As of Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Cities without a state are in Missouri
Feb. 27, 1951 – May 2, 2026
Richard Gary Compton, beloved husband, father, granddad, and faithful servant of the Lord, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 2, at Foxberry Terrace Senior Living in Webb City at the age of 75. Born on Feb. 27, 1951, in Lamar, to Don and Hallie (Miles) Compton, Gary graduated from Lamar High School with the Class of 1969 and proudly served in the National Guard for several years. He later made his home in Carthage, where he built a life marked by quiet kindness, unwavering integrity and a deep devotion to Jesus Christ. A lifelong member of the Church of Christ, he most recently served as a Deacon at Mt. Hope Church of Christ, where his steady presence and servant’s heart blessed many.
Gary leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and generosity. His life was spent loving others, serving his community, and modeling a steadfast faith for his family. His greatest joy was his grandchildren – he rarely missed a sporting event and was a loyal supporter of both Lamar and Webb City football.
A hardworking man with a deep appreciation for the outdoors, Gary was a long‑time farmer and held positions at Purinton’s John Deere, Meek’s Lumber, and Missouri Southern State University, where he retired after 25 years as facilities coordinator. He also owned and operated Compton Lawncare & Landscaping for more than 25 years. Gary was a skilled craftsman, an avid hunter and fisherman alongside his grandchildren, and a lifelong lover of animals. His heart for helping others extended into his work with Lohmeyer‑Konantz, Daniel Funeral Home, and Mason‑Woodard Funeral Home over the years.
Gary is survived by his wife, Patty, of 35 years; daughters Stacy Maguire, of Charlotte, N.C., Julie (Dan) Whyman, of Lamar, Emily (Nick) Athan, of Carthage, Andrea Jackson (Ray DeCandia), of Phoenix, Ariz., Kelly (Adam) King, of Rogers, Ark., and Tracy (Danny) Soto, of Liberty; 11 grandchildren, Jayden and Daelynn Maguire, Lauren (Wes) Marr, Matt (Kylie) Whyman, Miles Whyman, Zale Athan, Asher and Zoey King, Olivia and Salvador Soto—and two great‑grandchildren, Woods Whyman and Elias Soto; his brother Randy (Donne) Compton, of Rogers, Ark.; sisters Carol Compton and Lori (Zach) McCulley, of Lamar; his uncles Kenneth (Janet) Miles, Carl Compton, and Gene Compton, all of Lamar; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Hallie Compton, and one grandson, Alexander Soto.
The family is eternally grateful to the staff of Foxberry Terrace for their extraordinary care, compassion, and love – treating Gary not simply as a resident, but as a cherished member of their own family.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 8, 2026, at Mason‑Woodard Mortuary. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation prior to the service that will begin at 10 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Manuelito Navajo Children’s Home in Gallup, NM, in care of the funeral home.
Aug. 5, 1943 – May 1, 2026
Gary Don McDonald, 82, passed away Friday, May 1, 2026, comfortably in his home surrounded by loved ones. Gary leaves behind a legacy of dedication to family, education, faith, and service.
He was born on Aug. 5, 1943, to Harry and Nadine O’Donnell McDonald. He attended schools in Arma, Kan., and continued his education at Kansas Teachers College in Pittsburg, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business. He later pursued his master’s degree in business administration at at Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg.
While in college, Gary began his service career joining ROTC and was then commissioned as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army, serving his country honorably from 1966 to 1972.
Gary was of the Methodist faith and was a proud member of the Arma American Legion.
In 1962, Gary married Mary C. Bugni, and together they built a family with their three children: Barbara Dunlap (Eddie), Cathy Davied (Tim), and Tom McDonald (Veronica). After the passing of his first wife, Gary found love again and married Betty Wente, welcoming her daughter, Debra Long (Jim), into the family.
Gary had a deep love for his family and cherished the time he spent with them. He especially enjoyed traveling the world and never missed an opportunity to watch his children and grandchildren participate in sports and activities.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty, of the home; his children, Barbara Dunlap (Eddie), Cathy Davied (Tim), Tom McDonald (Veronica), and Debra Long (Jim); his cherished grandchildren: Chris Dunlap (Sami), Kenzie Holt (Will), Tyler Edwards (Cheyanne), Tanner Edwards (Lauren), Brandon Long (Kasey), Jennifer Long, Ryan Long (Camryn), Kamryn Loy (Luke), Peyton McDonald, Aaron Davied (Laura), Adam Davied, Aleigha Davied, and Amanda Davied; his treasured great-grandchildren, Easton and Emersyn Dunlap; Mason and Calum Holt; Lylah and Stone Edwards; Ripken Edwards; Parker and Harrison Loy; Eva, Eli and Ethan Davied; Quinten and Emery Adams; and Mia Vega; his brother, Mark McDonald (Beth); sisters-inlaw, Janet Grassi (Jim), and Mary Ann Toeller; nieces and nephews, Zach McDonald (Jess), Grant McDonald (Jordan), Amy Frizzell (Dusty), Matt McDonald (Jennifer), Adam McDonald (Lesley), Kristi Toeller, Cindy Wolfe (Phil), and Jimmie Grassi (Bobbi).
Gary was preceded in death by his first wife Mary “Sis” Bugni McDonald; his parents, Harry and Nadine McDonald; and his brother Doug McDonald.
Gary will be remembered for his strong faith and service to his country, his love of German shepherds, sports and vintage Thunderbirds, but mostly his devotion to family, and the lasting impact he made on those who knew and loved him.
A memorial service was held Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Brenner Mortuary in Pittsburg, Kan.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Gary McDonald Memorial Fund in support of his grandson, Tyler Edwards and his family as he continues his own battle with cancer.
The family will hold a private graveside service at a later date. Arrangements were by Midland Cremation Society.
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