tells them how myself and the rest of G.W.’s 'brothers' feel about their dad.  I can honestly say that I have never respected anyone more than I respect G.W. Posey.  He is the strongest person I have ever known – even before all of this.  I think back to sometime in 1989, my junior year, when I first met G.W.  I was always such a smart aleck – you know what I’m saying, Tyke – and G.W. didn’t put up with it from the start.  From the first time I met him I would say something, trying to be funny, and he would give me this look, shake his head and say something witty to make me realize that I wasn’t quite as funny as I thought I was.  I respected G.W. from the start.  He was like a big brother to me.  I didn’t realize how much I missed that look until last month when I visited and he gave it to me after I told him the Cubs would make the playoffs – of course he was right again!  I always respected what he had to say and the advice he gave me.  G.W. will be with me forever and I promise to never forget him.  You all should be so proud to be his Mom, Dad, Brother, Wife and Daughters because G.W. Posey is “The Man” and always will be.

Love,

John Kuhn

 

The Man

Why is your Daddy being taken from us at such an early age?

 God, why is it his time?   It’s way too soon to turn the page

How will it ever make sense… you can’t take our brother, our Quarterback

Don’t take him out of the game – please not yet – cant’ he just take a sack.

We are brought into this world so innocent and unaware

Can’t control what’s meant to be – no matter how much we care

It may seem like he has left us but he has only left our sight

He will always be in our heart – with us every day and night.

 

You girls should be so proud – your Dad is “The Man”

So unbelievably strong – he never hid and he never ran

Even though Dad had to go, his legacy will live with you

He will be there for all the little and big things you girls ever do.

 

  We will never forget that crooked little smile

Trying to battle wits with him… worse than running a mile

Is there anything he didn’t know?   I don’t think so   

He is our mentor, the one we all look up too – we will never let him go.

We are the luckiest ones of all – we are his biggest fans

We got to hang with him – got to hang with “The Man”

 He is waiting for us and we will see our brother again

Soon we will all get to walk, talk, laugh and play catch with him.

For Kendra & Kellyn - From all your Uncles                                                                                                                             by John Kuhn

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, GW.
 
The Marsh family.
 I have known GW since I was 12 years old... like everyone else, most of my life.  I have so many stories of my time with him.  You see, I was his polar opposite.  He was great at academics and athletics, and I was good at getting beer.  GW spent a lot of time and effort keeping me out of trouble over the years, and was always there for me when I needed anything.  I had lost touch with GW over the last few years, but I have no doubt that if I needed him, he would be there.  After talking with my wife, I told her that losing my friends is getting old fast.  I realized how truly lucky I have been in life.  Most people are lucky to have a few friends in life, but I am from Farmington where you have a hard time keeping track of all of the friends you have, and each one of those friends is a true friend.  This is a huge loss to the world, and I feel bad for those people who did not get the chance to meet him.  GW was one of the best, and I will miss him.  I am glad that Cody has another friend to hang out with.  God now has his hands full!
 
Heath Shepard
heathshep@aol.com
 
Heath Shepard
General Manager
The Library Bar & Grill
312 Central SW
Albuquerque, N.M.  87107
505.321.2024-cell
505.242.2992-office

While coaching the Kelly Greens at FHS -  GW was one the team's favorites.  I do remember going head to head with him several times about "hanging" around, but the girls wouldn't have it any other way.  I was often told about how he was more of a "big brother" to most of the girls.  They could talk to him about anything, liked hanging out with him, and playing jokes with him. 

I haven't been at many FHS games since leaving coaching, but one of my fondest memories is seeing DeAnn at the top of the football bleachers, all decked out in her GREEN / BLACK & WHITE!!  I think everyone that started down that staircase beside her seat, stopped to say hi..... What a proud mom - and with every reason. 

To the Posey family - our thoughts and prayers are with you.

 Sheila Mobley

Dearest Gerald, Dee Ann, Tyke, Gina, Kellyn & Kendra,
 
It's very easy to see from these pictures and the words written by family and friends, that the ornery and mischievous little boy that I used to baby-sit for so many years, grew into a loving and caring father and husband.  What a tremendous loss for all of you!!!  But the same loving and caring God that called G.W. home is the same God that will see you all through the sad times ahead.
 
May God bless and keep all of you in his loving care!!!
 
With love and prayers,
Sandra (Schlueter) Lanier
Dear Dee Ann, Gerald, and Family,
 
We were so saddened to hear about GW.  I remember when he was born, and I got to hold him.  I did not know it at the time, but I was carrying my first daughter who would be born August 3, 1973.
 
Years passed and my oldest daughter Shawna became a cheerleader for Mesa Alta Jr. High, and then Bloomfield High School.  At this time is when I first got to watch GW play football.  Wow, what a great quarterback he was!!!  I'll never forget the passes he threw, and he could scramble too.
 
Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss.  Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.  May God be with each one of you at this very hard time.
 
