ELIZABETHTOWN, K.Y. — Our much loved brother and friend, Gary Raymond Arends, passed away in his home in Elizabethtown, Kentucky on Jan. 8, 2024.

Gary was born July 25, 1940 and grew up in Rochelle, Illinois.

He is survived by his sisters Roxann Weber (George) and Yvonne Kyler (Russ) as well as three nephews, Mark Andrist; Scott Andrist (Erin), Ryan Andrist (Kari), a cousin Toni Magnusson (Stan), a niece-in-law Laura Andrist-Powers (Kevin), as well as great nieces and nephews: Morgan (Jaimee), Ashley, Jacob, Emma, Lauren and Jonathan. He also leaves a fellowship of dear and caring friends in Elizabethtown:

Barry, Bruce, Chris and Silas, Daniel, John, Melissa and Te'aira, Mindy and Randy.

Gary was an accomplished artist from a very young age and was never without a sketchpad in hand. He loved all mediums and his talent was recognized when he was accepted into the prestigious Kansas City Art Institute. He also obtained his MFA from Northern Illinois University after serving in the United States Army in Vietnam. His professional career was as a Visual Information Specialist at Fort Knox in Kentucky.

Gary found himself involved in a number of other hobbies including traveling through Europe, acting, writing, miniature wargaming and chess. Some of Gary's outstanding attributes: his knowledge of both art history and history in general. Not surprising, he was an avid reader of almost every genre and his book collection rivals many libraries. He also was a dedicated movie enthusiast. Gary's life was enriched by almost always having a cat in residence and enjoyed the complexity of their feline personalities.

Most importantly, Gary was one of those rare people who was happy with his lot in life. He loved his family and his friends with a sincere exuberance and those on the receiving end cherished him. His belief in God was core in who he was as evidenced by the final words of his Last Will and Testament: "It is good to believe in God and the Last Call on the Last Day. Praise and thanks be to God for His grace which He ever so lavished on me and without which I can do nothing. Love to all of you and I will be seeing you." And thank YOU, Gary, for lavishing your love on us. We will be seeing you.

Gary was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Ruth Arends.