Gary L. Ditton

Gary L. Ditton, 74, of Green Ridge, passed away Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born November 3, 1947, in Sedalia, a son of the late Vernon R. Ditton, Sr. and Viola (Payne) Ditton.

Gary was united in marriage to Deborah Williams Young, and through this union they had two children, Wendy Merrick, of Florida, and Tammy Wolf and husband Brandon, of Sedalia. On June 26, 1982 in Miami, Oklahoma, he was united in marriage to Leota McKinzie Greeson, who resides of the home. Through this union they raised five children, Tonya Hammons, of Warrensburg, Alan Greeson, of Sedalia, and Lori Bonnot and husband, Patrick, of Jefferson City; a sister, Marilyn Ash, of Independence. Also surviving are eleven grandchildren, Brittany, Brian, Colten, Kelton, Carson, Nichelle, Dolan, Claire, Truman, Klein, and Alden; 7 great grandchildren and one on the way; and nieces and nephews.

Gary served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He worked at Alcan Cable for 40 years, retiring in 2009.

He enjoyed spending time fishing at Truman Lake, watching NASCAR and tinkering on projects in his barn. Gary always looked forward to having drinks with his friends on Friday afternoons. He and Leota loved traveling together and would often jump in their car and go.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Karen Ditton; a brother, Vernon R. Ditton, Jr.; and a great-granddaughter, Emma Hunter.

Memorial services will be 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 5, 2022 at Heckart Funeral Home with Rev. Candace Fowler officiating.

Honorary pallbearers will be Melvin Smith, Bob Hammons and Jim Wallace.

Visitation will be 10:30 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.

Burial will follow in Crown Hill Cemetery with full military honors conducted by VFW Post 2591 and U.S. Navy.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Sedalia Animal Shelter or Benton County Hospice in care of Heckart Funeral Home.