Gerald McCrary

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Gerald Leslie McCrary was born on August 22, 1936, in Neosho, MO at the home of his parents, Roy Elmer and Rita Belle (Thomas) McCrary. He passed away on April 23, 2026, at his home in Neosho, Missouri, at the age of 89, from complications due to Parkinson's Disease.

Gerald grew up in the Neosho Community, graduating from Neosho High School with the class of 1954. He and the girl next door, Myrna Sue Lasiter, were married at Calvary Baptist Church in Neosho on March 4, 1956. They were friends, parents, and business partners over the span of their 70-year union.

Gerald was employed after high school by Lampo Auto Supply and then at Robbins Sales & Service where he was an auto mechanic. From 1960 until 1966 he was with the Missouri Highway Department, Neosho, then moved and spent the next six years with Cole Engineering (South Bend, IN) living in LaPorte, IN.

He was the music leader in LaPorte at Calvary Baptist Church (a Baptist pioneer church.) In 1972 Gerald moved to Ft. Worth, TX and attended seminary in their student music program. He then worked for Ten-Eyck-Shaw Construction on I-35 Hwy and at the D-FW Airport. In 1974 Gerald and family moved back to Neosho, where he was employed by the Newton County Road District for five years and by Daniels Machining for one year. Gerald and Myrna owned and operated Elwood Pipe Sales (a metal culvert sales company) in Newton County for 20 years. Gerald began his full-time military career in 1980 with the Active Guard Reserve (AGR) Program. He spent those years in Joplin and Carthage, and retired in 1996.

After retiring Gerald became passionate about playing golf and was a very competitive player. He worked at the golf course for several years and enjoyed maintaining the lawns of the course. He and Myrna loved to travel and went coast to coast in their RV and spent ten winters in the Texas Valley. In retirement he also dedicated much of his time and effort to serve as a volunteer. The Newton County Senior Center was fortunate to have him serve in a volunteer capacity, but also as the president of the board. He volunteered for the Meals on Wheels program. He was on the Gibson Cemetery Board for 20 years and served as their president. He was a faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church and was also particularly fond of his Sunday School class and its members. Other friendships included the men he served with in the military. He was an active member of the 203rd Houn Dawg Retirees Organization. He loved his family and friends and always looked forward to family gatherings and getting together with friends.

Gerald was preceded in death by his daughter Suanne Lane, grandson Michael Sean Lane, his parents, two sisters - Mercedes Smiley and Della Beatty, and four brothers - Robert, Donnie, Raymond and Billy McCrary.

He is survived by his wife Myrna; two sons Steven (Melinda) McCrary of Ft. Worth, TX and Tim (Laura) McCrary of Grove, OK; one sister Edith Parmley; grandchildren Sarah, Sheena, and Sean McCrary (Steven's children); Jessica (Jeremy) Gaa (Suanne's daughter); Jacob, Abigail, Hannah, and Micah McCrary (Tim's children); great-grandchildren Dade, Ethan, Hudson, and Isa; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation will be held from 5:30-7:00 pm on Monday, April 27, 2026, at Calvary Baptist Church of Neosho, Missouri. The Funeral will be at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the same location. Gerald will be laid to rest with full Military Honors at Gibson Cemetery, Neosho, MO.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Ronald McDonald House or Gibson Cemetery c/o Clark Funeral Home, P.O. Box 66, Neosho, MO 64850.