Gary L. Staggs

Gary L.  “Jumpy” Staggs, 75, of Unionville, MO, passed away suddenly of natural causes at Norris Quarries in Princeton, MO, on Wednesday, June 20, 2018.  Gary died as he had lived, working to provide for his family.

Gary L. Staggs was born in Unionville, MO, on June 15, 1943, the son of Elbert and Mary (Nichols) Staggs, who preceded him in death.  He graduated from Unionville High School in 1960 and began immediately to work with his father in the trucking business.  Gary will be remembered as a fixture on the roads of Putnam County delivering rock with a friendly smile and wave for more years than most can remember.  Most of those years were spent in his dependable 1978 Ford, which he was in at the time of his death.  Gary had no chargeable accidents during his nearly 60 years as a truck driver. With the exception of his service in the US Army beginning in 1968 and being stationed in Panama, Gary spent his entire life in Putnam County.  He married Bev Neighbors in Unionville on June 19, 1964, and she survives at home.

Never one to sit around idly, when not driving his truck he could be found restoring old cars (Fords only!), playing cards or enjoying drag car and NASCAR racing.  In earlier days he loved to drag race, ride his Harley, and water ski. Gary ran his own business, rarely taking time off.  His generosity, kindness and work ethic will long be remembered by all who knew him.

In addition to his wife, Gary is survived by his son, David Lee Staggs of the state of California, daughters Jodi (Jim) Putz of Lacona, IA, and Jaki (Karen) Staggs of Kansas City, MO; and grandsons Quintin Anzalone, David Staggs, Jr., and Gary Dean Staggs.  Also surviving are great granddaughter Taylor Staggs and great grandson Drew Staggs, sisters Wanda (Wally) Freeman of Lacona, IA, and Dianne Carter of Indianola, IA; step-sisters Gayanne (Lee) Tipton of Unionville, MO, and Joyce Thomas.

Gary was also preceded in death by his step-mother, June Staggs, his step-sister, Marsha VenGenderen, and a brother-in-law, Dwight Carter.

Gary’s wishes were to be cremated with no public services.  Private graveside services will be held at a later date.  Inurnment will be at the Union Church Cemetery.