Gary Russell Calhoon, son of Raymond & Ruby (Chestnut) Calhoon, was born in Phillipsburg, Kansas on September 24, 1950 and passed away at the Bryan Health Medical Center East in Lincoln, Nebraska on September 30, 2018 at the age of 68.

He grew up in the Woodston and Glade areas, graduating from Phillipsburg High School in 1969.

On August 12, 1983 Gary married Rhonda Lynn Redinger in Phillipsburg, Kansas.  This union was blessed with the birth of one son, Jason, in 1986.

Throughout his lifetime Gary worked at Tamko, drove a truck, was a heavy equipment operator, owned his own tree-trimming service, did custom terracing and worked at Mineral Right.

He loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting, cruising country roads, drinking beer and sitting around a bonfire telling stories, usually with his son, Jake, and his dog, Turbo, at his side.

Gary was a devoted husband and father.  He loved life, children, his family, friends and his dog.  He opened his arms, home and his heart to Jake's friends and was always available if they needed help or just needed to talk.  He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his in-laws as well, whether it was a day at the lake or an afternoon checking out garage sales, Gary embraced all of Rhonda's family as if they were his own.

He never knew a stranger, was a friend and volunteer stepdad to many, and was a Lover of Life, plain and simple.  He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

His parents, brother, Jimmy, sister, Linda Kay, father-in-law, Dwight Redinger and sister-in-law, Misty Redinger preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife, Rhonda, of the home in Glade, KS; his son, Jason "Jake" Calhoon, of Alma, NE; his brother, Kenneth Calhoon & wife, Lynn, of Bartlesville, OK; an Aunt, Willa Chestnut of Glade, KS; an Uncle, Doyle Johnson of Phillipsburg; His Mother-In-Law, Gertrude Redinger of Phillipsburg; Brother's-in-Law, Jim Redinger and Donny Redinger & wife, Rachel all of Phillipsburg; Sister-in-law, Debbie & Husband Jim Ferguson of Agra; Nephews, Troy Calhoon & wife, Kristi, Dustin Calhoon & wife Shelly & Devon Redinger; his nieces, Sydnee, Bella & Bree Redinger; great nieces, Brandi & Valery Calhoon; great nephews, Aaron Calhoon & Jonathan Pirotte; and numerous cousins.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 5, 2018 in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Blake Stanwood officiating. Burial will follow in the Marvin Cemetery, Glade, KS.

Gary will lie in state from Noon until 9 p.m. Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, in the funeral chapel, with the family receiving friends from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday evening.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Gary Calhoon Memorial Fund to be designated at a later date.