Gary G. Putnam, son of Vivian Perry Putnam-Johnson of Bernie, Missouri, and the late Glen Putnam, was born on May 9, 1945, in Lindsay, California, and departed this life on October 6, 2021, at his residence in Dexter, Missouri, at the age of 76 years.

Mr. Putnam was a veteran of the United States Navy. He was a retired truck driver and had also worked for Arvin Meritor for several years. He enjoyed working in his garden and he made the best fudge. He loved being with his family and playing with his grandkids and great-grandkids.

On December 22, 1991, in Dexter, Missouri, he was united in marriage to JoAnne Musgrave. Mrs. Putnam survives of their home in Dexter.

In addition to his wife JoAnne and mother Vivian “VIP”, he is survived by four daughters, Tracy Parker and husband Danny of New Madrid, Missouri, Pamela Kirby and husband Jon of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Laurie Cooper and husband Greg of Dexter, Missouri and Jackie Barteau and husband Scott of Old Monroe, Missouri; by two sons, Kenneth Fortner and wife Shelly of Puxico, Missouri and David Fortner and wife Aimee of Aquilla, Missouri; by his brother, Larry Putnam and wife Bonnie of Dexter, Missouri, by two step-sisters, Becky Edmonds and husband Allen and Brenda Buchanan and husband Rick; by twenty grandchildren; and by twenty-five great-grandchildren.

Other than by his father, he was preceded in death by his son, Rolland Putnam; by two brothers, Max Putnam and Harold Putnam; by his step-brother, Bobby Johnson; and by two sisters-in-law, Jeanie Putnam and Karen Putnam.

Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Monday, October 11, 2021, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m.

Funeral services will then be conducted in the Mathis Funeral Home Chapel on Monday, October 11, 2021, at 2:30 p.m. Interment will follow in the Hagy Cemetery.

Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.