Sincerely, Gary and Patty Chick and Family
Like others, I hadn't seen GW in quite some time.  The last time I did see him was at Ken and Rebekah's wedding, and I remember how happy I was to see that he had found someone so special in Gina.  I loved to hear about his job with the railroad...how his children must have looked at their father with the same pride and awe that we felt toward him growing up.
 
To GW's dear family - I can't begin to express how much we all feel for you now, and can only hope that these loving memories and well wishes help you understand what he meant to everyone that knew him.   
 
I agree with Heath, God certainly has his hands full! !  How we will miss those two big beautiful smiles.
 
 Nicolle (Gurule) Sternberger  
nicolle_gurule@yahoo.com
G.W. and Dee Ann,    
I do not know if you remember it or not, but Betty and I were the first ones to baby-sit G.W.  You two went out for the evening.  Dee Ann did not want to go and leave her new son alone.  Betty said that she would take good care of him.
Our prayers are with you, and with his family.  Everyone of you have a special place in our  hearts.
God Bless, and Love to Everyone.
Joe D. and Betty l. Walker

     I've known G.W. since the 5th grade, even though we went to different
schools.  We were both athletes & came to know one another through the
Farmington Boys & Girls Club.
     My fondest memories of G.W. are the days we spent at Heights Jr. High
as "Heights Knights."  And, G.W. truly was a knight - he was a devoted friend,
always laughing & joking.  I do not ever recall seeing him argue or have any
kind of dispute with anyone (except maybe his baby brother, Tyke).
     When we started going to the same school, G.W. & I had a discussion one
day of what our initials stood for (our "real" names).  I learned he was Gerald
Wayne & he learned I was Jonalyn Joan-We decided it would be best to never
call one another those names again, & so we remained G-Dub & Jay-Jay.  From
that day on, we didn't speak of our "Real" names again to one another.
     In 1986 at the HJH Sports Banquet, we all sat at the same table-G.W. in
his football jersey cracking jokes & smiling his great big smile throughout
the awards ceremony.  What an honor to have been fortunate to be friends with
someone like G.W. Posey.  And though I lost touch with him after high school,
I constantly asked friends where he was & how he was doing.  It was nice to
hear he had a loving, devoted wife & two beautiful daughters.  I look forward
to meeting you all...
     I will always remember your son, brother, grandson, husband, father, &
friend as a genuine, fun-loving man who obviously touched many lives along his
journey.  May you be at peace knowing G.W. had many friends who loved him,
leaving behind a legacy of memories for all of those whose paths he crossed. 

     I will miss you, G-Dub!

Respectfully, With Love & Prayers,
Jonalyn Joan "J.J." Tagge-West

“What can be said about such a tremendous individual?  I think what struck me about him was that he was so unique.  He didn’t try to be like anyone, he was just himself, and he was great at it.  Maybe that came from being the oldest in his family.  I think that’s what made hanging out with him so enjoyable.  It was like having another big brother.

Being the youngest of 5, I grew up always looking up to my brothers and sisters, and when I moved away from home, I didn’t have that anymore.  When a friend told me that GW lived down here ( Phoenix area at the time), I didn’t think much of it.  Heck, I didn’t even think GW knew who I was.  When I walked into his apt. for the first time, without missing a beat, GW said, “Hey Carney, what’s up?  How’s your family doing?” and off he went, just like we’d been pals since grade-school.  He made me feel right at home.  Just about every weekend after that (until he moved to Tucson) we did something together, usually just hanging out, watching college football (or another sporting event) and eating green chile cheese burgers that GW made on his charcoal grill out on the patio.  Even after he met Gina, he was kind enough to invite me to tag along with them on several occasions.  After getting to know her, it was easy to see that they were meant to spend their lives together.  I’m glad that I was able to be there for a small part of their lives together.

I can’t find words to express my sorrow for all of GW’s family.  Rather, I would like to thank GW’s parents for raising such a wonderful man.  I can only hope that my boys will grow up to be something like him.  I wish they could have known him.  It was an honor knowing your son.

With Love,

Mike Carney and Family”

Please forward me the Special Fund information for his girls.

mikecarney@cox.net             480-659-5517

        I had the great pleasure to have G.W. as a friend growing up.  We shared some interesting moments through the years.  I remember one particular incident where we were at the mall with my mother and little brother, Bubba.  We got to experience one of the funniest things when my little brother, who was potty training at the time, decided to do so in the display at the "Best" catalog store.  I can remember talking about that story almost every time G.W. and I got  to see each other.

        G.W. was a great man, a great brother, a great athlete and a great friend.  He was a lot of things to a lot of people.  I had the opportunity to see G.W. as a lot of things in the time I knew him.  But the thing that I saw that he was the best at was being a father and a husband.  He never looked happier than when I saw him around Gina and the girls.  Being able to spend some moments with him at his home a few weeks ago was a blessing.  The soft smile on his face and seeing his eyes light up when he saw Gina, Kendra and Kellyn walk in the room was inspiring.  And I know now that he no longer has to suffer.  Nothing can take his smile away anymore.

