Gary Lee Wakefield, age 85, of Hollister, Missouri.

Gary Lee Wakefield, age 85, of Hollister, Missouri, died Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Cox Medical Center in Branson, Missouri, from an age-related illness. Gary was born January 13, 1939, in Sparta, Wisconsin, to Roland “Bud” Garth Wakefield and Beatrice Augusta (Kewit) Wakefield.

Gary was raised in Wisconsin. At the age of 11, his life was dramatically altered with the sudden death of his father.  As the oldest child, Gary became the “man of the house” and helped support his mother and two younger brothers by delivering newspapers and shining shoes at Fort McCoy.  After graduating from La Crosse Central High School in La Crosse, Wisconsin, he joined the United States Navy and served his country patrolling the Mediterranean Sea. Gary was honorably discharged from the Navy and enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse where he graduated with degrees in Economics and Sociology. While working as a bartender in college, Gary met the woman in the “red velvet dress,” Dawn Phyllis Gilbert, and they married on July 2, 1961.  Dawn fondly remembers Gary as the suitor with the biggest dreams and an exuberance for life.

During their marriage of 63 years, Gary distinguished himself in business. Gary worked for Colgate-Palmolive as a salesman for two years.  In 1965, he began a training program to own and operate Country Kitchen restaurants.  From 1965 to 1979, Gary became co-owner and franchisor of 48 Country Kitchens with 4200 employees and developed four specialty restaurants.  Gary sold the Country Kitchen franchise for Iowa and Missouri in 1979 and retired at the age of 40. He then moved his family from Shueyville, Iowa, to Hollister, Missouri.  There he continued his entrepreneurial pursuits establishing Econo-Call, a long-distance telephone company located in four states; Spaghettata, an Italian restaurant in Branson, Missouri; and real estate development.  Gary continued working as a business consultant into his 80s and loved putting “deals” together.

Gary’s passion for business was only surpassed by his love of the outdoors.  He was an avid bow hunter and accomplished outdoorsman. He cherished his acreage on JJ Highway, which became a sanctuary for land conservation, hunting, and daily bike rides. Gary enjoyed these activities with his children and imparted these hobbies to his grandchildren. His generous spirit, optimism, mentorship, and tall tales will be missed by all who knew him.  Gary was a true original with a larger-than-life personality. Everyone who met Gary never forgot him.

Gary is survived by his wife Dawn of Hollister, and three children: Travis (Valerie) Wakefield of Hollister, Missouri, Renee Price (Ron Hoffmann) of Wildwood, Missouri, and Heather (Chrys) Fisher of West Plains, Missouri and seven grandchildren: Heather Pack, Nathaniel Wakefield, Calvin Wakefield, Stetson (Sheila) Price, Coleman Price, Owen Fisher, George Fisher and five great-grandchildren: Kaitlinn Wakefield, Robbie Wakefield, Melody Wakefield, Johnny Pack, and Jackson Pack. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Barb Wakefield, Mari Wakefield, Audrey Erickson, and Mary Gilbert, and brothers-in-law, Ron Erickson, Michael Gilbert, and Daniel Gilbert.  He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Roger and Maurice Wakefield, and his son-in-law Jim Price.

Funeral services will be held on February 1, 2025, at Peace Lutheran Church in Hollister, Missouri. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m., with the funeral following at 2 p.m.  Gary will be laid to rest in Pine Top Cemetery with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions be made to the National Archery in the Schools Program via https://gofund.me/029b25d1 to empower young archers in local schools.