Gary Tren Estes

Gary Tren Estes loving and devoted husband of Delores Estes, passed away Sunday, March 4th, 2018 at St. Clare Hospital in Fenton, Missouri. He was 87 years old. Gary was known by his many friends and family as a “gentle”man who cared for and respected others through his words and deeds. He was born February 16, 1931 in Cape Girardeau, MO to the late Trennis Paul and Lillie Mae (Baker) Estes. Growing up in Lutesville, MO Gary was active in Boys Scouts throughout his teenage years, achieving Eagle Scout and attending Philmont Scout Ranch in 1951. He graduated from Southeast Missouri State College in 1952 with a BS in Education. He and Delores Estes started a 64 year long journey together on March 7, 1953 when they were married at the Southeast Missouri State College Baptist Student Union. They met while students at SEMO and were married after graduating in 1952, while Gary served in the USAF at Hamilton Air Force Base, CA. After completing his initial enlistment in 1955 Gary and Delores started the next phase of their life back in Cape followed by 10 years in Sikeston, MO. In Sikeston Gary worked with the Missouri Department of Transportation until 1959 when he began a 30 year career as an insurance adjuster with GAB Business Services. His job as an insurance adjuster would take them to the Virgin Islands, San Juan, PR, Memphis, TN, Columbia, MO and St. Louis before retiring in 1989 and returning to Cape where they resided since. In retirement Gary was an active member of Hobbs Chapel, the Masonic Lodge and the Cape Girardeau Senior Center. He provided leadership and strategic planning while serving on the Hobbs Chapel board of trustees, the board of directors for the Cape Senior Center and the Will May Heritage Foundation in Bollinger County. He was a member of the Masonic High Twelve Club and volunteered at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape for over 10 years. He and Delores spent many enjoyable retirement years traveling in Europe and RVing throughout Missouri, Virginia, Florida and Texas with his brother and sister in-laws; Howard and Helen Reynolds and Margie and Ray Waldrup. The three couples frequently migrated south to Texas and Florida for the winter spending time playing cards, sight-seeing, listening to music and just enjoying life. Gary is survived by four loving nephews, their wives and children: Lonnie and Donna Waldrup of Scott City, MO; Scott and Beth Reynolds, Sikeston, MO; Doug and Kay Reynolds of Nashville, TN; Randy and Janet Reynolds of Nashua, NH; and Great Nephew, Sam (and Jennifer) Reynolds of Memphis, TN He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Delores and his parents. Visitation will be 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, March 8, 2018 at Ford & Sons Chapel Mt. Auburn in Cape Girardeau. Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM Friday, March 9, 2018 at Hobbs Chapel UMC with the Rev. Stan Hargis officiating. Burial will be at Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum in Cape Girardeau. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Cape Girardeau Senior Center. Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com. Ford & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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Gary Tren Estes

February 16, 1931 - March 4, 2018