We met Gary and Sue about 20 years ago via Carol Nierling. Such lovely and kind people whose faith shines from within. We'd have the pleasure to see them on occasion at local events or mass. They are the kind of folks who just give you a good feeling. What a blessing to have met Gary! We pray for God's loving comfort to be with you and yours now and always. Grief never ends, it just changes. With sympathy, Lisa and Jim

Gary was a kind, sweet and funny man. He loved his family dearly. We shared many work hours together and enjoyed tailgating and trips to several Mizzou football games. My favorite trip was to the Cotton Bowl several years ago!! Will miss you deeply. ❤️ M I Z…

Sue and family so sorry for Gary’s passing.
I met Gary in 1978 when I started working as an RN in SICU at the University.. As a respiratory therapist he gave excellent care and I was always glad to have him care for our patients.
In 1980 when I had our daughter Jennifer two months early and she was in the NICU, Gary came with his camera and took a picture of me holding her.
It was our first picture.. it was such a kind gesture, and still brings tears to my eyes.

Kathy and I want to express our sincere sympathy on the loss of Gary.  We know he will be missed by all who know and love him.

Uncle Gary was smart and witty.  He inherited his mom's eyes and his dad's facial features.  He enjoyed all things associated with Mizzou.  Because of this strong interest it meant that his mom could show her love by handmaking many items for him.  As a child I remember walking into my grandparents house and being told not to go into the extra bedroom because there was something special in there for Gary.

I will always appreciate visiting his family's house as a kid.  And I am also grateful for all of the times his family packed into the car and drove back to De Soto to visit family.

I loved hearing about his trips where he accompanied Sue traveling for work.  He could have stayed home, but instead chose to travel with his wife and read by the pool until they could spend time together.

The happiest that I saw Gary was at his daughters weddings.  It is always a precious thing to witness somebody else's true happiness.

Rest in Peace.

With Love, The Icenhowers

A light has been extinguished from the world with Gary's death.  He was full of joy, vitality and Christian faith.  Gary loved his wife, Sue and daughters Katie and Erin and their families.  His grandchildren became the apple of his eye.  He rarely passed up an opportunity to spend time with them. 
Gary was a huge MIZZOU fan and supporter. He and friends spent hours cheering on the Tigers. Bowl games and out of town football games were a source of delight.
He loved to travel, sometimes with the SMBG.  Sites they visited included (to name a few) Florida, Alaska, Massachusetts, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas.  He was a proud Father as he walked his two daughters down the aisle to be married.
"You will not get over the loss of a loved one; you'll learn to live with it.  You will heal and you will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered.  You will be whole again, but you will never be the same.  Nor should you be the same nor would you want to" Elizabeth Kubler-Ross.  Carol

Dear Sue and Family - it's so hard to say goodbye to our loved ones.  My heart goes out to each of you.   May your hearts overflow with gratitude and find peace and comfort when pondering all the wonderful memories over so many years.  Very thankful for faith, family and friends:  and the promise that we WILL meet again and that's forever!  Hugs to you!

Susan and family, please accept me sincere condolences over the loss of Gary.   I know the success of all of you was greatly supported by Gary.  His love and nurturance will carry you forward.  May the days to come be accompanied with increasing peace.  With prayer filled sympathy.    Judith Fitzgerald Miller

Generally, I’m not a person lost for words.   The trouble is right now,  the words are all jumbled.  
I met Gary in the fall of ł975.  Actually, that is when I met Susan as we moved into our dorm room at nursing school.  Two student nurses ready to change the world and TOTALLY in love with the most wonderful guys.   
I felt like I knew Gary before I met him.  He was an “older man”,  away at school on the big campus of Mizzou.  I was intrigued that two people who met in high school would still be together, engaged and studying at different places miles apart!  The look in Susan’s eyes and the tone of her voice when she talked about Gary could leave no doubt…it was LOVE. ❤️  I learned all about how they met, their goals and plans and most importantly the meaning behind “38”.  Forty eight years later the look and tone hasn’t changed.  The meaning of “38” has only grown stronger.  The most beautiful part of this story is that the names could be reversed and the story would be the same.  Susan and Gary or Gary and Susan, however you tell the story it speaks of LOVE.
Yes, each of us married the man of our dreams.  Their wedding is the one and only time I have cruised Main St.    We learned how to find our way to Festus and DeSoto, Farmington and Columbia.
Phil and I never lived in the same city as Susan and Gary but we did manage to share many happy outings together.  We camped at the Perryville KOA.   Susan and Phil took Gary and I on our very first train trip to Chicago only to have the return trip aborted.  (BTW-that means cancelled)  We have celebrated many happy times together, hayrides on the farm, special birthdays at the winery, July 4th celebrations at the VP Fair, Cardinal games with our kids, weddings of our children, being grandparents, career successes, rendezvous in Herman, the list goes on.  Gary with a smile on his face.
Our world will not be the same without him but it is a much better place for the many ways he has touched our lives.  
Phil  and Sharon

