Gary Wayne Fanning

Gary Wayne Fanning passed away on Saturday November 19, 2022. He was born on November 29, 1950, in Lamar, MO to Reba (Morey) and James Fanning. He grew up in Lamar and graduated from Lamar High School in 1968, where he played football and was nicknamed Choo Choo while in high school. There are some in town that still call him Choo. He joined the military after high school and served in Germany. After his military service, he returned to Lamar, MO where he worked a variety of jobs. He was a telephone pole inspector, drove a beer truck for Stahl’s Warehouse, worked construction in Montana, worked for O’Sullivan Industries, and retired from FAG Bearings in Joplin, MO.

Gary received Christ into his heart at a young age, and then rededicated his life to the Lord in 1989. He enjoyed fishing. Jim’s pond was his favorite fishing hole later in life. He also enjoyed playing football, softball, watching the Lamar Tigers on Friday nights, and the KC Chiefs whenever they were playing. He thoroughly enjoyed watching the grandkids in their various activities. He was an avid gardener, planting and growing enough so that there was much to be shared with friends and family. Gary was a great man who loved his family.

Gary and Angela Culver were married on August 8, 2002 in Eureka Springs, AR. They met while working at O’Sullivan’s, working together for several years in Shipping. They resided in Jerico Springs and Lockwood before returning to Lamar in 2006.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Angie of the home; children Matthew Fanning and wife Michelle of Springfield, MO, Kyla Marshall and husband Dale of Cabot, AR, Michael Fanning and wife Meghan of Midland, TX, Celynda Jeffreys and husband Tyler of Walnut Grove, MO, Amber Fidler and husband Jerry of Stockton, MO, Brian Simpson and wife Cortney of Stockton, MO, and Jessi Thomas and husband Adam of Oronogo, MO. He is survived by grandchildren Thomas Marshall, Trey Mathis, Savannah Marshall, Jacob Marshall, James Fanning, Tierney Fanning, Lena Fanning, Jude Fanning, Nikolaus Fanning, Quentin Levine, Tinlee Jeffreys, Reata Jeffreys, Hayden Fidler, Corbyn Fidler, Alli Thomas, Carson Thomas, Alyssa Simpson, Coleman Simpson, Emma Simpson, Lucas Simpson, Izzy Simpson, Milly Simpson, and Pippa Simpson. He is also survived by his siblings Jim Fanning and wife Cheryl, Kathy Simons and husband Neil, and Larry Fanning and wife Donna; and by many loving nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to the VFW 3691 or the American Kidney Fund.

A memorial service will be held at Konantz Warden Funeral Home at 6 PM on Thursday December 22, 2022.