4/7/1950 – 4/13/2022
Lawrence
Gary Nuzum had a quiet departure from a rich life on Wednesday April 13, 2022. You can take the boy out of the country, but the country never left this boy. Growing up in White Cloud, Kansas this farmer’s son had an adventurous colorful upbringing in the steep picturesque hills of the little river community where doors weren’t locked, and a go-cart was free to enjoy the streets. Farming made him a student of the land and gave him a love of the outdoors which left him invested in yard care and loving his dog walks (and the dogs)
After gathering around radios and black and white televisions to follow the Jayhawks from the NE corner of the state he was excited to head to Lawrence following graduating from Highland High School. Gary was a proud Battenfield Scholarship Hall resident and one of students carrying hoses up the stairs of the union when it burned in 1970. After KU graduation Gary went to work as a seventh-grade science teacher at Shawnee Heights where he and Mick Lowe became life-long friends after coaching boys’ basketball together. Gary was married to his high school sweetheart Sue and Corie and Paul came along keeping life bright as he set off into a long real estate career.
Gary relished his opportunities to sell, teach, and lead in the Lawrence Real Estate community. He was passionate about the opportunities real estate ownership created for people. His career flourished working at McGrew Real Estate where he considered everyone there “family.” Gary married Pam in 1983 and they had fun years parenting four kids with a busy active community life.
He considered nothing more rewarding than teaching and leading new agents into real estate careers. For those who could get past, what some perceived as, an intense sternness, they found a profoundly kind and supportive mentor with undying patience and support to help them succeed. In 2003 Gary married Amy and shortly thereafter Kate, Gabe, and Dean came along to keep life interesting and fun.
Gary had a lively and unique character; He was either perceived as having genuine warm charisma OR being overly candid and intimidating. Gary loved people and lived with unwavering ethics about people being treated fairly and giving opportunities to minority groups who didn’t have equal opportunities (especially as a landlord). People who knew him well were amused by his characteristic large hand slap of a table when excited over poker, work, or anything else, and they can hear his voice holler along with it.
Gary leaves behind:
siblings Ed Nuzum, sister Becky Livengood, and younger brother Dave Nuzum (his close pal).
Children Corie Pritchard (and husband David), Paul Nuzum(and wife Angel Nuzum), Kate Nuzum, Gabe Nuzum, and Dean Nuzum.
Grandchildren Avery Nuzum, Camden Nuzum, and Emersyn Nuzum.
And Eduardo Davalos.
There will be a casual celebration of life service for Gary at Plymouth Congregational Church on Tuesday, April 19 at 11 AM.
In lieu of flowers we would encourage donations in memory of Gary to the Lawrence Humane Society or Operation Wildlife of Leavenworth County and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.
For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.
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