Gary Clay Small, 75, of Richmond, died Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at North Kansas City Hospital. 

Gary was born on December 15, 1946, in Gardner, KS, the son of Kelly Clay and Dortha May (Admire) Small.  He was united in marriage to Ann Williams of Richmond, on February 19, 1972; they later divorced.  For the past 21 years, he has spent his life with his life partner Donna Jean Carter, of Richmond; she survives of the home.  

Additional survivors include: son, Ryan Clay (Alexis) Small of Smithville; daughter, Carla Gottschalk of Kansas City; four grandchildren: Cole Friederich Gottschalk, Clay Dempsey Gottschalk, Sullivan Clay Small, and Perry Belle Small; sister, Darlene (Jim) Ferguson of Eldon; step-son, Brian Carter of Richmond; step-daughter, Stephanie (Troy) Wedgeworth of Richmond; three step-grandchildren: Whitney (Ross) Bullard, Kelley Martens, and Emily Martens; two step-great grandchildren, Leah and Josie Bullard.  He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Daniel Kelly Small.  

Gary was reared and educated in Eldon and graduated from Eldon High School.  Gary proudly served his country in the United States Army, in Germany, during Vietnam.  Gary continued his education and graduated from CMSU in Warrensburg, where he received his bachelors in agricultural business.  Gary worked for the Ray-Carroll Co-op in Richmond, then as assistant manager for Orrick Farm Service.  He retired in 2009.  He loved NASCAR, baseball, watching birds and squirrels.  He was a good washer’s player and was known to have the best poker face.  Gary enjoyed coaching his kids in little league.  He was a member of the Eldon 9th St. Christian Church and was attending the United Christian Presbyterian Church in Richmond.  He loved being a grandpa.  

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Mack Attack for Cystic Fibrosis.  They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085. 

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at the United Christian Presbyterian Church in Richmond.  Visitation will be from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Monday, June 27, 2022, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond.  Burial will be in Richmond Memory Gardens.  Military Honors provided by the United States Army and the Ray County Veterans.  Please remember to share your memories of Gary with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.