John Ray Gard, 81, passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
He was born Dec. 28, 1943, to Alta (Lowe) and Emery Gard in Chanute. John graduated from Erie High School in 1961 and married his high school sweetheart, Mavis Ann Page, on May 7, 1961. They lived their entire lives in the Erie area, moving to the original Gard homestead in 1987. Their marriage was blessed with three sons.
John was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who led by example rather than words. He farmed, drilled oil wells, then went to work for Neosho County in 1986 and ended as the quarry foreman, retiring in 2008. He leaves behind a legacy defined by integrity, hard work and love of family. He enjoyed many hobbies, including hunting, fishing, old music and classic cars. He was an avid fan of KU basketball, Chiefs football and watching his sons and grandchildren in their sporting events. He was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and a Chevy enthusiast. He rebuilt and showed cars, especially his beloved Corvettes, which earned many trophies nationwide.
John is survived by his devoted wife, Mavis; his sons, John Jr. (Wanda) of Chanute, Jeff (Marcia) of St. Paul and Jason (Megan) of Erie; his grandchildren, Jarren Gard (Meredith), Taylor Crabtree (Devon), Jordan Gard (Ramzi), Allyson Jadin (George), Jacob Gard (Morgan), Courtney Mynatt (Bill) and Jaden Gard; 11 great-grandchildren, with two more on the way.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, at the Pierce-Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Erie. The service will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 8, also at the Pierce-Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Erie. Burial will follow at Shaw Cemetery.
The family suggests memorials to the Erie Historical Society, and these may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, P.O. Box 182, Erie, KS, 66733.
