URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) – Gary M. Massey, 77, of Urbana, passed away at 6:08 am on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at
OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL. His death followed months of fighting to
recover from major heart surgery performed in July.

Gary was born on August 24, 1947, in Greeneville, TN. He was the second child, but first
son of Claude H. and Mary A. (Buck) Massey. When Gary was 2 years old, the family moved
to Penfield, IL when Claude took a job at Chanute AFB. Gary attended Donovan Memorial
Grade School and graduated from Rantoul Township High School in 1965.

In 1966, Gary received a notice to take a physical for the military. He tested for the Air Force
and was assigned to Medical Administration, beginning his training at Sheppard Air Force
Base in Wichita Falls, TX. He was then sent to Peshawar, Pakistan in April 1967 where he
worked in a 24-bed medical unit treating service personnel for nearly 15 months. Gary
finished the remainder of his time in the service with a medical airlift squadron at Kelly Air
Force Base, near San Antonio, TX, before his honorable discharge.

Upon his return home, Gary attended Parkland College, taking business courses. He would
go on to work in a variety of repair and sales positions with Carson Pirie Scott & Co, Urbana
Office Machines, Southland Distribution Center, Lynx Telecom, and ultimately retiring from
the University of Illinois – Housing Division on December 1, 2011.

Gary was a hard-working man who valued providing for his family and was loyal to those he
loved and respected. He enjoyed watching old westerns, listening to classic country music,
playing board games with Pat, grilling on his Weber, hearing about his grandsons’
adventures and achievements, and most of all, kicking back with family and friends and
enjoying a cold one.

Gary devoted many years of service to The American Legion Post 71 of Urbana, most
notably coordinating the Honor Guard. Providing appreciation and respect for countless
Veterans at their time of passing filled Gary with a sense of purpose and fulfillment and
provided a brotherhood he had missed.

Gary leaves behind his wife, Patricia (Wilson) Massey of Urbana; his son, Loren (Stacy)
Massey of Taylors, SC; his daughter, Beth (Matt) Emmert of Champaign; grandsons, Dalton,
Brock and Cade Newsome; stepdaughters, Bridget Wilson of Rantoul and Erika Brubaker of
Champaign; step-grandchildren, Dexter and Ryan Davis and Amal Hill; and two step-great-
grandchildren, Sebastian and Arabella Hill. He is also survived by a sister, Michael (Mikki)
Loschen of Peoria, AZ; a brother, Lanny (Ed) and Sandy Massey of Peoria, AZ; a brother, Tom
Massey of Rantoul; and several nephews and nieces.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Mary Massey, and a brother, John
Massey.

The family wishes to thank all that took the time to pray for or provide support for Gary and
his loved ones over the last few months. The care provided to Gary by the Carle CVICU
Team, the staff at the OSF Transitional Care Hospital, and the Medical ICU Team and
Comfort Care Team at OSF Saint Frances Medical Center was exceptional and will never be
forgotten.

Condolences may be offered at Renner-Wikoff Chapel & Crematory.