Gary Metje

Gary Wayne Metje, 85, passed away Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020, at Southeast Hospital.

He was born Dec. 3, 1934, in Cape Girardeau, the son of Eldon H. and Edna Popp Metje.

He married Willa Clodine Wachter in Cape Girardeau on May 29, 1955. She preceded him in death Sept. 6, 2018.

He graduated from Cape Girardeau Central High School and was in the Navy Reserves. He worked as a salesman for Harris Truck and Trailer for 35 years and was several times top 10 in Dorsey trailer sales. His years of experience and strong work ethic led him to open his own business, G&M Trailers, in 1991.

Gary was an active member of Evangelical United Church of Christ. He and Clodine developed lifelong friendships there and were involved in many activities, including making apple butter every September, Sunday school and church suppers.

He also enjoyed playing fast-pitch softball, bowling, golfing and fishing. His family will remember him as an avid card player and will cherish the many family vacations they enjoyed together.

Survivors include a sister, Carolyn Nickens of Elsberry, Missouri; son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Kim Metje of Staunton, Virginia; son, Kirk Metje of Cape Girardeau; grandchildren Keri (Josh) Billig of Davidson, North Carolina; Brad (Michelle) Metje of Fishersville, Virginia; Katelyn (Ted) Ivie of Cape Girardeau; Kris (Alli) Metje of Cape Girardeau; and Joshua Metje of Kansas City, Missouri. Also surviving are great-grandchildren, Annabelle and Jay Billig, Michael and McKenzie Via and Blake, Max, Hazel and Olive Ivie. He was delighted at the news Kris and Alli would be adding to the family in November.

In addition to his parents and wife, Gary was preceded in death by a brother, Roy Metje, and a son, Todd Michael Metje.

Private service and entombment will be Sunday, Aug. 16, at Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum, with Pastor Debra Tracy officiating.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of love and sympathy may be made to the Evangelical United Church of Christ Memorial Fund.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau is in charge of arrangements.