Gary Lee Hacker

Gary Lee Hacker, 84, of Tuscola, passed away Sunday, November 17, 2024 in Abilene

 Gary was born in Denver, Colorado, to Lena and Andrew Hacker on November 28, 1939. He attended schools in Denver, Kit Carson, Colorado, Pittsburg, Kentucky, and Middle Park High School in Granby, Colorado. He received degrees from the University of Colorado (B.A.), Denver University (M.A.), and Baylor Law School (J.D.). He married Aleta Szemcsak on November 14, 1975, in Waco, Texas. In August 1983, Gary became the proud father of Andrew John Hacker, and in August 2016, the proud grandfather of Eva Raine Hacker.

 Gary, a 1963 University of Colorado ROTC graduate, served 11 years in the United States Army, two of which were in Vietnam (1968 and 1972), where he was awarded an Air Medal for Valor, and four Bronze Stars, one of which was also for Valor. In 1974, he resigned from the Army as a Major to enter law school. After law school, Gary worked in the Abilene City Attorney’s Office and in the Taylor County District Attorney’s Office. In 1978, he joined with C.G. Whitten, David Cobb and Lee Haag to form the Whitten Law Firm in which he practiced law until his retirement in 2015.

 Gary was preceded in death by his parents; son, Andrew Hacker; brother-in-law, Daniel Dixon. 

 Gary is survived by his beloved spouse, Aleta; granddaughter, Eva; sister, Renee Dixon, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.

 Memorials may be made to the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene, 7457 W. Lake Rd., Abilene, Texas 79601