John W. 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.