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Gary Lynn Almond, 77, of Prairie Village, Kansas, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2026.
A memorial service was held at 2:00 p.m. on July 5, 2026, at St. Martin in the Fields, 1501 Edwardsville Dr., Kansas City, KS 66111. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the ASPCA. |
Gary was born on October 20, 1948, in Garnett, Kansas, to Clifford Ray Almond and Freda Lenora Frevert Almond, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Roberta Burns. He is survived by his brother, Don Almond.
Gary proudly served his country in the United States Army after being drafted during the Vietnam War. His military service was something he carried with quiet pride throughout his life.
After returning home, Gary built a career as an auto mechanic. If it had an engine, there was a good chance he could figure out what was wrong with it—and probably tell you a story while he was fixing it. He took pride in honest work, solving problems, and helping others keep life moving.
Gary shared his life with his beloved wife, Jan, and together they built a family that was the center of his world. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Jan Almond; his children, Kathryn Hicks, Jennefer (Ron) Weil, Brian (Lisa) Almond, Dana Almond (Marcus Johnson), and Dawn (Brian) Haskell; his grandchildren, Cameron, Connor, and Aidan Hicks; Ben, Braeden, and Brice Almond; Alivia Johnson; Renee Dingman; Leah Jonas; and Tayla and Chloe Haskell; and his great-grandchildren, Daisy and Wiley Hicks.
Gary never met a card game he didn’t want to join or a fishing hole he didn’t want to try. He enjoyed playing cards, dominoes, trying his luck at video poker, and spending time outdoors with a fishing pole in hand. He was also an active member of the Jaycees, where he enjoyed serving his community and making lifelong friendships. His loyal pets, Mischief and Shadow, were never far from his side and brought him countless smiles over the years.
Gary will be remembered for his quick wit, easygoing nature, and ability to find humor in everyday life. He loved good company, a little friendly competition, and making memories with the people he loved. Whether gathered around the card table, swapping stories, or simply enjoying time with family, Gary had a way of making ordinary moments special.
Although his family will miss him deeply, they take comfort in remembering a life filled with laughter, love, hard work, and countless stories that will be shared for generations to come. In Gary’s honor, his family encourages those who knew him to spend time with loved ones, cast a fishing line, shuffle a deck of cards, or simply enjoy a good laugh—because that’s exactly what he would have wanted.
Gary proudly served his country in the United States Army after being drafted during the Vietnam War. His military service was something he carried with quiet pride throughout his life.
After returning home, Gary built a career as an auto mechanic. If it had an engine, there was a good chance he could figure out what was wrong with it—and probably tell you a story while he was fixing it. He took pride in honest work, solving problems, and helping others keep life moving.
Gary shared his life with his beloved wife, Jan, and together they built a family that was the center of his world. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Jan Almond; his children, Kathryn Hicks, Jennefer (Ron) Weil, Brian (Lisa) Almond, Dana Almond (Marcus Johnson), and Dawn (Brian) Haskell; his grandchildren, Cameron, Connor, and Aidan Hicks; Ben, Braeden, and Brice Almond; Alivia Johnson; Renee Dingman; Leah Jonas; and Tayla and Chloe Haskell; and his great-grandchildren, Daisy and Wiley Hicks.
Gary never met a card game he didn’t want to join or a fishing hole he didn’t want to try. He enjoyed playing cards, dominoes, trying his luck at video poker, and spending time outdoors with a fishing pole in hand. He was also an active member of the Jaycees, where he enjoyed serving his community and making lifelong friendships. His loyal pets, Mischief and Shadow, were never far from his side and brought him countless smiles over the years.
Gary will be remembered for his quick wit, easygoing nature, and ability to find humor in everyday life. He loved good company, a little friendly competition, and making memories with the people he loved. Whether gathered around the card table, swapping stories, or simply enjoying time with family, Gary had a way of making ordinary moments special.
Although his family will miss him deeply, they take comfort in remembering a life filled with laughter, love, hard work, and countless stories that will be shared for generations to come. In Gary’s honor, his family encourages those who knew him to spend time with loved ones, cast a fishing line, shuffle a deck of cards, or simply enjoy a good laugh—because that’s exactly what he would have wanted.