Gary Gallier

Gary Gallier, 77, of Springfield Missouri, passed away peacefully in his home on April 30, 2026 with loved ones by his side.

Gary was born on January 23, 1949 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Sam and Paula (Foley) Gallier. Gary grew up with his younger brothers, Les and Don, often butting heads and keeping their parents on their toes. But always cheering each other on along the way. He graduated from East Central High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma and then attended Southwest Missouri State University on a wrestling scholarship, where he graduated with a B.S. in Marketing.

In the early stages of his career, Gary worked as a sales representative for Roadway Trucking where he was continually recognized as one of the top salespeople for the company. Along the way he was introduced to the mountain dulcimer and was immediately taken by its elegant simplicity and sweet, silvery sound. Inspired by his brother, Les, Gary decided to pursue a dream he’d had since he was a teen, and he learned to play the dulcimer.

If you know Gary Gallier, you know that once he sets his mind on something, there’s no going back. While working a full-time job, which often had him on the road, he not only learned to play the dulcimer, but he also developed his own unique flatpicking style. He was a true innovator. And he set high goals. Gary competed in the National Dulcimer Championship in Winfield, Kansas where he placed 2nd in 1983, 1984, and 1985. In 1987, he won his first National Championship while playing all original tunes. This accomplishment is one of the greatest examples of his grit and tenacity.

Gary retired from Roadway in 2001 so that he could devote more time and energy to his true passion, which now included building dulcimers. While his career as a luthier started out very modest and rudimentary, that didn’t last long. His instruments became highly sought after, with a years' long waiting list, and are owned and played by the very elite players in the field. Whenever Gary completed a dulcimer, he would hand deliver it to the new owner, even if that meant driving across the country. His dulcimers are known for being a work of art as well as for their magnificent tone.

While playing hundreds of festivals and sharing his skills and knowledge as one of the most requested instructors at dulcimer camps across the country, Gary was also writing music and honing his skills as a producer. Over the years, Gary recorded and produced 6 albums of original music including “Crossed Roads," “Race to the Gate," “On the Wing," “Craft of Kin," “Three Wire Choir," and “Archive – Artists Choice." Gary would also want to credit his brother Les, and his honorary brothers and sisters in music for the contributions of their time and talents to these albums. He always said what made him good was surrounding himself with great musicians. Gary lived by that as he collaborated with top-notch talent. While his attention to detail and creative instinct guided the production of these albums, he had a way of recognizing the unique gifts in others and was grateful to his fellow musicians for their contributions to these masterpieces. Gary was generous in sharing the recording space and the stage. He created some of the most profound and important music in this genre. In the dulcimer world, The Gallier Brothers were true rock stars for a season. When they performed their music, audiences exploded with applause and called for multiple encores. Because of Gary’s ground-breaking passion for dulcimer building and music, he will be remembered as a major historical figure in the dulcimer world. There is truly no sound like that of the music and instruments that were hand crafted by Gary.

Gary will also be remembered as a man who was devoted to his family. His daughters, Sarah and Bekah, were his pride and joy. He often referred to them as “little neck-huggers” and would do anything for his girls. He was a proud grandpa and would beam with delight when talking about Hannah and Reilly. Gary was also a devoted son, caring and advocating for his parents in their final years and playing music for the residents in the nursing home. He was unselfish with his time and never hesitated to be there for a friend or loved one when they needed him. He was the rock to so many, including his wife, Barb. He was a quick witted, strategic genius who loved deeply. He was an innovator, a storyteller, a dog lover, a music legend, an incredible father and a steadfast friend. He will be greatly missed by all those who loved him. There are no adequate words to describe the void he is leaving, but the impact he made during his time in this world is greater. His legacy will live on through his family and the music he created.

Gary is survived by his wife Barbara Stockard, daughters Sarah Green and Rebekah Gallier, grandchildren Hannah Green and Reilly Green, brothers Les Gallier and Don Gallier, nephew Derek Gallier and wife Lauren, niece Diana Jeffries and husband Ty, as well as his great nephews, many cousins and close friends. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Paula Gallier. Information about a Celebration of Life for Gary will be shared with friends and family at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services of Springfield, MO.