Gary Paul Vallandingham

Gary Paul Vallandingham lived a wonderful life with his family and passed away on March 16, 2025. Gary is survived by his wife Sharon Vallandingham, Daughters Kara Clary (Matthew Clary) and Kelli Essenpries (Robert Essenpries) and his 3 grandsons Ethan Clary (Kaitlyn Clary) Elliot Clary and Emery Clary.

Gary was born in Hollywood, California on April 25, 1943. He grew up in Renton, Washington with his parents Paul and Margaret Vallandingham. He graduated from Renton High School in 1961. Gary had a short time of service in the Marine Corp Reserves. He married Sharon in December 1964. During their 60 years together they raised 2 daughters and were blessed with 3 grandsons. Gary moved to Yelm in 1976 to manage a family business, Jayhawks Inc. He continued his retail career working for the Tahoma Valley Golf Course and Sunbirds Shopping Center. Gary knew everyone in Yelm, when Yelm was still small. He loved to golf with friends. He was also an avid sportsman who loved boating, fishing, crabbing and shrimping on Hood Canal. Gary was a dedicated family man who attended every sporting event his daughters or grandsons competed or participated in. Gary will be missed by so many who were lucky to call him family or friend.

There will be a celebration of life service for him on Saturday, March 29th at 3:00pm at the Lake Lawrence Lodge. In lieu of flowers please make any donations in his name to Prosthetics Restoration Project care of Sound Prosthetics 530 Lilly Rd SE Olympia, WA 98501. Arrangements provided by Mills and Mills Funeral Home and Memorial Park.