LDS Army soldier dies during second Iraq tour of duty
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A returned missionary who loved education, his family and the soldier's life died Feb. 22 during his second tour of duty in Iraq.
Killed was:
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Gregson Glenn Gourley, 38.
A Utah native and a lifelong Church member, Brother Gourley died along with several other American soldiers when a roadside bomb detonated, destroying their vehicle. He is survived by his wife, Collette Hansen Gourley, and their four children, Austin,10: Brandon, 5; Colton, 3; and Alexa Layne, 3 months.
Brother Gourley's father, Jerome Gourley, told the Church News that his son had been "a feisty kid" who overcame speech difficulties early in his life and developed into an excellent student, eventually earning a pair of associate degrees.
"(Gregson) had a lot of persistence — a lot of 'stick-to-itivness,' " Jerome Gourley said.
An Eagle Scout, Gregson Gourley continued to work hard and develop his skills while serving in the Pennsylvania Harrisburg Mission, 1987-1989. When he returned home he married and joined the Utah Army National Guard, serving during Operation Desert Storm.
Finding the military to his liking, Brother Gourley later joined the regular army and participated in airborne and Special Forces training. He also became a squad leader, teaching his valuable soldiering skills to others. Brother Gourley received numerous military awards and citations, including the Meritorious Medal, Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.
"He was a good soldier and a good marksman — he taught numerous courses," Jerome Gourley said. "He loved what he was doing and loved the guys he was with."
Brother Gourley worked hard so his wife could stay home with their growing family. Jerome Gourley said he and his wife, Judy, often marveled at their well-behaved grandchildren who were being raised in a home of love and obedience.
The children "had a lot of respect for their dad," he added.
The Church also played an integral role in Brother Gourley's life. He served in numerous Church positions, including a calling in the elders quorum presidency in the Hopkinsville Ward, Hopkinsville Kentucky Stake.
Funeral services were scheduled for March 3 in Midvale, Utah.
