Garry Lumpkins, Sr.

Garry Lee Lumpkins, Sr., affectionately known as ?Guy? to his siblings, made his entrance into the world on February 18, 1944, in Turrell, Arkansas as the seventh of eight children. Garry departed this life on December 29, 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his second wife, Mary Jefferson Lumpkins. His parents, Currie William Lumpkins and Mary Anor Lumpkins, expressed and exhibited the centrality of family, the importance of a strong work ethic and the love for the Lord. In later years, after his mother?s passing, his stepmother, Ruthie Crump Lumpkins, continued the parental support and nurturing. Garry, Sr. spent his early childhood in Turrell, Arkansas and later moved to Hayti, Missouri in January of 1952, at the age of seven. It was in Missouri, that he attended Swift Elementary in Swift, Missouri and later Concord Elementary School in Concord, Missouri. At the age of 12, Garry accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and became a member of Central Baptist Church of Hayti where Reverend H. L. Taylor was Pastor. Education was one example of Garry?s strong work ethic instilled by his parents. It ultimately served as an avenue to achieve life goals. He completed his high school education with Honors at Central High in Hayti, Missouri in 1963. Later that year, as a freshman at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Guy received steady encouragement from his mother through letters she wrote, regularly reminding him to ?Trust God and don?t give up?. Those words compelled him to stay the course. Guy successfully earned his Bachelors of Science of Education Degree in 1967. After graduating from college, Garry married his high school sweetheart, LaVera Jones and to this union, two sons were born, Garry Lee Lumpkins, Jr. in 1969 and Kenneth Durrell Lumpkins in 1970. Garry dedicated his life to Ministry and became a member of the Progressive Missionary Baptist Church in 1968, and remained an active member until his passing, serving faithfully throughout the years as a Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, and member of the Male Chorus. As a pastime, you could find him playing pool or bowling and socializing with friends and alumni from his Alma Mater, LU, and his hometown of Hayti. In his professional life, Garry served as an Educator for the Kansas City, Missouri School District for more than forty years, teaching at Pershing Elementary School and Westport Middle School among others. Guy also spent time on the road as a Taxi Cab Driver where he was able to extend his ministry opportunities to patrons. Guy loved his sons, siblings, friends, and also ministering within the church and throughout the community. He embraced God?s word and was an enthusiastic and steadfast Evangelist, always ready to share a word of encouragement and the good news about God. He will be truly missed by all. Garry Lee Lumpkins leaves to cherish his memory, his loving sons, Garry Lumpkins, Jr. (Crystal) of Shawnee, Kansas and Kenneth Durrell Lumpkins (Sherry) of Lee?s Summit, Missouri; seven siblings and their spouses, Clarence (Evelyn) of Saint Louis, Missouri, Silas (Ruth) of Cleveland, Ohio, Currie Junior (Janice) of Cleveland, Ohio, Joyce Morgan of Hayti, Missouri, Roy (Charlene) of Cleveland, Ohio, Alfred (Ruth) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Harvey of Jackson, Mississippi; his grandchildren: Demetrius Franklin, Jr., Israel Lumpkins, Isaiah Lumpkins, Shaddiah Lumpkins; close friend, Josephine Nash; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral Service for Garry Lee Lumpkins will be held Saturday, January 6, 2018, 10:30 a.m. at Progressive Baptist Church, 2945 Bales Ave. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at the Church. Interment, Brooking Cemetery.

Garry Lumpkins, Sr.

February 18, 1944 - December 29, 2017