He has fought the good fight, he has finished the race.

Gary Ray List, 83, met his Savior face-to-face on June 26, 2026. Born on September 14, 1942, Gary lived a life defined by dedication to his faith, kindness, humor, and an unwavering love for those he quickly made family.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Marlene F. List; his four children: Leigh Ann Saldivar (Juan) of Griffin, Georgia; Larry (Sara) List of St. Charles, Missouri, and Meredith (Jeff) Kohler of Marquette Heights, Illinois; and Jeremy (Yolanda) List of Little Rock, Arkansas. He found great joy in his grandchildren Raymond, Ryan, Richard Saldivar, Laura, Bethany, Julia List, and Anna Kohler. He also leaves behind beloved nieces and nephews, extended family, dear friends, colleagues, and countless lives woven together by shared faith and ministry.

Above all, Gary loved the Lord and sought to live out his faith every day. He chose to share God's love through kindness, generosity, and serving others. He was passionate about missions and quickly set out in "his Jerusalem" to make disciples by leading services at the Rescue Mission with his wife alongside at the piano. As foster parents, they became family to over 15 children through the years and, with like-minded friends, developed a Christian camp experience for girls in foster care. He loved and endorsed scouting and delighted in helping launch a B.S. troop at Peoria Christian School. Family mission trips led him to deepen his commitment and support of ministry locally, and summers found him learning to love the ministry at Camp Good News in Washington, IL. His quiet example of Christian faith touched countless lives and will remain part of the legacy he leaves behind.

Gary devoted his career to the Ag Lab in Peoria, Illinois, where he became a highly respected oil chemist. His research and expertise earned him recognition worldwide, and throughout his distinguished career, he received numerous awards for his contributions to agricultural science. A greater joy, however, was found in mentoring young scientists throughout his career. Though he remained humble about his accomplishments, his work left a lasting impact on the field and on the many people he had the privilege of working alongside.

While Gary found fulfillment in his career, nothing compared to the love he had for his family. He especially loved children, and his seven grandchildren were among his greatest blessings. This love extended to nieces and nephews and the family he found in the Body of Christ. His face would light up whenever he was with his loved ones, and he treasured every opportunity to spend time with them.

An avid outdoorsman, Gary found great joy in fishing and hunting, creating memories that will be cherished by those fortunate enough to share those adventures with him.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Fern List; his father, Ray V. List; his sister, Karen; and his brother, Larry.

Gary will be remembered for his infectious smile, genuine kindness, unwavering faith, and quick wit. He never missed an opportunity to tell a joke, make someone laugh, or help a person in need. His warmth, generosity, and ability to make everyone feel welcome left a lasting impression on all who knew him. Though Gary's presence will be deeply missed, his legacy of love, laughter, compassion, faith, and excellence will live on through his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. He concluded his speaking and award ceremonies by sharing these words of a favorite missionary C.T. Studd; "Only one life 'twill soon be passed, only what's done for Christ will last."

So I say to you,

" Whatever you do work at it will all you heart, as working for the Lord, not for man."

As Gary lived his life, the words of 1 John 3:18 beautifully reflect the example he set:

"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." May we so live our lives."

Memorial Contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to Camp Good News in Wahington, Illinois or Grace Presbyterian Children's Ministry.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, July 6, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Grace Presbyterian Church, 8607 N IL-91 Peoria, IL with Pastors Kerry Frantz and John Hopwood officiating. Visitation one hour prior to service. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Memory Gardens in Morton.