Gary Ray Denning, Overland Park, KS, died peacefully on June 12, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. Gary was born on August 7, 1939, in St. Joseph, MO to Raymond D. Denning and Helen L. Denning. He was in the trucking profession throughout his career. Gary served with Yellow Freight System for 17 years, rising from Terminal Manager to Vice President, before transitioning to North American Van Lines where he served as Executive Vice President of Commercial Transport Division. He ended his trucking career as President of National Carrier Inc. in Liberal, KS. At his retirement, National Carriers presented Gary and his wife, Carol, with a trip to Rome, Italy, where they received a private audience and blessing from then Pope John Paul II. This was one Gary's most treasured memories, along with family trips to Florida and Lake of the Ozarks. Gary was an active volunteer in the Catholic Church. He served on the board of Redeemer Catholic Radio in Ft. Wayne, IN and volunteered as Interim Station Manager until a permanent director was hired. He was an active member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church and a 4th Degree Knight of the Holy Spirit Knights of Columbus. He initiated a men's prayer group at Holy Spirit and was actively involved in the St. Dismas Prison Outreach. He had a strong commitment to the imprisoned and continued to write letters to them until the time of his death in hopes of helping them to find the light of Christ in their lives. Gary is survived by his wife, Carol of 56 years, 4 children, Gary Michael and wife, Karen of Overland Park, Darin Edward and Christine of Lawrence, Jennifer Lyn of San Francisco, CA and Scott Erik and wife Molly of Ft. Wayne, IN. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, Sarah and husband Matt, Jessica, Rachel and husband Adam, Kaylee and husband Christopher, Ashley, Gabrielle, Hannah, Anna, Andrew, Alexandra, Joseph, Maria and Jace, and 3 great grandchildren, Gracie Ann, Samuel John and Brooke Addison. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandson Jason Nicholas. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 15th from 5:30 – 7:30 pm at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 11300 W. 103rd St, Overland Park, KS; Rosary 5:30 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, June 16 at Holy Spirit. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 304, Chicago, IL 60611, or to Catholic Charities, 9720 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS 66212