        Gina, Kellyn, Kendra, De Ann, Gerald, Tyke and Jaime, I have been and will continue to pray for you.  Please know that I will always be here for you guys.

 To a great friend, enjoy eternal peace.

Rick Simmons

It's hard to imagine that I am never going to talk to G.W. again, that I won't pick up the phone and have him call out of the blue to share something exciting that is going on in his life or just to talk because it has been awhile.  Or that I won't pick up the phone to check in with him to see how he is doing in his fight over the last 14 months.  I knew when I talked to him a week before he left this world that it would be the last time we spoke and my heart broke.  I love G.W.  He was a kind, courageous and loving young man and I will miss him being in my life.

We met when he dated my daughter in college in Joplin and he touched my heart.  He came into our family and became a part of it as if he had always been there.  Even after their relationship ended ours didn't and I was able to meet Gina, who I liked immediately and knew that she was the girl that would make a perfect mate for him.  I always watched out for him and tried to make sure he was staying out of trouble and I knew she was solid and responsible and that she would keep him on the straight and narrow.  I remember when he told me "I think she is the one.", and shortly afterwards I got a wedding announcement.  After that the beautiful children.

We both had the same birthday and we felt that maybe that was why we became such good friends.  I don't know if it was that or just that he was the kind of person that anyone would be proud to call their friend.  Even in the midst of his own battle, he always took the time to ask me about my life and my family, and I know that he really cared what was going on.

He was so unselfish and such a fighter.  Over the last year I am so happy that he spent some really quality time with Gina and the girls as well as the rest of his family.
He loved all of you so much.

I don't know what else to say except my prayers are with all of you, and I wish there was more I could do to ease your pain.  The greatest comfort is knowing that he is at the right hand of God, and that he is still with us and watching over his family from his place in heaven with that wonderful smile of his cheering us on and helping you through your grief with his gentle spirit.  Let him be your quarterback and listen for him to call the plays because he will help you play this game called life.

With love and God's blessings!
Teddy Steen

I first met GW in 7th grade at Heights Jr. High.  GW always had the warmest smile and was always joking around and making everybody laugh.  I'll always remember GW as being an outstanding athlete and scholar.  He was probably the smartest person I've ever met.  I don't think there was anything he didn't know. 
 
One memory I have of GW was when we were in Mrs. Huntsman's Spanish class and GW had figured out a system to help everybody pass the Spanish tests.  Since he was by far the smartest person in the class we all trusted that he knew all the answers.  I probably would have never passed the class if it weren't for him.
 
Although I hadn't seen much of GW since high school, I had always kept track of him through mutual friends.  I am thankful that he had such a fulfilling life in the short time that he had here.  We will all miss you and you will always be in our hearts, our thoughts and our prayers.
 
To GW's family, my deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family during this difficult time.
 
Sincerely,
 
Kim Mitchell

There is nothing I can say about G-Dub that hasn't
been said, or that isn't already known by all those
who knew and/or loved him.  I had the pleasure of
spending quite a bit of time getting to know him just
before he met Gina and shortly afterwards.  Although I
have only had correspondence once in the past couple
years, I will miss him.

Gina, Kellyn, Kendra, Gerald, DeeAnn, and Tyke, I am so
very sorry for your (and the rest of this world's)
loss.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Respectfully,
Jon Calderone
480-200-8624
jmcnslc@yahoo.com

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of GW Posey as I hear about the news of his passing.  Although not a "personal friend", I knew of GW both in Junior High and High School.  And, besides, who didn't know "G-Dub"?  He had a magnetic personality and drew people to him.  With that characteristic smile, you could never tell what he was up to, but were always waiting to see.  I remember him as a kind and generous person, an extremely talented athlete, and one of those guys everyone looked up to.  He was a dynamic individual with a zest for life, and I know that he will be greatly missed, but remembered with the greatest of admiration.  I again extend my sympathy to his family, his precious wife, and those beautiful daughters.  Know that GW was a great man, even to those he never knew.
With deepest sympathy,
Krystal (Peters) Davis

I have known the Posey family since the days of little league baseball in Farmington.  Tyke, GW, and so many of us competed against each other for so many years.   In high school I can remember GW being such an awesome athlete and person.  Even though I did not have the close friendship that many people did with GW, I will not forget him.  He was one of the best to come out of Farmington!

Kerry Gabel

kgabel@dentonisd.org

I met Gina when Kellyn was just a few months old at our MOPS group.  That was about 3 years ago....instantly we found it so easy to talk to each, other and bonded because of our husband's crazy work schedules.  Over time as we got to know each other better, I had the pleasure of meeting GW.   What a great father!  He was always down on the floor playing with the kids....my two kids always wanted to go to 'Kellyn's house' to play with GW.   They absolutely adored him! 
 
