Gary Lee Honse, age 66, of Vienna, was born July 20, 1957, in Vienna, a son of John Henry and Gladys Elnora (Picker) Honse, and passed from this life on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, in the University of Missouri Medical Center, Columbia, surrounded by his loving family.

He was united in marriage on August 2, 1980, in the First Baptist Church, Vienna, to Deborah Kaye Cook, daughter of Delmar and Sandra Cook of Belle, and to this union three children were born. Throughout their married life, the families bonded as one. The memories he left and love he shared will be cherished by all.

Gary accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and at the time of his passing was a member of the First Baptist Church, Vienna.

He was a 1976 graduate of Maries R-1 High School, Vienna. During his working life, Gary was a lifelong farmer. In 1994 he was contracted through the Maries R-1 school district as a bus driver and continued farming until his passing.

Gary was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed gardening, grilling with his friends, farming, hunting, teaching life skills to the next generation, and traveling.  Gary never met a stranger. He made them family.  If he knew someone was without family; he brought them into his circle. He lived life fully. He loved with his big heart without reservation. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Those left to mourn the passing of Gary include: his loving wife of 43 years, Debbie, of the home near Vienna; daughter Chasity Dawn Finn and husband, Robert of Vienna; Daughter Lacey Michelle Honse of Vienna; son Garrett Wade Honse and wife Hannah of Vienna; three grandchildren, Shaylee Honse,  Gwyndalin Finn, and Kastyn Honse; three brothers, Lloyd Honse, Wesley (Jane) Honse , and Roger Honse all of Vienna; three sisters, Linda Honse of Vienna, Wilma Hauser of St. Charles, and Marjorie Fowler of Jefferson City; nephews; nieces; and many other relatives and friends.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, Henry, on August 19, 1974; his mother, Gladys, on June 12, 1981; six sisters, Christina Lea "Christi" Honse on June 3, 1996, Helen Kay Adams on January 18, 2009, Louise Ann Feeler on July 2, 2015, Marilyn Yvonne Lewis on October 17, 2016, Norma Marie Krenning on August 31, 2018, and Wanda Evelena Hutson on November 1, 2020; and three brothers-in-law, Rodney Wayne Hauser on December 9, 2021,  Elmer Leroy Krenning on October 1, 2012, and Dennis Lee Lewis on October 1, 2020; and one sister-in-law, Carolyn Ann (Held) Honse on May 16, 2018.

Visitation for Gary Honse will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 12 Noon, Friday, June 7, 2024, at First Baptist Church, 1004 US Highway 63, Vienna, MO 65582, with his funeral service following at 12 Noon, with Rev. Chris Slocum officiating.

Interment for Gary Honse will be in the Vienna Public Cemetery under the direction of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, Vienna.  Pallbearers for Gary will be Rick Martin Jr., Braiden Geissel, Aaron Hutson, Derek Hutson, Jay Summerford, Jason Cook, Travis Cook, and Travis Weed. Honorary pallbearers for Gary will be Shaylee Honse, Gwyndalin Finn, Kastyn Honse, Tyler Wood, Rick Martin Sr., Hayden Hodapp, Bentlee Gresham, and Terry Henson.

Immediately following the graveside committal service, the Honse family extends an invitation to share a meal and memories with them in the Fellowship Hall located on the lower level of the church.

Memorials in memory of Gary Honse, are suggested per the wishes of the family with envelopes available at the church or in care of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, P.O. Box 250, Vienna, MO 65582.

Online condolences may be shared with the family of Gary Honse at www.birminghammartinfuneralhomes.com