Garry P. Gagnon

Garry P. Gagnon, age 92, of Independence, Mo. passed away on August 8, 2021. Garry was born in Laona, Wisconsin to Ernest X. and Verna L. Gagnon. A gentle, humble and compassionate man, Garry grew up in the Nicolet National Forest, during the Great Depression. Over the years, he shared many fond memories from his childhood – his mother singing, walking with his dad through chest-high snow, and playing in the woods, lakes and rivers with siblings and Shep, the family’s dog. He once said that while his family was extremely poor during the depression, they were extremely happy. For him, growing up in the great north woods was the perfect childhood. After graduating from Laona High School, Garry joined the U.S. Air Force. His mathematic and technical skills were put to good use as an Air Force radio instructor. While stationed at Scott Air Force base in Illinois, Garry met Emily C. Redman, of St. Louis, Mo. Garry and Emily married on August 2, 1952. Garry accepted a position with AT&T and the newlyweds spent their first winter together in Austin, Texas, where Garry tested microwave tower installations. Garry worked at AT&T for 35 years and retired as an engineering economist at the AT&T regional office in Kansas City. Garry and Emily were seldom seen apart. His commitment to her was unquestionable. They had six children: Chris, Karen, Glen, Gene, Dennis, and Anne. For 55 years, they made their home in Independence, Mo., where they were faithful parishioners at Nativity of Mary parish. At home, Garry was an active parent who rocked babies to sleep, changed diapers and helped the kids with science projects and homework – a bit novel in the 1950s and 60s. In his spare time, he learned to play different musical instruments and explore curiosities. By analyzing the illumination sequence of lightning bugs, he could get a yard full of lighting bugs to light-up simultaneously. As one neighbor kid put it, “we don’t do that at our house.” Faith and family were important to Garry. He was committed to being a good person who pleased his Creator. In his later years, you could see him smiling as he quietly watched his grandchildren and great grandchildren at play. Their joyful laughter was music that expressed he had lived a good and meaningful life. Garry is survived by his wife, Emily of Independence, Missouri; daughter Karen Eagle and husband David Luebbert of Fruita, Colorado; son Glen and wife Joan of Williamsburg, Kansas; son Gene and wife Yong of Oak Grove, Missouri, son Dennis and wife Gail of Columbia, Missouri; and daughter Anne Jewell of Marion, Iowa. He is also survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as his siblings: Yvonne Nass, Blanche Rink, Thelma Kalinosky and Gregory Gagnon. Garry was preceded in death by his parents, sister Patricia, brother Ernest and son Chris. Due to varying and continued Covid concerns, a private graveside service with Rite of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church & Cemetery, Emerald, Kansas. The family suggests memorial contributions to St. Patrick Cemetery Fund c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory St., Ottawa, KS 66067.