Gary Wayne Bareford, age 80, of Fremont Hills, passed away peacefully, Wednesday March 15, 2023. He fought a courageous battle with IPF and was in his home, surrounded by his loved ones.
He was born in Charleston, South Carolina, the son of George and Eleanore Bareford. Shortly after, the family moved to Springfield where he excelled in sports and graduated Parkview High School in 1961. He attended SMSU and was a devoted member of Kappa Alpha. He took a short leave to proudly serve in the United States Army Reserves. After he returned, he graduated with a degree in Business and worked as a Computer Programmer for Frisco/ BNSF Railroad for 34 years. After 7 years of retirement, Gary went to work for Blue Green at Big Cedar Lodge in Branson, Missouri, where he developed many great friendships.
He met Shirley Cunningham on a blind date in 1975 and they were united in marriage for 45 years. He was a loving husband and father to two children, Todd and Amy. They lived in an extraordinary neighborhood where they made special memories and lifelong friendships. They shared a love for golf and were members of Fremont Hills Country Club for 36 years.
Gary was a man of honor and a passionate golfer that resulted in two hole-in-ones. Additionally, he had a double eagle on #2 at FHCC and held the course record in 1987. Gary was an outdoorsman and loved hunting, fishing and playing cards with his friends. He was an avid and intense fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. You would often find him watching or listening to every game, no matter where he was. He was very proud to have been a 50-year member to both, the Masonic Solomon Lodge # 271 and Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Temple.
Gary is survived by his wife Shirley, a daughter Amy Morrison (Steve) a son Todd Riggins (Kristie) Kristie’s child Brittin Dover (Kaylee) and Jewell Krulic (Matt) a granddaughter Alexa Morrison (Patrick) two grandsons Lucas and Kash Morrison, a great-grandson Vincent Laas, many other close family members and friends. He was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, two brothers, a sister and many close friends.
Gary exemplified honesty, discipline and hard work. Above all else, he loved his family and treasured the time spent with his grandchildren. He will be deeply missed but will live on in our hearts forever.
We will celebrate Gary’s life, Sunday March 26, 2023, at Fremont Hills Country Club from 5-7pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church, 922 West Republic Road Springfield, MO 65807. Arrangements and cremation services are under the care and direction of Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark, Missouri. Online condolences maybe shared at www.barnesfamilyfunerals.com
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Sue Carrol Terry says
March 17, 2023 at 2:55 pmI’ve known Gary since we were in our early 20’s. I always thought so much of him and that never changed thru the years. He also was one of Ron’s favorite people; Ron really enjoyed playing golf with Gary in Florida over the years. Shirley, Amy and Todd – we send our love and deepest condolences
Susan Dawson-Harris says
March 18, 2023 at 8:02 amMy deepest sympathies and prayers for All the family at the sad loss of Gary. May God give you comfort at this difficult time.
Gary Mahan says
March 19, 2023 at 3:20 pmSo sorry for your loss. I have a lot of good memories with Gary
Toni Starks says
March 20, 2023 at 8:30 pmVern andI are so sorry for your loss. I know Gary was a great friend, husband, father, grandfather and more!. He will be missed by the many who loved him! Shirley you and Amy and your family are in our hearts and prayers… sending love and hugs
Kevin Byrne says
March 23, 2023 at 8:18 amGary was always a good friend who enjoyed sharing his unique sense of humor so others could laugh.
May he rest in peace!
Tom Saladin says
March 31, 2023 at 7:02 pmPlayed many rounds of golf with Gary at Fremont many years ago along with many games of pitch with his brothers. Was always kind and fun to be around. Rest in Peace!