Gary Allen Mollett

Age 80, of Lansing and DeWitt, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly at home on July 14, 2023. He was born April 11, 1943, in Huntington, West Virginia, to Leonard D. and Josephine (Boll) Mollett. Growing up Gary moved between Ironton, Ohio, and West Virginia. After his time in the Navy his family ended up in Michigan. He began taking college classes while he worked at Motor Wheel then continued his education for another decade.

Gary worked as an Industrial, mechanical, and electrical engineer then later earned a PhD in business administration and held the position of plant manager at various industrial and manufacturing plants around Michigan including TRW and Marsh Products. He truly enjoyed the energy of the multifaceted environment and constant challenges (Hansei) that occurred in running a manufacturing facility.  He implemented the Japanese Kaizen approach for Lean Manufacturing at the manufacturing plants he ran and believed in creating a positive and light environment for employee morale and a safe streamlined production.

One hobby Gary loved was learning various martial art forms. In the 1970’s Gary started his martial arts training career and earned his first black belt in Tae Kwon Do. He later earned 1^st Dan in Shidokan Shorin Ryu karate studying with Sensei Seikichi Iha. He also trained with Clement Reidner in Shiho Karano Ryu karate and was granted 4^th Dan (4^th degree black belt). Gary then trained with Sensei Phillip Koeppel earning his 5^th and 6^th Dan in Matsumura Seito Shorin Ryu karate. Gary also became a sensei in his own right and had his own martial arts training dojos in Niles and around Lansing, Michigan, over the years. He enjoyed watching his students grow and succeed in their journey through the martial arts. They were like a family, road tripping to tournaments, supporting each other and the community.  He was Budo, constantly striving for self-improvement and enlightenment throughout his life.

Gary always lived life to the fullest. For nearly the last twenty years, Gary also worked with County, State, and Federal law enforcement to locate, apprehend and arrest fugitives locally and around the US. He was a certified bond agent and licensed bail enforcement agent. From this part of his life Gary and his friends and colleagues have an abundance of stories to regale.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard D. and Josephine (Boll) Mollett, and his brothers, Charles Boll and David Mollett.

He is survived by his wife, Anita (Coston) Mollett; son, Paul Mollett; daughters, Jennifer (Theo Bell) Mollett and Sarah Mollett; beloved grandchildren, Antonios, Chris, Zoe, Taylor, Sebastien, and Ammi; great-granddaughter, Violet; his many beloved friends; longtime companion, Margaret; and his pittie Miss Fontina…who is sadly waiting by the door for their daily car ride together.

Gary always saw the best in everyone and treated others with kindness and respect.  He was a mentor to many and a brother, a friend, a father, and a protector.  As some have said when hearing of his passing…the world has lost a great man. He is greatly loved and will be sorely missed.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Private interment will take place on Monday, July 24, 2023, in Gunnisonville Cemetery in DeWitt.

“Live life to the fullest.”

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to an animal shelter near you or adopting a pet in need of a home. Gary loved animals.

Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.