Gary Lee Bartz

Gary Lee Bartz, 66, passed away Wednesday, August 6, 2014 at his home. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Eagles Lodge Friday, August 15 from 6-10pm. Please bring your favorite picture or story about Gary to share.
Gary was born December 08, 1947 in Lawrence to Charlton and Ida Jean (Carr) Bartz.
He married Ellen Hornberger on June 7, 1998 in San Jose, Costa Rica. Together they raised her son, James “Jake” Dean Brown, Jr., Lawrence.
Gary graduated from Lawrence High School (LHS) in 1965.
Gary married Nancy Ragle and they divorced in 1987. They had two children, Barbra Bartz, Lawrence, and Jennifer Bowman, Shawnee Mission, five grandchildren, Wendi Kessler, Ethan Bowman, Seth Bowman, Gage Bowman and Reese Bowman; two great grandchildren Aubrianna Wise and Jaden Wise; seven nieces and nephews; and six great-nieces and nephews.
Gary purchased Don’s Steakhouse from Don Scott, the original owner, and opened the doors on January 1, 1990. The motto was “We’ll meat you at Don’s Steak House and that’s no bull.” Over the years he fed the KU football and basketball teams, as well as catering Dick Schaap’s Super Bowl parties. He sent his ribs to many people he met over the years, including Joe Montana.
Due to poor health he closed the doors at Don’s December 30, 2007. Gary is also survived by his wife, Ellen, his mother Ida Jean Bartz, Lawrence, one sister Janet (Jim)Trybom, Monticello, IL; one brother Larry (Lyric) Bartz; two sister-in-laws Ann Rogers, Stilwell, and Gayle (Greg) Daniels, Topeka and one niece and two nephews. Memorials can be to the Lawrence St. Patrick’s Day Committee or an online donation to Angel Flight Central at angelflightcentral.org.
Online condolences may be sent to www.warrenmcelwain.com
Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.