Gary W. Hood, 78, of Patoka, passed away Monday, November 24, 2025, while vacationing with family in Riviera Maya, Mexico. He was born on April 16, 1947, in Tuscola, the son of William and Grace (Thompson) Hood. He married the love of his life and best friend, Stacy Cain, on July 30, 1995, in Patoka, and she survives him.
Along with his soul mate, Stacy Hood, survivors that will remember Gary as the life of the party include, his sons, Tony (Lisa) Hood of Sandoval, and Clinton Hood of Patoka (Sydney Geurin of Walnut Hill); granddaughter, Kaitlin Young of Centralia; sisters, Carol Ann (Dave) Siebert of Charleston, Janet (Marvin) Brannon of Charleston; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members and good friends.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, William and Grace Hood.
Gary was an educator, retiring in 2001 from Kaskaskia College in Centralia. He taught for twenty-three dedicated years as head of Computer Information. His limitless knowledge was shared with grateful customers at H & H Computers in Centralia, the business that Gary was proud to own and operate since 1983. Gary was active in his community, a member of the Patoka Sons of the American Legion, and the Vandalia Temperance Masonic Lodge #16. He served on the Patoka School Board for sixteen years, where he advocated for the success of Patoka School’s students, teachers, staff, and administration. Gary looked forward to time out in the field, planting and harvesting abundant crops. Farming was a passion he passed down to his son, Clinton, and his immense technical knowledge continues with his son, Tony. He was an avid golfer who enjoyed being out on the greens with his favorite club in hand. Gary admired the beauty of a Corvette, be it classic or new. He was a true collector and definitely loved to take his cars out on the open road. He was a bit of a social butterfly who loved meeting new people. Gary’s fun-loving attitude was contagious and brightened even the darkest day. He was laid back, gentle and kind, and a fierce protector of those he loved. He was most content when spending time with the ones he loved, family and friends alike. Gary’s family and friends will honor his wonderful life by continuing to live well, laugh with enthusiasm, and love with full hearts, just as he did.
A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the Patoka United Methodist Church. Masonic Services will be held at 12:45 p.m. by the Vandalia Temperance Masonic Lodge #16. Relatives and friends are welcome to the visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church on Saturday. Memorials may be made in Gary’s honor to the Village of Patoka Pavilion Fund or the Village of Sandoval, payable to Tony Hood. They will be accepted for the family at the Day Macz Funeral Home in Patoka. Online condolences and memories of Gary may be shared with the family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