I remember in the first year of our MOPS group, I was sitting next to Gina at a meeting and all of a sudden she said, 'oh my gosh, why is G-dub here?"  She jumped up and ran out to meet him, thinking something was surely wrong if he was showing up out of the blue.....A few minutes later she came back and sat down with a strange look on her face.  I asked her if everything was ok, and she said yeah, he just thought he'd come hang out with Kellyn.  WOW!  What a man!  I do believe he was the first and only father to do that in our group.  On another occasion, I was helping out with the kids and he showed up (yes, again) to help out, and the two of us were in the same room and he truly loved being around all those kids.  And they looked up to him......
 
In the last few months, GW took great pleasure in sitting in the living room and watching the girls run around....Kendra loves to run around and give kisses, she would run from person to person and in between each one she would run over to GW and throw her arms around him and kiss him...I will never forget how his eyes would light up!  And he got a kick out of her wrestling on the floor with her HUGE teddy bear.
 
My two kids ask each day about GW, they looked up to him and loved him.  And thanks to him, they love to say GO PACKERS!!
 
Gina, you are the most genuine person I know.  I am so glad we are friends, I love you and will ALWAYS be here for you, Kellyn and Kendra.  As always, I don't care what time it is, I am only a phone call away.
 
Kellyn and Kendra, You are my special girls!  I love you like my own and will always be here to help you both in any way I can.
 
Amy Coronado

P.S. -

I wanted to forward the information on the account that has been set up for Gina, Kellyn and Kendra. 
Deposits can be made at any Wells Fargo Bank, account # 9892137812. 
 
Amy Coronado
579-9834       440-4709

I met GW at Tyke’s bachelor party in June of 2000.  He was real easy to talk to.  I coached with Tyke for 1 year in Deming, New Mexico.  Tyke would always talk about GW.  After meeting GW, I could see why Tyke was so proud to have GW as a brother.  Again my deepest sympathy to Gina, Kellyn, Kendra, Tyke, Jamie and Mr. and Mrs. Posey.

David Jurado        david.jurado@demingps.org

I will always remember the smile, but most of all I will never forget that no matter where I saw you or how long it had been, you always had a great big bear hug for me.  To this day when the Carpenter's have a get-together, we usually have stories to tell about those "Posey boys".  You will forever be in our hearts, and your family will be in our prayers.

Philana (Carpenter) Thompson

I coached GW in track when he was at Missouri Southern.  Not many people knew that he threw the javelin here, but he did.  It was my first time to coach the javelin and GW had thrown it in high school, so we both learned from each other.  We watched lots of video and tried our best to get better.  The one thing I liked about working with GW is that he never complained, and was always willing to try something different.  It may not have been the result that he wanted, but he always gave it his best effort.  My prayers and thoughts are with you and the girls.  I am proud to have known GW.
 
Jamie Burnham
MSSU
I actually only spoke to GW a few times.  But, he obviously was an amazing man by having such an amazing influence on so many people.  The little I did converse with him, I will always remember.  It was Thanksgiving a few years back, and I was sitting alone in the living room watching a football game, when GW came in and sat down and started a conversation.  It was the first time I believe we had really met, but it was a very kind gesture, and right off I knew what kind of person he was.  I was glad to know he was saved, it'll give me a chance to know him better.  All I can offer is I'm sorry for the loss...And a song that will hopefully bring some comfort.
 
By: Blue Highway
   Some day
 

Some day when my last line is written

Some day when I’ve drawn my last breath

When my last words on earth have been spoken

And my lips are sealed in death:

 

Don’t look on my cold form in pity

Don’t think of me as one dead

It will just be the house I once lived in

My spirit by then will have fled.

 

I’ll have finished my time here allotted

But I won’t be in darkness alone

I will have heard from heaven

The summons to come on home.

 

And when my body is in the grave

Don’t think that I’ll be there

I won’t be dead, but living

In the place Jesus went to prepare.

 

And after all is said and done

Know that my last earnest prayer

Was that my loved ones be ready

Some day to meet me there.

 

Zach L. 

zackthezman@hotmail.com

 

It’s been years since I’ve seen GW, and it breaks my heart to hear of his passing.  GW always had a smile and a friendly comment for anyone.  Junior High and High School would not have been the same without him.  Just looking at the pictures shows what a wonderful father and husband he was.  

            The last time I saw GW was years ago in Farmington while home on leave.  When I saw him I realized that we were all grown up (I don’t often admit that).  He was working with the railroad and loving it.  He will be dearly missed by so many, and I want his family to know that he will be remembered by all that ever met him.  

            His wife and daughters are always in my prayers,

  Delena (DeeDee) Carmichael

 dturtled3@yahoo.com

  Naples, Italy

Dear GW,

We all miss you. 

How’s heaven? 

Have you played any football yet? 

So tell me, is God’s favorite NFL team the Green Bay Packers or is He wearing a Minnesota Vikings Jersey?  Just remember, the people wearing purple on earth may have been your rivals, but in heaven they will take care of you, even if they see you in green.

