Gary “Garbear” Lynn Dye, 78, of Stonington, IL, went to be with his Lord and Savior on November 10th, 2024. He was born in Taylorville, IL, on November 3rd, 1946, the son of Othal and Eythel Dye. He married Cynthia Kapper on March 14th, 1981, she survives.
Gary attended Stonington H.S. then went into the U.S. Navy for four years. He worked as a school bus driver, over the road truck driver, Wal-Mart “Colonel of the urinal”, and Bills Toasty “his favorite place”. He loved the Chicago Cubs and being with his family. Gary was friends with everyone he knew “he never knew a stranger”, and a big-time jokester.
Gary is survived by his wife; Three sons: Erik (Emmily) Dye of Lake in Hills, Derek (Nicole Rees) Dye of Stonington, Toby Dye of Taylorville, Foster child James (Kim) Buss of Quincy; Grandchildren: Gabriel, Ruben, David, Jacob, Josh, Josiah, Abagael, Zacharee, Amie, Cash, Anna, Kaydi; Two Great Grandchildren; Daughter-in-laws: Tonya Becher, Mandy Dye, Stephanie Kraner; Sister: Sandy Brewer of Pana; Brother-in-law: Joe Kapper; several nieces, nephews, cousins. Special friends: Val and Stacey; Gary was proceeded in death by his Parents, Sister: Patricia Scallions; Brother-in-laws: Calvin Scallions, James Brewer, and Martin Kapper; Father-in-law/Mother-in-law: Virgil and Charlotte Kapper.
Cremation will be accorded by Central Cremation Center, Forsyth, IL.
Family will host a Celebration of life on November 23rd, 2024, at 11am, at Stonington American Legion, 401 W North St. Stonington, IL. Pastor Wendell Rose will be officiating the service, alongside with his wife Darlene Rose. The family will host a Private Grave side service at Camp Butler at a later date with military honors.
In lieu of flowers Memorial Contributions may be made to Stonington American Legion.
In typical Gary fashion “Peace out girl scout!”