Gary Ray Herstein, 76, Nevada, MO, passed away on Monday, October 20, 2026, at Moore-Few Care Center in Nevada following a lengthy illness. Gary was born December 29, 2026, in Nevada to Norman Paul and Dorothy Helen (Moore) Herstein. He married Mary Frances Klein on May 18, 1991, in Nevada and she survives of the home.
Gary was raised in Nevada and graduated from Nevada High School in 1968. After high school, he attended Missouri Southern State College in Joplin. Gary worked with his father welding pipelines for several years before beginning a long career in law enforcement. He joined the Nevada Police Department in 1974. Through the years he rose through the ranks and served as Chief of Police from November 2003 until July 2006. Afterward, he continued working as a Public Safety Director until retiring in May 2010. Gary was a member of the Nevada Elks Lodge. He was a ham radio operator, enjoyed golfing, was known as a good cook, and was a loving, devoted uncle adored by his nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife Mary, he is survived by a brother, Ron Herstein (Judy) Nevada; one sister, Robin Fisher (Gene), Lee’s Summit, MO; a brother-in-law, Bob Klein, Dubuque, IA; an uncle and aunt, Larry Moore and his wife Marilyn, Springfield; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a nephew, Paul Alexander Fisher, and an aunt, Ruby Folkner.
Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at Moore Cemetery in Nevada with Carol Branham officiating. The family will receive friends from 5-7:00 p.m. on Monday evening at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.
Memorials are suggested in his name to Nevada Regional Medical Center Auxiliary c/o Ferry Funeral Home.
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