Gary Lee Risdon

MISSOULA ~ Gary Lee Risdon, 86, of Missoula, went to be with the Lord surrounded by his loved ones on Monday, November 10, 2025. He enjoyed reading his Bible, jigsaw puzzles, and collecting stamps, but his greatest passion was studying and translating New Testament Greek.

He was born January 6, 1939, in Denver Colorado to Herman and Ardith Risdon. He spent his childhood on a farm in Golden, Colorado and graduated high school in 1957. Gary graduated Westmont College, Santa Barbara California in 1963 and received his master's in theology from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1967.

He married Christine Thomas on June 8, 1964, in Denver Colorado. They lived in Colorado, Texas and California before landing in Missoula in 1987 where he was an interim pastor for various churches in the area. They were married 61 years in June, and their marriage was a testament to their love of God and of each other.

Gary is survived and dearly missed by his wife Christine and his brother Dale, his two sons Richard (Lisa) and David (Vi), his three grandchildren Shandra (Kelly), Shelby and Nathan, and two great grandchildren Vallon and Rigby. He is preceded in death by his parents Herman and Ardith.

Memorial service will be held at Lolo Community Church on November 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

Arrangements are under the care of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory in Missoula.