ALTAMONT — Gary L. Carnahan, 74, a lifelong resident of Altamont, passed away at 12:25 a.m. on Sunday, July 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at Freeman Hospital West in Joplin, Missouri, following a brief but courageous battle with cancer.
He was born Nov. 20, 1950, in Parsons to Glen D. and Velma A. (Solomon) Carnahan. As a young boy, he grew up in rural Altamont. He attended Altamont Grade School and graduated from Labette County High School in 1968. Following high school, Gary attended Labette Community College in Parsons.
In 1974, he began his career with the Katy Railroad, which later became the Union Pacific Railroad. During his employment with the railroad, he lived in Paola for a short time. After serving on the railroad for 36 years, he retired in 2010 as supervisor of the track gang.
Gary’s family was his passion. He was actively involved in his grandchildren’s lives and their activities. Through the years, he also enjoyed playing baseball, softball and golf, as well as hunting, fishing and playing cards with his “buddies” at the Katy Golf Club. As an avid Kansas State Wildcats fan, he especially enjoyed following football and basketball and had attended numerous games with family and friends.
He married Peggy Essig on May 22, 1993, in Parsons. She survives of the home.
In addition to his wife, survivors include four daughters, Tracy Carnahan of rural Columbus, Ashley Warstler (Travis) of Bentonville, Arkansas, Jessica Helt (Mark) of Grove, Oklahoma, and Jamie Lumm (Derek) of Blanchard, Oklahoma; a son, Cody Brown of Altamont; nine grandchildren; three brothers, Steve Carnahan of Altamont, Mike Carnahan (Niki) of Parsons and Randy Carnahan (Jennifer) of Coffeyville; a sister, Judy Sprague (Larry) of rural Parsons; and numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Glen Carnahan, on May 17, 2011; his mother, Velma Carnahan, on Jan. 8, 2021; and a son, Christopher Lee “Chris” Carnahan, on March 3, 2024.
The family will receive friends at 10 a.m. Friday, July 18, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. The service will begin at 11 a.m. immediately following the visitation. Burial will be in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Altamont.
The family suggests memorials to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Shriners Children’s Hospital. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS, 67357.
Leave online condolences at www.forbeshoffman.com.