Do you have BBQ’s in heaven, or does it make the people who just barely got by the pearly gates a little nervous?

Are you playing with the kids up there like you did here?  Are you swinging them around over your shoulder, or getting down on the floor and letting them crawl all over you? 

I remember the first time I met you…

I met Gina at church and got to know her better through MOPS (Mother of Preschoolers).  What a wonderful woman.  One day this very good looking man came to MOPS and many heads turned to see who it was---that was the day that you, GW, decided to visit and "hang" with the preschoolers for a few hours.  What a first impression!  

I was able to get to know you more after you were diagnosed.  I knew what a great man you were by the relationship you and Gina had as husband and wife and as parents.  The many photos of your family in your home show your intense love for each other and for life.  You have created a life here on earth so full of love and laughter that it makes it that much more difficult not having you around.  Because of your life, we want to help Gina, Kellyn, Kendra and your family through this most difficult time.  Please help us and have the “Big Cheese” Himself guide us as we watch over them with you. 

When some people are first diagnosed with cancer, they make many changes in their lifestyle to get their priorities in order.  However, I noticed that you guys continued on with life as before while dealing with the illness.  This demonstrated to me that your relationships and priorities were in order ---and as best friends do---you moved forward together.

Gina continued to be our MOPS crafts coordinator, and while all of us would have understood if she quit—she amazingly did not.  She continued to be a part of our lives; taking time to create crafts, buy the materials and then share the ideas with us.  I knew what a special person you were by the wonderful woman you married.  In the midst of her personal chaos, she calmly organized and celebrated family birthdays.  She also celebrated birthdays, weddings and other happy events in the lives of other people (some of which you were able to join her) and continued to be a good friend when needed.  I remember when Norm was in the hospital for a few days in May, the first person to bring a home-made dinner when he returned home was Gina. 

GW, I want you know that Gina never complained about this unexpected turn of events.  She, like you, was so very gracious for everything, every little thing—and not far behind was a hand-made Thank You card—incredible.  She kept her head up, her thoughts positive and her faith alive.  She loved you unconditionally.  She loves you now.  This chapter of your life may be complete, but the book is still being written and your life will continue here on earth as stories are told, and your little girls grow.  You both have touched the lives of so many people, some you have never met.  They watched you live, saw you interact at church, worshipped with you, asked about you, and prayed for you.  At this young age you exemplified a man of strength, courage and wisdom during your battle with cancer.  You were an awesome husband and father, son and brother, son-in-law and brother-in-law and a forever friend to many.

Gina and the girls were so blessed to have you be part of their lives, and we thank them for sharing you with us.  Shed God’s Grace and Peace onto them.  Remind Gina often that her MOPS girlfriends and Lord of Grace congregation want to be there for her any day, any time.

Thank you, GW, for teaching us all about life!  Keep in touch the way Angels do.

Go Packers---and that’s from a Vikings fan!

Jynn Ehler

To two beautiful ladies,
     I want to tell you just how lucky you are to have a father as kind spirited and loving as he is.  You see...... I was told by my parents shortly after my grand-dad went to heaven that men and women like your father are longed for in the kingdom of the Lord, because Jesus becomes overjoyed when he gets to add another precious kind hearted soul to his team of Sky angels.  I bet you have never heard of Sky angels right?....well, Sky angels are angels that are responsible for the breath-taking beauty in our masterpiece sunsets that guide us home every evening when we are seeking comfort and love from our beloved families.  Pinks, purples, oranges, and blues wow!  I am so happy that your daddy is helping my grand-dad because sometimes I think just how tired grand-dad's hands must become and how he could use another team-mate like G. W.  Kellyn and Kendra, it is so rewarding knowing that your daddy is helping Jesus and his Sky angels, and I hope that you will get as much enjoyment from those works of art in our skies as I do.  May you be filled with the peace of the Lord, and the knowledge that you both are loved by so many.
Brandon and Karla Athey
Tucson, AZ.

I remember G.W. in high school as being a Leader. He was a leader in the classroom, a leader on the field, and as I have read, a leader in life.  I lost track of G.W. when he left for school, but over the years heard such great things.  My prayers go out to Gina, Kellyn, Kendra, and the Posey family.  Hold his smile with you everyday, and when the girls flash that grin when they get older.................  it's truly not their fault!  I'm sure the Daddy with wings had something to do with it.
 
with heart, and hands,

Jena ( Bailey ) Foller

 Douvoodo@houston.rr.com
 
May Christ and His Saints stand
between you and harm.
Mary and her Son.
St. Patrick with his staff.
Martin with his mantle.
Bridget with her veil.
Michael with his shield.
And God over all with His strong right hand.
 
