Gary Lee Currington

Gary Currington of Fenton, MO passed away on December 3, 2011, while surrounded by family in his home, having succumbed to his battle with kidney cancer at the age of 71 years. He was born in Farmington on March 8, 1940, eldest son of the late Lindell and Kathryn (Meyer) Currington. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother, Dennis Currington. Gary attended St. Paul Lutheran School in Farmington where he was class valedictorian and then went on to graduate from Farmington High School in 1958 with a scholarship to Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO). There he earned his Bachelor's Degree in 1962, as well as the nickname "Bones," a moniker which is still popular among his friends today. Soon after he earned his teaching degree and became a teacher at Desloge High School. On August 10, 1963, he wedded the love of his life, Joyce Black, also of Farmington. A few years later he became a proud father to his daughters, Shawn in 1965 and Traci in 1969 after moving to the suburbs of St. Louis. He had a long and successful business career working for such companies as McDonnell Douglas, Hydro-Air Engineering, MCAUTO, Gift America, Conalco and EDS Unigraphics where he retired in 2003 after fifteen years as Regional Business Manager. Gary was a huge sports fan. When he wasn't shooting hoops with the grandkids, he enjoyed watching college basketball and football, Cardinal baseball games, St. Louis Rams games and always looked forward to a day on the links with his buddies playing golf. FORE! Everyone who was lucky enough to know Gary loved his uncanny dry sense of humor and his classic one-liners, making everyone around him smile and grimace at the same time. He had a way of surprising everyone with his "out of the blue" antics and costumes. But more than anything, he took care of everyone. Every member of his family, as well as his friends, valued him as a true pillar of support. And that's why when Gary became sick, friends from all over the country rallied behind him offering a never ending wave of encouragement and love. He will be missed dearly by many. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Joyce (Black) Currington and two very special daughters, Shawn (Currington) Aveningo and Traci Currington, along with three grandchildren, Jimmy, Ashley and Nicole Aveningo; a sister, Carol Faircloth; a sister-in-law, Janet Currington and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends may call at Cozean Memorial Chapel and Crematory from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, December 6. Visitation will resume Wednesday from 7 to 10 a.m. Services will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church with Pastor James King officiating. Interment will be at Hillview Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to The American Kidney Foundation, BJC Hospice or the St. Paul Lutheran School of Farmington Scholarship Fund. View Tribute Video and share your memories and condolences at cozean.biz.