Dr. Gary K. Crnic, DDS, 77, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Thursday, May 11, 2023 at the Collins House – Meadowlark Hills in Manhattan, Kansas.
Gary was born December 3, 1945 in Richmond Heights, Missouri to Fred and Edith Crnic. They and his sister, Gail Perkins, proceeded him in death.
He and his wife of 52 years, Sandra Lee Banaka, were married in Sedalia, Missouri on June 6, 1970. He is survived by Sandra and their two daughters Tarrie Grodidier of Wamego, KS and Tracy Crnic of Miami, FL.
Gary spent his formative years in Sedalia, Missouri. He graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic High School and proceeded to obtain his Doctorate in Dental Surgery by way of Central Missouri State College and the University of Missouri, Kansas City School of Dentistry. He then spent his career practicing dentistry in the Army and Army reserves, and then in private practice through is retirement in Russell, KS in 2016.
Gary and his family have made their homes in Kansas City, Missouri; El Paso, Texas; Houston, Texas; Jefferson City, Missouri; Sedalia, Missouri; Monett, Missouri; and moved to Russell in 1991.
In his spare time Gary was an avid golfer. He loved most any ball game he came across to play. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family. His greatest joy was creating laughter and comfort to those around him.
Celebration of the Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, May 26, 2023, at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church of Russell. A private burial of ashes will follow at a later date. Vigil and Rosary will be held at 7:00 PM, Thursday, May 25, 2023 at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Thursday at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary.
In lieu of sending flowers or gifts please consider providing a donation to the Crnic Memorial Charity Fund being established to benefit future young golfers at the Russell County Area Community Foundation.