Gary Lee Leftridge

Gary Leftridge of Shawnee, KS passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, January 8, 2019. Gary was born on June 23, 1944, in Kansas City, MO. He was raised in a Christian home by his loving parents who preceded him in death, Leonard “Joe” Leftridge and Lorraine Walls Leftridge.

Gary grew up in Kansas City, MO and graduated from Southeast High School in 1963. He served as the Photography Editor for the school yearbook which began his lifelong love of photography. Gary was a Senator at Missouri Boy’s State. He was an Eagle Scout, and received the God and Country Award for his distinguished service in his church and community. Following the Boy Scouts, Gary became a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, where he earned his tribal ranking as a Brave and found his tribal name to be Shining Yellow Firefly. He went on to Baker University where he received an undergraduate degree in Biology in 1968.

Gary began his career in commercial real estate primarily selling apartment complexes. He then joined his father in the family business at the Red X in Riverside, MO. Gary retired from the grocery business in 1985, and went back to school to earn an Economics degree from the University of Evansville prior to buying a seat at the Kansas City Board of Trade. He traded for about a year, and then his friends convinced him to pursue his Juris Doctorate from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. After graduating in 1989, Gary had a successful career as a trial attorney specializing in personal injury in both Kansas and Missouri. His crowning achievement was passing the Patent Bar, an accomplishment achieved by less than 2% of practicing attorneys. He was very devoted to his clients, respected the courts, and practiced law until his death.

Gary thrived on knowledge and was a lifelong learner which led to many outstanding accomplishments. He was a proud member of Mensa, an organization that represents people with high IQ’s, which is comprised of 2% of the overall population. He was a Shriner and belonged to the Ararat Temple. He enjoyed a wide variety of music with his all-time favorite band being Lynyrd Skynyrd. In the mid-1980’s he received his pilot’s license, and towards the end of his life joined the Civil Air Patrol. All of his children have great memories of going flying with Dad.

Gary made peace with God and loved Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. It was very important to him that he was baptized. The day before he passed, Gary was baptized in his hospital room by his Pastor.

One final wish that was fulfilled was seeing his beloved dog Dusty. Dusty gave him many years of happiness and Dusty was able to come to the hospital to say goodbye.

Gary lived a full life and was loved. He is survived by his wife, Mary of Shawnee, KS, brother Alan (Linda) of Swan Valley, MT; four children, Jennifer Stanley (Jeff) of DeSoto, KS, Carmen Bridges (Derek) of Overland Park, KS, Brian Leftridge (Crystal) of Overland Park, KS, and Victoria Leftridge of Shawnee, KS; and their families which include six grandchildren, Josh, Carly, Katelyn, Allison, Emily, and Madeline; and nephew Dustin, and nieces Nikki, and Miranda. He was a very proud father and grandfather who truly loved his family.

The family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers through this difficult time. In addition, we would like to thank The University of Kansas Medical Center’s doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, and housekeeping for the most excellent care he received.

On a final note, Gary was a Ham Radio Operator, and practiced Morse Code to receive his Amateur Radio License. He is signing off with his call sign, KY3Q - SK (Silent Key)

Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 14, 2019, at Floral Hills Funeral Home, 7000 Blue Ridge Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64133. Visitation will be at 10:00 AM with Services following at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gary’s name to Calvary Baptist Church, 8130 Lackman Road, Lenexa, KS 66219.