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Gary Waldrop Obituary
EAST PEORIA - Gary Wayne Waldrop, 62, of Springfield, Mo., formerly of East Peoria, died Friday, June 24, 2011, in Springfield, Mo.
Gary was born Nov. 5, 1948, in Peoria to Otis Wesley and Ruth (Fern) Waldrop. He married Amy Strezelecki in 1975.
She survives along with three daughters, Tammi Waldrop (Andre) Martin, Rachel Strzelecki and Chelsie (Chris) Henson; several grandchildren; his mother, Fern; and two brothers, Wesley (Darryl) and Danny Waldrop; and many, many friends.
He is preceded in death by his father, Otis, and brother, William (Roy) Waldrop.
Gary was an artist who enjoyed restoring old buildings. He was known throughout the art and business world in Springfield, Mo., as the famous Dr. Tickle. He was always laughing and never took life for granted. He influenced everyone and everything he touched in ways too great to list.
A celebration of Gary's life will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 6 at Greenlawn Funeral Home, 3506 N. National, Springfield, MO 65803.
Anyone wishing to make a memorial donation may do so to Urban Districts Alliance, 304 W. McDaniel, Springfield, MO 65806.
The Commercial Club of Springfield will work with Amy Waldrop to commission an appropriate piece of public art to be displayed on C-Street in Springfield in Gary's name.
Special thanks to Dr. Robert Ellis and Hospice Compassus for their care while Gary fought lung cancer.
Fair thee well our beloved and sleep in peace until Christ calls us home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Waldrop
Karen& Keith Jordan
October 27, 2012
We are so very sorry to hear about the loss of Gary. May God Bless the family. Amy we love you!
rose (gargula)cook
November 15, 2011
Gary, Amy, Rachel, and Chelsie were my first neighbors in Chandler, Arizona. I was only 22 years old. Gary and Amy's words of wisdom and spiritual counsel stayed in my heart for 29 years. I met Gary and his family in July of 1982 with my husband Vince and my little girl Nicole. I remember when they were moving away to a cooler weather State and hoped life was good. I remembered the murial on Gary's van and his great artistic ability. I kept Gary's business card from when he was Renaissance Studios Inc.I was just looking at it and thought to Google it. I am so sorry I never thought of googleing his name sooner. All my love and condolences to Amy and family.
Darryl W. Waldrop
July 8, 2011
Life, Love, Happiness, Joy, Dreams, Recognition,Hero, Good Times, Hard times, Achiever, Artist, Entrepreneur, Success, Heaven, you've conquered all of these and always stood for what you believed in, This candle will burn forever in my heart for you Uncle Gary Love You Miss You R.I.P
Helen (Waldrop) Smith
July 5, 2011
Fern, Darrell and Danny, So sorry for your loss. Gary was my cousin--as you are, Darrell and Danny. Your dad was my very favorite uncle. Fern, I feel your loss and my thoughts are with you, and I pray you will find comfort and peace in the weeks and months ahead. God bless.
July 5, 2011
Gary,,, going to miss your smiling face, I will remember it from our 40th class reunion. Will have a salute to you at this years 45th. Thoughts and prayers to the family. Forest-Snuffy-Smith
Kate Flynn
July 5, 2011
Gary was such a fine example of love and light in this world. My heart is heavy for your family. Peace be with you all.
Audrey Allen
July 5, 2011
My deepest sympathy to all of you, Love and prayers. Audrey Allen
Debi Tankersley
July 5, 2011
To the Waldrop famliy,
So sorry for your loss of another son, brother and father. I have been blessed to know this family my entire life. May peace be with you all. R.I.P. our friend.
The family of Virginia Harris
ellen waldrop
July 5, 2011
Gary what a huge loss to so many. I will forever remember the way u laughed and the way you brought laughter to my life. You were an amazing man and so talented. Im so glad you were in my life for over 30 years. Your little sis Ellen
Danny Waldrop
July 4, 2011
I love you Gary. You were always my hero growing up. I will miss you. Rest in peace my brother
Stephanie Jablonski
July 3, 2011
Amy,
I am so sorry about Gary! I have so many childhood memories with you, Gary and the family! Gary will be missed by many, but he will not be forgotten!
My thoughts are with you and the family!
Love,
Stephanie (Coleman) Jablonski
Matt Morgan
June 30, 2011
Dr Tickle you will be missed by the Morgan family. I realized I had known you for more than 20 years now. As a kid I remember helping my dad with projects and you were either there helping us or lent us one of your many tools. I always enjoyed visiting your building on Commercial St and was amazed by the marbling and other artistic paintwork. Whether having beers downtown or on Commercial St it seemed everyone knew you and said hi. I enjoyed your stories of your days in Chicago and here in Phoenix. My wife Erin and I will miss you very much.
Edge Supply
June 29, 2011
Edge Supply Co. will miss Gary. He was always a joy to see when he came in to our counter.
Marcus
June 29, 2011
I will miss you very much
your friend, marcus
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