Gary Leon George, 71, died Sunday, April 26, 2026 at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, MO. He was born March 8, 1955, in Highland, KS, the son of Marion C. and Nellie K. Wilson George, the eleventh of twelve children.
He grew up in Severance, KS and graduated from Midway High School in 1973, where he played in all sports available through his high school years. Decided to take it a little easier after graduating and took up the game of golf. But his favorite sports was watching KU Basketball!
Gary worked hard all of his life. Had a variety of jobs and met and made many friends. Gary knew and remembered everyone he met in his lifetime….and remembered their names. He never hesitated to stop and say “Hi” when he saw you. He retired five years ago and loved every minute of it.
Gary is preceded in death by his parents; seven siblings: Richard George, Keith George, Bill George, Linda (George) Bilderback, Faye (George) Baker, Wilma Ruth (George) Bierbaum, and Larry George.
Gary is survived by his forever and always love of 20 years, Alrita Wagner, who survives of their home in St. Joseph, MO, his son Eric (Bethany) George of Kansas City, MO, daughter Kathy (Robert Kendall) Carter of Blue Springs, MO, two grandchildren: Bradley Carter and Sydney Carter; nine step-grandchildren: Alexander, Genevieve, Tucker, Lauren, Teaghan, Kendall, Bobby, Allison and Brittan; two brothers: Tom George of St. Joseph, MO, Charlie (Rene) George of Everest, KS; two sisters: Loree (Jay) Christensen of Topeka, KS and Mary Ellen (George) Wood of Ness City, KS, with many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Gary’s Eternal Life is planned for 11 a.m. Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Highland, with Decan Joshua Fultz of St. Joseph, officiating. Cremation to follow services with private inurnment at Walnut Hill Cemetery, Silver Lake.
Friends may call from 10-5 p.m. Wednesday May 6 at the funeral home. The family will meet with friends one hour prior to services Thursday.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Gary George Memorial Fund sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 33, 66035.
www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com
