Gary Ruark

(From Knell Mortuary)

Gary Wayne Ruark, 73, Carthage, Missouri, passed away early Thursday morning, August 6, 2020 at Mercy Hospital, Joplin, Missouri. Gary was born January 21, 1947 in Carthage, the son of Wayne Ruark and Lillie Colene (Arbagast) Wilson. 

Gary worked as an automotive glass installer for Denny’s Auto in Joplin. Gary met and married the love of his life, Deborah (Myers) Ruark, in February of 1986. 

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, enjoyed fishing and hunting, but most of all, loved his family. He was a Baptist by faith.

Survivors include his wife, Debbie; children, Lillie Ruark Galicia (Mainor), Jafra Ruark, Jessica Ruark, Jason Ruark, and Gary “Freddy” Ruark; brothers, Dennis Ruark, Kevin Ruark, George Ruark, Darroll Ruark, Randy Ruark and Bart Wilson; sister, Cindy Wilson; thirteen grandchildren and many extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne Ruark and Lillie C. Wilson; and two sisters, Tanya Spurgeon, and Teresa Ruark.

Per Gary’s wishes, there was cremation. Private family services will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary. HewasaBaptistbyfaith.

Survivorsincludehiswife,Debbie;children,LillieRuarkGalicia(Mainor),JafraRuark,JessicaRuark,JasonRuark,andGary“Freddy”Ruark;brothers,DennisRuark,KevinRuark,GeorgeRuark,DarrollRuark,RandyRuarkandBartWilson;sister,CindyWilson;thirteengrandchildrenandmanyextendedfamilyandfriends.

Hewasprecededindeathbyhisparents,WayneRuarkandLillieC.Wilson;andtwosisters,TanyaSpurgeon,andTeresaRuark.

PerGary’swishes,therewascremation.Privatefamilyserviceswillbeheldatalaterdate.Onlinecondolencesmaybeexpressedthroughwww.knellmortuary.com.ArrangementsareunderthedirectionandpersonalcareofKnellMortuary.