Gary Steven Lykins

Gary Steven Lykins went to be with his Lord on Tuesday morning, November 16, 2021. In the two weeks before his death he was cared for by his loving wife, Sharon, at their home and at Christopher House. While at home on hospice he was thrilled to be given a private in-person concert from his favorite gospel group. He also had many visitors, and if awake Gary would bless them with his giant smile and request a hug.

Gary was born on March 14,1957 to his beloved parents, Al & Joan Lykins. As a newborn, Gary had health difficulties requiring surgery; it was a miracle he survived. He grew up in Austin and attended Maplewood Elementary, Pearce Junior High and Reagan High School graduating in 1975. He attended Concordia Lutheran College where he performed in the concert choir. He was very active in First Evangelical Free Church in his youth and also as an adult. Gary worked with his father, Al Lykins, in the Records Research business for many years, taking over the business when his father retired.

It was at a choir concert performed by their two churches, when Gary met Sharon Hardage. Her first words to him were “you sing too loud!”, which he took as a compliment. They married on June 14,1980. Gary and Sharon enjoyed traveling during their forty-one years together. For the last fourteen years Gary and Sharon have been devoted fans of the Southern Gospel Group, Ernie Haase and Signature Sound (EHSS), attending their concerts across the US. The relationships that developed over the years between EHSS and Gary and Sharon became very close, Gary considered them family.

Gary is survived by his wife of 41 years, Sharon Lykins; his father, Al Lykins; his sister, Cheryl (Bill) Hayes; a niece,Tamra (Jerry) Bean; a nephew Duane (Jennifer) Milligan; great nieces and great nephew Casey, Loryn, Kirstyn, Hayley, Maxwell and Madyn, a great great niece, Harper and a great great nephew, Damien, and his brother-in-law Jim Hardage. Gary was preceded in death by his mother, Joan Lykins and by his great nephew Mason Milligan.

I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day. (2 Timothy 1:12)

A visitation for Gary will be held Monday, November 22, 2021 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78752. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at 2:00 PM, 6100 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78752. A graveside service will occur Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at 3:00 PM at Cook-Walden/ Capital Parks Cemetery, 14501 North IH-35, Pflugerville, Texas 78660.

Serving as pallbearers are Jim Hardage, Ronny Smith, Greg Hees, Eric Colson, Duane Milligan, Chueh Kable and Ronnie Pearson.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com for the Lykins family.