Gary Lloyd Frost

Gary Lloyd Frost, 80, of Dalhart, Texas, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on August 31, 2025. He was born February 9, 1945, in Clovis, New Mexico, to Lloyd Wilson Frost and Mary Helen Rose Frost. Gary grew up in San Jon, NM, where he graduated high school before earning a degree in Business Administration from Eastern New Mexico University. During this time, he also earned his private pilot’s license.

Gary proudly served his country as a U.S. Marine Corps pilot, flying the F-4 Phantom during the Vietnam War and achieving the rank of Captain. After five years of service, he was honorably discharged and returned home to begin his career in agriculture. He farmed for more than 50 years, first in San Jon and later in Dalhart, and also operated Frost Aviation, an agricultural spraying business. Flying remained a lifelong passion, and he served as a pilot for the U.S. Forest Service before retiring from flying at age 65.

On April 7, 1972, Gary married Carol, the love of his life. He lovingly adopted her children, Renee and Larry, raising them as his own. Together they also welcomed a son, Lyle, who they lost to cancer at just 18 months of age. Despite this heartbreak, Gary and Carol built a life grounded in faith, family, and hard work. Gary was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who taught his family by example, instilling values of responsibility, integrity, and perseverance.

Even into his later years, Gary remained active on the farm. He continued working the land and could often be found in the driver’s seat of his 800-horsepower Case International 715 tractor, a role he cherished until his illness this summer. Farming was not just his livelihood, but his calling. For the past 33 years, he was blessed to work alongside his trusted employee and friend, Curtis Steen, whose loyalty and dedication were a source of great strength and pride.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Carol; children, Renee (Glenn) Russ and Larry (Amy) Frost, grandchildren, Sara Mestas, Garett (Nikki) Mestas, Lance Frost, Kelsey Frost, Brie Russ, and Marisa Russ; two great-granddaughters, Sophia and Sadie Mestas; and brother Rex (Donna) Frost. He is also survived by extended family and many friends who will miss his steady presence and kind heart.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Lyle Frost; his granddaughter, Brooke Wallin; his brothers, Stanley Frost and Ronald Frost; and his sister-in-law, Bonnie Frost.

Services will be held at 1:30 PM Friday, September 5, 2025, at Liberty Baptist Church with Matt Moore and Rex Frost officiating. Burial will be held at 3:30 PM MST at San Jon Cemetery in San Jon, NM under the direction of Dalhart Funeral Home and Cremation Services.