Anthony Clay (Tony) Gayler, the son of Harold and Jane Marie (Cooper) Gayler, was born September 21, 1965, in Fairfax, Missouri. He attended Rock Port High School, Rock Port, Missouri, graduating in 1984.

On August 6, 1988, Tony was united in marriage to Rhonda Kuhns at the First Christian Church in Rock Port. They became the parents of two sons, Kyle and Brett. They later divorced. On January 9, 2009, Tony was united in marriage to Loretta Mills. They became the parents of one son, Chase. They later divorced.

Tony’s true passion was farming the Cooper Family Farm with his Grandpa Donald Cooper. In the offseason, he helped Richard Amthor build grain bins. Later, Tony was employed by Energizer Battery in Maryville, Missouri. He also worked for Advanced Pork Systems in Fairfax, Missouri, and Nitro Kennels in Rock Port until ill health forced his retirement.

Tony enjoyed fishing, golfing, attending NASCAR races at Kansas Speedway, Kansas City, Kansas, stock car races at Adams County Speedway, Corning, Iowa, and Sprint Car races at Knoxville Raceway, Knoxville, Iowa. He also enjoyed gardening, riding motorcycles, and spending time with his sons, niece and nephew, and especially his beloved sister, Nikki. Tony passed away Sunday, December 9, 2018, at Pleasant View Nursing Home in Rock Port, at the age of 53.

Tony was preceded in death by his mother, Jane Gayler; grandparents, Donald and Shirley Cooper; uncle, Larry Cooper; and cousin, David Burke. Survivors include three sons, Kyle Gayler, Brett Gayler, and Chase Gayler, all of Rock Port; sister, Nikki Hunter and husband, Joe, Rock Port; niece, Jessica Hunter; nephew, Jarrett Hunter, both of Rock Port; father, Harold Gayler, Ozark, Missouri; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins; and a host of friends.

A memorial service was held Saturday, December 15, 2018, at Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port, conducted by Pastor Chris Shimmel. Private family inurnment will be held at Hunter Cemetery, Rock Port. Memorials may be directed to the Tony Gayler Memorial Fund to help with expenses.

Online condolences may be left at www.minterfuneralchapels.com. Services were under the direction of Minter Funeral Chapels, Rock Port.