William "Gary" Garet Holman

William (Gary) Garet Holman, age 81, of Aullville, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home on September 18, 2024, surrounded by his beloved family. Born on September 9, 1943, in Buckner, Missouri, to Francis and Mary (Juede) Holman Sr. Gary was raised in Hardin and graduated from Hardin High School. His spirit of service led him to enlist in the United States Navy, where he served as a radioman aboard the USS Amberjack Submarine in Italy, a role he held with great pride. On December 11, 1966, he married Evelyn, embarking on a life filled with love, laughter, and community. After a dedicated career as a warehouseman at WinCup in Higginsville, Gary retired in 2006, while owning and operating Higginsville Skateland alongside his wife. He was particularly proud of his ability to skate backwards in his mid 60’s. A member of the Lafayette County Tractor Club and an avid fisherman, Gary cherished time spent at Truman Lake, always hoping for that elusive 100-pound catfish. He had a fondness for his dogs, Shorty and Rascal, and was known for his love of tinkering in his garage and woodworking, creating treasured toy boxes for his children and grandchildren. A man of simple pleasures, Gary enjoyed his daily black coffee with a generous amount of sugar, played cards with friends and family, and had a particular affection for all things John Deere. His sense of humor shone through in his playful pranks, which often left family members both laughing and exasperated. He was a dedicated fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals, and took great pride in winning a fishing tournament where he met the renowned Johnny Morris. Gary was a man of faith, saved and baptized at Hardin Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife Evelyn, his parents, two brothers, and a sister. He leaves behind two daughters, Theresa Ricketson (Scott) and Cindy Heathman (Tony), along with their families: grandchildren Trichelle Jennings (Cory), Liana Jenkins, Garet Ricketson (Alexandria), Blake Ricketson, Bradley Heathman (Stormy), and Laura Begnoche (Brian); and great-grandchildren Weston Parsons, Brendon Parsons, Sawyer Jennings, Wade Begnoche, Keiran Jennings, Lyla Begnoche, Raylynn Jenkins, and River Heathman. He is also survived by a special niece, Marcia Kolkmeyer, three nephews. A visitation will be held September 25, 2024 from 6-8pm at Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home. A service to celebrate Gary's life will be held on September 26, 2024 at 12:30 PM also at the funeral home, followed by a graveside service at the Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville. A luncheon will take place at the American Legion in Higginsville afterward. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gary’s name to the Higginsville Food Pantry, honoring his spirit of generosity and community service. Gary Holman’s legacy of love, laughter, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

William "Gary" Garet Holman

September 9, 1943 - September 18, 2024