Gary Edward Gilley

Gary Edward Gilley, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 5, 2026, at North Kansas City Hospital at the age of 78. He was surrounded by his loving family—his fiancé, Patricia; his son, Marcus; and his nephew, Dawayne.

Gary was born on April 26, 1947, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Charles Luther Gilley and Carrie Elizabeth (Lacy) Gilley. As a lifelong resident of Kansas City, he graduated from Turner High School with the Class of 1965 and then attended Emporia State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business with an emphasis in Accounting.

Gary dedicated many years of his professional life to the healthcare industry, beginning as a surgical technician before moving into pediatric care, where he made a meaningful and lasting impact prior to his retirement in 1989. His work reflected a deep compassion and a sincere commitment to helping others.

Beyond his professional life, Gary was authentically himself—an artist who worked in a variety of media, including oil and watercolor painting, and who found great joy in creative expression. He pursued many hobbies and interests with enthusiasm and curiosity throughout his life. An avid reader, he had a lifelong thirst for knowledge and a love of books of all genres, though science fiction was his primary focus for much of his life. He was also a deeply religious man, and his faith was an important and guiding part of his life.

Gary will be deeply missed by his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His gentle spirit and warm presence made people feel at ease. He was loved for steady presence, kind heart, and deep loyalty to those he loved. He will be remembered as a kind and friendly man with a warm, easy smile and thoughtful words for everyone he met. His legacy of kindness, creativity, and quiet strength will live on in the hearts of those he touched.

He was preceded in death by his Father, Charles Gilley; his mother, Carrie Gilley; sister, Bonnie Connor; and son Matthew Truslow.

Gary is survived by his fiancé, Patricia Kienast; his children, Marcus Gilley, David Truslow, Jennifer Truslow Carey, and Lori Campbell; his siblings, Terry Gilley and Bruce Gilley; his grandchildren, Hannah, Meghan, Benjamin, Jason, Sean, Angela, and Destinee; and a multitude of nieces and nephews whom he adored immensely.

Services for Gary will be held at 2:30 P.M., on Friday, April 10, 2026, at White Chapel Cemetery, 6600 NE Antioch Road, Gladstone, Missouri, 64119.

A celebration of life will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Bethel Greencastle Community Room, 4040 North Brighton Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64117.