Gary Lee Cordy passed away peacefully after a long fought battle on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at the age of 80. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Debra Cordy (nee Elston); his children Jason Cordy, Justin (Lauren) Cordy, and Brittany Cordy; and his beloved grandchildren Hunter Cordy-Wood, Waylon Cordy, and June Cordy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Campbell Cordy and Hazel Irene (Morrison) Cordy, and his siblings Patricia and Robert Jr. He was a dear uncle, great-uncle, friend, and companion to his cherished pets.

Gary was born in Buffalo, New York, and grew up in Rochester. From an early age, he was driven to build a better life for himself and, more importantly, for his future family. That drive carried him through his service in the United States Army, where he was stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War, and into a successful career with Kodak. His career took him from Rochester to Chicago and eventually to St. Louis in 1991 where he put down roots and stayed for 36 years. It was also through Kodak that Gary met the love of his life, his wife of 44 years, Debra (Elston) Cordy.

Gary was a strong, determined, private, and generous man. He did not often talk about his time in the military or his service, but he spent many hours at the VFW. He believed in giving back to his community and often spoke about the importance of having good character.

When he wasn't working, you'd likely find Gary on the golf course, convinced his game was better than it was. After retiring from Kodak, he put his love of golf to good use. He took a part-time job at Meadowbrook Country Club-many would say simply so he could be paid to spend even more time around the game he loved.

Above all else, Gary loved his family fiercely, and he especially loved cooking for his children and grandchildren, creating meals with love and care. He was a man of few words, but every meal he made was another way of showing his love. His late-night steak sandwiches, French toast, and banana bread will be fondly remembered by his family for years to come.

Gary's memory will live on through his family, the values he instilled in those around him, the community he served, and the many lives he touched. He will be remembered with love and missed dearly.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Gathering Place: 550 Vance Road, Valley Park, Missouri 63088, on Thursday, July 30th between 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. and a private family burial at Jefferson Barracks at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in Gary's honor to Folds of Honor , raise a Vodka Diet Coke in a tall glass, and bake something for someone you love.

As a service of the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.