CARSON COUNTY, Texas (KFDA) – Friends and family of Linda and Gary Lightfoot speak out about the couple after they went missing Thanksgiving Day and were confirmed dead on Tuesday.
Linda and Gary were reported missing by family on Nov. 27 after failing make it back home to Lubbock.
Officials say there were confirmed sightings of the couple until Tuesday.
Quay County deputies followed a lead where they found the couple’s Toyota Camry near a ranch west of Tucumcari.
Quay County deputies confirmed they were dead at the scene.
We had the opportunity to speak to friends and family about who Linda and Gary were as the story has reached national attention.
The family says Linda and Gary showed love to everyone and was strong in their faith.
Linda showed her love by sending friends and family cards for each holiday.
They say she was upbeat and often used phrases like ‘ain’t it grand’ and described everyday as ‘fabulous’ no matter what.
Friends, family honor the life of Linda & Gary Lightfoot(Barbara Scheller)
Now the family says Gary was a U.S. veteran and proudly served his country before graduating college and joining law enforcement.
Gary served as a captain in Taylor County, Texas in the Criminal Warrant Division, and even worked alongside the U.S. military to train police forces overseas.
He even received a Captain of the Year award for exceptional leadership.
The family says Gary served as police chief in Littlefield from 1993 to 2003 and left his mark on the communities he touched.
A former neighbor, who became like family, says their son used to dress in his officer outfit to visit Gary and listen to stories about his time in law enforcement.
Gary was known to be an exceptional craftsman and did a multitude of wooden carvings.
Friends, family honor the life of Linda & Gary Lightfoot(Barbara Scheller)
The following is the full statement from the family:
Gary and Linda Lightfoot Charles “Gary” Lightfoot, Gary (82) and his wife Linda (81) went missing en route from Panhandle to Lubbock after celebrating Thanksgiving and remains were found 5 days later leaving behind a legacy of love and devotion. Linda and Gary Lightfoot were genuine and kind people. Mr. Lightfoot was a United States Veteran who proudly served his Country, inspiring countless others with his selfless dedication. He attended Hardin-Simmons University and served Taylor County, Texas as a Captain in the Criminal Warrant Division, earning the respect and admiration of his peers. In 1985 he was awarded the Captain of the Year for his exceptional leadership. Gary was a law enforcement officer for the Lamb County Sheriff’s Office, protecting and serving his community with courage and compassion. He worked alongside US military in Bosnia and Kuwait to train their police forces. He served as Littlefield Police Chief from 1993 to 2003, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those he touched. Gary was a not only highly regarded retired law enforcement officer, but he was also a self-taught wood craftsman. He could do just about anything with a scroll saw. He created wooden carved farm animals, crosses and anniversary carving for wedding anniversaries. (Photos)Linda worked in Abilene for an oil and gas company, then later in banking. Linda enjoyed giving cards and gifts for Easter, Christmas, birthdays and Valentines. She was known for her delicious Neiman Marcus cake. She always said “ain’t life grand!” She counted every blessing and every day as “fabulous”. Linda had her fireplace burning year-round no matter the temperature outside. In Lubbock, Gary and Linda attended Southside Church of Christ. They showed great love to neighbors, friends and family. They would load up every morning no matter the season to take their cherished dog Dixie to run around at the park. As we mourn a great loss, we take away the importance of being prepared while traveling, even short distances, which may save lives in the future. The family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Sace Hardeman, Carson County Sheriff’s office, Panhandle Police Department, the Texas Rangers, Quay County Sheriff’s department, and the New Mexico State Police for your continuous efforts throughout the weekend searching our family members. Although it was not the outcome we had hoped for, it is evident everything that could be done was done. The outpouring of love and support from so many people across Texas, NM and many other states encouraged us. Thank you for your love and prayers. We will cherish the memories we shared. They leave behind one son, Gregg, of Lubbock, her sister, Barbara and husband Waylon, in Panhandle, nieces and nephews.
The family says while they are mourning a great loss, their hope is that this devastating incident brings awareness on the importance of preparedness while traveling even short distances.
They go on to say they hope Linda and Greg’s story will help save lives in the future.
Gray and Linda leave behind their only son Greg in Lubbock, Linda’s sister and her husband Barbara and Waylon, and several nieces and nephews in Panhandle.
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