J. Gary Llamas
J. Gary Llamas, 52, was born
on Sept. 4, 1956, in Newton to Guadalupe and Marion (Saenz) Llamas. He died
peacefully on Saturday (Oct. 18, 2008) in the presence of his two sons after a
long battle with cancer. Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at
Eden Mennonite Church in rural Moundridge, where he was a member. A cremation
burial will follow at a later date. Gary grew up in Newton and was part of the
first graduating class of the current high school. He lived his entire life in
the Newton, Hesston and Moundridge region.
Gary had several jobs over
the years and was known for his strong work ethic. He began his working days
with a paper route as a child and then helping at his father's Standard filling
station in Newton. Other employers included the Santa Fe Railroad, Coleman,
Excel Industries, the Moundridge Food Market, Prairie View, and most recently,
United Methodist Youthville. Friends and coworkers inevitably will remember him
for his good-natured pranks and hearty laugh.
Gary earned a seventh degree
black belt in Tae Kwon Do and taught many families and children over the years
through the Hesston Recreation Commission, together with his father, son and
close friends. He frequently donated his services to those with limited means.
Gary was a generous man who gave in many other ways, including at one time as a
volunteer in the prison ministry, and most recently, as a socialization
companion to foster dogs in need of adoption. In death, he further sought to
help others as an organ donor.
Gary was a man of many
talents and skills, but his greatest love was children. He enjoyed working with
all children but had a special place in his heart for those with psychological
issues. His endless patience among youth with exceptional needs was evidenced
later in life, especially through his work at United Methodist Youthville.
Although only able to work occasionally in his final days, he took great pride
in organizing clothing donations for children arriving at Youthville, sometimes
with little more than what they were wearing.
Even in the face of terminal
cancer, Gary will be remembered for his positive spirit and engaging
personality. At peace with the finality of his illness and very strong in his
personal faith, Gary was confident that he would experience eternal life.
Although baptized as an infant, he planned to publicly demonstrate his faith
through rebaptism this month at Eden Mennonite Church. His wish was honored
prior to his death.
Gary was happy in his final
days, remaining active through his work, helping a close friend with yard work
and assisting with the care of foster dogs. The only thing he lacked was more
time.
Survivors include sons, Cory
A. Llamas of Hesston and Levi Llamas of Moundridge; brothers, Phillip Llamas of
Wichita, Guadalupe Llamas Jr. of Texas and Mark Llamas of Newton; sisters, Mary
Short of Wichita and Sue Rangel and Rose Martinez, both of Newton;
grandchildren, Jordan Keller of Iowa and Ashliegh Accardi of Moundridge; and
special friends, Kerry Grosch and Adam Johnson, both of Hesston. He was looking
forward to meeting a new grandchild, expected in the spring.
Gary was preceded in death by
his parents.
Because of his part-time work
status, Gary did not have life insurance at the time of his death. In lieu of
flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to his sister, Mary Short, in care
of Miller Funeral Home in Hesston to help offset funeral costs. Friends also
are asked to donate a dollar to help find a cure for childhood cancer through
St. Jude Children's Hospital Halloween at Casey's in Hesston. Gary donated a
dollar to buy one of the fund-raiser signs the weekend before his death. Please
consider signing in memory of Gary.
