Gary Lee Summers, 69, passed away April 10, 2021 with family by his side.

Until recently, Gary enjoyed life to the fullest. He grew up in Gladstone, MO and enjoyed summers with his grandparents on their farm near Exeter, MO. He played football at Oak Park High School in North Kansas City and continued his football career at SMS in Springfield as a hard-hitting fullback from 1969-1973. Blessings to those he hit.

Gary naturally was a very hard worker, bartending through college at the Lamplighter in Springfield. He had the knack of hospitality and customer service in his blood. He was the friendliest guy you would ever meet! His passion for having the "best" bar in town grew, as he went on to open Uncle Bentleys, Custers on Battlefield, and Cartoons Oyster Bar and Grill, with several other business ventures along the way.

Married in 1980 to RaeLynn, they created two beautiful baby girls. Jessica and Lee are his pride and joy. The family, along with a host of friends, enjoyed mother nature to the fullest. Camping, biking, skiing, sailing and floating were his passions, along with a dozen or so motorcycles!

His immediate family was always first, but everyone was Gary's family; friends, employees, band members, vendors, softball teams, hosting golfers and bicycle riders annually. The list could go on and on. Gary loved people and almost everyone loved him. He is a kind and loving soul. He will be missed immensely, but he is still with loving family and friends that have passed, having fun and caring for one another.

He was preceded in death by her parents, Edna Marie "Planchon" Summers and Darrel Philip Summers.

He is survived by daughter, Jessica McGee (Ryan) and grandsons Oliver and Harris of Capistrano Beach, CA; daughter, Lee Petitjean (Chris) and grandsons Archer and Atticus of North Kansas City; sister, Evelyn Sue Summers (Don Warmbrodt) of Raytown, MO; brother, Phil Summers (Jody) of North Kansas City; RaeLynn Summers of Rogersville, MO and a host of relatives and friends spread across the planet.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gift of Life, 6405 Metcalf Avenue, Suite 109, Overland Park, Kansas 66202 as his donation extended his love for a few more years or a charity of your choice.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 17, 2021 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Reception will follow at Metropolitan Grill. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.