Gary E. Guilliams of St. Ann, Mo passed away unexpectedly at the age of 74 on Sunday, November 26, 2023. He is survived by his wife Candace (Rugger), brother Gerald (Sandra), sisters June Goebel and Gail (Joe) Kraai, and sister-in-law, Sharon Guilliams; his four sons, Gabriel (Daniela Lima) of Brooklyn, NY, Samuel of Skagway, AK, Jesse (Kendra) of Skagway, AK, and Jonathan (Julie) of St. Charles, MO; his seven grandchildren, Bruno and Gustavo; Hudson, Wells, and Argus; Finley and Oliver; and his rescued dog, Leroy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Norma (Horrell) Guilliams, his brother Robert Guilliams, and his brothers-in-law, Ronald Goebel and Tom Lamb.

Gary grew up in Overland and later in O'Fallon, where he graduated from Fort Zumwalt High School in 1967. He then moved to Hawaii before being drafted into the Navy to serve in Vietnam. While aboard the USS Hornet, he had the honor of successfully recovering the Apollo 11 crew on their return from the moon in 1969.

Being outdoors always brought Ol' Gare happiness, whether it was hunting, scouting riverbanks, or walking through fields and creeks with his sons, grandchildren, and dogs. Above all else, the Black River in Lesterville was Gary's heaven on earth. From camping, to Jeep riding through the water, to floating, catching tadpoles, diving in swimming holes, and sitting around a campfire, he inspired several generations of family and friends to blaze similar paths.

Gary will forever be remembered for his spontaneity, selflessness, generosity, and willingness to help anyone without expectation of something in return. We thank him for sharing his tremendous heart. We will miss you greatly Gary, Grandpa, Dad, Junior, Wildman, Woody, Ol' Gare! Forever rest in peace.

Please join us for visitation on Saturday, December 2nd, from 4-8 pm at Collier's, afterwards at Lehmann's Landing in Bridgeton from 8-10 pm to howl at the moon, and at his funeral service at Collier's on Sunday, December 3rd at 11 am. Children are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Needy Paws Rescue (https://www.needypaws.org/) or other animal rescue services of your choice.