Gary Evan McClure

Gary Evan McClure passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 18, 2023 after a long battle with dementia. He was 78. Gary was born to Adrian and Marion McClure on October 1, 1944 in Independence, MO where he was raised.
He graduated from William Chrisman High School and then went on to further his education at Central Missouri State where he received a BS in Geology. Gary taught earth science for two years at William Chrisman Junior High before returning to school at Southern Illinois University where he received a Master's degree in Urban Planning. He worked for FEMA for 30 years as an Emergency Analyst and was married three times. Gary loved to travel, often taking trips with friends. He was an avid skier/snow boarder, tennis enthusiast and enjoyed hiking, camping, canoeing and white water rafting. One of his proudest accomplishments was hiking the Chilkoot Goldrush Trail in Alaska and another was heli-skiing Whistler Mountain in BC, Canada. His last trip was a Mediterranean Cruise with his brother, Jon and sister-in-law, Pam. Gary was a generous man and was an optimist who saw the best in people and tried to encourage and help them to reach their potential. He loved working with children and volunteered with Special Olympics. Gary was the light in a room and people were drawn to him. He was outgoing, loved to entertain and always organized the best social gatherings and parties. He liked to repeat two quotes: "Think highly of yourself as you may be the only one who does!" and "Make no small plans as they fail to excite the hearts of man.!" He truly believed and lived by them. His time here was cut short due to early onset of his illness but his family and friends can take comfort knowing that he's once again free and that he had lived a very full life.
Gary is survived by his brother, Jon McClure (Pam) of Hoover, AL.; sister, Judy Rauch of Marionville, MO.; nephew, Carl Mustain (Melissa) of Valrico, FL; niece-in-law, Nelsa Mustain and great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Bob Rauch and nephew, Craig Mustain. Cremation is planned and a private celebration of life will be held at a later date.