Gary R Guilford

Gary Ronald Guilford, ‘Gilly,’ beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, brother-in-law, and friend, ‘flew west’ in the presence of his family on March 25, 2023. Gary was born in Kansas City, Missouri on November 26, 1940 to Earnest and Florence Guilford. He was raised with his brother Jim and sister Lonnis on their family farm in Brunswick, Missouri. He graduated from Central Missouri State University, Class of 1965 and was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity.

He met his wife Judy (Angen), a Trans World Airlines (TWA) Flight Attendant, who was the love of his life. They were married in 1971 in Kansas City, Missouri, and had a devoted and loving marriage, which spanned 52 years. They raised their two daughters, Kristen, and Lindsey, in Blue Springs, MO.

After college, Gary joined TWA, flying for 35 years, both domestic and international routes. Gary flew nearly every model of airplane in TWA’s fleet. During his career he served as Flight Operations Fuel Administrator and was a FAA Certified Check Airman. Gary retired as Captain on the Boeing 757-767 in 2000. He was fortunate to have combined his passion and career in aviation. He served his country as a Veteran in the United States Air Force Reserves.

His great loves were family, agriculture real estate, trips with his daughters in his Cessna airplane, treasured family vacations to Greece, Sanibel Island and other European destinations.

He was a loving and proud grandfather to: Audrey (16), Jesse (14), Quinton (11), Ella (10), and Kai (8). Gary’s greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren, who referred to him affectionately as ‘Grandad.’ He enjoyed watching any activity his grandkids participated in, and delighted in their accomplishments.

Gary had a wonderful sense of humor. He always had a story to tell and had a great ability to make others smile. He was a friend to all. His kind and generous presence will be missed.

He is predeceased by his parents, Earnest and Florence Guilford, his beloved brother Jim Guilford, brother-in-laws, Ronald Breshears and Dale Angen . He is survived by his wife, Judy, of Lee’s Summit, MO, his daughter, Kristen Neiner (Dan), and their children, Audrey, Jesse and Quinton of Lee’s Summit, MO, his daughter, Lindsey Sabini (Paul) and their children Ella and Kai of Boulder, CO, and his sister, Lonnis Breshears of Knob Noster, MO, sister-in-law, Annetta Guilford, of Overland Park, KS, brother-in-law, Larry Angen of Dunkerton, IA (Colleen) and beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

A private Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held on April 16, 2023 at the Heim Room at Boulevard Brewery, Kansas City, MO from 2-4pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the ALS Association, in memory of his brother Jim Guilford.