Jason Gary See of Rutledge, Missouri passed away March 7, 2019. He was 74. He was born December 19, 1944 to Jason Bertram (J.B.) and Rosalyn Faye Kutzner See in Bloomington, Illinois and was raised in Colony, Missouri. He attended Colony School and La Belle High School. He proudly served as a combat medic in the U.S. Army and in Vietnam from 1966-1967. He worked as a welder for Farmall and later Navistar International from 1965 until he retired in 1997. He practiced as a barber for many years. His lifelong passion was farming, and he proudly farmed alongside his nephews, Patrick See of Memphis, Missouri and Heith See of Colony, Missouri.

He is survived by his wife Bonnie of Springfield, Ohio; his children Julie (Joe) Trujillo of Portland, Oregon; Jason (Aneisha) See of Eldon, Missouri; Josh (Miranda) See of Texas; Jon (Mandy) See currently assigned to military duty in Ankara, Turkey; three step-sons, Dan (Anne) Hope of Springfield, Ohio; Josh (Heather) Hope of Springfield, Ohio; and Kenny (Kelly) Hope of Springfield, Ohio; nine grandchildren, nine step-grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, two step great-grandchildren, and many aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews. His gregarious nature and never-met-a-stranger attitude led to his multitude of friends.

His family knew him as a playful, larger-than-life character, full of color and charisma. It seemed he lived many lifetimes in the 74 years we had with him. His stories were endless and endearing. Gary was an avid hunter and collector, sharing his passions and knowledge with anyone who would listen. He loved tractors, pocket knives, pocket watches, coins, genealogy, and was an amateur hoarder.  He never said "no" to an auction and would drive for miles to attend one.

He loved his children. He taught them to hunt, how to select and sharpen a good knife, to live honorably, and to be thankful. Gary had a life-long love affair with eggs, morel mushrooms, oysters, oatmeal cookies, Chinese buffets and a really good steak. He excelled at growing things, and instilled that love in his children, knowingly or unknowingly. He tended flower and vegetable gardens and houseplants. He was extremely proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and was always up for a game of checkers. Gary took fashion cues from no one. His signature look was an all-white t-shirt (pocketed) with a pair of overalls. Gary was spirited, big-hearted, and generous. He could find humor in any situation.

Gary was deeply patriotic, and he loved his community. He was active in many organizations, including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Order of the Masonic Lodge. He served as mayor of Rutledge for many years, and he continued to fundraise for the community at the Rutledge hot dog stand at the dog and gun sale each summer. He served on the Pauline Cemetery board, and was also part of the Funeral detail of the American Legion.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Richard and Mike See, and his nephews, Randy See and Chad See.

Gary will be dearly missed by all.