Gary Franklin Corlew, son of the late Rev. Doyle Corlew and Vera Blevins Corlew, was born on July 19, 1941, in Essex, Missouri, and departed this life on April 11, 2022, at The Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, at the age of 80 years.

Mr. Corlew was a Veteran of the United States Navy serving in the Vietnam era. He was a former educator with the Dexter Public Schools in Dexter, Missouri, retiring after 32 years of service. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Dexter and a resident of Dexter. Gary enjoyed painting, working Sudoku puzzles, and Diet Pepsi.

He is survived by his daughter, Shannon Bryant and husband Donald Clay Bryant of Advance, Missouri; by his brother David Corlew and wife Norma of Dexter, Missouri; and by four grandchildren, Erin Nelson, Samuel Nelson, Nathan Nelson, and Benjamin Nelson.

Other than by his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Lana Corlew and Doylene Corlew.

Visitation will be held at the Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Friday, April 15, 2022, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:45 p.m.

A memorial service with full military honors will then be conducted at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield on Friday, April 15, 2022, at 2:00 p.m.

Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.