John W. (Jack) Gay
John W. (Jack) Gay, 82, of Shawnee, Kansas, passed away October 29, 2009 after complications set in from spinal surgery.
Jack was born September 27, 1927 in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York. He was inducted into the Army at 18 during WWII. He was discharged after 11 months and then drafted back in to serve during the Korean War.
Jack was in electronics sales and marketing as he put himself through school while working full time. He graduated from New York University with a B.S. while raising two children and a family. Jack was active as Scoutmaster, Little League baseball chairman, community organizer, and he was a member of the Wantagh School Board for 5 years, serving as President of the Board of Education, an elected position.
After retiring he became active in several organizations, including the Korean War Veterans Association. He helped organize, fundraise and produce the Korean War Veterans Memorial at 119th & Lowell. Next, he joined Shawnee Kiwanis and held several positions including President. He could always find time to donate to good causes, including delivering Meals on Wheels and ringing the bell for the Salvation Army at holiday time, which always humbled him greatly. He also enjoyed running the Shawnee Monday Bridge Club.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Edna, and two sons, Ken and Greg.
Visitation and Funeral Service
Friends and family can pay their respects to him on November 2, 2009 from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. at the Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee. Funeral services at 10:00 A.M. on November 3, 2009 at the Amos Family Chapel. Burial in St. Joseph Cemetery.
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Corrine and I are very saddened by this tragic and unexpected news. Jack was one of the most unselfish and caring men I have ever known. Jack was – and will continue to be – a real role model for me. I have often thought as I approach my retirement years that I hope I can be like Jack. There is so much to admire in Jack, not least of which was his selfless patriotism and honorable service in harm’s way. My Dad was in the 1st Cavalry Divison during Korea – like Jack. For that and many other reasons I think of Jack when I think of my Dad. God bless this man and his family.
Phil and Corrine Brewster
I have lost a true friend. I admired Jack, I confided in Jack, Jack was my sounding board. We often discussed situations over coffee. After discussing everything, Jack would say, “Remember Tom, life goes on”. I always took this to mean don’t worry about it, everything will work out. And it always did. I feel like a part of me has been lost. For me, Jack lives on in my fond memories of him and in my heart. I would like to be more like Jack! He was my hero. He’ll also be missed by all in the Korean War Veterans Chapter #181.
I was so surprised to hear of Jack’s death. I will always remember his gracious and thoughtful persona. We at Shawnee Bridge will miss him dearly and we wish Edna the best.and our thoughts and prayers are with her during this difficult time. For all the stars he passed out to the winners he is the brightest star of all. Sincerely, Kathy Hornbeck…
I am saddened to hear of the loss of Jack Gay. He has been a wonderful neighbor for over 30 years. I enjoyed visiting with him when he was out for his walks. He always had a smile for everyone and always waved when he drove by my house. Edna is a wonderful lady and I am sorry for her loss and also for their children.
My condolences to Edna and their children.
Jack is greatly missed.
He was a wonderful man and a great friend.
I feel like a much better person for having known him.
Monday Bridge just won’t be the same .
Sincerely,
Shannon (from the Civic Centre)
Dear Edna and Family,
As your former neighbor and Kiwanis member, we want to
let you know again how we are feeling for you with your
loss of such a beautiful person. We too will miss him dearly.
Jack was a fantastic member of our club and put a lot of effort into being a great Kiwanian, your loss is our loss also.
He was fun to have as a member and president and did an excellant job in every thing he did. Even his jokes were funny (most of the time) and his funnel cakes as well, tho
they still tasted good.
We wish we could have gotten to know the two of you better, as neighbors, perhaps we could have gotten you and Jack into the Kiwanis Family sooner for even more fun while helping the community and making our world a better place for all of us to live.
Thank you for inviting your Kiwanis friends to your home after Jacks service tomorow. May it be a time of caring and sharing our love for all of your family.
May God bless you as you go through this time together.
Rod and Pody
Sorry to see Jack go so quick. He felt the back surgury was
necessary but not that big of a deal. I will miss him for who he was and what he stood for.
Edna, my sincere condolances.
Just learned of Jack’s out-of sync passing. Surprising impact as ours was a short and casual bridge related acquaintance. A frustrated anger is unseemly and uncalled for but too compelling to ignore. Partly because of a chance encounter at First Watch days before his operation. He was cheerful, cavalier and carefree about the impending operation. His persona and spirit had many years remaining unspent in that well of humanity. Misfortune or incompetent(?) cessation of it was/is unseemly. Edna, please pardon my boorish reaction, but the world and you (and even I) were robbed. Even as a bridge dropout it was a bludgeon. Some things are blatantly wrong. This qualified. Maybe he’s bidding and making grand slams ad infinitum.