Leonard Ree Garey, 98, of Hutchinson, passed away March 7, 2021, at Legend Senior Living. He was born November 19, 1922, in Stafford, KS, to his parents, Charles Milton Garey and Eula Dean Hopkins Garey.
Leonard graduated from Sterling High School in 1941. He served his country as a Master Sergeant in the United States Army for 20 years, serving in World War II, the Korean War era, and the Vietnam War era. Leonard also spent 16 years in the Civil Service.
Leonard married the love of his life, Betty Carol Colle Garey, on April 25, 1942. They lived a full life together and celebrated 72 wedding anniversaries together before her death on June 5, 2014. Leonard lived in or visited all 50 states and 22 foreign countries. They had 2 children: Keith Dean and Marilyn Carol.
Leonard was a 32nd Degree Mason, a member of Sterling Masonic Lodge #171 A.F. & A.M., Scottish Rite of Free Masonry, and Order of the Eastern Star. He was a member of CrossPoint Church.
Leonard was preceded in death by: his wife, Betty Carol Colle Garey; his parents, Charles Milton Garey and Eula Dean Hopkins Garey; 3 brothers, Lester, Loren, Ivan; and a son-in-law, Robert Dee Stange.
Survivors include: Keith Dean Garey (son) and Sharon Lynn Stafford Garey (daughter-in-law), Sterling, KS; Marilyn Carol Garey (Stange) Volin (daughter) and James Milton Volin (son-in-law), Hutchinson, KS; Curt Dean Garey (grandson) and Marita Taylan Albano Garey (granddaughter-in-law), Wichita, KS; and great-grandson, Thaddeus Dean Albano Garey, and great-grandson, Joah Silas Albano Garey; Kimberly Lynn Garey Trujillo (granddaughter) and Edward Dean Trujillo (grandson-in-law), Valley Center, KS; and great-grandson, Lincoln Dean Trujillo, and great-grandson, Hudson Garey Trujillo.
Leonard was a Christian man who placed God first in his life; second, his family whom he loved dearly; and third, his beloved country, America. He was a devoted son, husband, father, and grandfather, who is with the Lord this day.
Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 13, 2021, at Elliott Mortuary. A private family graveside service will be held in Sterling Community Cemetery, with military honors conducted by Fort Riley Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers. memorials are suggested to CrossPoint Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.