Gary Allan Baranyai

1948 - 2014

Baranyai, Gary Allan June 29, 2014, Suddenly and Tragically taken from us. Dear husband of Donna Baranyai, loving father of Jaime (Travis) Mowers and Kelly Baranyai, beloved brother of Bonnie Paulsmeyer, cherished uncle to Amy Paulsmeyer (Jim) Harfst and Brian (Katie) Paulsmeyer, special buddy of great-nieces (Vivian, Carilynn) and great-nephews (Emmett, Adam, Kyle); our dear uncle, cousin, Goon Squad buddy, and friend to all who knew him. Gary was born on September 15, 1948 (65 years old). He was his sister's 2nd birthday present, born just one day after her birthday. He lived in Maplewood as a child and attended Sutton School, MRH Jr. High School and graduated from the Maplewood Richmond Heights School District in 1966. He received a B.S. in Education from Central Missouri State University and got a Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling from UMSL in 1976. Gary worked hard all of his life. He was a salesman for Josten's, Reynolds Aluminum, Moeller-Reimer, and finally Alside where he worked from 1992 to April 1, 2011, when he retired. Gary was a very proud Marine once a Marine, always a Marine! He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1971-1973. He was stationed in San Diego, and when he graduated from recruit training on June 16, 1971, he was awarded the American Spirit Honor Medal which is the nation's highest recruit award. A newspaper article at the time said, PFC Baranyai was lauded as being an inspiration to his fellow recruits through his actions, attitudes, and devotion to duty. It was in the Marines that Gary began his love of sky diving, a passion that led to him make 2,317 jumps. He felt free in the air and enjoyed every moment. Besides just the intense joy of free fall, he also loved the camaraderie of his sky diving friends, especially the Goon Squad. There were four of them- Gary, Calvin, Mark, and Mike. The remaining Goon Squad members will be dispersing his ashes from 12,000 feet- something Gary wanted- to fly one more time. Gary also enjoyed scuba diving, swing dancing, driving his 1956 Thunderbird, and collecting model trains and vintage toys. Recently he found peace and tranquility at his country home, The Sky Dance Ranch. We will never forget Gary's amazing signature laugh. Our family will always remember the fun and laughter we had every Christmas when we played Rob Your Neighbor, a family tradition started by Gary's Mom. Family was very important to Gary. His devotion to his wife and girls was beyond measure. Even his extended family knew he was always there for them. When Gary entered the room he brought sunshine with him. He gave hugs, made people laugh, and always brought joy and love to everyone in his presence. The world has truly lost one of the greatest, kindest souls there ever was. Services: Following Gary's wishes, he was cremated with no visitation. A Memorial Service will be held at his church, Christ Church, United Church of Christ (2200 Bellevue, Maplewood, MO) at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, July 11, 2014. Immediately following the church service, according to Gary's wishes, there will be a celebration of life memorial. Memorial donations may be made to the U.S. Marine Corp Toys for Tots at www.toysfortots.org (or by mail to Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Gift Processing Administrator, 18251 Quantico Gateway Drive, Triangle, VA 22172) or the Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org (or by mail to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675). Tributes at jaybsmith.com