Gary Wayne Simonton

October 18, 1968 - February 24, 2022

On Thursday, February 24th, 2022, Gary Wayne Simonton 53, passed away surrounded by his family. Gary was born on October 18, 1968. Gary was a family man whose family extended to countless friends. He wasn't much of a morning person but he sure loved coming home and telling everyone about the day he had. He looked forward to the weekends, knowing he was planning on cooking something he found on Facebook, and he was going to make it better, and everyone was invited to come to eat. He loved listening to his music. Gary loved old country and old rock n roll and he liked it loud. Gary loved things to be in order. His truck had to be clean, his hair had to be cut, the driveway was blown off, and his hat and shoes to go with every outfit. Gary was a proud man. Gary got his push in life from Chester Ward, the man he called Dad. Gary took that push and became one of the best riggers for numerous companies, currently with Zachary. He was working on getting his NCCO to start running cranes. Gary was never seen as a quitter, he always wanted to be better at everything. Gary's heart was the biggest and kindest you ever met. He loved hard. He lived hard. He was known for his quick wit, his infectious smile, and his kind and compassionate spirit. Gary found the love of his life, Kellie Gates in 2016, and he loved her with every breath he took. He was a hard but loving father to his stepdaughter Krystyn Gates. Gary used the same push from his dad to encourage Krystyn to push as hard as she could in school and in life, she will be graduating in May 2022. Gary is survived by the love of his life Kellie Gates, his son Cody Simonton, stepdaughter Krystyn Gates, Dad Chester Ward, mom Loretta Ward, sissyJennifer Johnson, brothers Cory Johnson, Heath wood and Jeremy Sykes, and several nieces and nephews,and numerous friends who he called family. A celebration of life will be held to honor Gary.