Gary Stephen Camp Sr.

Gary Stephen Camp, Sr. of East Carondelet, IL passed away at the age of 73 on July 13th, 2024, in Richmond Heights, MO. He was a beloved Husband, Dad, Grandpa and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Gary was born to John Paul Camp I and Emily Camp on October 6th, 1950, in East St. Louis, IL, and grew up and spent his formative years in nearby Dupo, IL. He went on to be drafted into the United States Army, and later attended Belleville Area College. He then worked as a Millwright and Maintenance Mechanic for 40+ years at Cerro Copper, Tower Automotive, and PreCoat Metals. Throughout his career, he was known for his hard work, the ability to fix anything, his dedication, and passion for helping others.

But more than anything, Gary was a devoted Husband, Dad and Grandpa. He loved spending time with his family, especially teaching his kids how to fix things and playing sports with them in the backyard, and later on entertaining his grandkids, and watching them grow up. He loved telling his “hilarious” Dad jokes, but most of all, he never hesitated to help any of his kids or family members with anything they could possibly need.

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In his free time, Gary enjoyed spending time and traveling with his loving wife Ruth, cooking amazing BBQ for his family, working in the yard, watching Cardinals baseball or Alabama football, tinkering around in his garage, sitting outside on the deck, and was always eager to share his knowledge and enthusiasm with others.

He was a longtime member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, a member of the Carpenters Union, and a former volunteer fireman for the Prairie DuPont Fire Department.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Ruth, his sons Gary Jr (Gina Baker) Camp, Jacob (Lori) Camp, grandchildren Kinley, Ty, Colston and Clayton, his daughter Laura (Jason Horn) Camp, his brother John Paul (Cheryl) Camp II, his sisters Barbara (Jackie Reece) Camp, Carol Camp, Peggy (Bill) Riegger, Bonnie (Bob Plant) Camp, many loving sisters-in-law's and brother-in-law's, and many loving nieces and nephews. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, John and Emily Camp, his sister Lyn Colyer, and his brother Doug (Judy) Camp.

Visitation will be held at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home in Belleville, IL on Thursday, July 18th from 4pm – 8pm. Funeral services will be held on Friday morning at 11am.