Gary Gray Gaut

Petersburg - Gary Gray Gaut, late of Petersburg, Illinois, passed away on June 30, 2025, at Barnes Jewish Christian Hospital after a short but brave battle with an aggressive and rare form of T-cell lymphoma.

Gary was born on April 19, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois. He attended Queen of All Saints and later Loyola Academy for high school. Gary went on to attend the University of Illinois, Chicago Circle Campus, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. Over the course of a 35-year-long career in telecommunications, Gary worked his way through the ranks of Illinois phone companies, (Illinois Bell, Ameritech, SBC and AT&T), starting as a directory assistance representative and retiring as an engineer. Following his telecommunications career, Gary devoted his time to supporting his wife in the operation of her veterinary clinic, proudly assisting in every aspect of the practice. Later, he joined the staff of the Greenview Community School District as a bus driver. His kindness and good nature were well suited to the role, becoming a favorite of his bus riding students. He reluctantly retired from this position after receiving his lymphoma diagnosis.

Gary met his wife, Margaret, at a Fourth of July party in 1976. They instantly connected and were married on May 7, 1978. Together, they shared 47 wonderful years of marriage, filled with love and a passion for their love of animals and traveling the world. An extrovert by nature, Gary loved meeting and talking with people. He took great pride in everything he did and lived by a deep sense of purpose to make a difference in the lives of others. Generous with his time, energy, and resources, Gary devoted himself to helping wherever he was needed. Whether supporting a friend, volunteering after disasters, or lending a hand in his community, he never said "no" to anyone in need. Throughout his life, Gary contributed to community gardens, food banks, animal rescues, and various charities supporting firefighters, veterans, and other causes close to his heart. He was a loving and caring person who found joy in reading, appreciating art, and listening to music of many genres. He also had a lifelong passion for cars, both classic and new, and enjoyed relaxing with a good drink in hand.

Gary is survived and dearly missed by his wife, Margaret Johnson Gaut; his brother, James W. (Suzanne) Gaut Jr.; his brothers-in-law, Robert A. Johnson, James P. Johnson, and David M. (Wendi) Johnson; his sister-in-law, Kathleen M. (David) Fiegen; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, James W. and Betty (Psak) Gaut; his sister, Marilyn Schmitt and brother-in-law William Schmitt; his parents-in-law, Robert E. and Ruth (Bonin) Johnson; and his sister-in-law, Elizabeth A. Johnson.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Gary on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 1:00 pm-3:00 pm at the Riverbank Lodge, 522 S 6th St, Petersburg, Illinois 62675. Guests are invited to bring stories and photos to share in honor of his memory. In keeping with Gary's and Maggie's fondness for the Islands, the theme will be Hawaiian.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (givenow.bloodcancerunited.org) or to White Paws German Shepherd Rescue (wpgsr.com/donate) would be greatly appreciated.