Gary Burkhead, age 76, Hollister, Missouri

Gary Burkhead was born on August 3, 1946 in Des Moines, Iowa.  He was the son of Donald & Elizabeth “Betty” (Morris) Burkhead.  He grew up in Des Moines and graduated from Des Moines Technical High School.  Gary served two years in the Navy during the Vietnam Conflict.  Upon returning from the war, he went to college studying refrigeration and air conditioning and became a licensed HVAC technician while also working for the Meredith Corporation.

Gary met his loving wife, Diane Lynch in Des Moines and they were married on July 3, 1975 in Forsyth, MO.  When Gary and Diane moved to Branson, they both worked at Shepherd of the Hills.  Gary was a performer in the play as a square dancer and part of the “posse”.  He also worked for the attraction as the wastewater operator and in maintenance.  The job and responsibilities at Shepherd of the Hills was springboard to him becoming the lead operator for several water and wastewater treatment facilities with Algonquin Power and Utilities Corporation which moved him to Arizona and then back to Missouri to run the facility at Holiday Hills in Branson along with other plants.

Gary’s favorite pastimes were playing pool and fishing.  He was part of a pool league in Branson and was an accomplished player, winning several trophies.  He also loved the camaraderie he had with his fellow pool players.  Gary was also ready to fish anytime, anyplace.  He enjoyed fishing with friends and wasn’t particular about where they cast a line.

Gary entered into rest after a bout with lung cancer on January 5, 2023 at his home in Hollister.  He was 76.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Colleen Neff.

He is survived by his wife, Diane Burkhead of Hollister; his sister Donna Paris, her husband Allan of Battle Creek, Michigan, their son Marty Beck and his two children, Joshua and Sarah; his brother, Donald J. Burkhead of Waukee, IA and his sons Danny and Tyler; his sister Colleen’s son, Bradley; along with three step-children, Charles Miller, Shellie Potter and Jamie Lavender along with other family and friends.

Gary will be laid to rest in Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield.  Services will be Monday, January 23, 2023 at 10:00 AM at the cemetery. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory, Branson.

Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory

1638 East State Highway 76

Branson, Missouri 65616

Telephone – 417-334-3670

Fax – 417-336-3670