Gary Dean Lohr

Dr. Gary D. Lohr, 68, of Lee’s Summit, MO, passed away on August 19, 2025, after a courageous eight-month battle with cancer. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and son.

Born in Gatesville, Texas, to Keith and Alyce Lohr, Gary spent his childhood living in Texas, Iowa, Missouri, California, and Ohio before eventually settling in Missouri. He graduated from Lee’s Summit High School in 1975 before attending the University of Missouri, where he majored in chemistry and excelled academically. While at Mizzou, he founded the Pre-Dental Club, giving students more opportunities to explore the field of dentistry. He went on to attend the UMKC School of Dentistry, graduating at the top of his class in 1983. During this time, he met and married the love of his life, Cathy (Godwin) Lohr.

Together, Gary and Cathy returned to Lee’s Summit, where he established his dental practice on 3rd Street. They faithfully ran the practice side by side for 37 years until his retirement in 2020. Gary loved his career and the many wonderful patients he cared for, often saying he never worked a day in his life because he enjoyed his job so much. Building lasting relationships with his patients was always his greatest priority. In retirement, Gary and Cathy enjoyed traveling, with New Zealand and Australia among his favorite destinations.

Gary was a proud and loving father to his two children, Greg and Crystal, and he and Cathy remained deeply involved in their lives. He delighted in attending their activities as they grew up and took even greater joy in becoming “PopPop” to his four grandchildren. A lifelong Kansas City Chiefs fan, he cherished family traditions of cheering on the team together. An avid cyclist, he loved riding around Longview Lake with his daughter, Crystal, and son-in-law, Troy. He was also a dedicated member of First Baptist Church of Lee’s Summit, where he worshipped and served faithfully alongside Cathy. Known for his determination and knack for fixing things, Gary enjoyed countless DIY projects—especially those shared with his son, Greg.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Cathy; his children and their spouses, Greg (Hannah) Lohr and Crystal (Troy) Fletcher; his parents, Keith and Alyce Lohr; his four grandchildren, Elsie and Emersyn Lohr, Skylar and Landon Fletcher; and his brothers, Steve (Rita) Lohr and Ron (Christi) Lohr.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff at KU Medical Center for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Gary’s honor at https://www.kucancercenter.org/give .

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 29, from 5:00–8:00 p.m., and funeral services on Saturday, August 30, at 10:00 a.m., both at First Baptist Church, 2 NE Douglas St., Lee’s Summit, MO.