Gary Linn Trieb, 77, of Kearney, Missouri, passed away on January 11, 2026.
Gary was born on April 27, 1948, in Kansas City, Kansas, to William “Bill” Trieb and Darlene (Palmer) Trieb. He grew up in Tonganoxie, Kansas, and graduated from Basehor High School, where he was a standout football player. His athletic talent earned him a scholarship to Emporia State Teachers College, where he attended for one year.
From 1969 to 1977, Gary owned and operated a Mobile service station in North Kansas City on Parvin Road. In 1976, he married his soulmate, Teresa “Terri” (Gaines) Trieb. In 1978, they moved to Kearney, Missouri, where they managed the downtown Kearney Auto Parts store.
Gary’s strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit led him to own and operate a MAC Tools business and truck from 1980 to 1987. From 1988 to 2009, Gary and Terri owned and operated Video Depot locations in Excelsior Springs and Kearney, Missouri. In 1992, during the years between video store ownership, they purchased Traci Linn’s Bakery, where Gary became a baker — getting up at midnight to ensure fresh donuts were ready each morning for the Kearney community. Following the bakery, and while still operating the video stores, Gary fulfilled another dream by building homes through his business, LinnBryan Homes.
Outside of work, Gary found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved farming, gardening, especially growing tomatoes, sweet corn, and tending to his cherished peach trees. Summer days spent by the pool with his grandchildren and friends were among his favorite memories. Gary and his family traveled extensively throughout the United States in their RV, and he proudly supported his son while racing dirt bikes on the national circuit.
In 2000, Gary and Terri fulfilled a lifelong dream by traveling throughout Europe for a month, though his fishing trips to Canada always remained the highlight of his travels. Two of Gary’s most loyal companions were his dogs, Sonny and Roxy, who were never far from his side.
Gary was preceded in death by his twin daughters, Heidi and Heather Trieb; his grandson, Tyler Trieb; and his parents, Bill and Darlene Trieb.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Terri Trieb; his three children: Rick Trieb, wife Kelly, grandchildren Kaley, Trenton, and Morgan, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; Travis Trieb, wife Kandis, grandchildren Tessa and Tucker, of Kearney, Missouri;
and Traci Rhea, husband Richie, grandchildren Riley, Brady, and Tenley, of Monett, Missouri.
Gary will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to family, strong work ethic, love of the outdoors, and the many lives he touched through his kindness, humor, and generosity. Above all, he cherished being “Garypa” and took immense pride in each of his grandchildren, finding his greatest joy in time spent with them-especially summer days by the pool, camping, fishing sharing stories, laughter, and love.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later time, when family and friends can gather to honor and remember him. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Paisley Paws in Kearney, Missouri.
Arrangements are in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.
