Gary Littrell

December 1, 1948 – October 28, 2022

Gary Ross Littrell passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, October 28, 2022, surrounded by family. He was born to Laura Mary Halley and Harold Webster Littrell in Mexico, MO on December 1, 1948. He attended Fox Country School through 8 ^th grade and graduated from Mexico Senior High School in 1966. In school, he played football, was Vice President of his senior class, participated in 4-H and was crowned 4-H King at the annual fair. After high school, he attended the University of Missouri, as well as Southwest Missouri State, majoring in agriculture.

He married Marilyn Garnett in 1969 and to that union was born their son, Eric Ross Littrell. On June 14, 1987, he married Mary Ann White at Buzzard's Roost to which they had two children, Clayton Henry Littrell and Loren Leigh Littrell Finck. Gary and Mary were married 35 years at the time of his passing.

When he returned back to mid-Missouri, he became involved in the School of Metaphysics, where he later became Director of the Mexico chapter. He learned methods of meditation, yoga, and broadened his understanding of the relationship between mind and matter. It was during his time with the School of Metaphysics that he developed his unique outlook and approach to life, studying philosophy, religion, and the meaning of life, and he carried these foundations and beliefs with him through his entire life.

Gary later returned to farming the family farm with his brother Terry until he retired. During his farming career, he and Terry began Littrell Feed & Seed, embraced innovative farming methods, chose to transition to organic farming, and he served on the board of directors for the Missouri Organic Association and Missouri Sorghum Grower's Association, and was co-owner and founder of Mid-America Food Hub and Training Center, LLC.

Outside of farming, Gary was active in Native American culture and ceremonies, enjoyed arrowhead hunting, and was a founding member of the SouthFork Regulators reenactment group. Within these groups, he went by the alias of Grey Wolf and Bisley Packer, respectively. He played an active role in each Walk Back in Time since its inception, originally as a Native American demonstrator and later enjoyed participating in the SouthFork regulator skits.  He also served as a volunteer firefighter for Little Dixie Fire Department where he was awarded a Medal of Valor. He enjoyed tending his large garden at home, watching westerns, drinking coffee with Fritz on Friday mornings, and spending time with his friends and family.

Gary not only held many passions, interests, and a unique perspective on living life and life thereafter, but he practiced humility, kindness, strength, patience, a strong work ethic, was known for his gentle spirit, and never met a stranger. Most of all, he never took life too seriously, always being the first person to lighten the mood. Even in his final moments, Gary was unwavering in this approach to life, cracking jokes and making everyone smile when he felt the atmosphere was too heavy.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Mary White Littrell, his brother, Terry Littrell, his three children, Eric (Michelle) Littrell, Clayton (Courtney) Littrell, Loren (Alex) Littrell Finck, nieces and nephews Nick Littrell, Jennifer Littrell, Lindsey Littrell, grandchildren Addam Littrell, Grafton Littrell, Savannah Littrell, and Daphne Littrell, and great granddaughter Naomi Littrell.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Simmons' Stable Preservation Fund Inc. or Audrain County Historical Society.

At his request, Gary's ashes will be scattered at the farm, his home-place for the majority of his life, permanently solidifying his longtime connection between the Earth and his spirit. Gary had a presence and disposition about him that will continue to be missed by many for years and years to come, but will be carried on by his friends and family.

A visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 1, at Arnold Funeral Home in Mexico.

A Celebration of Life will be at 1 p.m. on Wednesday at Gary's home, 17633 Highway T in Thompson, Missouri.