Gary Lee Pyron

Gary Lee Pyron beloved Husband, Father, Grandpa/Gramps, Great-Grandpa, and Friend, went to be with his Lord and Savior on March 10, 2026 at the age of 84 surrounded by love of his family and Heaven in sight.

He was born in Ava, Illinois on June 2, 1941 to Everett and Virginia (Kessel) Pyron. Gary was a man of deep Christian belief who lived his life in service to others. He was married to Donna (Summers) Pyron for 65 years, a marriage marked by love, laughter, and simple joys. They may not have had everything in life but together was their everything. Together they cherished taking car rides, playing Skip-Bo and other games, along with spending quiet time side by side.

Gary worked hard throughout his life, to provide for his family. First as a coal miner and later as a school bus driver. His generosity extended far beyond his work. More than 30 years ago, he donated a kidney to his niece Chandra, a gift of life that spoke to his unwavering compassion and love for others.He was also a lifelong giver in many ways, like donating blood every 56 days, proudly reaching his 90th donation this past November.

Outside of work, Gary enjoyed the simple things in life. He had a special love for Case tractors and Buick cars. He also found joy in mowing yards-not just his own, but for others-he never hesitated to help others.

His greatest joy was his grandchildren. He cherished every moment spent with them. Often you could find him taking them for tractor rides all over town, to forty foot and all around his yard. He would take his grandkids for walks down the alley to catch crawdads in the creek, which was always a favorite of the grandkids. They would often play handy over off the deck roof and the little barn in the yard. He would always do underdogs with kids when pushing them in his tree swing! On hot summer days you could find a water balloon fight going on. Gary loved making Halloween floats each year so his grandkids could ride in the local Halloween parade, followed by chilli and hotdogs at the house, at which point the grandkids would sneak outside and teepee his trees! He could always be spotted in the stands cheering on each grandchild at their sporting events. Playing games and cards was always a must when coming to visit at Grandma & Grandpa's. We remember so vividly is his dislike for cream cheese and sour cream! We had code words to use when we would trick him into eating recipes that included these! Other memories of Gramps include him eating a pop tart and having a cup of coffee if he wasn't at the local restaurant for breakfast. And when going to McDonalds, you could count on him ordering an extra French fry to go with their order.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Virginia (Kessel) Pyron, a very special niece Chandra Ritter. He is survived by his wife, Donna Lee (Summers) Pyron of 65 years. 2 sons Roger Pyron and Ron Pyron both of DuQuoin, IL. 2 Daughters, Valerie & Steve Schalter of Mt. Vernon, IL and Vanessa & Eric Campbell of Boonville, IN with whom he & Donna lived with for the past 3 years. Grandchildren, Desiree' (Tyler)Brames of Hazelton, IN, Seth (Jerica) Flint of DuQuoin, IL, Noah (Dayna) Campbell of Troy, IL and Maysa (Jake) Stilwell of Boonville IN. Great Children, Elsie Flint, Bowen Brames, Haddie Flint and Huntley Brames, along with 2 special Great Grandkids who are Foster Kids of Maysa & Jake. He is also survived by very special friends who became his kids and grandkids through the years, Joe & Rita Riggio of DuQuoin, IL and their children Josie (Bill)Hunt of Decatur, IL, Will Riggio of DuQuoin, IL and Sam (Nicole) of ….CO. and his surviving siblings, Gerald Pyron, Shelba & Sonny Sullivan, Linda & Paul Ritter, Ray Pyron,and Melody & Mikal Laird. And other family & dear friends.

His very worn out Black Bibles are forever etched in the memory of many and they give us peace knowing he was praying for his family.

While we grieve his passing, we rejoice in the promise of eternal life and find comfort in knowing he is at peace and free of pain and he has heard the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:23)

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Bradley's Colonial Funeral Chapel 1005 E. Main Street Boonville, IN 47601. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. until service time. Interment Maple Grove Cemetery in Boonville, IN.

Online condolences can be made to www.bradleyscolonialchapel.com.

Bradley's Colonial Chapel is honored to be entrusted with Gary's arrangements and care of the Pyron family.