NEWTON, KANSAS

Gary Arlo Loyd, 78 years old, who was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend passed away December 9, 2015 at the VA Hospice in Wichita, Kansas.  Gary was preceded in death by his parents; Ralph & Sylvia Loyd, his sister Mary Lou Rose and his grandson Jordan Michael Birmingham.  He is survived by his wife Diona, whom he married on May 12, 1972 and their six children.  Cristy Dodson from Cushing, Oklahoma, her daughter Amanda Bray and granddaughter Kalynn.  Dr. Jonathan and Ann Roberts from Newton, Kansas and their children Zachery and Riley.  Cindy Bowling and her husband Jim from Sand Springs, Oklahoma and their children Christian and Jordan Birmingham and their grandchildren Trace and Clara Birmingham.  Michael and Maria Roberts from Green Oaks, Illinois and their children Max, Luke & Christian.  Callie Lowrie from Spring Hill, Kansas and her children Shawn and Jared.  Jackie and Mike Morant from Ada, Michigan and their children Alex, Maggie and Miah.

Gary was born in Wichita, Kansas to Ralph and Sylvia Loyd; where he attended school and after graduation joined the Navy.  He served four years and then went on to serve eight years in the reserves; while at the same time attending Friends University.  Gary had a great love for his country and those who served in the Arm Services.  This led him to seek office where he served two terms as City Commissioner and one term as Mayor of Newton.  He also was a member of the American Legion and served as Commander. After retiring from Boeing, he and his wife moved to Missouri and lived there five years and decided to travel, which led them to Texas, where they lived for seven years.  They then returned to Newton where his love for work and for being around people found him as a sales rep for Builders Concrete.  When his health no longer allowed him to work, he then retired again.  He missed it every day and spoke often of his friends there.  He was active in the Legion Riders Organization until his health no longer allowed him to be.  He loved to be involved with local government and helping candidates interested in running for office.  His love for God and his Country never left him right to the end of his days here on earth.  Gifts of remembrance in Gary's honor can be given to either VA Hospice Unit, Robert J. Dole Veterans Hospital, 5500 E. Kellogg, Wichita, Ks 67218 or The Wounded Warrior's Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. Services will be held 11:30 a.m., Saturday, December 19, at the Salem United Methodist Church, 115 Old Main, Newton, Kansas. Baker Funeral Home Valley Center. Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com