Gary Gene Fairless

Gary Gene Fairless, 88, passed away October 5, 2025 at his home.

Born July 29, 1937 in Worden, he was the son of William Christopher Columbus and Myrtle (Bockholdt) Fairless.

He had been employed as a machinist and in maintenance for the Olin Corporation for 35 years before retiring in 1999. He was also a member of The Loyal Order of Moose  Lodge 1349 in Wood River.

He married Rita J. Heck on March 16, 1957 in Holly Springs, MS. She died June 5, 2015.

Surviving are two sons, Mark (Cathy) Fairless and Terry (Nancy) Fairless all of Wood River; daughter, Jodi (Ron) Witcher of New Douglas; 11 grandchildren; several great and great-great grandchildren; and a sister, Carol Luketich of Gillespie.

He was preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, Anna Fairless; and brother, Bill Fairless.

A Memorial Visitation will be from 3-6 pm, Wednesday, October 8 at Marks Mortuary in Wood River.

Private interment will be in Woodland Hill Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Mooseheart. 

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