Gary M. Cannaday

Visitation will be held 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 25, 2022 with Funeral Services at 2:00 p.m. both at Memorial Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Gary was born August 22, 1944 in Columbia, the son of Claude Cannaday and Aline (Sprague). After his father passed away, Aline married Robert Goodrick and together they raised Gary. On June 8 1969 Gary was united in marriage to Anna Laura Milster and to this union three children were born. After Anna’s passing, Gary was united in marriage to Anne Melissa Leonard on September 12, 2015, who survives.

Gary served his community as a City of Columbia Police Officer for 24 years before he retired. After retiring the call for public service in the community was strong and Gary work for the Columbia Housing Authority for several years to follow.

Spending time with family and friends was very important to Gary, whether it was dining out at some of his favorite restaurants or spending the day at local fishing holes eager to catch a big one. Gary thoroughly enjoyed treasure hunting with every member of his family, going to local flea markets, antique stores, and garage sales, which everyone enjoyed doing with him. Gardening, both vegetable and flower, was also something Gary took pride in and he loved transforming the land around his home with these gardens and fruit trees.

Gary leaves behind his beloved wife, Anne; three children, Chris Cannaday (David Swingle) of Oklahoma City, Shannon Dietzel (Mark Dietzel) of Columbia, and Carrie Cannaday of Columbia; five grandchildren Andrea Dietzel, Gary Dietzel, Hannah Dietzel, Emma Adams, Lilly Cannaday; and one great granddaughter, Stella Osterburger.

Memorials in Gary’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Parkinson’s Foundation, in care of the funeral home.