Gary Dean Marcum

Gary Dean Marcum, age 79, loving brother, uncle, and friend to many passed away peacefully after gracing the Earth with his presence for exactly 79 years. Gary went to his eternal home in heaven on his 79th birthday after having each of his family sing him ‘Happy Birthday’. Gary was born November 16, 1946 in Otterville to the late Jake and Mildred (Rogers) Marcum, and he left this world on November 16, 2025 at Sylvia G. Thompson Residence Center. Gary was the oldest of 3 children, and he always had a very close relationship with his brother, Jim and sister, Jileen who he affectionally called ‘sis’.

Gary never met a stranger in his life. Even if he didn’t know you when you met, you were guaranteed to leave with a new friend and an extra tight hug. Gary touched the lives of so many people that he met through his life. When he was younger, he was one of the first groups of individuals that attended the Children’s Therapy Center. It was so important for Gary that everyone had the same opportunities in life because when he was young he never had the opportunity to attend public or state schooling. He was extremely proud of his “college diploma” he received in 1997 after attending a program through Ewing Vocational at State Fair Community College. Gary was an avid bowler, and he enjoyed his league every Thursday for several years at Broadway Lanes. Through the years Gary stayed active playing basketball and slow pitch softball and received many medals from the special Olympics. Gary loved the Kansas City Chiefs, and St. Louis Cardinals, and he took losses personally and celebrated wins just the same.

There is no doubt Gary had talent with sports and he could play board games better than most. But something that made Gary special was his heart. He had the innocence of a child with the experience of an adult. He was the best listener, best dancing partner, best hugger, and undoubtedly, he loved with every bit of his heart.

Gary is survived by his younger brother Jim Marcum of Sedalia, younger sister, Jileen Wingerter (Mike) of Sedalia; nieces Angela Hostetler (Mardy) of Lamonte, Kristen West of Sedalia; nephew Jason Marcum of Columbia; great nephews Tyler Twenter, of Sedalia, Miles, Kade and Trenton Hostetler, all of LaMonte, along with many cousins that he adored.

Besides his parents, Gary was predeceased by his sister-in-law Dana Marcum.

Pallbearers will be Jason Marcum, Tyler Twenter, Miles Hostetler, Lucas Dennis, Mark Dennis, Mardy Hostetler, Aaron Twenter, and Jon Prewitt. Honorary pallbearers will be Angela Hostetler, Kristen West, Kade Hostetler, Trenton Hostetler, Crystal Frame and Alister Harris.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm Saturday November 22, 2025 at Heckart Funeral Home with Pastor Randy Marcum officiating. The family will receive visitors from 12:00pm-2:00pm. Burial will be at Crown Hill Cemetery immediately following the service.

Donations may be made to Center for Human Services or Sylvia G. Thompson Residence Center in care of the funeral home.