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Gary Kmet Obituary

Gary D. Kmet VIRGINIA BEACH - Gary D. Kmet died Nov. 2, 2010. He was born Dec. 24, 1943 to Whitey and Katie Kmet of Wayne, Mich. After graduating high school, Gary proudly served in the United States Navy. A decorated Vietnam veteran, he retired 20 years later as a chief petty officer in Virginia Beach. Gary then spent the next 24 years of his life as a letter carrier at Sea Pines Post Office, a career that he truly loved. Gary was preceded in death by his father, Whitey. He is survived by his mother, Katie; Jan, his wife of 43 years; son, Christopher and wife Kristy; son, Jason; daughter, Kirsten and husband Nat Dog; grandchildren, Jon, Charles, Sarah, and Caroline; sisters, Rose, Edna, Kathy, Terri, Eva; brothers, Charles, Butch, Bob, Tony, Frank, John, and Marvin. Our family would like to extend special thanks to all of our friends and the health care providers for their care and devotion to Gary and our family. Friends are invited to join the family in celebration and remembrance of Gary's life at Kellum Funeral Home, 601 N. Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach, on Sunday, Nov. 7. Reception will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and a memorial service officiated by the Rev. Julia Ashby and the Rev. James Medley will be held in the chapel at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Gary's name can be made to the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, 777 North Capitol NE, Suite 403, Washington DC, 20002. Condolences can be made at www.kellumfuneralhome.com.

Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Nov. 6, 2010.
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Memories and Condolences
for Gary Kmet

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Another year has gone by without Gary, but his kindness and laughter I can still hear will always be with us, I will never forget how he took care of me in our Vietnam days, he was like an older brother to me.

Jerry Novak

November 1, 2012

Chris, I know it has been a long year for you, but during these last months have thought often about Gary and our ship's tour. I only wish I had interest in earlier years of the internet and its possibilities to have contacted Gary before his sickness. Thinking back to the earlier days always brings a smile to my face and good thoughts of Gary, just so glad I knew him for the short time I did. Jerry

Jerry Novak

November 16, 2011

It's been almost a year now since Gary's passing. I found it very hard to accept this fact and my contiued question was always "Why Gary?". Over the last year I have lost 2 good friends and a life long girlfiend as well. It wasn't until her passing that I found the answer to my question. I now know that for each of them to have lived on and have to witness the passing of any of their loved ones would have truly broke their hearts beyond repair! I believe that Gary is now holding each of us close and protecting us way more than we could have ever thought possible. Jan it is my belief that he has given you the strength and courage to continue in life for your children, grandchildren, family and friends. Grow stronger each day as I now know, "The sparkle in his eyes was put there because of you, his smile will live on within us all as he looks down from above and he holds all of our hearts in his hands unifying us forever". My love always, Me

Edna Moore

October 31, 2011

hi, the kids and i use to live a few doors down from you in lynnhaven colony. your husband was a stand up guy who loved his family very much. God bless, brenda, bobby and jeremy lee

Brenda Lee

November 16, 2010

Gary was a great guy and a better person for being a part of your family. I missed growing up with him, but that's what makes him so special in my eyes. I will miss him and will cherish the times that we spent together. Keep your chin up. It's easier to see Heaven that way. I'm sure Gary is hanging out with Dad, having a beer and swapping Harley stories! I love you all. Love, Minnie

Eva Johnson

November 11, 2010

he was one of my favorite uncles...i have things from vietnam he sent to me when i was young...wish i could have been there...sorry for your loss...creator did get a warrior today...he served his country and his family well..i have fond memories like all my other cousins...blessings for your family at this time..

julieanne horsfield

November 10, 2010

I love "Gar". He always knew what to say to make me smile. I feel blessed to have been apart of of his life. He made my days and nights at work tolorable with him saying, "Okay Pal!" When I left his room. Love you guys! Jamie aka. Pal :)

Jamie Parkin

November 8, 2010

Dear Jan, Kirsten, Jay, and Nate, I am so very sorry for your loss. Gary will be greatly missed. You all are are such a beautiful and loving family. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. love ~ MC

Teresa Still

November 7, 2010

Jan, Jay and Kirtie - I am so sorry for your loss! Gar was a special man that LOVED you all deeply! He would do anything for anyone - he had a huge heart! He made some mean wings to go along with my buzzard dip!!! : ) Smile when you think of him and the MANY great and fun times that you all had - I know he is smiling down on you all! Thoughts and prayers are with you all always!!! Love and hugs - Tonja Womble (TonTon) and family! Love you all!

