Gary Wayne Suse

Gary W. Suse, of Lee’s Summit, MO passed away April 28, 2026, in Kansas City, MO. He was born the youngest of four boys, on July 12, 1956 in Clinton, MO to Fred and Birdie Suse. Gary moved frequently throughout his childhood, attending 18 schools between kindergarten and graduation. He attended most of high school at Eureka High School, transferring to Ballard High School mid-senior year, graduating in 1974. He then attended the University of Central Missouri, earning his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, graduating in 1978. Gary met the love of his life, Kathy James, at a fall mixer his sophomore year. They married June 3, 1978 and followed Gary’s sales career to Ankeny, IA and Topeka, KS before making Lee’s Summit, MO their home. Together they raised two daughters, Kristy and Katie. Gary excelled as a husband and father, and was extremely present and involved. He never missed his children’s activities or sporting events, and spent countless hours in the backyard or driveway practicing with them as they prepared for their next game. As a husband, Gary was very sentimental and adored Kathy. Gary’s dedication to his family was shown in the way their happiness and stability remained his top priority. Gary worked hard to ensure Kathy could stay home with their daughters, forgoing opportunities that would have required the family to move, or for him to be on the road too much. Professionally, Gary spent his entire career in the sales field – from selling Bibles door-to-door in college, to working for larger companies like Armour-Dial, Scripto and the HON Company, where he spent nearly 27 years as a Territory Sales Manager. He was well respected and known for going above and beyond for his customers. He was an expert in his product knowledge, a great listener, and was always eager to mentor younger sales managers as he closed out his career. In 2012, Gary retired early to care for Kathy, who was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia. No one plans to become a spousal caregiver, but Gary’s love and care for Kathy until her passing was a true testament to the amazing person he was. Gary’s most joyous family role was that of being a grandfather to Seth, Macy, Brody & Brynlynn. He played an instrumental role in their lives – spoiling them regularly with junk food, trips to the arcade, unlimited hours of Scooby Doo, and forgetting that the word “no” used to exist in his vocabulary. He was a constant presence at their games, concerts, plays and recitals. Gary and Kathy enjoyed traveling and were able to visit Australia, Bahamas, Myrtle Beach, and were repeat visitors to their favorites: Disney World and Branson. Gary’s hobbies included playing and watching sports, watching old movies, reading westerns, and coaching. Coaching was Gary’s greatest passion, and he coached over 50 teams in softball, basketball and soccer. He was fortunate to coach his own daughters as well as his grandchildren. He loved pouring over the line-ups every night – meticulously managing playing time and matching his strategy with his roster’s strengths. Gary will be remembered for his kindness and dedication – to his family & friends, his profession, and his teams.

Gary is survived by his daughters Kristy Hooper (Nick) and Katie Zeiger (Chris); grandchildren Seth & Macy Hooper and Brody & Brynlynn Zeiger; brother, Norman (Bud) Suse (Sue); and significant other, Jean Rivera. He is preceded in death by his wife, Kathy; his brothers, Arch and David Suse; and his parents, Fred and Birdie Suse. A Celebration of Life for Gary will be held Thursday, July 2, 2026 at Lee’s Summit Christian Church, at 4:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Lee’s Summit Christian Church or the American Heart Association.