Gary Compton

(From Mason-Woodard Funeral Home)

Richard Gary Compton, beloved husband, father, granddad, and faithful servant of the Lord, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 2nd, at Foxberry Terrace Senior Living in Webb City at the age of 75. Born on February 27th, 1951, in Lamar, Missouri, to Don and Hallie (Miles) Compton, Gary graduated from Lamar High School with the Class of 1969 and proudly served in the National Guard for several years. 

He later made his home in Carthage, MO, where he built a life marked by quiet kindness, unwavering integrity, and a deep devotion to Jesus Christ. A lifelong member of the Church of Christ, he most recently served as a Deacon at Mt. Hope Church of Christ, where his steady presence and servant’s heart blessed many. 

Gary leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and generosity. His life was spent loving others, serving his community, and modeling a steadfast faith for his family. His greatest joy was his grandchildren—he rarely missed a sporting event and was a loyal supporter of both Lamar and Webb City football.

A hardworking man with a deep appreciation for the outdoors, Gary was a long‑time farmer and held positions at Purinton’s John Deere, Meeks Lumber, and Missouri Southern State University, where he retired after 25 years as Facilities Coordinator. He also owned and operated Compton Lawncare & Landscaping for more than 25 years. Gary was a skilled craftsman, an avid hunter and fisherman alongside his grandchildren, and a lifelong lover of animals. His heart for helping others extended into his work with Lohmeyer‑Konantz, Daniel Funeral Home, and Mason‑Woodard Funeral Home over the years.

Gary is survived by his wife, Patty, of 35 years; daughters Stacy Maguire of Charlotte, NC; Julie (Dan) Whyman of Lamar, MO; Emily (Nick) Athan of Carthage, MO; Andrea Jackson (Ray DeCandia) of Phoenix, AZ; Kelly (Adam) King of Rogers, AR; and Tracy (Danny) Soto of Liberty, MO. He leaves behind 11 grandchildren—Jayden and Daelynn Maguire, Lauren (Wes) Marr, Matt (Kylie) Whyman, Miles Whyman, Zale Athan, Asher and Zoey King, Olivia and Salvador Soto—and two great‑grandchildren, Woods Whyman and Elias Soto. He is also survived by his brother Randy (Donne) Compton of Rogers, AR; sisters Carol Compton and Lori (Zach) McCulley of Lamar, MO; and his uncles Kenneth (Janet) Miles, Carl Compton, and Gene Compton, all of Lamar, MO, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Preceded in death by his parents Don and Hallie Compton and one grandson Alexander Soto.

The family is eternally grateful to the staff of Foxberry Terrace for their extraordinary care, compassion, and love—treating Gary not simply as a resident, but as a cherished member of their own family.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 8th at 11:00AM at Mason‑Woodard Mortuary, 3701 E. 7th Street in Joplin, MO. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation prior to the service that will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Manuelito Navajo Children’s Home in Gallup, NM in care of the funeral home.