Obituary
Gary W. Fruits, 75, of Lee’s Summit, MO, passed peacefully Sunday December 3rd, 2023, at Saint Luke’s East Hospital, with his family by his side.
He was born on October 28, 1948, to Loren John Fruits and Mahota Earhart Fruits in Wichita, KS.
He was a member of the Kansas Masonic Albert Pike Lodge of Wichita, KS.
Gary attended Wichita State University where he was a member of the marching band and earned his Bachelor Degree in Business Administration in 1970. He also attended and graduated from the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin in Madison in 1981 and the Graduate School of Commercial Lending at the University of Oklahoma in Norman in 1988.
He married Debbi Graves on October 7, 1979 in Moberly, MO and they had one child, Lauren Fruits.
He spent most of his career in commercial banking. He started his career with Union National Bank in Wichita, KS. From there, he worked for Commerce Bank in Kansas City and Moberly, MO, First National Bank of Columbia, Bank of Lee’s Summit, Brotherhood Bank & Trust, and later retiring from Columbian Bank and Trust in 2008. In 2009 Gary and Lauren became real estate agents together and he joined Fishman Commercial Real Estate where he enjoyed doing commercial real estate up until his passing. In 2009 he was also appointed to the Jackson County Board of Equalization.
He was always very active in the community, volunteering his time to numerous organizations. Committee’s and boards he served on include: past President and Board Member of Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street inc., Past President, Treasurer and Board Member for the Lee’s Summit Symphony Orchestra, member of the Lee’s Summit Arts Council, Past Board Member of the Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council. Involvement in LS 360 and the Lee’s Summit Land Clearance Redevelopment Authority among others.
He loved Model Railroading, art, music, sports, and his dogs. Always cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, Missouri Tigers, Wichita State Shockers, Oklahoma Sooners, and any team his daughter Lauren was affiliated with including the University of Texas and the University of Texas San Antonio. He was also a member of the Coates Street Presbyterian Church in Moberly, MO.
Gary is survived by his wife, Debbi Fruits, daughter, Lauren Fruits, mother-in-law, Wanda Graves and many cousins, extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Loren John Fruits and Mahota Earhart Fruits, father-in-law, James F. Graves, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Visitation will be Friday December 8th from 4:00-6:00pm at Langsford Funeral Home in Lee’s Summit.
A Celebration of Life will be Sunday December 10th at Coates Street Presbyterian Church in Moberly, MO at 2:00pm with a visitation at 1:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials or donations may be made to:
Coates Street Presbyterian Church
601 W Coates St
Moberly, MO 65270
Lee’s Summit Symphony Orchestra
P.O. Box 352
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Arrangements by Langsford Funeral Home, 115 SW 3rd Street, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Condolences
Visitation
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Services
Moberly, MO 65270
Debbi: So very, very sorry to hear of Gary’s death. You have been in my thoughts and prayers for some time.
Janet
I will be forever grateful for the cousin who cheered me up and always said he loved me.
The “glue” among Earhart cousins. ♥️♥️♥️
Kena
Debbi and Lauren, I am deeply saddened by the news of Gary’s passing. I know he had health issues for a long time. I worked with Gary at Columbian Bank from 2002 until he retired. He was a gentleman of great class and dress! Binghams is going to miss him! I am happy that he is now at peace and pain free. He will be missed by many, including me. Feel the strength, support and love from every direction for each of you. God speed, Gary. Your work on earth is complete.
Sincerely,
Peggi Moore
I remember Gary from his time in Moberly, MO. We were members of the Moberly Jaycees for a while. So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing.