GARY KEITH SYLVESTER
Gary Keith Sylvester, 86, of Milan, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Sullivan County Memorial Hospital in Milan.
Gary was born on June 26, 1940, in Kansas City, Missouri. He grew up in Kansas City and graduated from Central High School in 1958. He then joined the United States Army Reserves.
On May 25, 1984, he married Maxine Ellis.
He worked for a time at Trenton Foods and for the State Highway Department. He retired from North Central Rural Electric Coop after 34 years as a lineman. He loved to play golf and was a member of the Sullivan County Country Club, a member of the First Baptist Church in Milan, and an Icon at the old fire station. He also enjoyed playing pool and cards.
Gary is survived by two children: Melissa (Lee) VanDusseldorp of Milan, Dan Sylvester (Wendy) of Milan; step children, Terry White (Debbie) of St. Joseph, Missouri and Wade White (Maria) of St. Louis, Missouri; grandchildren, Andra Sylvester, Emily Sylvester, Derrick (Hannah) Sylvester, Katlynn Sylvester, Addison Sylvester, Jordan Bartels and Josh VanDusseldorp; step grandchildren, Haileigh Hughes and Hunter White; great grandchildren, Colt Herzberg, Finley Sylvester, Paisley and Easton Kitchen, Autumn and Eli Hughes, and Summer White; nephew, Mark Sylvester of Kansas City; niece, Carrie Sylvester of Florida and several other nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Maxine in 2023, brother Grant and sister Barbara.
Funeral services for Gary were held Monday, July 6, 2026 at Ruschmeier-Smith Funeral Home in Milan with Rev. Dan Wilford officiating. Burial followed at Oakwood Cemetery in Milan.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Sullivan County Country Club.
