Gary Francis Collette; son of Ronnel and Phylis Collette, passed away peacefully in his home on June 22, 2024 in Manhattan, Kansas. Gary was born on September 2, 1949 to Ronnel and Phillis Collette.
Gary was proceeded in death by his mother and father, Ronnel Sr. and Phylis Collette, his brother Brian, sister Joyce, son William "Billy", brother-in-law Steve, ex-wife Lisa and granddaughter Sage.
He is survived by his siblings; Larry, Jerry, Mary-Beth, Kayanne, Linda, Mark, Ronnel Junior, and Judy. He is also survived by his sons Darrin, Randy, Tony and his daughter Rosa Walker; his grand-children Hannah, Parker, Noah, Brecklyn, Carli, Haven, Alexa, Desmand, Freddy, Lyndon, Nathan and Brian; his great-grandchildren Carter, Alaycia, Becket, and Ember.
Gary will be remembered for his honorable service in the military from 1969-1971, during the war in Vietnam.
He was a father, father-in-law, grandfather, and great grandfather.
Gary also spent his time here on Earth as a ranch hand, restaurant owner, meat packing plant worker, Salvation Army volunteer bell ringer, and a Santa Clause. But most of all, he will be remembered as a giver, great friend to others, especially if they were a stranger on the street.