He was born September 5, 1949 in Long Beach, CA to Clifford and Roberta (Wirth) Elmore. He married Karen Althardt on September 8, 1973 in Collinsville, IL; they shared 47 wonderful years of marriage. She survives and resides in Caledonia, MI.
Together, they had one son, Michael (Nicole) Elmore; four grandchildren, Austin (McKenzie), Breanna, Cameron and Mackenzie; and one soon-to-be great-granddaughter, Scarlett, daughter of Austin & McKenzie; his mother, Roberta Elmore; brother, James Elmore; in-laws, Dr. Ron and Carole Althardt, Marilyn and Robert Krauss; nephew, James (Laura) Althardt; nieces, Dawn (Matt Kordelski) Elmore, Lisa (Gary) Hoelscher, Amy (Brian) Ellis, Julie (Rob) Bilbruck, as well as numerous great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.
Gary was preceded in death by his father, Clifford Elmore; sister-in-law, Becky Elmore; and nephew, James Elmore.
Gary graduated from Southern Illinois University. He proudly served in the United States Navy, which included two tours in Vietnam. He most recently retired from Frito-Lay as the District Manager. Prior to his work with Frito-Lay, Gary was a Vice President of Colonel Days, Sagebrush Stores. He was devoted to his work, and it showed through the multiple awards he earned over the years. In 2013, Gary earned the Frontline Leadership of Excellence Award as the Sales District Leader in Mid-America. In 2014, he was the recipient of the Ring of Honor Award, which included a trip for Gary and Karen to New York, where he was presented his honorable award at the Pepsico Headquarters. In 2016, Gary was recognized with the Grow Talent Award with Mid-America. Gary had an outstanding work ethic, which was recognized and appreciated by all who knew and worked alongside him throughout the years.
Gary was a dedicated and loving family leader, who always made himself available to anyone in need. His sense of humor, ready smile and caring spirit made him a special treasure who will be greatly missed, but whose memories will endure forever.
He was a prior and longtime member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Collinsville, IL, and since moving from the area, a devoted member of St. Mark Lutheran Church in Kentwood, MI.
Memorial donations may be made to Holy Cross Lutheran Church (Facelift 2021) in Collinsville, IL, St. Mark Lutheran Church in Kentwood, MI, or to the Wounded Warrior Project. Additional condolences may be sent to the family through this online guestbook.
VISITATION: A visitation for Gary will be held on Monday, April 26, 2021 from 10:00 A.M.- 12:00 P.M. at Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview Heights, IL.
SERVICE: A funeral service will immediately follow the visitation, at 12:00 P.M. Interment will be at Lake View Memorial Gardens.
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