Gary A. Gourley

Gary Allen Gourley, son of George and Edith Lorene (Workman) Gourley, was born on November 3, 1948 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and entered the gates of Heaven suddenly on February 19, 2007 in the Cox Medical Center South in Springfield, Missouri, following a massive stroke. He was 58 years, 3 months, and 16 days of age.
Gary grew up in Mtn. Grove and graduated from Mtn. Grove High School in 1966. He was united in marriage to Phyllis Gossard on February 4, 1967. They raised one daughter, Angela, and also had twelve foster children over the years.
Gary served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged on April 1, 1974. Following his discharge he returned home and worked for Gene Peterson and later was employed for MODOT for thirty-seven years. Gary enjoyed being outdoors, especially when hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed construction work and designed several homes for family members, including his own and his daughter and son-in-law’s house. He also did backhoe work for area churches and widows and would not charge them for his services. His son-in-law, Steve, remembered one time when Gary was wearing his bright orange hard hat and humming birds were buzzing around him and Steve said he must be very sweet.
He never had a harsh word for anyone. He had a great sense of humor and loved people and was always willing to help those who had a need. He loved life and his family very much and greatly enjoyed spending time with his three grandchildren.
He was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He will be truly missed by those who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his father: George Gourley; two brothers: Robert and Tom; and by two sisters: Eva and Carolyn.
He is survived by his loving wife of forty years: Phyllis Gourley of their home; his daughter and son-in-law: Angela and Steve Bradshaw of Norwood, Missouri; his three grandchildren: Cody, Austin and Shiann; his mother: Lorene Gourley; two sisters: Lavelle Moritz and her husband, Francis of Windsor, Missouri, and Glenda Atwater of the State of California; his father-in-law: Tom Gossard; several nieces; nephews; neighbors; and other relatives and friends.


Funeral Services:
Friday, February 23, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. in the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home chapel.
Visitation:
Thursday evening from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Interment:
Hillcrest Cemetery, Mtn. Grove, MO
Memorial Contributions:
None specified at this time.