Gary Richard Bilbrey, 78, of Russell, Kansas, died on Wednesday, August 31, 2022, at the Wheat State Manor of Whitewater, Kansas.
Gary was born on June 07, 1944, in Stafford, Kansas, the son of Fern R. and Mildred L. (Morelan) Bilbrey. He grew up in Russell, Kansas and graduated from Russell High School in the class of 1962. He met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Orma Eloise Jones on August 16, 1963, at Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, California. From this union Gary and Orma were blessed with two sons Gary and Tim. He served his country by joining the Marine Corp and fighting in the Vietnam War for 4 ½ years. After returning back home from the war, Gary worked for 29 years with Continental Airlines as a customer service and freight worker. Later he worked for 10 years for the city of Russell as a water treatment plant operator. He was a life member of the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 and enjoyed hunting and fishing. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and close friends.
He is survived by his loving wife Orma of the home and sons Gary R. Bilbrey and wife Shelley of Bountiful, Utah and Tim A. Bilbrey and wife Clarissa of Russell, Kansas; 5 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Kenneth Bilbrey and sister Patricia Loy.
A graveside service to celebrate Gary’s life will be held at 9:30 A.M. on Saturday, September 03, 2022, at the Russell City Cemetery in Russell, Kansas. Family will greet guests the day of the service. Military Honors will be presented by the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the graveside funeral services.