Tonja Womble

November 7, 2010

Jan and Family, I'm so sorry to hear Gary passing, He was a great person and always have a positive attitude toward everything......our deepest sympathies. He will be missed...Vicky Joplin and Family.

Vicky Joplin

November 7, 2010

Jan and Kirsten, Gary (Dad) was a warm, fun-loving guy. We were fortunate to have enjoyed his company during some of our visits to Virginia Beach. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Heaven has certainly gained a special angel. Much love is sent your way. --Trish, Jim, Danny and Sarah Bauch

Trish Bauch

November 7, 2010

Jan and Kirsten, Gary was a wonderful, warm and fun-loving guy. We enjoyed the time we spent with him during some of our visits to Virginia Beach. You are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. Heaven gained a special angel. Much love, Trish, Jim, Danny and Sarah Bauch (Rochester, NY)

November 7, 2010

Looking through the pictures of Gar, I couldn't keep the grin off my face. Gary always brought a smile to all of our faces the instant he walked through the door at the pub. I'm going to miss his smiling face and the all the funny moments he brought all of us, especially the Christmas Eve memories. Jan, Jason, Kirsten and Nate, you all are in my thoughts and prayers,Gar, always in my memories.

Aimee Bird

November 6, 2010

Good ol' Gar - special person, special friend, special father. He would do anything for anyone at anytime, like when I locked my keys in the bird at central library, without hesitation he was there (just one example). He loved to love his family and friends and in a second could make you smile, laugh, and feel great no matter what. That is why in a second I cry when I think of him being gone. Your fight was absolutely amazing Gar and I will forever miss you - hey, who loves you baby?

Jo (JoJoDFB) Palevich

November 6, 2010

PPG I will miss you. You were my dad and pop pop too

nat dog

November 6, 2010

Dear Jan and Family - So sorry to hear about Gary's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of extreme sorrow. Miss you and wish we could be there for the service. Just know that we love you all. Keith, Susan, Mallorie, and Kenny Yoder.

November 6, 2010

Jan, I are sorry to hear of the passing of Gary. I am glad I got to meet him at one of our LIFT luncheons. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Take care
Kris Fontaine (Va. Beach, Va.)

November 6, 2010

Gary was a fighter till the end. He has inspired us and reminded us why we come to work everyday. Our floor will never be the same. He truly was a joy to be around and he will be greatly missed.

Lindsay Phillips

November 6, 2010

Jan, Kirsten and family, I am so sorry to hear about Gary's passing. You all have been in my thoughts and prayers. Gary was always a pleasure to be around at social gatherings and I always enjoyed chatting with him about Harley's. He was a true "Patriot" and served his country with honor and will be missed!

Mark Barbrow

November 6, 2010

Jan, I just want you to know that you have been and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. My heart breaks for you, Chris, Jason, Kirsten and your entire family. Gary was an inspiration to everyone that met him and this world will never be the same without him. Hold onto all your wonderful family memories and always remember "Gar" loved you all!

Caroline Butler

November 5, 2010

Jan and Family,
So sorry to hear of Gary's passing..He was a great co-worker and a great friend....
our deepest sympathies.He will truly be missed...
Scott & Roseanna Boyer

November 5, 2010

Gary was my best friend aboard ship in my younger days, he was an inspiration for me on how to live life and treat people, he will always be in my prayers and thoughts.

Jerry Novak

November 5, 2010

Jan, Kirsten, Jay, & Nate,
There are no words to express my sorrow.....God has just received one very special angel.
Amy Verner & Family

Amy Verner

November 5, 2010

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