Gary Abe Michelson

Gary Abe Michelson, 83, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026 in Overland Park, Kansas after a courageous journey with Alzheimer’s.

Gary was born in Danville, Pennsylvania, to Abraham and Evelyn Michelson, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his beloved brother, Michael Michelson, and his beloved first wife, Linda Fredericks Michelson, the mother of his children.

Gary grew up in Mt Carmel and then Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, a town he proudly reminded everyone is known as the “Mushroom Capital of the world.” His family owned and operated a local Italian grocery store, and those early years instilled in him a lifelong appreciation for hard work, community and good food.

A gifted athlete, Gary excelled in sports throughout high school and college. At Kennett Square High School, he competed in baseball and in community league football. Gary’s greatest athletic passion, wrestling, he played when he went on to attend Lincoln University. There he continued his success in athletics and was later honored with induction into the Lincoln University Sports Hall of Fame for both wrestling and baseball. Gary remained deeply connected to Lincoln University throughout his life and proudly served on its Board of Trustees.

Gary served 6 years in the United States Army Reserve.

Following college, Gary began an 18-year career with IBM in New York, where he quickly distinguished himself as a top-performing executive. He was frequently recognized as an elite performer earning multiple prestigious 100% Club and Golden Circle awards.

After leaving IBM, Gary combined his entrepreneurial spirit with his business expertise by founding Liberty Wire and Cable in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Under his leadership the company grew into a highly successful enterprise, and Gary eventually sold the business before retiring in 2006.

Outside of his professional accomplishments, Gary embraced life with enthusiasm and warmth. He was a lifetime golfer, a devoted fan of the Philadelphia Eagles, and an enthusiastic supporter of Penn State Wrestling. Gary loved fishing and that love began early when he and his brother would often fish together. Gary enjoyed trout fly fishing most. Gary also loved travel, exploring new places and cultures throughout his life.

Food and hospitality were another of Gary’s great joys. He loved Italian cooking, a passion that reflected his family roots and his appreciation for gathering people together. While living in Colorado Springs, Gary hosted memorable “Italian Nights” in his home, where a group of Italian friends would take over the kitchen and prepare elaborate meals together for an evening of laughter, storytelling and friendship. These gatherings were legendary among those who attended. Gary especially enjoyed pairing his cooking with fine red wine, savoring both the meal and the company around the table.

Perhaps most memorable to those who knew him best was his love of music and singing. Gary had a rich voice and delighted family and friends by performing classic songs from artists such as Frank Sinatra, Neil Diamond, Johnny Mathis, and Michael Buble.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Debbie Michelson; his son Scott Michelson and wife Carlyn, and their children Jackson, Lauren, and Kyra Michelson. He is also survived by his daughter Melissa Walker and husband Jeff, along with her children Alex Jankowski and Tori Jankowski Reid and her husband Ben Reid. As well as Gary’s first great-grandson, Benjamin Reid.

Gary will be remembered for his warm spirit, sense of humor, competitive drive and deep love for his family. His life was marked by resilience, generosity, and an ability to bring people together through laughter, stories, great meals, and song.

A lifelong Christian, Gary experienced a deepening spiritual maturity and a profound healing and intimacy with God in his later years. It is easy to imagine him hearing the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant,” as he met his Lord.

A Celebration honoring Gary’s life will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Ironhorse Golf Club, 15400 Mission Rd, Leawood, KS 66224. 

4:30 pm --- Prayer and Thanksgiving Service

Friends and family are invited to gather for a brief time of prayer and reflection honoring Gary’s faith and the joyful assurance of his welcome into heaven by the Lord he loved: where the music never ends and the singing has just begun.

5:30- 9 pm  --- Celebration of Life Reception

The evening will continue with food, music, and shared stories as we remember Gary in the way he loved best – surrounded by friends and family, laughter, storytelling, and song.

If heaven has a microphone, we’re certain Gary has already found it.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Gary’s memory may consider a donation.

Cancer touched Gary’s life deeply --- his first wife, Linda, passed away from lymphoma. His son, Scott, is celebrating 30 years after a leukemia diagnosis and a successful Bone Marrow Transplant. And Gary’s daughter, Melissa, successfully completed treatment for breast cancer.

Supporting the organization Scott worked so diligently with, which means so much to the family, is a meaningful way to honor Gary’s life.

Blood Cancer United: https://pages.lls.org/ltn/mid/kscity26/smichelson