It is with profound and unspeakable sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Gary. An adoring husband, loving father, grandfather, and constant friend, advisor, jokester, and confidante to all who knew him.

He left us so suddenly and yet so amazingly peaceful surrounded by love at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, MO on August 18th 2020. He was 72 years young.

Born in Picher, OK to Merle and Joyce (Green) Sweeten. Gary grew up in and around Miami, OK He often recounted numerous tales of his adventures in his beloved hometown; always fondly recollecting his childhood companions, many of which he remained in constant contact with throughout his beautiful life.

Gary spent many years of his career in marketing, freight sales and negotiations, and various other ventures. He spent a period of time as an International Trainer and Supervisor for BF Goodrich in Izmit, Turkey. Gary retired from Spartan College of Tulsa, OK, and then shortly returned to the workforce in a new profession. Gary spent the last 6 years of his career as a Behavioral Technician Supervisor for Arc of the Ozarks in Springfield, MO. In this role, Gary was able to lend his unending patience, unique gifts, and talents to not only those placed in his care but to those employed around him. He is esteemed, revered, admired, and loved by his co-workers who look to Gary as a father figure. Always quick with advice, humour, and guidance any time day or night.

Gary met the love of his life in 2000. Everyone who knows Gary knows his deep love and devotion to his wife and best friend Victoria. In their 20 years together he spent every breath making certain Victoria knew she was loved by him. He would tell her ”Baby, I love you more than the next breath I take”. He gave completely unselfishly of himself ensuring Victoria was the center of his world. Gary and Victoria happily parent three spoiled rotten fur babies (Ginger, Sivle, and Jerry Lee) who often travel with them and complete their lives.

Gary enjoyed traveling anywhere for a good meal, having adventures exploring different cities and towns and just driving aimlessly in the country. Gary found pleasure in the little things always remarking that those are the things that are important and wanted others to be able to do the same. He loved to spend time making pictures out of clouds and noticing things the rest of us take for granted.

He loved life, he loved people, he loved his wife… he just loved !

His humor was unmatched. Always quick with a joke or quip. Always ready with a story or anecdote that would put everything into perspective.

Gary was able to continue to give blessings and gifts in his passing through his donations to Mid-American Transplant. Gary never stopped giving of himself and never will.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Sandra, and beloved brother Dennis Sweeten.

Gary is survived by his best friend/constant companion/lover and wife of 20 years Victoria Sweeten, his three children Sara Wood-Johnson and her husband Leonard, Gary Sweeten Jr. and his wife Aundrea, and Kristi Sweeten Kelley and her husband Benjamin; seven grandchildren, several great grandchildren, and three precious dogs.

A Remembrance Service will be held at Greenlawn North in Springfield, MO on Monday August 24th at 1 p.m.