Gary Keith Kilgore, beloved husband, father, PaPa, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2026, following a courageous year-long battle with cancer. He was a man who gave so much of himself to the people he loved and leaves behind a lifetime of memories that will forever be treasured.

Gary was born on June 22, 1948 and raised in Haysi, Virginia, to Martin and June Kilgore. He later moved to Ypsilanti, Michigan, where he built his life and raised his family.

Gary proudly served in the military, where he was stationed in Germany and met the love of his life, Christiane (Chris). Their meeting began a lifelong love story, and Gary and Christiane shared 56 years together as husband and wife.

Gary was a dedicated and hardworking man. He spent 32 years working for Ford Motor Company before continuing his career for another 20 years at Automotive Testing & Development Services. He took pride in his work and was always willing to lend a helping hand.

Outside of work, Gary had many passions. He was an exceptional bowler and achieved an incredible eight perfect games. He loved fishing and enjoyed the peace and time spent outdoors. But perhaps nothing brought him more joy than his Detroit Tigers. Gary was the ultimate Tigers fan and rarely, if ever, missed a game. His love for the Tigers was just one of the many things that made him uniquely Gary.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and June Kilgore; his brothers, Billy Fayne Kilgore and Joe Park Kilgore; and his sister, Marta Diana Reedy.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Christiane Kilgore; his children, Brian (Tina), Kimberly (Chantel) and Jamie (Matt) Knapp; a cherished PaPa to his nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and his sister, Rebecca (Harold) Fuller and brother, Marty (Phyllis) Kilgore. He also leaves behind countless friends and loved ones whose lives were made better simply by knowing him.

Gary’s greatest legacy will not be measured by the years he worked, the perfect games he bowled, or even the countless Tigers games he watched. It will be found in the people he loved, the lives he touched, and the countless times he was there when someone needed him.

And while our hearts are broken that he won’t be sitting with us watching the next Tigers game, we find comfort knowing that Gary has the best seat in the house now. We can picture him smiling, cheering them on, and never missing a pitch. So, until we meet again, Dad, PaPa, brother and friend—keep watching over us, keep cheering for your Tigers, and know that you will forever be loved. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Funeral services will be held at Stark Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 with Visitation from 11am-1pm with the Service beginning at 1pm. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. Grandsons Tyler, Jordan, Sebastion, Kameron, Connor, Keegan, and Caiden will serve as Pallbearers.