Gary Lee Pauley

Gary Lee Pauley, 72, of Smithville, Missouri was surrounded by his loving family after losing his valiant fight with cancer on July 12, 2025.

Gary was born November 18, 1952 in Leavenworth, Kansas to Charles and Anna Pauley. He spent much of his youth growing up in Rushville, Missouri. Even as a boy, he loved building with construction toys—a passion that foreshadowed his future career. Gary graduated from DeKalb High school in 1970. He continued his education attending Business School in St. Joseph, Missouri where he studied drafting and surveying, which led to his long career as a Construction Engineer (Estimator). Gary dedicated 35 years to Damon Pursell Construction and later spent 3 years with Emery Sapp and Sons.

After joining a church committee at St. Benedict's Catholic Church in Atchison, Kansas, Gary met the love of his life, Jacqueline "Jackie" Zabel. It was at that very same church that they were wed on August 3, 1974. They relocated to the Kansas City area and in 1984, Gary's construction background made it possible for him to play a major role in the building of their forever home in Smithville.

An avid traveler, Gary and Jackie enjoyed many trips together, but they were especially fond of the Colorado Mountains where they shared a timeshare in Estes Park for many years. Their love for Colorado also extended to their love of the Denver Broncos. Gary had an impressive collection of Broncos memorabilia. He was an equally voracious reader, talented woodworker and gardener. 

Gary's lifelong commitment to serving the Lord, made him a proud member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church, where he served as an usher. To quote a family member, "Gary was one of a kind. He will be dearly missed."

Gary is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Roseann; and furry companion, Buttons. He is survived by his wife, Jackie Pauley; sister, Darlene (Ron) Darby; sister, Jeanie (Jim) Teaney; sister, Charlene (Frank) Hayes; brother, Charles Jr. (Robbi) Pauley; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Smithville, MO on Saturday, July 19th, 2025. Visitation will begin at 10:00am, with the praying of the Rosary at 10:45am. Funeral services will begin at 11:00am, followed by the burial at Terrace Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Little Sisters of the Poor.

Special thanks to the staff of NorthCare Hospice for their compassionate care during Gary's stay.