Gary Carnahan Obituary

Gary L. Carnahan, 74, a lifelong resident of Altamont, Kansas, 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 November 20, 1950, in Parsons, Kansas 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, Kansas 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; hunting, fishing, and playing cards with his "buddies" at the Katy Golf Club. As an avid K-State wildcat fan, he especially enjoyed following football and basketball and had attended numerous games with family and friends.
He and Peggy Essig were married on May 22, 1993, in Parsons, Kansas. She survives of the home. In addition to his wife, survivors include:
Four Daughters – Tracy Carnahan of rural Columbus, KS
Ashley Warstler (Travis) of Bentonville, AR
Jessica Helt (Mark) of Grove, OK
Jamie Lumm (Derek) of Blanchard, OK
One Son – Cody Brown (Stephanie) of Altamont, KS
Nine Grandchildren - Cole Brown, Clayton Warstler, Maxim Warstler, Corben Warstler, Asher Helt, Ellie Helt, Harlee Lumm, Delaney Brown, and Waylon Lumm
Three Brothers – Steve Carnahan of Altamont, KS
Mike Carnahan (Niki) of Parsons, KS
Randy Carnahan (Jennifer) of Coffeyville, KS
One Sister – Judy Sprague (Larry) of rural Parsons, KS
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 January 8, 2021; and one son, Christopher Lee "Chris" Carnahan, on March 3, 2024.
The family will receive friends at 10 a.m., Friday, July 18, 2025 at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. immediately following the visitation. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Altamont.
Memorials are suggested 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.
Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.
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