There are so many memories with Gary and Sue. And all are good. Whether we are traveling or just hanging out reading or playing Scrabble.
My first memory of Gary is hearing about his valve surgery from Patty Smith and how ill he was. Patty and I had been working together for a few months at Urology Consultants. I felt the need to take food over to their house. I rang the bell, handed food to Sue, and said, “I’m a friend of Patty and Carey’s.” I then left.
Later they needed someone to pick up a season ticket to share with Carol Nierling and I said, “Yes.”
I think it was the next season that I became Gary’s tailgate wife. Sue was not really interested or willing to head out to the stadium at 7am on a football Saturday. I was and we had some great times.
Gary would pick me up at 7am. He was always patient if I had to go back inside because I forgot something. That might have happened a few times. We always listened to the MU Tigers CD on the way. Must hear the Fight song and get fired up for the game.
Upon arrival we started unloading the Durango, setting up the tent, and placing chairs strategically to save spots for the rest of the crew. When we were done, we opened our first beer and toasted to a Tiger victory.
While sitting and waiting for everyone else we had an opportunity to talk about life, family, the future, books, and of course the Tigers. MIZ…
There are so many other memories. I will always have then when thinking of this great friend. So many trips with the SMBG starting with the one to Colorado to see if we could all get along during an extended time together. It turned out to be the first of many trips.
Thank you, Gary for your friendship.
Love, Beth

Our mind is flooded with wonderful memories of Gary. No matter if we were sharing hamburgers at 63 Diner, pizza at Shakespeare’s, a spring roll, or an entire boatload of meals on an Alaskan cruise, time spent together never disappointed & always closed with laughter & hugs. I can only image the mischief the Scott boys got into as they grew up on their farm. Working & playing hard were the Scott kids aim throughout their childhood. One example was the softball game at the Flower’s house. Gary played outfield when a pop fly was hit. Gary ran hard, all the while not taking his eye off the softball as it soared high in the sky. The next moment Gary disappeared head first into an old silo foundation filled with boulders & glass. The action stopped & those watching forgot to breathe until Gary popped up safe & sound with a big grin on his face & a softball in his glove. The Scott boys & friends got carried away with rock fights when they played Capture the Hill. One team climbed the hill, the second was to take the hill. Rocks & boulders were hurled at each other. The bottom team took a beating but it was fun while it lasted. Special times together are burned into our memories of time gone by. The Alaskan Cruise we enjoyed together was a precious time in our life. The beauty we experienced was unforgettable. Patience & love were shown as we navigated several firsts in our lifetime. These experiences were all sheltered under the watchful care of Gary & Sue, especially when my luggage didn’t show up at the plane’s passenger gate. Grace was shown as I floundered being a newbie of the group when Gary & Sue jumped to help. Maybe it had something to do with not wanting to see me running around naked for the next week, but they were my Superman & Shera at that moment. Our mind is flooded with so many Gary moments we cannot put them all on paper, but our love for Gary, Sue & their sweet family will always be a flood of sunshine in our hearts. With love, Dan & Carolyn

I worked at VA with Gary for several decades. He was a respected, trusted and admired colleague. Although we were ‘administrative’ peers, we shared a passion to focus on the patients: improving outcomes was our  fundamental goal in healthcare. I’m sure this was a result of our clinical background in common. (I was a nurse and of course Gary worked in respiratory care). He made VA a better place for me and countless other staff and patients over the years. I’m sad he’s gone but cherish many fond memories. I’m so sorry for your loss.

Lisa and I have so many memories with Gary and Sue. From tailgates, golf tournaments and many dinner parties. We will miss Gary so much but also remember the countless good times we all had together. Matt and Lisa Waterman

Sue, Katie and Erin,

We are saddened by the passing of Gary. He was such a wonderful, kind man who loved his family dearly.  We have so many fun memories of Mizzou football tailgates and Friday night card games.  He will forever be in our hearts.

It's so hard to find the right words but one thing is for sure - we are going to miss Gary so much.  The fun times we had together, so many wonderful memories we have.  From Hermann to Bonner Springs and everything in between, Gary always had a smile on his face and many times such a devilish twinkle in his eyes.  We are blessed to have been able to make these memories with you.  We will miss you Gary but we will be here for Sue and the girls.  Will see you again in Heaven.  Love to you all!

