Gary Edwin Kitchen

Gary was born in Salisbury, MO in 1937 to Edward and Hazel Kitchen.

He is preceded in death by both parents. Gary graduated from Mexico High School in Mexico, MO in 1955 and spent his college years at University of Missouri-Columbia where he graduated in 1959 with a Degree in Business Administration BS.

He is survived by his daughters Kim Kitchen (Louis, KY) and Kristin Gullett (Mike) LaGrange, KY. Grandchildren: Jenna Kitchen (Louis, KY), Nicholas Straughn (LaGrange, KY), Samantha Gullett (LaGrange, KY). Great Grandchildren: Lily, Ella, and new arrival any day now and Grand Dog Winston (Gary nick named “Half Pint”).

Gary was a loving son, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was known for his huge smile, love of cars, and knowledge of “the whiskey business”. From 1960-1964 he worked at the family owned “Eds Liquors” in Mexico, MO. From 1964-1966 he was a salesman Missouri Distributing Wholesale Liquors in Jefferson City, MO and 1966-1970 at National Distillers in St. Louis, MO. In 1970 Vertner Smith Wholesale Liquor Company offered Gary his dream job, in Louisville, KY where he remained until retirement in 1995. Gary was the recipient of multiple sales awards in the liquor industry all over the United States. In 1995, Gary retired and sat down the whiskey bottles and became the lawncare enthusiast. Gary took great pride and loved working in the yard and on his daughter's property in LaGrange, KY. He was always ready to “go outside and work”.

Gary served his country in the military Missouri National Guard from 1959 to May 1965 at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri.

Services will be held at Memorial Funeral Home: 1217 Business Loop 70 W, Columbia, MO on April 5, 2025 at 10:00am with service starting at 11:00am. Burial to follow at site. Gary requested any donations to be made to Columbia Humane Society in his name.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com