Bob Gariss

(From Konantz Warden Funeral Home)

Robert (Bob) George Gariss, 92, of Lamar, MO went to be with his Lord and Savior August 24, 2021 at Cox Barton County Hospital, Lamar, MO, after a short illness. Bob was born on December 21, 1928 to Arthur and Marie Gariss in St. John, KS. 

The Dust Bowl of Kansas drove the Gariss family to the Milford, MO area in Barton County in 1936, within 4 miles of where he would later spend the bulk of his adult life. Bob attended Lamar High School, leaving at 15 to enter the workforce, where he worked on harvest crews from Kansas to Montana. 

Once old enough, Bob joined the United States Army where he served his country in Germany during the Korean War, returning home in 1952. Upon returning stateside, Bob found the love of his life and on June 3, 1953 he married Fontella Chapman, a union that would span over 68 years. 

Following a year-long stint in Kansas City hauling groceries for Safeway, Bob and Fontella returned to the Milford area where they began farming, ranching and raising a family, a profession that would suit them well over the next 67 years. 

Bob was an avid cattleman and Quarter Horse breeder, working the ranch until his passing and riding horses until nearly his 92nd birthday. Never one to shy away from work, he was an innovative operator with a good eye for livestock, a sharp pencil, quick wit, a firm handshake and always willing to lend a hand to his neighbors. 

Bob was also an accomplished and reputable auctioneer, conducting thousands of livestock and farm auctions over his 40+ year auction career, culminating at Fort Scott Livestock Market in Fort Scott, Kansas. 

While Bob thoroughly enjoyed his work, he far more valued his time with family and friends. His family was precious to him, with each and every one of them having a special and unique relationship with their Dad, Grandpa or Great-Grandpa. The “home” Bob and Fontella built over 68 years was always open to family and friends. Their dinner table was always full on Sunday, and quite possibly Monday through Saturday. 

Bob never met a stranger, and his interest in others was genuine. You never met Bob that you weren’t greeted with a handshake or a hug and a smiling “It’s good to see you. How in the world are you?” and he meant it. 

While his accomplishments on earth were many, his greatest legacy was his love for Jesus Christ. Bob came to know the Lord early in his adulthood, becoming a faithful and devoted follower for the rest of his life. He was a generous and giving man who truly understood what it meant to love like Jesus and used the gifts God gave him to help and encourage others at every opportunity. His engaging personality was no accident, but a product of trusting the Lord and allowing him to use those gifts. He was a member of the Milford Christian Church where he served as an Elder and the Treasurer until his passing. 

Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Fontella, of the home, four children; Randy (Julie) Gariss, of Joplin, MO, Gwen (Steve) Ansley, of Lamar, MO, Dennis (Nancy) Gariss of Lamar, MO and Doug (Derenda) Gariss of Lamar, MO, fourteen grandchildren and thirty-eight great-grandchildren. In addition, Bob is survived by his brother-in-law Meredith (Sharon) Chapman, of Lamar, MO, sister-in-law Ellen Jo Morey, of Lamar, MO and several nieces and nephews, whom he valued deeply. 

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Leonard Gariss, Belle Sherron, Jean Davis, and Raymond Gariss and one grandson Casey Gariss. 

Services will be held on Sunday August 29, 2021 at 3 pm at the Milford Christian Church, Milford, MO under the direction of Konantz-Warden Funeral Home, with graveside to follow at Howell Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested and made payable to Milford Christian Church Mission Fund in care of Konantz-Warden Funeral Home.