Jo and Chuck Leake

We are blessed to have Gary and Sue as our dear friends.  A man with true Christian principles, Gary lived a life that reflected his beliefs that the most important things were FAMILY, FAITH and FRIENDS.  We all loved to travel and had some wonderful trips, but more importantly, we enjoyed the journey.  We knew that we had been blessed in many ways and our mutual friendship was the greatest of those blessings.  Before meals we would give thanks for family and friends beside us, for the love and respect between us and for the food before us.  We now give thanks for those great memories that will always be a part of us.

I have so many fond memories of Gary.  We were blessed to have known Gary and Sue for 30+ years.  We were family and always there for each other in happy times and sad times.   We all went on a cruise together in 1996 and it was “the best trip I’ve took’n.”  😁.   Gary also gained the nickname of “Sparky” on another trip.   Such fun memories.  I’m thankful God brought us together.  We will see him again in Heaven where there will be no more tears and no more sorrow.   We love you Sue, Katie and Erin and we’re always here for you.   We hold your dad’s smile and his sweet giggle close in our hearts. 
With all my Love - Patty

Sue, 
What a joy & honor it has been to develop such a warm, abiding relationship with you & dearest Gary over these past few years.....as I made trips back to MIZZOU/SSON. I shall surely miss; I shall surely remember: 
- Gary's gracious & warm welcome; his smile and positive presence any time we all met for dinner; 
-  His obvious love of, pride in, & support of you, your career, & the girls;   
- The laughter you gave us all in your roles as Popo & Mimi. 
Sending our love and support  - as we celebrate a life "well-lived."
Winnie and Marwan

Sue and Family, 
We will all greatly miss Gary and his wonderful sense of humor, his positive presence, and his kindness to all.  Know he will be greatly missed in our lives. 
What a special man he was, helping all of us to have a positive outlook ahead and knowing we could take the time to enjoy each other, today and always. 
Thanks for embracing so many of us in your lives and welcoming all of us to join you in your journey. 
We will see you on the other side, I know you will be there welcoming us when we arrive, much love, Marilyn and Wally

Gary was always a great person.  I wasn't lucky to have much time with Gary  directly, but he was special to all.  Such great memories from such a great guy.  We are all lucky to have him in our lives.  Rose Porter

Sue and family, our thoughts and prayers are w you and your family. So very sorry for your loss🙏🏻

Sue, my deepest sympathy for your loss of Gary who was so clearly loved and led a life well lived.  Thank you for being models of commitment to one another, family, your professions, and MU. May you find peace.

Gary and I were friends during our careers at the VA and in our later roles, spent time lots of time at the end of the workday bouncing around solutions for different problems (or perceived problems) since his office was right around the corner from mine.  I always knew I could count on his advice when I needed it!  I know his friends and family will miss his wry sense of humor and his positive attitude.  The memories in your heart will insure his legacy lives on.  So sorry for your loss.

Hello Sue and family. My sincerest sympathy and condolences to you right now. I knew Gary in several different capacities during his time at MU and at the VA as a staff member and patient. He was so pleasant and kind to me as a fellow health care provider. It is those moments that only the 2 of us may know about but his calm demeanor meant so much to me as I was growing in my career. Please know that I’m sending my best to you and I encourage you all to remember the precious times and memories you got to create with Gary!

My sincere condolences to Sue, the children and the entire family.  What a legacy Gary created while on this earth.  Well done thy good and faithful servant.  You will all be together again on that great and glorious day when all of God’s children get home. Until then, keep trusting and believing.

I just cannot believe my golf and football brother has left this world. Saying I will miss him doesn’t come close to how my heart really feels. I could talk to Gary about anything and know he wouldn’t judge me.  So long buddy, I will miss you horribly. Till we meet again, MIZ.

I truly don’t remember the short time before Gary was in my life. I will never forget the endless summer memories with the Scott family. The laughs, the trips to see Gary’s mom and dad, the sleep overs. The Scott family has always held a special place in my heart and Gary, like an uncle to me in my youth. This is such a tremendous loss but such a blessing of a man to grace Heaven with his presence. I love you all and you’re forever in prayers 🤍

My deepest sympathy to you Sue and the entire Scott family. I am thankful I had the privilege to work with and for Gary. It was a pleasure.  I had the utmost respect for Gary and am sincerely saddened at his loss.  He was a great man and will always be remembered.

OBITUARY

Gary Joseph Scott

September 22, 1953 – January 9, 2024

Memorial Funeral Home, Crematory & Memorial Park Cemetery/Columbia

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services