Gary Robert Lakey

Gary Robert Lakey, 73 of Kansas City, MO, passed away on January 25, 2024 at St. Joseph Medical Center. Visitation will be held starting at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 6 at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 2 E. 75th St., Kansas City, MO, with Mass of Christian Burial following at 11:00 a.m. Inurnment in Mt Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be offered to the church for masses in Gary’s name. Condolences may be offered at www.mcgilleymidtownchapel.com.

Gary Bob was born on June 8, 1950 in Kansas City, MO to Robert and Anna (Dezulski) Lakey. Proud of his Irish heritage, he was named after the Irishman, Sir Gareth, known to be a gentle and brave giant. He attended St. Louis and St Bernadette Schools, graduated from Raytown High School, and earned his BA degree from Central Missouri State University.

Gary Bob was a cameraman for Channel 41 where he helped televise several Kansas City Royals games. Later, he was sales manager at WDAF television and 61 Country Radio, and manager of radio stations in Ft. Lauderdale, FL and San Antonio, TX. He also owned his own advertising firm, Key Marketing. After retirement he worked for McGilley Midtown Chapel.

Gary Bob was a parishioner at St. Elizabeth Church and member of Knights of Columbus. While studying at CMSU he founded the Rugby Club at the school and continued playing rugby after college until retiring from the sport with KCRFC. He was an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals and KU Jayhawks.

With an engaging “blarney” personality and a gift for gab, Gary Bob would greet you with a smile and would quickly become your friend. He would help anyone who was in need. His wishes were to be an organ donor when he passed away.

Besides his parents Gary Bob was preceded in death by his sister, Roberta; and his best friend, Ronnie Holmes, who died on the same day eight years ago. He is survived by his brother, Jim; nephews, Jimi and Alex; and niece, Jill.