(Irish Blessing)
I remember on Thanksgiving, Gerald and Dee Ann came to Poppy and Granny's with the boys.  G.W. was about 2 years old and I could see then that this young boy was charming, loving, and destined for great things.  I remember when G.W. and Tyke went deer hunting with their Poppy Posey and Uncle Joe.  They were both little guys then, but always big for their britches.  What a pair of young men who had outstanding gifts.  I remember going to watch the boys during their swimming meets when I visited Farmington.   G.W. always excelled in events, and what a people person.  My daughter, Chanda always wanted to be like him.  She saw him as a role model, someone she wanted to be like.  Although she did not know him very well, she had a lot of respect for him and the goals he accomplished, especially in sports.
We all send our prayers and thoughts to G.W.'s family, and may you all find comfort in knowing this young man is at home with God.  He will always be in our hearts.  May he live on through his daughters.
With Love,
Glenn and Jo Lynn Trammell,
Casey and Chanda Crandall,
Jody and Kelly Trammell, and
Dwight and Emmi Pirtle

The following message is intended for those whose life G.W. Posey touched:
Hearing and reading all of the wonderful comments from those whose lives GW touched has made me more cognizant of my own actions towards those I come in contact with.  In many instances it was a simple smile and hello from GW that made just as lasting of an impression on those he came in contact with, as he did on those who know him his entire life.

I learned more about the type of character GW was during the last 14 months of his mortal existence here on earth than I ever did growing up with him.  I could go on for days with all the special memories I have of the times I've spent with GW throughout Junior High, High School, and onto College, but I won’t.  Instead, for those of you who have had limited contact with GW over the past year, I would like to share some of my more recent memories of the times I've spent with GW and his family.

In reading each of the memories shared by those whose life GW touched, it occurred to me that many don’t know the events of the life he lived during his last 14 months.  I have so many personal memories of the times we spent together during his last 14 months.  I will always hold and cherish those memories in a special place in my heart.  I would like to share just a few of the less personal memories so that everyone will also understand the type of character GW was, even after being diagnosed with cancer.

Situational Awareness:
I was extremely impressed with how situationally aware GW was throughout his bout with cancer.  I remember a response which will stick in the back of my mind forever, when he was asked the question “How are you doing?” towards the end of his life here on earth.  His response was “I have terminal cancer.”  He said it with such strength and vigor in his voice that it testified to me the type of character GW was, and that he knew in his heart that his spirit was and is alive and well.

Thoughtful:
About 1 year ago, I spent a wonderful day sitting in the hospital by GW’s bedside while he was awaiting the doctor’s decision to perform surgery to remove a tumor on his brain. He and I watched a couple of football games on TV and spent the day reminiscing over old times spent together. While I was there in the room with him, he was more concerned with my level of comfort sitting in an uncomfortable hospital chair than the brain surgery that was scheduled to be performed on him the next morning.  This speaks volumes to the type of character GW was.  In between football games and while GW was napping, I had the opportunity to play Gina in Scrabble.  Yes, as many of you might have already guessed, she beat me.  She told me I gave her a run for her money, but somehow I doubt that.

Hooters:
Another memory I have of GW came a couple of months ago when I flew out to Tucson to visit him and his family.  I neglected to call his house when I landed and instead called his mom’s cell phone directly.  When I was about half way to his house, after his parents picked me up, he called to make sure I had arrived safely. (Once again he was always thinking of others even before himself.)  After arriving at his house that Friday night from the airport he said “Hey Rick, we’re going to Hooters tomorrow!”  The next day Gerald, Tyke, and I were sitting around waiting on GW to wake up from his afternoon nap so we could go to Hooters. After he had gotten out of bed and into his wheel chair, Gina pushed him into the living room, just as she always did, and asked him “Is there anything I can do or get for you?”  His response was “Yes, my shoes.”  That was our signal that he was feeling up to an afternoon out of the house eating hot wings and watching college football.  For those of you wondering how the scenery was at Hooters, it wasn’t so cherry; Tyke and I think they had their ‘B’ team working that afternoon.

Precious Moments:
Watching GW at his house interacting with his little girls this past year was truly wonderful.  I know deep in his heart he would have loved to have gotten out of his wheel chair, picked up his 2 girls, and held them tight in his arms.  It was a normal routine for Kellyn and Kendra to run over to GW to boast of their tiny accomplishments expecting to hear him say nothing other than, “Good Job!”  To this day I can still hear him saying those words, and I’m sure his girls can too.

Train Ride:
There were times when Kendra would get behind GW, while he was sitting in his wheel chair, and pretend to push him.  She knew that if she wiggled his wheel chair enough, he would start saying “Toot, Toot” to pretend with her that she was driving a powerful locomotive.  Little did she know that she was indeed driving a very powerful locomotive of a father figure who loved his wife and kids very much.

Frustrating Struggle:
For those of you who didn’t know, one of the common side effects of pressure on GW’s brain, caused by 1 or more tumors, was word substitution.  I had the opportunity to talk with him about it, and he said it was extremely frustrating because he knows what he wants to say, and thinks that is what he is saying, yet often times that wasn’t the case.  As time passed, it started to become more apparent to me that he was becoming less and less interested in talking for fear he wouldn’t communicate his thoughts accurately.  This, coming from a person who spent his life mastering everything he set out to accomplish, must have been very aggravating.  I quickly learned that if you just “rolled with” what he was saying he would be more open.  When just he and I were in a room together, he would be very conversational.  It brought me great satisfaction to know he trusted enough in me to communicate verbally, regardless of what words were actually coming out of his mouth.

