Gary Clifford Stubbs

A visitation will be held on December 22 from 12:30-1:30 pm at Countryside Christian Church at 6101 Nall Ave in Mission, Kansas, immediately followed by a Celebration of Life at 1:30 pm. Burial will take place at White Chapel Cemetery later that afternoon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Boy Scouts of America, Susan G. Komen, or the Kansas Chapter of the Delta Chi Fraternity.

Gary was born January 17, 1940, in North Kansas City, MO to Clifford Allen Stubbs and Agnes Marie (Pemberton) Stubbs of North Kansas City, MO. An avid reader throughout his childhood, Gary frequented the library. Befriending several of the librarians, they allowed Gary to check out more than the daily limit of books in order to keep up with his literary appetite. This early love of learning set an important academic stage for Gary who went on to become the first person in his family to graduate from college.

Gary was a graduate of North Kansas City High School, Class of 1958 and the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Architecture in 1964. His love of the arts, including both music and architecture, were developed early in his high school career. He played the saxophone in both his school jazz band and an informal band at parties in high school and college. His parents offered unwavering support as he developed his interests. In fact, Gary drew architecture plans for a home while in his mid-teens. His parents then built the home designed by Gary, and they moved in during Gary’s sophomore year. It was innovative in a number of areas with a laundry room on the main floor, and a laundry chute from an upstairs bathroom. Strategically, he designed his own bedroom to be placed on its own level just behind the garage making it the perfect soundproof place to invite his jazz band friends over to practice. His parents continued to live in the same home throughout their lives, and it was later passed on to other family members. While in high school, Gary proudly earned his Eagle Scout Award with multiple palms. He went on to earn the Warrior Rank in the tribe of Mic-O-Say. He took lifelong pride in this accomplishment, and believed strongly in the foundations of scouting: to be physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight. Gary honored those values of Duty to God, Duty to Others, and Duty to Self. Gary was extremely proud that his son and both grandsons earned the same prestigious honor. In addition to his time in Boy Scouts, he also took great pride and placed high importance on the lessons learned while he was a member of the Delta Chi Fraternity, and served after graduation on the Housing Corporation Board.

In 1962, Gary met his future wife, Patricia Sue (Deam) Stubbs at the homecoming dance while studying at the University of Kansas. Marrying in 1965, they later welcomed a son and daughter. Together, they enjoyed a shared love of art, antiquing, and priority on family. During their early years as parents, they spent most Sundays at church and then at his parents’ home where they shared family dinners following the service and Sunday School. They also traveled throughout the United States, and most summers enjoyed time with friends and family in Colorado. Patricia, lovingly known as Patsy to Gary, was truly the love of his life.

Gary played a major role in Kansas City, Kansas where he served for many decades as the Director of Works and supervised over 500 employees. The Police and Fire departments, Roads, and Parks and Recreation were all under his responsibility. He is very proud to have hired and supported women into leadership positions during his time with the city. He retired from his position in 2000. Gary also played a key role on the team in laying the foundation that would later bring the Legends development to the western boundaries of Kansas City.

Gary and Patricia were overjoyed to welcome four grandchildren into the family, and treasured spoiling them. Gary lost his wife to cancer in 2001, but he continued her legacy of love of family and played a key role in the lives of his children and grandchildren. He was such a proud grandfather, particularly of their academic accomplishments as they together boast degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, Stanford University, Cornell University, and the University of Arizona (2023 graduation). He viewed his purpose in life as continuing the legacy of family in honor of his late wife, and his pride was both genuine and heartfelt. Gary also lovingly kept the memory of Grandma Pat alive with frequent stories of their time together.

He cherished and treasured family vacations with his kids and grandkids to Estes Park (to continue the tradition), the Lake of the Ozarks, Washington, D.C., and even Costa Rica where he went ziplining at the ripe young age of 70. He also enjoyed traveling with the KU Alumni Association on trips to Russia and Ireland.

Gary’s love of the arts continued throughout his lifetime. He and Patricia had many collections of prints, pottery, and others, including many original works from artists in the United States and abroad. After her passing, his fondness for collecting antique cast iron banks grew, as did his collection. Gary was quite proud of his numerous banks which reflected his love of and degree in architecture. He enjoyed annual trips to the Still Bankers Club of America Convention where he cultivated rich friendships who shared the same interests.

Gary was a man of deep faith. His childhood was shaped through the importance of church, and his own parents played a very active role in their church home in North Kansas City. Dad played an active role in church throughout his adult life, often leading Sunday School lessons.

Gary is survived by his son, Clifford Kerry Stubbs, and daughter, Kari Sue Stubbs; his grandchildren Robert (Bobby) William Goheen, Grace Elizabeth Goheen, Lauren Elizabeth Stubbs, and William Clifford Stubbs; siblings Denise Marie Smith, Janice Allene Wade. He was preceded in death by his parents Clifford and Agnes Stubbs, and his beloved wife, Patricia Sue (Deam) Stubbs.

Gary also welcomed and enjoyed his expanded family that Cliff and Kari brought to the crew that included Jim, Madison, Mackenzie, Jennifer, Walker, William, and Caroline.