Gary Michael Phipps was born in West Plains, Missouri, on October 24, 1971, and departed this life on November 20, 2020.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents and an uncle.
He is survived by remaining family: his fiancé Tracy Sapp of Koshkonong, Missouri; his parents Herbert and Iris Phipps of Oregon County Missouri; two sisters, Rhonda Merriman and husband Stanley of Branson, Missouri, and Teri Welty and husband Mark of Koshkonong, Missouri; two children, Ashley Michelle Phipps and Kory Phipps, both of Batesville, Arkansas; and his grandchildren, Jacob and Casey Douglas. Gary was also a father figure to Ashlie Winey and Carlson Stiles, both of Batesville, Arkansas; Chelsie Newell of Bloomfield, Missouri; Michael Duncan of Dexter, Missouri; Cybil Wright of Koshkonong, Missouri; and a grandfather figure to Maybree, Clayton and Chase. Special in his heart were his niece, Savanna, and nephews, Charles, and Tyler Welty. He had a plethora of other aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, and will be missed by all who knew him well.
Gary graduated from Koshkonong High School in 1991 and held a variety of jobs, working until a back surgery left him disabled. He continued to do odd jobs to help friends and family in need.
Gary was a Christian and was raised in the Pentecostal faith. He attended Stony Point Church in his youth.
Gary loved the children in his life and all things outdoors. No hunting season went by without finding Gary in the woods with bow or gun, and fishing season found him on the shores casting baited line. He enjoyed sharing his bounty with family, friends, and neighbors. He was always more than willing to share, and he loved telling stories of his hunting and fishing expeditions. As his sister said, “There are great numbers of furred and feathered animals and fish that will breathe easier without Gary on the hunt for them.”
Funeral services for Gary Michael Phipps will be held Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri with Brother Darrell Mitchell officiating.
The family will receive friends on Monday, November 23, 2020 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home in Thayer, Missouri.
Burial will be on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at Walker Cemetery in Thayer, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.