Never Complained:
There were countless times when I would call GW to see how he was doing, and his response was never anything other than “Oh, I feel alright.”  This was his response even during the times when he was undergoing chemotherapy, which caused him to be very weak and nauseas.  Like Tyke said at the funeral service, you would never hear GW complain about any of the personal trials he was going through.  He was such a great example to me as he persevered through his 14-month battle with cancer.

Love Ya, Brotha:
I also wanted to share a fond memory; I witnessed so many of GW’s friends, who came to his house in Tucson to pay their respects, say to him.  I even found myself saying the very same thing I had heard so many others say to him before me.  After a day full of laughs and good eats, everyone who came to visit him would find themselves giving him one final hug, looking him in the eyes, and saying 3 little words, “Love Ya, Brotha.”  I think everyone would agree with me in saying, because of the amount of respect we all have for GW, we all truly loved him like a brother.

Lesson Learned:
As most of us have recently learned, we have little control over lengthening our lives no matter how much our loved ones or we want us to.  So don’t put off spending precious time with your family, friends, and loved ones, because tomorrow might be too late.

The following message is for GW:
Thank you for all the fond memories and good times over the years.  I’m thankful to have had such a good friend over so many years.  Not a day goes by that I don’t think about you and how you are doing. You are deeply missed here on earth, but I’m sure you’re much happier now that your body has been restored to the perfect state you spent so much time and energy obtaining.  I’m looking forward to our reunion in heaven.  Save me a place.

The following message is for Gina:
I want to personally thank you for opening your home up to so many of GW’s friends and family.  I know this past year hasn’t been easy for you, and you’ve done a good job hiding it.  You deserve to know that you're doing a wonderful job raising your 2 little girls on your own.  I hope they will one day understand and appreciate what a terrific mother you are, if they don't already.  I don’t know how you do it.  You are an inspiration to my family and me.  Thank you for being such a wonderful person.

Thinking of you always!  Love Ya, Brotha!

Rick Peterson
972-540-1225
rick@lokidog.com
McKinney, TX
Hi, everyone!
Kellyn and Kendra had a great time on Halloween... Kellyn was a butterfly, and Kendra was  a clown,
Take care,
Gina
The first time we met G.W. was in Tempe, Arizona when Gina was a student at ASU.  We enjoyed his quiet, gentle manner and his captivating smile!  His smile could "light up" any room!  We always looked forward to their visits especially after Kellyn was born.  G.W. was such a proud daddy.  He loved playing and dancing with her!
Over the past 14 months as G.W. battled with his illness, we never heard him complain.  His focus seemed to be on getting better so he could continue being the proud dad of Kellyn and Kendra and a great husband to Gina!  We were awed by the strength and courage both G.W. and Gina showed during this time.  We are so proud of both of them!
Our wish would have been to have G.W. in our family for a much longer time!  As we watch Kellyn and Kendra grow, run, and play, we see some of their "daddy" in them.  Kellyn's long and lanky limbs must come from her daddy.  The Fini's have short legs!  They both have his beautiful eyes!  Kendra is so fascinated with any kind of ball.  We know G.W. loved sports!  Kellyn and Kendra are quite agile for their ages - at the park, they are "monkeys" climbing apparatus other one and three-year olds don't dare!  We know they are both quite intelligent like their mommy and daddy.  We feel so fortunate to have Kellyn and Kendra as our granddaughters!

 

We miss G.W. but his spirit and memories of him will be with us forever.  We love you, G.W!

 

Love, Marilyn & Ray Fini

To the Posey Family:

My deepest apologies for not getting to you sooner with my condolences as I just have heard of the passing of G.W. while in Iraq.  I have read the site and believe that there is good cheer for all the lives that G.W. has touched in such a positive way.  I can remember the competitions both with and against Tyke and G.W. while in Farmington. The best memories I have of G.W. is playing basketball with him on the Junior Varsity team.  I was just a sophomore and G.W. was a year ahead of me.  He was known as the "enforcer" of the team and no one messed with his team mates either on or off the court.  He was a talented individual and one that you could always count on.  I am sure that he brought those same traits to his relationships with his wife and children.

Although we grieve for the life lost, we can all be thankful for the time spent with G.W.  I'm sure that mischievous grin of his is smiling down on his family, and he has told whichever guardian angel that used to watch the family to move on out because he's got that duty now.

God bless you all. You are in my prayers. 

