Gary K. Long

July 4, 1939-June 29, 2023

Gary K Long of Lee’s Summit, MO peacefully left this earthly world on June 29, 2023. He was born on July 4, 1939 to Bruner and Ellen (Rash) Long on July 4, 1939. When just a boy, he went to live with his Grandparents, Roy and Effie Rash, who raised him until he left for the US Marines in 1957 and served until 1961. While back at home on leave, he met the love of his life, Mary Steiner, and somehow convinced her to marry him 2 weeks after they met. They wed on May 12, 1960 and never left each other’s side. Out of their marriage, they had two children: a daughter, Troy Lynn, and a son, Tyron “Ty”. Upon leaving the Marines, he started working for GM and worked for them for 38 years before retiring. After retirement, so as to not annoy his loving wife at home, he did odd jobs as a delivery driver to pass the time.

Many who knew him knows of his love and faith in God. He also left quite a legacy with his family. The family knew how onery he was and he didn’t have a care in the world of how people felt about him. He loved taking vacations with his kids or just his wife when the kids were adults and out of the house. His birthday was on the 4th of July, so he knew EVERYONE was celebrating his birthday, especially when his kids and grandkids came over to shoot off fireworks. He gave each of his grandkids a funny nickname. But don’t worry, they had a funny nickname for him, “Crazy Old Fart”, and he loved it! He was the ultimate at telling corny dad jokes always making sure to save the Sunday paper funnies to tell people. There’s so much more that we could tell you about him, but there’s just not enough time or writing space to tell you. He leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter with family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary, of the home; his daughter, Troy Lynn (Brian) Wickham of Gardner KS and son, Tyron “Ty” Long of Monrovia CA; his 5 grandchildren: Rachelle Byrd of Independence MO, Brandon (Alex) Savage of Lee’s Summit MO, Kayla (Carl) Wickham of Gardner KS, Alisha Wickham of Saranac Lake NY, and Marissa (Austin) Cross of Gardner KS; 6 Great-Grandchildren: Sidney “Elliott”, Eden, Jayden, Jackson, Leo, and Garrison. He is also survived by his brother, Lee (Susan) Wallace of Topeka KS along with many nephews, nieces, and his friends he made throughout the years. He is preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents who raised him; his sister, Jessie; and his fur-baby dog, Muffin “Muffy”.

Services remembering his wonderful life will be held on Monday, July 10th, 2023 at Newcomer’s Noland Road Chapel (509 S Noland Rd., Independence MO 64050) at 11am. The graveside service will take place at New Salem Cemetery (1823 N Blue Mills Rd., Independence MO 64058) after the services. Please feel free to join the family afterwards for a reception at The Church of Christ with the Elijah Message (608 N Lacy Rd., Independence MO 64050).

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made in memory of Gary to St. Luke’s Hospice House and/or St. Luke’s Home Care and Hospice.

The family wishes to THANK St. Luke’s Home Care and Hospice along with St. Luke’s Hospice House for the care and compassion they showed to Gary during the last few months.