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Gary Kennemer September 10, 1936 - February 21, 2016

Barnes Family Funerals - Gary Kennemer

Gary Ray Kennemer, age 79 of Springfield, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away Sunday, February 21, 2016, after a vigilant fight against cancer. Gary was born September 10, 1936, the only son of R.L and Louise Kennemer, who preceded him in death. On July 3, 1957 Gary was united in marriage to Connie Lou Gesslein and this union was blessed with two sons, Michael Mark and Timothy Kent. After graduating high school in 1954, Gary worked for the Highway Department and helped survey 1-44 from Lebanon to Rolla and highway 13 from Springfield to Bolivar. Gary was a faithful employee with Harry Cooper Supply Company for 44 years before retiring. He started in the warehouse and worked his way up to be one of the company’s most established salesmen. Gary loved traveling and his direct connection with customers from Sullivan, Missouri to Salem, Arkansas and all the towns in between. Gary met many friends along the way and continued those friendships through the years. Gary was a rancher, farmer, world traveler and an avid Cardinal Baseball Fan. He loved his family and watched many tractor pulls or shooting events with his grandsons. Gary and Connie were very active in the community and volunteered for Crosslines. Gary is survived by Connie Lou, his loving wife of 58 years; their sons Mark Kennemer and wife Susan and Tim Kennemer and wife Terri; grandsons Kole, Grant, Taylor and Tanner; one great-granddaughter Danika and a great-grandson to be born in June. Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Thursday, February 25, 2016 in King’s Way United Methodist Church, 2401 S Lone Pine, Springfield, MO. No formal visitation is planned. A private family burial will follow. The family suggests memorial contributions can be made to Good Samaritan Boys Ranch, PO Box 617, Brighton, MO 65617. A gathering of friends and family will be held 5:00 P.M. at the Mark Kennemer resident, 4619 S. Farm Road 199, Rogersville, MO. Online condolences may be shared at www.barnesfamilyfunerals.com.

No Condolences

  1. REPLY
    Helen & Jerry Norbury says
    February 22, 2016 at 8:51 am

    Connie and family, there are no words to express our sorrow for all of you at this time. We will continue to think of you and pray for you.

  2. REPLY
    Edge Supply Co. says
    February 22, 2016 at 11:35 am

    Edge Supply Company sends our condolences to the Kennemer Family and his work family at Harry Cooper Supply. Gary was one of the good ones.

  3. REPLY
    Bill Collison says
    February 22, 2016 at 5:58 pm

    I really liked working with Gary, he had a lot of knowledge about everything Harry Cooper Supply Co. handled and he taught me a lot. Connie, Mark and Tim I know you will miss him a lot because he was a good man to have around. A good memory of him was when the bull attacked him and he jumped under the tractor to get away. Nan and I will be praying for you.

  4. REPLY
    Leasha & Jerry Bear says
    February 23, 2016 at 7:42 am

    So very sorry to read about your dad’s passing, Mark.
    We are keeping you in our prayers & thoughts.

  5. REPLY
    Lefty & Sharon Evans says
    February 23, 2016 at 9:03 am

    Connie, we are so sorry. The two of you were such a wonderful couple, we remember the fun trips we enjoyed together. Lefty said, “He was so honest, it didn’t make any difference if his customers were big or small, he treated them all the same. He was a great man.” May God bless you and comfort you through this difficult time. Our love and prayers at this time. Lefty & Sharon

  6. REPLY
    Marie Murphree says
    February 23, 2016 at 11:21 am

    Susan, so sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with you a your family.

  7. REPLY
    JIm & Dottie Turner says
    February 23, 2016 at 1:26 pm

    My dearest Connie, Mark, Tim and families. Please except our deepest sympathy and condolences. We were so very sadden to hear of Gary’s passing, I (1st cousin) and Dottie will miss Gary tremendously. He and I, growing up on farms, had many wonderful times together, both working very hard and playing.

  8. REPLY
    Roger D. Huffman & Family says
    February 24, 2016 at 9:37 am

    Mark and susan all of our love and prayers go out to you and your family, if you need us we are here for you. may God bless you all.

  9. REPLY
    Pat & Donna Strothkamp says
    February 24, 2016 at 9:24 pm

    Mark,Susan and family so sorry for the loss of your father. Thinking of you at this time and may you have many wonderful memories.

  10. REPLY
    JoyceHensley says
    February 25, 2016 at 10:58 am

    Connie, We are sorry for your loss. We are both thinking of you and your family at this time. Sincerely, Lloyd and Joyce Hensley

  11. REPLY
    Mara Campbell says
    February 25, 2016 at 11:29 am

    Connie, Tim, Terri and the entire Kennemer family. I was deeply saddened to learn about your loss. Gary was such a great man and a good role model for Rob. I pray God’s love will sustain you during this difficult time.

  12. REPLY
    Cindy Clampett says
    February 25, 2016 at 1:38 pm

    Connie,
    I was so sad to hear about Gary’s passing. I was glad that I have the memory of visiting with you guys at Jenaleigh’s wedding. What a wonderful kind man Gary was. I am sure that he, Mom and Dad are catching up on old times and doing just fine.
    With Love, Mercy, and Grace,
    Cindy

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