(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)Dr. Gary L. Selby, 81, beloved father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on May 29th, 2024 in Joplin, MO, at his home surrounded by family. Born January 8th, 1943 in St. Louis, MO, Gary lived most of his 81 years in Joplin and called this community home.
He attended Joplin public schools, graduating from Parkwood High School in 1960. After which he received a bachelor’s degree from Kansas State College of Pittsburg (now Pittsburg State University). Gary then moved to Dallas, Texas, and graduated from Baylor Dental School in 1970.
After dental school, he returned to Joplin and eventually opened his own family dental practice. He was an example of dedication and compassion in his profession, proudly serving his patients for 48 years before retiring in June 2018.
As a member of Empire Baptist Church, Gary met Teresa Shumaker, whom he married in March 1975. They enjoyed 47 years of marriage until her passing in February 2023, during which they raised four children, fostering a home of love, laughter, and values of education, hard work, and service.
Gary had several pastimes. He was an avid long-distance runner, competing in more 5k and 10k races than his children can count, and he participated in several half and full-marathons, as well as triathlons. A normal Saturday morning in the Selby household had Terri waking the children early while Gary packed the station wagon for the drive to compete in local races. Additionally, Gary had a true love of everything cars. He had the ability to identify a classic car make, model, and year at a glance. He enjoyed attending car shows, test driving new cars, and reading car magazines. He loved the pursuit of researching and finding the perfect vehicle, even when not in the market to purchase one.
Gary’s legacy’s is carried on by his four children, Aimee Golden and husband, Eric, of Carl Junction, MO; John Selby and wife, Larrah, of Melissa, Texas; Matthew Selby and wife, Natsuki, of Carrollton, Texas; and Michael Selby and wife, Andi, of Branson, MO along with eleven grandchildren; Abbigail, Jennavieve, Annalise, Scarlett, Madilynn, Jonah, Alex, Charlie, Maxwell, Alistair, and Odin.
As a member of Empire Baptist Church, Gary met Teresa Shumaker, whom he married in March 1975. They enjoyed 47 years of marriage until her passing in February 2023, during which they raised four children, fostering a home of love, laughter, and values of education, hard work, and service.
Gary had several pastimes. He was an avid long-distance runner, competing in more 5k and 10k races than his children can count, and he participated in several half and full-marathons, as well as triathlons. A normal Saturday morning in the Selby household had Terri waking the children early while Gary packed the station wagon for the drive to compete in local races. Additionally, Gary had a true love of everything cars. He had the ability to identify a classic car make, model, and year at a glance. He enjoyed attending car shows, test driving new cars, and reading car magazines. He loved the pursuit of researching and finding the perfect vehicle, even when not in the market to purchase one.
Gary’s legacy’s is carried on by his four children, Aimee Golden and husband, Eric, of Carl Junction, MO; John Selby and wife, Larrah, of Melissa, Texas; Matthew Selby and wife, Natsuki, of Carrollton, Texas; and Michael Selby and wife, Andi, of Branson, MO along with eleven grandchildren; Abbigail, Jennavieve, Annalise, Scarlett, Madilynn, Jonah, Alex, Charlie, Maxwell, Alistair, and Odin.
Gary will be dearly missed by family and friends. His family was his pride and joy, and his greatest honor was being called “Papa” by his loving grandchildren.
A visitation will be held at Mason-Woodard Funeral home on Tuesday, June 4th from 6:00-7:00 pm, followed by a service to celebrate Gary’s life on Wednesday, June 5th at 3:00 pm at the Chapel at Mason-Woodard. Gary will be laid to rest at Ozark Memorial Cemetery alongside his wife.
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