Gary Lakey

Gary Lynn Lakey, also affectionately known as “Jelly Belly”, was born August 24, 1951, in Springfield, Missouri. He was suddenly called to his heavenly home June 14, 2021, at Cox South Medical Center, in Springfield, Missouri, following a long illness. He was 69 years, 9 months, and 21 days of age.

Gary was united in marriage to Joyce Fish on March 3, 1970. Five children were born to this union. He was later united in marriage to Patsy (Dobbs) Barnes on July 14, 2014.

Gary was a life-long trucker and dump trucking was his passion. He was always willing to share his knowledge and experience with his peers. His greatest passion in life was his family. Gary was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He had a very special bond with his grandkids and great-grandkids and could often be found doting on them. Gary was a very kind and generous man often rushing to treat for meals or gifts before anyone else could. He was known to always lend a helping hand or guidance. Gary loved to laugh and delighted in bringing laughter or joy to others.

Gary was preceded in death by his infant sons, James Eutah Lakey and Gary Keith Allen Lakey, his daughter, Jaceana Lakey, his son, John Barnes, mother, Alma Grace Lakey, father, William Elias Lakey, brother, Eutah Lakey, and sisters, Leota Blakey and Hester Narramore.

He is survived by his loving wife, Patsy Lakey, his son, Michael Lakey (Kelly), his daughter, Jillanea Lakey (Brian), his son, Joe Barnes (Sandy), brother, Clell (Shirley), grandkids, Jaleysa, Peyton, Easton, Brittany, Cade, Jayla, Josey, AJ, Hali, Jonie, Chase, great-grandkids, Cyrus, Asher, Stetson, Gunner, Lilly, Cody, Brookelyn, Watson, Wyatt, Phoebe, Imber, Kylan, Keenan, Hunter, and Whitney, along with a host of other relatives and friends who will dearly miss him.

The family would like to express their thanks to Dr. Lori Macpherson and her team, Dr. Robert Ellis and his team, Dr. Ibrahim Abdalla and his team along with the home health team from Cox Health at Home for all their loving and compassionate care provided to Gary.