Garry Von Byington, age 89, of Clinton, Missouri passed away on Friday, October 4, 2024 at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri.
Garry was born on September 20, 1935 to Marion and Nettie Byington at their home near Riverview, Nebraska. He was raised on a farm in KeyaPaha County on the Niobrara River. He was the youngest child in the family with three sisters, Miriam, Eunice, Donna and a brother, Don. He has shared many stories of his farm life and mischievous years that he shared with his surviving cousins, Lonnie, Ben, Judie and Joy. He graduated high school from Rock County High School in Bassett, Nebraska. He joined the Army in June of 1954 and served honorably during the Korean War in Korea and Germany as a Specialist.
Following his discharge from the Army, he lived on the farm with his wife Millie and raised their four daughters, Vonnetta, Candy, Tammy and Jo Ellen. Garry continued to farm and serve his community as KeyaPaha County Commissioner until 1970.
Garry moved to North Platte, Nebraska and was a manager at several businesses. He met the love of his life and married Mary Burnside on February 14, 1990. Upon his retirement, the two traveled the country and managed RV parks. Their favorite being Rocky Top RV Park in Warsaw, Missouri where they made many friends and memories.
After Mary’s death in 2009, Garry moved to Florida where he enjoyed helping others with yard work. Garry then moved back to Missouri in 2021 where he enjoyed fixing up his home, yard, and flower gardens, as well as spending time with family and friends.
Garry is survived by daughters (and families) Vonnetta, Tammy and Jo Ellen, step-daughter Donna, step-son Robbie and five grandchildren; David, Jennifer, Cassandra, Sam and Augie; along with his step-grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Garry was preceded in death by his wife Mary, his mother and father; his sisters, Eunice Crotty, Donna Deweese and Miriam Davis; brother, Don Byington; daughter, Candy Byington; and step-daughter Debbie Carpenter.
Garry was loved and treasured by all those whose lives he touched and will be missed by all. Garry told his family in the last days of his life, “I’ve a good life of 89 years, was loved by many, so I must have done something right.”
Funeral services were held October 19, 2024 at the Vansant-Mills Chapel, Clinton, MO with Pastor Mike Vaughn officiating. Special music included “When the Saints Go Marching In and Little Brown Church In the Vale.” The casket bearers were Dale Mahue, Barriner Moreland, Augie Wilkens, Jeremy Moreland, Paul Wilkens and Sam Zaccone. Interment was in National Cemetery, Warsaw, MO. Military honors were under the direction of VFW Post 1894 and the US Army.
Services were under the direction of Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, MO.
