Gayland Airhart

    Graveside Services for Gayland Kent Airhart of Lamesa will be held at Dawson County Cemetery at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, January 10th with Bro. Dennis Adams officiating.  Arrangements are under the care of Branon Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at Branon Funeral Home. Gayland passed away on Friday, January 5th at the age of 78.
    Gayland was born in Lamesa, Texas on June 20, 1945, to James Edward (J.E.) and Pearl Airhart. He lived his entire life in Dawson County. Gayland graduated from Klondike High School in 1963, and then attended Howard County College. He married Donna Warren in 1964. They settled in the Sand Community west of Lamesa where they were involved in farming and ranching. Gayland was a devoted husband, father and uncle who was deeply involved in all of his children’s, grandchildren’s, nieces’ and nephews’ activities. He spent numerous hours traveling and attending football and basketball games as well as stock shows. Gayland was deeply loved and respected by his family and numerous friends.
    Gayland enjoyed playing softball, football, volleyball and basketball throughout his junior high and high school days and was an outstanding athlete. He won numerous trophies during his school term for his sportsmanship and athletic ability. He enjoyed playing on a local volleyball and softball team after high school and succeeded in playing volleyball at the State level for several years. He was successful in farming and enjoyed buying, selling, and raising cattle and involvement in cattle sales throughout Texas and New Mexico.
    Gayland was preceded in death by his wife Donna; his parents; and three brothers, Jimmy, Donald, and Quinton Airhart.
    He is survived by two sons, Kent and Brent Airhart; two grandchildren, Chloe Love and Slade Airhart; siblings Judy Everts of Lamesa and Glenda Shortes of Lubbock. He is also survived by too many nieces and nephews to count or name.
    Family suggests memorials to Friendship Baptist Church or a charity of your choice.
    To send condolences online, please visit www.branonfuneralhome.com.

– Press-Reporter obituary services