Gary Eugene Zesch of Mason passed away November 16, 2025. Gary was born in the Fredericksburg Hospital on September 27, 1943, to Jimmie and Edith Kothmann Zesch.  He grew up on the original Zesch family ranch settled by his great-great grandfather in 1856.  Gary married Carole Ann Bodenhamer on May 27, 1962.

Gary attended school at Mason Elementary and Mason High School, graduating on Friday night and marrying his sweetheart on Sunday afternoon. In 1964 at the age of twenty, he opened the sixth Pizza Hut in the State of Texas, becoming the youngest franchisee in Pizza Hut history.  Over the next forty-five years, Gary opened and operated numerous Pizza Huts and other restaurants in Texas and Kansas. Upon moving back to Mason in 1967, he was able to return to ranching and the life he loved. Gary and Carole shared a love of hunting and fishing, and they were fortunate to be able to travel to many foreign countries to hunt and vacation. Gary was a devoted father, grandfather and great grandfather, who loved to share his passion of the outdoors, ranching, hunting, and fishing with his family.

Gary was active in many community organizations and served as President of the Mason ISD Board, Chairman of Mason County Appraisal District Board, President of Mason Jaycees, and County Chairman for West Texas Boys Ranch. He organized the first Mason County Republican party primary in 1978 and served for many years as County Chairman. Gary also served many years as a volunteer Deputy Sheriff donating untold hours of his time to the citizens of Mason County. He was an active member of River of Life Church where he worshipped his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Gary was preceded in death by his father and mother Jimmie and Edith Zesch, his grandson Joshua Kyle Zesch, and brother-in-law's: Billy Kothmann, Larry Thompson, Tom McGlathery and his longtime Pizza Hut buddy Floyd Bergen.

Gary is survived by his loving wife Carole, his children Roy and Julie Zesch, Rae Ann and Glen Martin. a sister Cindy Zesch Thompson, of Munday, TX, sisters-in-love Marsha Kothmann and Sheryl McGlathery, brother-in-love Lee Bodenhamer, Grands:  Roy and Julie's children: Julia Ann "Annie" (Fidel) Huerta, Jenny (Justin) McClure, Patty (Gino) Bua, Joy, Jimmie, Michael (Sadie), Matthew, Stella and Amy Zesch; Rae Ann and Glen's children:  Chama (Ian) Schaefer, Sierra (Austin) Nauman, Aspen, and Dakota Martin.  Great Grands: Kaylin, Kennedy, and Kambry McClure, Eleanor and Caroline Bua, Benson, Mack, and Miller Schaefer, Slaton, Stockton, and Stratton Nauman.

Pallbearers: Jimmie Zesch, Michael Zesch, Matthew Zesch, Justin McClure, Ian Schaefer, and Austin Nauman.

Honorary pallbearers:  Mike Dail, Tommy Durst, Don Grote, Sam Morris, Don Morris, Mike Oliphant, Tim Schmidt, Dr Michael Keller, Larry Lehmberg, Clinton Gamel, Earl Koch, and Joe Estill.

The family would like to thank all those that have helped Gary and Carole over the years. Having physical assistance with loading his walker or wheelchair and helping him stand up was such a blessing, especially to Carole. However, what meant the most to Gary were those who went out of their way to visit and ask how he was doing. The love you all showed Gary and Carole throughout the years will last a lifetime!

Memorial service will be held Wednesday Nov 19 at 11am at River of Life Church 217 E College Mason, TX 76856

In lieu of flowers please send donations to River of Life Church https://rolmason.org/ or Mason Volunteer Fire Department

Online condolences may be sent to the family at masonfuneralhome.net