Gary W. Qualls, age 65, died on January 8, 2026, after a lengthy illness.  He was born on January 11, 1960, in Kansas City, MO at Conley Maternity Hospital, on the site of Passantino Bros. Funeral Home property.  Gary was a lover of life, family, and friends, who truly never knew a stranger.   He would go out of his way to help anyone in need - examples being assisting stranded motorists on the highway and visiting the sick - both of which he did for many years. He loved spending time on his farm in northwest Missouri.

Gary excelled at football & wrestling during his school years, hunting (especially with his father), fishing (especially with his grandkids at his farm & dear friends at the lake), bowling & softball.  He had a long and notable career as a manufacturing batch technician – making ice cream, Pepsi, bread & pharmaceuticals.  While working at Merritt Foods Ice Cream Plant, he met Kathleen Kennedy and they were married on January 25, 1983.  Gary was an industrious employee who won performance awards and was well respected by all his work collogues.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Billy Qualls and Juanita (Carey) Qualls, his brother Billy Qualls Jr., his sister Kathy Hylton, nephews Rusty Clinton and Jacob Whitney, and niece Kimberly Deck.

Those who remain to cherish his memory include his spouse, Kathleen Kennedy, his children, Emily Woods (Elisha Woods) and Linus Qualls.  His grandchildren, Noah, Anessa & Solomon Woods, and Mason Qualls.  His sister, Debbie Deck, his beloved aunts, uncles and cousins. His nieces and nephews, Natalie Schoonover, Michelle Frossard, Jason Deck, Billy Qualls III, and Deena Bayless.   His sisters & brothers in law – Sue (Korlan), Fr. David, Carol, Eileen, Janice (Reeder), Larry, Joseph, Mary & Jeanne Kennedy.  Also left behind are the best lifelong friends a person could ever wish for - Kenny Wilson, Terry Loos, Dale Hillegas, Guy McGuire and Mike Skinner.  We hold gratitude for his many caring healthcare providers over the years, especially Dr. Everett Koehn.

Funeral services will be held at Passantino Bros. Funeral Home on Saturday, January 17, 2026.  Visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m., with prayers and a time of sharing memories beginning at 2 p.m., led by Fr. Jerry Waris.  Food, fellowship, and informal Gary story sharing time will immediately follow at Claycomo Community Center.

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com