Cary Robin Werts, age 58, died of accidental drowning in Tucson, AZ on Friday, May 30, 2014.

Cary was born March 13, 1956, in Davenport, IA to Roger and Charlotte (Mahoney) Werts. He was baptized and confirmed at Asbury United Methodist Church in Bettendorf, IA and lived there until 1971 when he moved with his family to North Platte, NE. Cary graduated from North Platte High School in 1974 then attended Mid-Plains Community College where he participated in theater and took law enforcement classes.

In 1975 Cary enlisted in the U.S. Marines, taking his basic training in San Diego, CA. On July 22, 1978, Cary married Susan Whisler in Leavenworth, KS and they had two sons. Cary served four years in the Marines then moved to Wyoming where he worked until he joined the U.S. Army, serving another 16 years. Cary was stationed in Germany for 3 years, Fort Campbell, KY and Ft. Leavenworth, KS.

He finished his military career at Ft. Leavenworth then worked in security at St. Mary’s College and completed barber school in Leavenworth. Cary later worked for the Kansas Department of Corrections in Lansing where he worked in security until he retired in 2008. He was a member of the VFW and the American Legion. Cary enjoyed and participated in distance running during his military service and after retirement.

Survivors include Cary’s sons, Nick (Becky) Werts, of Tucson and Vincent Werts, of Sugar Land, TX; a stepdaughter, Arlene (Paul) Salinas, of Sugar Land, TX; his mother, Charlotte Werts, of North Platte; a sister, Peggy (Dana) Mackey, of Fremont, NE; three brothers, Gary (Diana) Werts, of Bettendorf, IA, Tary (Diana) Werts, of Cheyenne, WY and Bary Werts, of North Platte. He also has a grandson, Jeremiah Werts, of Tucson; three step-grandchildren, Nicholas, Grace and Judah Salinas, of TX; and several nieces, nephews and other family.

Cary was preceded in death by his wife, Susan; his father, Roger Werts; maternal grandparents, John Francis Mahoney and Cora Mahoney McKinley and step grandfather, Chester McKinley; paternal grandparents, Harvey and Artie Werts; and his father and mother-in-law, Ralph and Ruth Whisler.

Cremation was chosen. A memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 3, 2014, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Pastor Cathy Cole officiating. Inurnment with military honors will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. The memorial book may be signed prior to the service or at odeanchapel.com. Memorials are suggested to the 20th Century Veterans’ Memorial. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.