Gary Klemp

FARMINGTON – Gary Klemp, of Farmington, passed away surrounded by his family on October 19, 2015, at the age of 63. He was born June 9, 1952, in Bonne Terre to Kenny Klemp and LaVerne Harris, who survive. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Scarlett Rose Klemp in 1999 at the age of 19.

Gary never met a stranger and was one of a kind. To know Gary was to know that he loved the outdoors and the pursuit of wild game. He was in his element when he was in the calm of the wilderness. A 1970 graduate of Farmington High School, Gary went on to attend the University of Missouri. He was an experienced marksman and Elk Guide in the Yampa Flat Tops of Colorado. He was an accomplished hobbiest who enjoyed leather working, gardening and spear fishing. Gary rode his motorcycle from coast to coast and loved the freedom of the open road. He will be remembered for his generosity and kindness to friends and neighbors. He was a great example of a father, a brother, an uncle, a grandfather and a son, not to mention a friend.

Survivors in addition to his mother and father include his step-mother, Kathy Klemp; his daughters, Jessica Dietrich and husband, Daniel of Inverness, California, and Briana "Bird" Saunders and husband, David of St. Louis; sister, Lisa Denton and husband Karl of Nixa, Missouri; Lori Cook and husband, Kenny of Farmington; very special friend, Jeanne Johnson; step-sister, Angela Ratliff; a half-brother, Devin Klemp and wife, Jessie and a half-sister, Jenna Klemp; five grandchildren who he was "Poppy" to, Jude, Finn and Beck Saunders and Evie Rose and Ruby Dietrich; and four nephews, Jerad and Cole Denton and Travis and Jordan Cook; and numerous good friends.

Friends and family may call at Cozean Memorial Chapel on Friday, October 23 from 4–8 p.m. A celebration of life service will be held at the Farmington First Baptist Church on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Hillview Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Farmington Pet Adoption Center. View the tribute video and share your memories and condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com.