Gary Lee White, age 85, a resident of Mooresville, Missouri, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, June 22, 2026. He passed peacefully in one of his favorite places—his hunting cabin—surrounded by the memories of a life well-lived and the people he loved most.
Gary attended school in Centralia, Missouri, where he excelled in athletics, participating in football, basketball, track, and baseball. His love for basketball continued as he went on to play at William Jewell College.
Gary was a man who truly loved the outdoors. Whether he was hunting, mushroom hunting with family and friends, or simply enjoying God’s creation, he found joy in every season. Mushroom hunting was a favorite pastime, especially when there was a friendly competition to see who could find the biggest mushroom. Farming was more than an occupation to Gary—it was a way of life. He loved the land, the satisfaction of watching things grow, and the rewards of hard work.
On April 24, 1964, Gary married the love of his life, Iona Jones. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work. They began their married life in Albany, Missouri, where they farmed and raised turkeys. There they welcomed their daughter Robin.
In 1967, the family moved to Chillicothe, Missouri and later welcomed their second daughter Cindy. Throughout his career, Gary worked as a Farm Bureau adjuster before becoming a farm manager for Cooke Sales. He later worked as a marketing representative for Churchill Truck Lines and eventually retired from Watt-Mizer Electric. Retirement brought him back to what he loved most—overseeing the family farms and spending time on the land.
Among his greatest joys was his family. Every year, he planted a large pumpkin patch and carefully wrote each grandchild’s name on a pumpkin. Watching the grandchildren search the patch for the pumpkin bearing their name became a cherished family tradition. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were truly the center of his world. He also treasured attending their stock shows, sporting events, and activities, always cheering them on from the sidelines.
He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Cindy Roy; his parents, Lee and Esther White; his brother, Mike White; his sister, Marva Dyer; and his infant grandson, Raymond B. Quinn Jr.
Gary is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Iona “Pete” White, of the home; daughter and son-in-law, Robin and Raymond Quinn; son-in-law, Scott Roy; grandchildren Drew (Becky) Quinn, Morgan (Shane) Cooper, Breilly Roy, Zach (Carlee) Quinn, and Sadie (Ryan) Stimpson; ten great-grandchildren.
Gary’s legacy lives on in the fields he farmed, the pumpkins he planted, the stories he shared, and the family he loved so deeply. Though he will be greatly missed, we find comfort knowing he has been reunited in Heaven with his daughter, Cindy, and is now walking the fields of glory with his Savior.
A Memorial service will be held at Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. A scheduled visitation will be held at Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, on Friday, June 26, 2026, one hour prior to the service at 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Friends may call at Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, on Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Inurnment will be held at Mooresville Cemetery, Mooresville, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to Bishop Hogan Memorial School and/or Trenton FFA Chapter and may be left or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.