Gary Martin Hill

Gary Martin Hill, age 77 years, of Independence, Missouri passed from this life on October 23, 2024. Gary was born on November 4, 1946, in Searcy, Arkansas to Omer and Irene Hill. When he was young, the family moved to Kansas City, Kansas. He graduated from Wyandotte High School in 1964. 

The three main companies he worked for were Fleming Babcock, Inc. and Pavlich, Inc., where he drove dump trailers, and LaFarge, where he drove cement tankers. His CB handle was “Chickenfoot.” He finally gave up driving and was a recruiter at Pavlich, Inc., retiring from this position in 2009. 

During his life, he enjoyed horses and trail riding. He even had a live-in horse trailer with quarters for him and his wife, Sonda. They spent many hours together on trail rides, him riding his Tennessee Walker and her riding her Fox Trotter. Later, he bought a ’56 Chevy and modified it, taking it on cruises all over town. He sold it some years later and bought a 2013 Corvette, the anniversary edition. He was a Ham radio operator for several years, hailing under the call sign “KC0QAI.” He talked with operators as far away as South America. 

Gary was a people person and never met a stranger. He worked hard all his life and was always ready to lend a helping hand. His family and friends will miss his wisdom, great smile, and infectious laugh. 

Gary is survived by his wife, Sonda Hill, of the home, who has been by his side for 32 years; his sons, Chad Hill and Ryan Hill (Alyssa), both of Edmond, Oklahoma; stepson, Michael Lakey (Elena) of Buckner, Missouri; two grandchildren, Ayla Hill and Russel Hill; two step grandsons; Kenny Sherwood (Ashley, fiancée) of Appleton City, Missouri, and David Ryan (Nicki) of Odessa, Missouri; and seven great-grandchildren, Airica, Leland, Pixie, Brandon, Jarrett, Averly, and Grace; sister, Jeanette Cordell of Bella Vista, Arkansas; and one brother, Gayle Hill (Corky) of Iberia, Missouri. He is preceded in death by his parents, Omer and Irene Hill.