Gary Dale Lawellin
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Funeral services for Gary Dale Lawellin, 88, Lawrence, will be held at 5:00 p.m., January 22, 2024 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary, Eudora Kansas. Inurnment will be at a later date at HesperCemetery, Eudora, KS. Gary passed away on January 8, 2024 at his home. He was surrounded by his family and passed peacefully.
Gary was born on February 22, 1935 in Oswego, KS the son of Clifton and Georgie (Hall) Lawellin. Gary married Shirley Rose Baecker on February 14, 1952 in Olathe, KS. She preceded him in death on June 12, 2011.
For most of his life, Gary worked as a machine maintenance operator for DuPont from 1958 until retirement in 1996. He had many interests over his life time. Gary played basketball and football in high school and continued to play basketball after graduation. He was competitive in nature and was quite good at pool, cards and other recreational activities. Gary loved to bowl and for many years was very active in both league play and facilitating youth leagues. Gary and Shirley enjoyed traveling, collecting rocks, gems and exploring genealogy together. They also were lifelong KU sports fanatics and rarely missed a basketball or football game. Gary was a member of Mo-Kan Hot Wheelers Collective Club and has an entire room in his home dedicated to his collection. But most of all, Gary was a dedicated family man. He would do anything for his family and loved them all unconditionally.
Survivors include his four daughters, Debra Bost, and husband, Floyd, Lawrence, Janet Lawellin-Erwin, and husband, Joe, Eudora, Joyce Shontz and spouse, Danita, Lawrence, Laura McGaw, and husband, Sean, Lawrence; two sisters, Doneta Lawellin, Sarah Zoellner; eight grandchildren, Megan Bland, Cody Bost, Krystal Gonzalez, David Erwin, Lydia Shontz-Hochstedler, Jessica Long, Robert Long and Kristen McGaw; thirteen great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren with one on the way.
The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service (4:00 – 5:00pm) at the Warren-McElwain Mortuary Eudora Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made in Gary’s name to the Douglas County VNA and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
So sorry to hear of the passing of our long-time neighbor! Gary and Shirley helped us with many things throughout the years, and were great neighbors.
Debbie, Janet, Joyce, and Laura– I know this is a big loss for you. God be with you during this emotional and stressful time.
On behalf of the DuPont Retirees, I would like to share our sympathy in the loss of Gary. He was a good co-worker and always did his job according to the book. We are sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. May he rest in peace.
Gary was a Eudora classmate of my Mom,
Doris ( Caviness) Schehrer.
She graduated in 1953.
He would always come to Eudora for any class reunion or get together at her house.
He was a very nice man!
I enjoyed sitting in, on their visits and hearing their stories. I took many pictures of the classmates who were there.
So many great memories!
My Mom is in a memory care facility, and I told her Gary passed away.
I said he was such a nice guy, wasn’t he?
She smiled and said yes!
Thinking of your family, sending prayers.
So sorry to hear about your loss! He was a great guy! Thoughts and prayers to all!
I’m sorry to hear of Uncle Gary’s passing. My condolences to the family.
Love to all. Glad he was at home. I’m sure that have him beat comfort
Love to all. Glad he was at home. I’m sure that have him great comfort
To Gary’s daughters,
I know three of you and have met your spouses. Never gotten the pleasure to meet Laura. You are all wonderful human beings and I feel blessed to know you all. Please know that you are in my thoughts and I’m sending you love and healing hugs. May you all continue to support each other through this difficult time and know that you are surrounded by loving friends that are here to help you any way we can!
Much love and hugs
Michelle Kogl
I was so sad to hear about the passing of my brother in law. He has been part of my family for 70 years.I will miss him.He
Was always a great brother in law and son in law to my Dad.l am glad he is in peace and with mySister Shirley now.
One of the last of my original neighbors, from growing up right next door. That family is like extended family. He has a strong work ethic. He was always willing to help in any way, and was very good to his family. Many great memories. Hope to make it to the service.
As Sean’s parents, we got to know Gary as part of Laura’s family, and also grew to admire and love the man who was the treasured Dad to Laura and her sisters. He was a kind and soft spoken man with the patience and wisdom to raise four independent and talented women. He will be greatly missed.