Dr. Gary K. Crnic, DDS, 77, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Thursday, May 11, 2023 at the Collins House – Meadowlark Hills in Manhattan, Kansas.
Gary was born December 3, 1945 in Richmond Heights, Missouri. He was the son of Fred J. and Edith (King) Crnic. He grew up mainly in Sedalia, Missouri and graduated from Sacred Heart High School. After high school he attended Central Missouri State College and studied chemistry. Following graduation from CMSC he was accepted to the University of Missouri, Kansas City Dental School and graduated with a doctorate in dental surgery.
Gary served his country as a dentist in the U.S. Army for two years and then served five years in the Army Reserves while in private practice.
Gary was united in marriage to Sandra Lee Banaka on June 6, 1970 in Sedalia. This union was blessed with two daughters; Tarrie and Tracy. They made their homes in Kansas City, Missouri; El Paso, Texas; Houston, Texas; Jefferson City, Missouri; Sedalia, Missouri; Monett, Missouri; and moved to Russell in 1992.
Gary was a Dentist in Russell from 1992 until his retirement in 2016. He enjoyed all types of sports, but especially playing golf. The one thing that lit up his days was to get his friends and loved ones to laugh and smile.
Gary’s surviving family include his wife of 52 years, Sandra of the home; daughters, Tarrie Grosdidier (Paul) of Wamego, Kansas and Tracy Crnic of Miami, Florida.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Gail Perkins.
Celebration of the Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, May 26, 2023, at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church of Russell. A private burial of ashes will follow at a later date. Vigil and Rosary will be held at 7:00 PM, Thursday, May 25, 2023 at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Day at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary. In lieu of sending flowers or gifts please consider providing a donation to a memorial scholarship fund being established to benefit future young golfers. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.