Jason F. Roberts
CPT/EN
133rd Engineer Company (CSE)
Commanding
jason.f.roberts@us.army.mil

Dear Dee Ann, Gerald and Gina:

Several years ago after a football practice, I remember GW sitting in his truck listening to Hank Williams Jr., Today as I went to work, I heard Hank Williams’ “A Country Boy Can Survive” on the radio.  At that moment, I knew GW had passed away.  My feeling was confirmed when I arrived at work and checked my email.  I am truly sorry for your loss.

When a loved one passes, we rely on our memories of them and the memories that others have of them.  I know that GW and I were never close friends, but to this day, every time I hear a Hank Williams Jr. song, I think of GW.   One seemingly insignificant moment in High School has forever captured GW in my mind as an individual who understood the complexity of an artistic talent, that only as an adult I have been able to understand.   As I have grown older, I have found Hanks music to be quite extraordinary, and I can’t help but think that GW discovered and understood Hanks music at a much earlier age than I was able to.  I mention this as a way to express my belief that GW was way ahead of his time.   It is this uniqueness that the Lord finds extraordinary and seemingly calls these type of people home way too early.  I will always remember GW in that way, and hope you can find comfort that GW will be present in many memories, no matter how big or small.

God Bless You and Keep You.

With Best Regards,

Justin Miller   

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  Your whole family has much to be
proud of with the character that GW showed throughout his short stay
here.  We were all lucky to have known him and to be able to spend some
time with him.  Let me know if there is anything I can do.

Love,

Evan

I was fortunate enough to sit in GW's living room for 3 days this fall and
eat some Gerald senior burgers, and have some cold refreshments.  I was
fortunate to have been blessed with the friendship of GW Posey, who was all
but my own blood.  I'll truly miss the phone calls every time the train
stops in Lordsburg to see how my family was, or just to give me a hard
time.  I'll never forget the turkey bowls we played at the park on
Thanksgiving days, or the butt chewing he would give me for taunting him
with his mom's Knick Knacks.  I'll always remember how funny I thought it
was that he would try and keep us from us giving Militia (the dog) big
boy soda, and having a hang over the next day.  I'll never forget the
feeling I got when I used to go to the Posey house down in Valley Grande
either.  Tyke was a pain in everybody's tail, Gerald would scold me like
his own for cutting up, and Dee Ann treated me no different than my own
mamma.  It gives me great pleasure to know Gina and her family and the
privilege of seeing the girls grow with every season and every holiday.
Most of all I will never forget the way GW looked at his wife and kids in
those final days, and I hope that I will never take the greatest blessings
in life for granted again.  I love you MY BROTHER!  Rest in peace.  You
were an example for us all.

Mike McGaha

A letter to GW and Gina:

A number of years ago, I had the honor of giving the opening prayer at your wedding in Indianapolis.  A few years before your wedding, right after Gina graduated from high school, she and I partnered to make her first two parachute jumps together.  What a courageous young girl!

At your wedding, I couldn’t help thinking what a great partnership you two made - proud, strong, and exemplary.  Then as a great and loving married couple.  Not long after as wonderful, loving parents - both as father and mother - sharing, involved, and caring.

Your partnership, marriage, and fatherhood lasted far too short, GW, but your spirit, humility, and love for Gina, Kellyn, and Kendra will go on for decades and beyond.  GW, rest assured, Gina is a courageous young mother, and will carry you in her heart.  You and Gina are in our love and prayers.

God bless you all

Love, Uncle Vito and Aunt Arlene Lubes      

My brother, my friend, my hero. Man, was there not a thing he would not do for me or any of my friends. Maybe a smack in the face to humble us. But it was all for love and to be the best. He continually worried about myself and my job situation instead of the tasks he had at hand. Always out helping others and running his life at both ends. Hard not to like and love a guy that shoots ya straight no matter what is being talked about

I just hope that I can do him proud and be half the man he is. I know you are continually coaching me, and I appreciate it. Please lead me down your road, my brutha! I will do whatever I can do to take care of Gina and those girls to make sure they get the true gw feeling. Even though I am deeply saddened, I need to move on and get things done, just as you would have done. You touched many lives and will continue to through me and those beautiful girls, Kellyn, Kendra, and Gina. Keep watching over each other, as you have done so well. I just hope you know how much I love you, and how hard it is for my bro to be no longer here with me. 

Kellyn and Kendra- You have the best dad that any girl could ask for. He loved you dearly, and you were his pride and joy. He will be with you in mind and spirit for the rest of your days.

I love you my BRUTHA!

11/11/08

While I realize that I am four years behind, I felt compelled to express the impact G.W. had on my life.  I, like many people, met G.W. at Heights Junior High in the 7th grade.  I had just moved to Farmington and didn't know a soul.  It's difficult to move like that as a kid.  I didn't run in the same circles as G.W., but he was never pretentious, never condescending.  He treated everybody equally.

 
It always amazed me that he was able to get straight A's and be successful in football, or just about anything else that he tried.  To this day, with my own teenager, I think back to G.W., and wonder what his parents did to make him such a great person.  He was somebody that I truly admired and I will never forget him.
 
Aaron Gonzales