Gary L. Pirtle, 75, of Glen Ellyn, died March 12, 2015.

He served our nation for 45 years. The first 20 years he was a member of the U.S. Air Force. He served across the globe including on Tactical Air Command’s Inspector General Team and as non-commissioned officer in command of all security forces at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. After retiring as a highly decorated Senior Master Sergeant, he served 25 years as a security expert with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. After 9/11, he helped ensure that nuclear plants in the Midwest were secure from possible terrorist attacks.

As a young man, Gary was an amateur boxing champion. He was the first person in his direct family history to attend college earning both a bachelors and masters degree with the highest honors.

He is survived by his wife Victoria; his sons, attorney Alan (Cathy) Pirtle of Columbia, and veterinarian Roger (Layla) Pirtle of DuQuoin; grandchildren John, William, Fatima, Michael, and Timothy Pirtle; his brother Herb Pirtle; along with nieces, nephew, cousins and in-laws.

Gary was preceded in death by his first wife Rita (Whitehouse), with whom he had his three children. He is also predeceased by his daughter Sharon and his parents Glenn and Wilma Pirtle, nee Vance.

A memorial service will take place at 10 a.m. March 21 at Shipman Funeral Home in Bismarck, Mo.

A burial ceremony take place at noon at the Masonic Cemetery in Bismarck, where he will be interred next to his first wife, daughter, and parents.

Memorials may made to the American Lung Association or the Morton Arboretum in Lisle.