Gary Wade Shanks passed away on Friday, August 20, 2021 at the age of 70. He passed away doing what he loved the most.
Gary was born on April 5, 1951 in Jackson County Research Hospital to father, Wade Shanks, and mother, Bettie (Williams) Shanks. He was the second of four children. He was born and raised in Kearney, Missouri. He graduated from Kearney High School in 1969. He was a third-generation farmer, from childhood farming was his passion and life.
Gary is survived by his wife, Janet Shanks of 34 years; his brother, Dennis (Debbie) Shanks; sister, Paula (Alan) York; and brother, Brad (Lisa) Shanks; his four children, Todd (Robin – deceased) Shanks, Stacy (Matt) Rule, Chad (Mandy) Shanks and Whitney (Brad) Waller. He also had two step children who he loved as his own, Jennifer and Travis Barnett. Gary was the proud grandpa of nine grandchildren, Alison Rule, Matthew (Rylie) Rule, Malery (Anthony) Sharp, Gage Sharp, Drake Sharp, Cameryn Shanks, Noah Shanks, Joey Shanks, and Clayton Shanks. He had two great grandchildren and one on the way, Oaklyn Harmon, Koa Rule, and Beckham Harmon.
He was preceded in death by grandparents, Harry and Pauline Shanks; parents, Wade and Bettie Shanks; sister, Vicky McKinney; and daughter-in-law, Robin Shanks.
He was a lifelong Kearney resident, cattleman, business owner, and farmer. He served on the Platte Clay Electric board for over 30 years. He owned and operated the Heritage restaurant and bar. He was also a broker/owner in real estate and owned a hotel through the years.
His love and devotion for his family was evident in everything he did. He was the pillar of his family and a great asset to this community. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 27, 2021 at First Christian Church, 2151 S. Jefferson St., Kearney, MO, followed by the graveside at Fairview Cemetery in Kearney. The visitation will be Thursday, August 26, 2021, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the church.
Our Sincere Condolences
We are heart broken for your loss. May God be with you during this difficult time.
Bud and Sharon Puckett
My heart, prayers and sympathies go out to his family and friends. Gary has been a lifelong friend, not only of myself but my parents and of our entire family.
Gary was a wonderful person he was so loving, kind and cared about people, he would do anything for anybody if he possibly could and our lives will not be the same without him in this world.
Joyce Etta Waters Lang
So sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers go out to all your families.
Debra Hardison (Dagley)
My sincere thoughts and prayers for everyone. I will not be able to attend. He was my cousin and this breaks my heart. We didn’t keep in touch much talked when we saw each other. I last seen him at Adalye’s and mom’s funeral. Keeping everyone in my thoughts.
Sharon Long
My thoughts and prayers for family. He was my cousin. I haven’t seen him since his father’s funeral, Wade Shanks, but my thoughts and prayers for all.
Shelley Baker
A friendship of 60 plus years means good thoughts and fond memories of a life well lived.
May you rest in peace my friend.
Prayers for those left grieving.
Tom Sloan
Rich and I are sorry for your loss. I will always remember Gary for his smile and great laugh. He always seemed to have a good time. Gary is my cousin on my mom’s side of the family.
May you find peace in the memories and happy times you shared. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Terry & Rich Gibbs (Dagley)
Our Deepest Sympathy to Janet and all of Gary’s family. Our prayers and love are with you during this difficult time, just know we’re here for you always. Gary was more than a friend he was a brother to me I love him dearly, he had the biggest smile every time you seen him. The last time I seen him were at a Mexican restaurant he gave me a big Hug and a kiss on my forehead. He told me don’t you ever change you the only one that tells me like it is. He was a hard worker all his life we will miss you Gary. Time to go rest high on that mountain give Hoggie a hug and kiss for me and Laura May. Till we meet again big guy!!!
Bruce & Theda Lewis
Prayers for comfort to all of Gary’s family. May your fond memories of Gary help heal your broken hearts. We met Gary 30 years ago through a cousin of his when we moved to Kearney. He always had a big smile and a laugh I can almost hear now. I bought some hay from him when he owned the motel. I had a running joke with him that to stay healthy he should swim in the motels pool every morning. So when ever I bumped into him in town or at Betty’s eating I would ask how many laps he got in that morning. Without missing a beat he would grin and say, I’m up to 25 laps! He will be missed.
Becky Elliott
So many great memories of Gary! He was larger than life and will be missed by all. Deepest condolences in your loss.
Adam Ferrell
Our condolences to Janet and family. What a legacy Gary Shanks is/was. I met Gary when I first ran for Alderman in Kearney. When I asked Gary Shanks for support he didn’t hesitate to support me. He was a busy man but always took time to take my calls . Each time I ran for Alderman I would ask Gary Shanks to support me he never turn me down. He will be missed by many as he touched many lives in the Kearney area. The last time I spoke to Gary was at the last election poll and once again was asking about my political future, he remembered me.
Janet may your memories comfort you and so sorry I didn’t find out of Gary passing until today 10/13/2021.
Danny & Marie Steiner