Obituary

Gary Wray Pierson, 81, of Lee’s Summit, MO lost his long and courageous battle with cancer on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at the University of Kansas Medical Center surrounded by his loving family who were blessed to have him for 21 years after his initial diagnosis.

He was born on February 9, 1938 in Lemons, MO to Darrell and Mary (Schnelle) Pierson, the eldest of four children. In 1956 he graduated from Green City High School. Gary spent his early childhood on the family farm where he learned to love working the land. His energetic personality and great fortitude developed in his formative years served him throughout his life at home and in his career. Gary married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Avis Kay Alexander, nearly 60 years ago. The two of them loved camping with the boys in the early years, attending the KC Royals games as season ticket holders, and spending many days together walking the beaches of Florida.

In 1964, Gary began his lifetime career at Western Electric/AT&T Microelectronics and finally Fabtech where he was a talented production equipment technician serving as a role model by sharing his technical skills with many others for nearly 50 years. Gary enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and lending a helping hand to those in need. He was an avid KC Royals, Chiefs, and Missouri Tiger fan. He took pleasure escaping the busy city life to clean air of northeast Missouri to maintain the family farm. Gary loved people and making them smile and doing things that pleased others. He will be sadly missed by all who he touched but none more than by his close-nit family.

Gary is survived by his wife, Avis; sons, Stanton (Kristen) and Steven (Christine); grandchildren, Lindsay (Adam) Wright, Andrew Pierson, Anna and Ella Pierson; brothers, Donnie Pierson; sisters, Karen (Joe) Miller, and Debbie (Randy) Yos. Gary was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held at the Langsford Funeral Home in Lee’s Summit, MO on Thursday, July 25 between 6:00 to 8:00 PM. His funeral service will be Saturday, July 27 at Prairie Chapel United Methodist Church at 10:00 AM with Ben Williams officiating. Pallbearers will be his grandson, Andrew Pierson along with Adam Wright, best friend Dr. Paul Tharp, Larry Stephenson, Steve Albertson, Glen Simmons, and Martin Alexander.

He will be laid to rest overlooking north Missouri farm country immediately following at Mount Olivet Cemetery with a celebration of life luncheon at the Green City Community Center from noon to 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Prairie Chapel United Methodist Church, c/o June Stephenson, Treasurer, 26821 Hwy #129, Green City, MO 63545 or to the Mt. Olivet Cemetery, c/o Ruschmeier Funeral Home, 120 West 4th Street, Milan, MO 63556.