Gary McGinnis

(From Parker Mortuary)

Gary Arnold McGinnis, age 81, of Neosho, passed away on Monday, February 8, 2021 at his home surrounded by family.

Gary was born on July 17, 1939 to the late Freda (Beatty) and Arnold McGinnis in Carl Junction. He grew up in rural Carl Junction where he graduated from high school with the class of 1957. 

He was a tool and die maker for many years. While employed by Boeing, he made parts for the rockets that went to the moon. He worked for Kaiser Aerospace and retired from American Tool and Die in Joplin. 

Gary enjoyed fishing all his life and lived on Grand Lake for a few years. He also loved the old traditional bluegrass and gospel music. He spent countless hours listening to the Grand Ole Opry on the radio. 

His other hobbies included keeping birds fed and growing anything and everything that had a seed. He really appreciated and enjoyed the quality and craftsmanship of many vintage items, in particular a 1952 Chevy pick-up that he acquired that was eventually restored by his grandson Ethan. He also really enjoyed playing practical jokes on everyone, too numerous to mention. He could repair just about anything. 

One other joy in his life was having family Sunday dinners which quite often became a large reunion type atmosphere involving the majority of children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and various friends. 

 

Survivors include his wife, Jeane McGinnis, of Neosho, MO; daughters, Valerie Simmons, and her husband, Michael, of Eudora, KS, and Abby Clark, of Neosho, MO; Step-Children, Joe Berk, and his wife, Beth, of Clinton, AR, Sue Hirshey, and her husband, Gary, of Oronogo, MO, Karen Self, and her husband, Max, of Fort Scott, KS, Shelly House, and her husband, James, of Webb City, MO, Cindy McMullen, and her husband, Jeremy, of Carl Junction, MO; 22 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Jerry McGinnis.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, February 12, 2021 at 1:00 pm at the Hornet Cemetery in Hornet, MO. The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 11th from 6:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the Parker Mortuary in Joplin. Memorial contributions may be made to Avalon Hospice and may be entrusted to the mortuary.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin.