Gary Donovan Waters

Gary Donovan Waters, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away February 18th, 2024, surrounded by his family.

He was born on May 3, 1946, in Clinton, Oklahoma, to Russell B. Waters and Frances (Yarborough) Waters.

After graduating from Cherryvale High School in 1964, Gary attended Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, and joined the Delta Tau Delta fraternity.  Later, he achieved a Bachelor of Science in Business with a double-minor in Chemistry and Biology from Emporia State University.

On August 4, 1967, Gary married his high school sweetheart, Shannon Hugo, at the First United Methodist Church in Cherryvale.  In the years following, they welcomed daughters, Angela and Susan.

Gary maintained a strong, yet quiet, sense of spirituality, and led a remarkable life filled with dedication to his work and love for his family. He embarked on his career as a pharmaceutical sales and marketing professional at Rucker, then Boots Pharmaceuticals, before retiring as the Regional Sales Director at PAM Lab Pharmaceuticals in 2010. 

Beyond his professional life, Gary found joy in various hobbies and interests, including golf, fishing, sailing, traveling, reading and sci-fi movies.  He, along with his wife, were avid animal lovers, and not only provided a wonderful, home for their two daughters, but many a dog, cat, rabbit and bird. These activities brought Gary great pleasure and enriched his life.

Gary was surrounded by love from family and friends, and was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and grandson, Jackson. He is survived by his devoted wife Shannon; daughters Angela (Jeff) Rouse of Kansas City, Missouri; Susan (Matt) Stumm of Keller, Texas; sister Linda (Waters) Myers of Stillwater, Oklahoma; and grandchildren Kathryn, Megan, Alexander, and Eric, as well as other extended family members.

A visitation to honor Gary's life will be held at Wickham Family Funeral Home in Cherryvale, Kansas on February 24th starting at noon, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 1:00 PM. The interment will take place at Fairview Cemetery in Cherryvale afterward. 

Gary will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy of hard work, kindness, and love for his family will forever be remembered in the hearts of those whose lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the KC Pet Project that provides shelter and animal services for pets in need.  www.kcpetproject.org/donate/ or 7077 Elmwood Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64132 (816-686-1383).