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Garry Kaylor Obituary
December 28, 1943 - November 17, 2024
It is with great sadness the family of Garry Alan Kaylor announces his passing on November 17, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona after a brief illness. Garry was born to Jeanette and Ralph H. Kaylor in Decatur on December 28, 1943. He attended Mound Elementary School, Woodrow Wilson Junior High, and MacArthur High School, where he played football. Shortly after high school, Garry moved to California to study at Pierce Community College in Los Angeles. He returned to Illinois to finish his Bachelor's degree at Southern Illinois University where he studied accounting. With a Bachelor's degree and a subsequent Master's degree, Garry built a career that led to multiple job opportunities throughout the United States, including California, Nebraska, Illinois, and Arizona. He also did contract work in Saudi Arabia.
Garry met his beloved wife Donna in California while he was studying at Pierce College. They married and had two children John H. Kaylor and Kirsten Honaker (Ray). Garry leaves behind his loving wife of 59 years along with his two children and 4 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews, and cousins. Along with his immediate family he leaves behind his loving siblings, Shirley Hollingsworth (Don) of California, brother Dennis Kaylor (Tracy) of France, and younger sister Debbie Ridgeway (Tim) of Bloomington. He was predeceased by his beautiful sister Patty Reedy and her husband Jim Reedy.
Garry is remembered by his family and friends for his outgoing personality, friendly and thoughtful ways, gift of gab, and his wonderful, warm smile. Of all his achievements, he was especially proud of his beautiful offspring. He has left behind a huge footprint of love and kindness.
Memories and Condolences
for Garry Kaylor
Troy
February 1, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Janine Gates Nelson
January 18, 2025
I worked for Garry and Donna in Arizona. Garry and I realized we were both from Decatur and often shared stories.
Garry was a great boss, always upbeat with the customers and he always had a story or joke to tell and shears had a smile on his face. He was a great guy.
I´m sorry for your family´s loss and especially to Donna, they were a great couple. Garry used to always refer to Donna as his bride.
Carl Cox
December 12, 2024
I knew Garry from our time at Southern Illinois University. He was a really fellow that everyone on 1st floor Brown Hall everyone liked. I lost track of him in this busy world after graduation, but I knew he would be successful and bring a lot of happiness to others in this world. I´m very sorry to hear of his passing and pray that all who grieve will find peace in that he touched a lot of lives in a positive way.
Carl Cox
Northbrook, Illinois
Raylen Echols
December 1, 2024
My papa Garry Was the Best Papa I Ever Had, He Loved To Talk on The Phone To Me, He Said "Never Forget me" I Love Him So Much, Love ya Papa Garry Love you
Raylen echols
December 1, 2024
My Papa Garry Was nice And Kind Even We Call on Mondays but He Say "Never Forget Me" He Was So Brave That I Can See Him Again. See You Again Papa Garry. Love you
Jeff Reedy
November 25, 2024
Uncle Garry was always positive and encouraging. He kept in touch with a few phone calls every year & always remembered my birthday. I´ll always remember His genuine compassion for others, his smile and laugh! Until we meet again, love ya Uncle Gar
Troy
November 24, 2024
My uncle Garry was one of the kindest and most uplifting people I ever knew. A patriot who loved Arizona and especially Cave Creek and who knew America was bigger, stronger, and not defined by any one man. I will miss our bagel and coffee breakfasts and our talks about current events and politics. We didn't always agree - we often did not - but he was always open to hearing different views. Phoenix will be a little lonelier without him in it. Until we meet again.
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