Gary Joseph Haik, passed away Saturday June 13, 2015 in Columbia, Mo. Gary was born to Mary (Kouri) Haik and Joseph Eissor Haik on Jan. 24, 1956 in Sprinfield, MO. Gary was called "Mother's little angel" as he was the13th child born into that family. Gary lived in the Woodhaven Learning Center in Columbia, MO since 1971 and because of their excellent care and continuous love he thrived to the age of 59. Gary, (better known as Chief to the family) had such a contagious smile, a laugh that could melt a glacier, and a love for the 3 Stooges. Gary was truly one of God's Special Children and he will be greatly missed.
Gary was preceded in death by his Father, Joseph E. Haik and his Mother, Mary (Kouri) Haik, his brother, James J. Haik, a sister, Maryls (Haik) Zind, a sister, Gloria Haik, and a brother, Ronald J. Haik, a brother-in-law, Nicholas P. Meyer, and a sister in-law, Eleanor June Haik, a cousin, David Ryan Haik, and a cousin, Josh K. Haik.
Gary is survived by brothers, Gerald Haik and wife, Peggy; Robert Haik and wife, Chris, John Haik and wife, Lee, and Joseph Haik all of Springfield, MO. Gary is also survived by his sisters, Carol (Haik) Meyer of Wichita, KS, Mary Jo (Haik) Carey and Janice (Haik) Grubbs both of Tulsa, OK and Sherrie (Haik) Hundley and husband, Terry, of Garland, TX. Gary is survived by brother-in-law, Clem Zind, and sister-in-law, Margaret Haik, both of Springfield, MO and many nieces and nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews.
The funeral services will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2200 West Republic Road, Springfield, Mo. under the care of Herman Funeral Home, 500 E. Walnut. The funeral will be at 10 am Friday June 19, 2015 with visitation one hour prior to the funeral Mass. Burial will follow in the Hazelwood Cemetery.
The family would like to thank Gary's dedicated and faithful caregivers: Jeff Kitch, Ron Kumarasinghe, his beloved foster Mother, Latina Ghidwy (Gary called her his "Sweetheart"), and Marcy Peters who has been so vigilant during Gary's last stage of life. Woodhaven and staff are God's special people filled with love and care.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Woodhaven Learning Center, 1405 Hathman Place, Columbia, MO 65201 or Preferred Hospice of MO 1900 N. Providence Suite 311 Columbia, MO 65202 or to your favorite charity.
Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.