Gary Lee Shump

Gary Lee Shump, 87, of Seneca, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2025, at Nemaha Valley Community Hospital surrounded by those who loved him.

Gary was born on July 31, 1938, in Sabetha, Kansas, to Vollie and Emma (Vondenkamp) Shump. He grew up in Seneca, where he spent his childhood working hard, making lifelong friends, and forming the quiet determination and faith that guided him throughout his life. He graduated from Sts. Peter and Paul High School in 1956 and shortly after began helping his father on the family farm. That fall, he answered the call to serve his country, joining the U.S. Army on October 6, 1956. Gary was proud to serve in Army Intelligence until his honorable discharge in April 1957.

After returning home, Gary worked for Nemaha County before finding his career with the Kansas Department of Transportation as a surveyor. His work ethic and loyalty were unmatched, and he retired after 35 years of service.

The happiest day of Gary's life came on May 3, 1969, when he married the love of his life, Judith Conn, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Topeka. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and faith. They enjoyed traveling, spending time in Colorado during retirement, and later returning home to Seneca in 2020 to be near family.

Gary was a man of simple joys and strong values. He found peace in the routine of hard work, pride in his service and career, and deep joy in the love of family. He cherished being an uncle and was a steady presence in the lives of his many nieces and nephews. His faith anchored him throughout his life, and he remained a devoted member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vollie (2003) and Emma (1997); and his brother, Danny (2021).

Left to honor his memory are his wife of 56 years, Judith; his brothers, Harold (Carolyn) Shump and Jim (Dianne) Shump; his sister, Darlene Kuhlman, all of Seneca; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will miss him dearly.

A rosary will be prayed at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 26, 2025, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. Burial with Military Honors will be held in the parish cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, sent in care of the family.