Gary Baclesse, 78, passed away on Friday November 7th, 2025 at his home in Byrnes Mill, Missouri. He had a huge heart and a big laugh filled with love for his family and friends. His joy in life reached many places - hunting in the Missouri forests, fishing on the Gasconade River, sitting on the lanai in Florida, and visiting the west coast of the US. He made friends everywhere with his easy to talk to demeanor and openness to hearing about other people and their stories. Gary was a loyal, caring, and committed husband. He met Marsha, his wife of 56 years, in Linn, Missouri where he was born and raised. Their relationship began in high school but shortly after Gary was drafted into the Vietnam War in 1967. Gary served his country bravely with the Army Infantry as a Sergeant, surviving the Tet Offensive and earning a Purple Heart. His experience in the war was deeply impactful and he was proud to be a veteran and to have served his country alongside the many men he deeply respected. After his return, Gary and Marsha were married in 1969 and began their life journey together, first restoring a house in Hermann and then settling in Hartsburg. He loved the natural world and was endlessly fascinated by plants and animals. That interest guided his career working for the Missouri Farmers Association and for the State of Missouri in Soil Conservation. He enjoyed working with the farmers and happily spent his lunch hour over a game of pool and a trip to the salad bar. His love of the outdoors passed to his children, Josh and Jessica. Gary delighted in finding turtles or snakes when they were growing up, often keeping them in the sink or tub much to Marsha's surprise. Many days were spent outside going for boat rides, learning archery, playing baseball and softball, and growing tomato plants. He was an amazing father - encouraging and supportive, always offering his love followed by a big smile. The circle of love for his family grew larger with the addition of his daughter in law Shelly and his son in law Jon and his grandchildren Elle, 20, Adelaide, 17, and Theodore, 10. After retirement, Gary continued to embrace a life filled with hobbies and projects. He and Marsha were delighted to become a part of the Mariner's Cove community in Florida and he became known as the Bike Man, fixing up old bikes and gifting them to his neighbors. He went on many wonderful trips to Oregon and California exploring new places with his daughter. He continued to enjoy his lifelong love of fishing and hunting with his son and was always excited when it was time for Cardinal baseball season. He was loved and treasured and will be deeply missed.