GARY ALLEN FRIEDEN

LAMAR- Gary Allen Frieden, age 89, of Lamar, Missouri passed away October 19, 2024, in Pittsburg, Kansas.

Gary was born May 11, 1935, on his family farm to Leslie and Edna (Fankhauser) Frieden. He was the eldest of four children, from a father who was the eldest of eleven children. He married Norma K. Collins, his high school sweetheart, in 1956, and they enjoyed nearly 67 years of marriage before her unexpected death in the summer of 2023. To their union, two sons were born, Kurt and Kent. 

Gary attended school in Lamar and graduated with the class of 1953. He served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Ft. Mead, Maryland. When his father died in a car accident, he was honorably discharged and came home. His lifelong vocation of farming began in earnest at that time.

Gary was passionate about his farming. He raised cattle, and the row crops of recent years consisted of corn, beans, and wheat. Although over the past few years, he was not able to be as active in the farming, he was always asking, "How much rain did you get?", " What are the crops making?" and "How many acres are there left to cut?".

As he returned from his military service, and began farming, Gary attended auctioneering school. For over 65 years, Gary enjoyed his side hustle of auctioneering. He often took one or both of his sons with him, keeping them occupied on a Saturday so Norma could clean and do laundry. Many days he came home with a new piece of furniture, a piece of glassware for Norma, a flat of old tools, occasionally a new piece of equipment, or an implement.

Gary could connect people and families in a way few could. His knowledge of not only his own family history, but the connections and inter-weaving of many families withing the county was unparalleled. Gary could weave an intricate tapestry of history for the county. He was able to recall stories of sales from many years past, remembering the specific pieces of equipment sold, who purchased the items, and if it was a "steal".

Gary was politically minded, and community oriented. He served on the Northfork Township board for 25 years. He was also presiding county commissioner of Barton County for 12 years. He considered the implementation of the 911 address system, during his tenure, to be a great accomplishment, allowing for quicker response in times of emergencies. He was a long-time member of the Lamar Masonic Lodge and the Abou Ben Adhem Shrine of Springfield, Missouri.

Gary and Norma took memorable trips over the years, including traveling to Las Vegas, to Colorado with friends to snow ski, a cruise to Alaska, and even to Australia to visit old friends. Gary lived a long, productive, and good life. He believed in hard work, old fashioned values, and a good laugh. His life was filled with joy.

Gary is survived by his sons, Kurt, and wife Belinda Frieden, of Lamar, Missouri and Kent Frieden of Joplin, Missouri; grandchildren, Cody and wife Lauren Frieden of Joplin, Missouri and Erica Frieden of Brunswick, Missouri; brothers Lon Frieden and wife Virginia of Lamar, MO., and Tim Frieden and wife Brenda, of Lamar. MO.

He was predeceased by his parents, Leslie and Edna and younger sister Janice Frieden and beloved wife Norma.

Pallbearers: Garrett Frieden, Brock Frieden, Kevin Little, Rick Morgan, Robert Lehman, and Bucky Gastel.

Honorary Pallbearers: Gerry and Brenda Miller, Bud and Janice Clements, Gail and Cinda Miller, Bonda Rawlings, Guy Sutherland, Doris Little on behalf of the Ray Little Family, Mike Davis and Dan Davis on behalf of the Jack Davis Family, Roger Blaser on behalf of the Dean Blaser Family, Linda Morgan on behalf of the Richard Morgan Family.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 24, 2024, at Oakton Methodist Church with burial to follow at Oak Grove (Oakton) Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:00 pm, Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at Daniel Funeral Home with Masonic Rites beginning at 5:30 p.m., prior to the visitation.

Contributions are suggested and should be made payable to Oak Grove Cemetery in care of the funeral home.

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com.