Gary Glenn Lively

Gary Glenn Lively, age 84, of Grapeland, Texas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, the 28th day of June 2025, at Hospice of East Texas Homeplace in Tyler, Texas.  Mr. Lively was born on the 12th day of December 1940 in Crockett, Texas to parents Alton H. Lively and Evelyn Monk Lively.  Born in Houston County, Texas, Mr. Lively pursued higher education with passion after graduating from high school. He attended Texas A&M University, where he served in the Corps of Cadets, and for the last two years served as the Corps Chaplin. Furthering his education, he attended Stephen F. Austin State University and Louisiana Christian University in Pineville, Louisiana, where he received a degree from both universities and deepened his commitment to his Christian faith and his desire to help others.

Mr. Lively dedicated his professional life to social work, serving as a social worker for hospice care in Fairfield and Legacy at Town Creek in Palestine. He was also very active in the local AA Groups, and he volunteered his time at T.D.C.J.  His work was not just a job but a calling, as he provided comfort and care to those at the most vulnerable times of their lives. 

Mr. Lively's interests were varied throughout his life.  He was an avid reader, and an enthusiast of the outdoors, finding pleasure in hunting, fishing, and hiking. He had a love for basketball and a special talent for woodworking with cedar and creating stunning stained-glass pieces. Mr. Lively was also a longtime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and a dedicated family man. 

Mr. Lively’s loving nature made him a loved family member and cherished friend. Though he will be deeply missed, his spirit will live on in the hearts and memories of all who were touched by his extraordinary life including his special friend, Linda A. Culpepper; daughter, Holly Martin and husband Marcus Martin; sons, Christopher Lively, and Gary Shannon Lively and wife Helen Parker Lively.  He is also survived by his grandchildren, Paige Lively, Stephen Lively, Mattison Martin, Kristian Martin, Gavin Martin, and Evelyn Martin, along with other family members and friends.

Funeral services to celebrate Mr. Lively’s life are to be conducted at ten o’clock in the morning on Saturday, the 5th day of July 2025 in the Rhone Memorial Chapel with Deacon Dan Rose officiating the service.  Friends are invited to visit with the family one hour prior to the start of the service at Rhone Funeral Home. 

Funeral and cremation services for Gary Glenn Lively are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas.  Please visit his online memorial tribute at www.rhonefuneralhome.com, where words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with his family.

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