Gary Warren Gann Sr., 78, of De Soto died Feb. 9, 2022, at Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Crystal City. Mr. Gann worked for the Defense Mapping Agency for 30 years after serving in the U.S. Navy as a as a technician crew member aboard the U.S.S. Bennington. He was a member of Radiant Life Church in Festus and was dubbed the “Christian handyman.” He enjoyed spending time with his family, golfing, hunting, traveling, camping, cutting wood and music. He sang with the Primrose Quartet. Born March 21, 1943, in Jennings, he was the son of the late Chester Arthur and Fern Violet (Montgomery) Gann.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years: Shelby Jean (Clark) Gann, whom he married June 17, 1960, in Jennings; four children: Jill (Andy) Gould of St. Paul, Julie (Todd) Skaggs of De Soto, Janine (Chip) Davis of De Soto and Gary (Stacy) Gann of Lake St. Louis; a brother: Larry (Jean) Gann of Jefferson City; a sister: Sandra Snyder of St. Charles; a brother-in-law: Bill Rice of Marco Island, Fla., 11 grandchildren: Amanda, Luke, Shelby, Morgan, Clark, Hayden, Abby, Alaina, Wyatt, Emily and Warren; eight great-grandchildren: Paityn, Taylor, Kaelyn, Ryleigh, Carson, Andrew, Molly, Natalie and one to be born; and numerous family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by two sisters: Barbara Flagg and Wanda Rice.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, at Radiant Life Church, 11533 Gamel Cemetery Road, in Festus. Funeral services will be at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, at Mahn Funeral Home, 900 N. Main St., De Soto, officiated by Pastors Randy Gray and Randy Murphy. Burial will follow at the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks. Memorials may be made to the Radiant Life food pantry. Arrangements are under the direction of Mahn Funeral Home.