Archie Gatrost

Archie M. Gatrost, 100, of Independence, MO peacefully passed away Thursday, September 4, 2008 at his home. Services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 8, 2008 at the South Crysler Restoration Branch, 16101 E. Salisbury Rd., Independence, MO 64050. Visitation will be 2-4:00 p.m. Sunday, September 7, 2008 at the church. Burial in Mound Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Independence YMCA, 14001 E. 32nd St., Independence, MO 64055. Archie was born April 24, 1908 in Holyoke, MN. He was the fifth child of ten born to Forrest and Sadie (Wall) Gatrost. Archie enlisted in the Air Force and proudly served during WWII. He was awarded the Legion of Merit, WWII Victory Medal, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two stars, and the Longetivity Service award with Silver Oak Leaf Cluster. Mr. Gatrost retired from the Air Force in 1960. After moving to Independence in 1963, he worked for the Civil Service at the Truman Library until 1976. He married Mildred Evva Holder on April 5, 1941. She preceded him in death on May 15, 1978. He is survived by two daughters and two sons, Millie Avery and husband Martin of Atlanta, GA, Karen Campbell and husband Leroy of Buckner, MO, Archie Gatrost and wife Sue of Independence, MO, Albert Gatrost and wife Diane of Independence, MO. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Michael and Lisa Brown, David and Jana Brown, Andrew Gatrost, Ben and Laura Gatrost, Ramona Etter, Laurell Gatrost, Jeffrey Gatrost, and Danny Gatrost. Archie is also survived by two great-grandchildren Lincoln Thomas Brown and Grace Garrett; and many other loving relatives that shared in his rich gift of love. Though Archie had many great accomplishments in his life, his most notable were founded in his faith in God and his love of family. He left a rich heritage of wisdom, patience, love and kindness to his family.