Gary Fanning

(From Konantz Warden Funeral Home)

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 lovingly nicknamed Choo Choo by his fans. 

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, worked for O’Sullivan Industries, drove a beer truck for Stahl’s Warehouse and even worked construction in Montana. Gary enjoyed fishing, playing softball, and playing and watching football. He was a fan of the Chiefs, Lamar Tigers, and his grandchildren. He was an avid gardener and kept a huge garden. Gary was a great man who loved his family. 

Gary is preceded in death by his parents. 

He is survived by his wife Angie; 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; and 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 we held at Konantz Warden Funeral Home at 6 PM on Thursday December 22, 2022.