Gary Dale Fudge, 65, of Columbia, MO, formerly of Marshall, MO, passed away on Friday, August 23, 2024 at University Hospital and Clinics in Columbia.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at Campbell-Lewis Chapel in Marshall, with William W. Harlow officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Gardens Cemetery in Marshall. Memorials are suggested to Missouri Special Olympics. Friends may sign the online register book at www.campbell-lewis.com.

Gary was born October 31, 1958, in Fayette, MO, the son of the late Frank Fudge and Anna Marcella Rhea Fudge. He and his two brothers were born with a rare genetic disorder with a life expectancy of a few years.

Gary regularly attended the Sheltered Workshop where he delighted in spending time with his family of friends. He was very proud of saying that he “retired” from the Sheltered Workshop. He had lived in Marshall most of his life, moving to Columbia in January of 2024.

Gary was adventurous, outgoing and a prankster. He loved being around people and being active. He was a Kansas City Chiefs fan, loved Mountain Dew, Taco Bell and enjoyed going on car rides and listening to music. Gary was always the “Life of the Party”. He had a strong belief in his faith in God.

Gary is survived by two brothers, Carl and Paul Fudge; his sister, Grace Kendall; three nieces, Trier Winter, Trina Henderson and Delayne McKenzie; one great-nephew, Hudson Winter; two great-nieces, Kendall Winter and Faith Grace Henderson; and numerous cousins in the Marshall and Slater area.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, John “Ricky” Fudge.