Gary Joseph Cyrex

Gary Joseph Cyrex, 78, of Gonzales, Louisiana, passed away Monday, June 24, 2024 after a brief illness. Gary was born on April 14, 1946 to Richard and June Cyrex in Chicago, Illinois, where he resided until he moved to Louisiana as an adult. Gary married his first wife, Linda and they had two children, Jennifer and Rachel. Gary loved his girls and shared his love of music with them, as well as with countless band students at Gonzales Middle School, where Gary taught band. His love of music encompassed more than the instruments that make up a typical band, and among his other degrees, Gary held a Master’s degree in Renaissance Lute Music. Gary married his third wife, Frances Patricia Hardy, on July 17, 1999. Together they participated in the Caledonian Society, where Gary learned to play the bagpipes. Gary’s knowledge of history was extensive, and he loved to find out details of historical events. He participated for a number of years in Civil War reenacting and helped bring pieces of history to life for others. In his retirement, Gary enjoyed gardening and experimented with growing all kinds of vegetables and herbs for his cooking. Gary was an accomplished woodworker, and made many things over the years including detailed dollhouse mansions for his girls. Gary’s parents and brother Doug preceded him in death. Gary is survived by his wife, Pat, his children Jennifer Polk (Aaron) and Rachel Tyrone, his stepchildren John Rentz (Darcy) and Melanie Dixon (Michael), his nieces Susan, Randee, Laura, Amy, and Aaron and nine grandchildren, Jacob, Abigail, Brayden, Jared Jr, Malory, Jace, Griffon, Sydney, and Mia. Family and friends are invited to attend to the visitation which will be held at Ourso Funeral Home, 13533 Airline Hwy., Gonzales, LA., on Friday, July 5, 2024 from 2:00pm-3:30pm. A Celebration of Gary's Life will follow at 3:30pm.