Gary C. Panter peacefully passed into eternal life on September 26, 2024, surrounded by his family.  He was born November 9, 1935, in Athol, Kansas to Albert James and Edna (Baumann) Panter.

He attended Athol grade school and Athol High school graduating in 1953.  Gary then attended two years of junior college in Garden City, Kansas and then transferred to Fort Hays State where he was a stand-out basketball player, helping lead his team to a conference championship. It was during this time at Fort Hays that he met his loving wife of 68 years, Glenda Riedl.  She was a clerk at the local grocery store and Gary would come in to cash his paycheck, He wanted to ask her out but did not have the nerve.  When he finally built up the courage to ask her out, they were inseparable and were united in marriage August 19, 1956.

Early in his career, Gary taught 7th and 8th grades in Otis, Kansas.  After teaching for two years, Gary began his lifelong golf journey working at many country clubs in Kansas including, McPherson, Pratt, Kansas City, Chanute, Fort Leavenworth, Leavenworth, Leawood South, and Hutchinson.  Gary was the Golf Pro and/or the superintendent of these courses. His care of golf courses was his passion, and he developed quite the art in hole design and landscaping.  Early in his golfing career, their family grew with the addition of their son, A.J. II and daughters, Kimberly Ann and Carin Sue.

Gary always worked hard to provide for his family.  They did not always get what they wanted, but they always got what they needed.  He loved big and would do anything (and did) for his family.  He never really retired from the golf industry, rather took a hiatus exploring new passions including becoming an Auctioneer, Appraiser, Realtor and Small Business owner.  He enjoyed owning and running Foster's Feed Store in Leavenworth, Grandma's Treasures in Springfield Missouri, and Gary's Junque in Smith Center, Kansas.  He and his son AJ leased Shrine Park Golf Course and enjoyed the challenges of running this small public course in Leavenworth.

He and Glenda moved to Springfield, Missouri in 2000 to be near their children and grandchildren and enjoyed being an instrumental part of their grandchildren's lives. His grandchildren were the light of his life.

Gary loved to golf and played every golf course possible in the US and Mexico.  He loved to hunt pheasant and quail in western Kansas, fish for anything, and camp in the Rocky Mountains.  He loved auctions, antiques and collecting a variety of things. He loved his Cadillacs and owned every color possible.  He loved gardening and caring for his lawn (it was an art).  He was a wealth of information and would easily have won Jeopardy had he been on the show.  He loved Jesus and grew in his faith through his final days. He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church.  He was a member of the National and Kansas GCSA, Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, Ozarks Turf Association and National Auctioneers Association.

Gary is preceded in death by his infant daughter, Carin Sue, his brother, Clark LaMonte Panter, and his parents AJ and Edna (Baumann) Panter.

Gary is survived by his loving wife Glenda, his son AJ and wife Tammy Panter, Blue Eye, Missouri and his daughter Kimberly Ann Strauch, Springfield, Missouri. His brothers, Mike (Becky) Panter, Marion, Iowa, and Mark (Susan) Panter, Lakeside, Arizona.  Grandchildren Shawn (George) Kekovich, Hernando Beach, Florida, Crystal (Regan) Gerring, New Zealand, Jeremey (Kaitlin) Wilson, Green Forrest, Arkansas. Mitchell (Michelle) Trafford, Houston, Texas, Mallory Trafford, Kansas City, Missouri, Mason (Trustin) Trafford, Arvada, Colorado, Marek (Alyssa) Trafford, L.A. California and Melanie Trafford, Tulsa, Oklahoma.  Great Grandchildren, George, Liberty, Zoey Kekovich, Claire, Caleb, Henry, Jane Gerring, Sierra Wilson, and Jaylen Trafford.  He also leaves behind many wonderful nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

The hole his absence leaves in our lives is vast but we take comfort in precious memories of times shared and knowing he is with our Heavenly Father and one day we will be reunited in Glory.

A Memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024, from 3-5 p.m. at Home Church, 1549 W Battlefield, Springfield, MO 65807. Graveside services and internment will occur later at Myer Pleasant View Cemetery in Athol, Kansas.

Memorials may be given in Gary's name to the American Cancer Society or Phoenix Hospice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services of Springfield, Missouri.