Gary Loyd
Gary Arlo Loyd, 78 years old, of
Newton, who was a beloved husband, father, grandfather,
great-grandfather and friend passed away Dec. 9, 2015, at the VA
Hospice in Wichita.
Gary was preceded in death by his
parents; Ralph and Sylvia Loyd, his sister Mary Lou Rose and his
grandson Jordan Michael Birmingham. He is survived by his wife Diona,
whom he married May 12, 1972, and their six children. Cristy Dodson
from Cushing, Oklahoma, her daughter Amanda Bray and granddaughter
Kalynn, Dr. Jonathan and Ann Roberts from Newton, and their children
Zachery and Riley, Cindy Bowling and her husband Jim from Sand
Springs, Oklahoma, and their children Christian and Jordan
Birmingham, and their grandchildren Trace and Clara Birmingham.
Michael and Maria Roberts from Green Oaks, Illinois and their
children Max, Luke and Christian. Callie Lowrie from Spring Hill,
Kansas and her children Shawn and Jared. Jackie and Mike Morant from
Ada, Michigan and their children Alex, Maggie and Miah.
Gary was born in Wichita to Ralph and
Sylvia Loyd, where he attended school and after graduation joined the
Navy. He served four years and then went on to serve eight years in
the reserves; while at the same time attending Friends University.
Gary had a great love for his country and those who served in the
Armed Forces. This led him to seek office where he served two terms
as city commissioner and one term as mayor of Newton. He also was a
member of the American Legion where he served as commander. After
retiring from Boeing, he and his wife moved to Missouri and lived
there five years and decided to travel, which led them to Texas,
where they lived for seven years. They then returned to Newton where
his love for work and for being around people found him as a sales
rep for Builders Concrete. When his health no longer allowed him to
work, he retired again. He missed it every day and spoke often of his
friends there. He was active in the Legion Riders organization until
his health no longer allowed him to be. He loved to be involved with
local government and helping candidates interested in running for
office. His love for God and his country never left him, right to the
end of his days here on earth.
Gifts of remembrance in Gary's honor
can be given to either VA Hospice Unit, Robert J. Dole Veterans
Hospital, 5500 E. Kellogg, Wichita, Ks 67218 or The Wounded Warrior's
Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.
Services will be 11:30 a.m., Dec. 19,
at Salem United Methodist Church, 115 Old Main, Newton.
Baker Funeral Home Valley Center
handled all arrangements. Condolences may be left for the family at
www.bakerfhvc.com
