Gary Alan Billings

Gary Alan Billings, 69, of Basehor, Kansas, a man who never stopped moving and always made time for the people he loved, passed away March 3rd while still actively enjoying his career with Krones. The visitation for family and friends will be from 6 to 8 pm, Thursday evening, March 19, 2026 at the Alden-Harrington Funeral Home in Bonner Springs, Kansas. Burial to follow at a later date.

A devoted husband, father, and talented athlete, Gary was born and raised in the Kansas City area. He was a proud 1974 graduate of Wyandotte High School. Gary's early years were defined by his talent on the basketball court. He played under the legendary Walt Shublom at KCKCC before taking his game to Wayne State in Nebraska, where he graduated in 1978.

Gary carried that same team spirit into his professional life. After years with Farmland Industries and Folgers Coffee, he joined Krones as a Field Service Engineer. His work took him all over the country, and Gary had a rare gift for turning strangers into lifelong friends in every city he visited.

Though he traveled far, Gary's heart was always at home. His greatest accomplishment wasn't a career milestone or a box score, but the family he built. He married his beloved wife, Caryl, in March of 1985, beginning a 40-year journey of devotion. Though often reserved, Gary was known for a smile that could light up a room and a genuine warmth that will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him. He was a man of immense kindness who cherished his friendships and found his greatest joy in his roles as a husband, father, and grandfather.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Caryl Billings; his children, Kelli (Isaac) Billings Snider, Jeffrey (Misty) Billings, Jenny (Randy) Laffoon, and Eric (Chelsea) Klamm; 6 grandchildren, Damien Laffoon (Mary), Gabriel Laffoon (Kayla), Sebastian Laffoon, Summer Billings, Lochlyn Billings, Loki Billings, great-grandson Declan Laffoon; his sister, Vickie (Tracy) Brooks and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Charlotte Billings, and his brother, David.