Gary Sapp

Gary Sapp, age 75, of Deepwater, Missouri, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at his home in Deepwater, MO.
He was born to Howard and Wanda Sapp and grew up in Deepwater alongside his seven siblings: Lynette, Ronnie, Vickie, Bill, Jim, Kenny, and Toni. Raised in a close-knit community where everyone took care of each other, Gary learned the value of hard work at a young age. He helped his father with his janitorial job at the school and had his own paper route.
Gary was active in Boy Scouts and proudly earned his Eagle Scout rank. After high school, he joined the Navy and was stationed on an aircraft carrier during the Vietnam era. His adult career reflected his lifelong devotion to children and young adults. He worked for 10 years as a child care counselor at Ozanam Boys Home in Martin City, Missouri, where he met his future wife, Gina. Five months later, they married at the Deepwater Labor Harvest Picnic. This year would have marked their 44th wedding anniversary. Gary later became the camp ranger for Mid-Continent Council of Girl Scouts in Kansas City, Missouri, a role he held for 21 years.
He and Gina were blessed with two children, Katelyn Rose Sapp and Jesse Cole Sapp, and four grandchildren: Tyler, Shaelyn, Archer, and Braiden. Gary never knew a stranger. He could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere. He loved nature and was an avid morel mushroom hunter, earning the nickname "Mushroom Guru." He found more joy in giving away his mushrooms than eating them himself. He enjoyed playing pool, but his favorite pastime was playing cards with friends and family.
Gary was kind and generous almost to a fault. He faced the final stages of his illness with bravery, never complaining, and carried himself with grace and composure. He was a gentle soul who will be forever loved and remembered by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Ronnie, Jim, Kenny, and Bill Sapp, and Toni Shockley; and his great-nephew Roman Hardy.
He is survived by his loving wife, Gina Sapp of the home; daughter, Katelyn Sapp of Warsaw; son, Jesse Sapp (Bailey) of Clinton; grandchildren, Tyler Sapp, Shaelyn Sapp, Braiden Roberts, and Archer Sapp; sisters, Lynette Kriesler of Blue Springs and Vicki Booth (Jerome) of Lawrence; sisters-in-law, Ann Booth of Clinton and Glenda Sapp of Lee's Summit; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Celebration of Life services were held July 10, 2025 at the Vansant-Mills Chapel, Clinton with Rev. David Mills officiating. Special music included "Just Breath, Summer's End and Forever and Ever, Amen." Military honors were under the direction of VFW Post #1894 and the US Navy.
Services were under the direction of Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, MO.