Aug 4, 1927 — Oct 13, 2026
Shawnee, Kansas
Gerard Moss Schattenburg, affectionately known as “Mr. G,” passed away on October 13, 2026, at home in Shawnee, Kansas, at the age of 99. Born on August 4, 1927, in Winwood, Missouri. He was nine years old when he was saved and baptized in Brush Creek. Gerard led a life marked by dedication, hard work, and a generous spirit.
When he graduated from Humansville High School in 1945 he played a trumpet solo arrangement entitled “Mercury” for Baccalaureate. At 18 he joined the US Navy and served in South Pacific during WWII and the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1951. He was profoundly inspired by God’s creation while stationed in Guam. He remembered seeing Komodo Dragons in the wild and went to see a captive pair on exhibit at the KC Zoo.
He followed the call for full-time Christian ministry and left his job at Bendix Aviation. He moved his young family to Chicago to attend Wheaton College, living sacrificially in a small basement apartment to pursue his degree. Gerard graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wheaton College in 1956, with an emphasis in Archaeology.
Gerard was an ardent student of the Bible. In August of 1951 he began eleven years of leading Thursday evening Bible classes at McCune Home for Boys assisted by his close friend, Charles A. Brownrigg. After McCune, he did nine years in the Christian Service Brigade at Central Baptist Church where he had been a member since 1949. Not able to save his marriage, he resigned as deacon and abandoned his desire for pastorial ministry. He devoted his remaining years to lay ministry and in 1973 began and for 28 years led a jail ministry for men at Lexington, MO prison.
Gerard devoted 39 years of service as a draftsman with the Corps of Engineers, retiring on July 30, 1993. Throughout his distinguished career, he worked extensively throughout the Midwest, including the lakes of Kansas and Missouri. One of his most notable professional accomplishments was serving as lead draftsman for Clinton Lake in Lawrence, Kansas. Gerard accepted a special assignment with the Corps of Engineers to assist in rebuilding New Orlean’s levees devastated by a severe hurricane. The extra income from this project enabled him to build his cherished home per architectural plans and specifications he prepared. He constructed his dream home in Shawnee, Kansas in 1982, where he would reside until his death.
Known for his generosity, Gerard was deeply committed to supporting missionaries, non-profit organizations, and anyone in need. He donated his fossil collection to Shawnee Mission Christian School. He was well known for driving a blue 1957 Chevy station wagon, which while driving to Sunday morning church on September 15th, 2019, he blacked out and totalled his car in a single vehicle accident. He was 92 years old. Because of his passion for archaeology, he drove his mother and youngest son, Leslie, on a 5,000 mile round trip to Tulum, Mexico, to see the Mayan ruins. He took great joy in gardening, tending to his cherished pear and apple trees, which he happily shared with friends, and nurturing his prized rose bushes. He loved a clean shave and haircut at the Gentleman’s West Barbershop. He loved to watch travel and history documentaries. Despite his many interests, he notably disliked pizza, dishwashers, clothes dryers and computers.
Gerard was preceded in death by his parents, Earnest Adolph and Bessie (Kelley Finnister) Schattenburg; two sons; three half-brothers; and a brother. He is survived by his half-niece, Mary Jo Faulkner, husband, Kenny and thier daughter, Cindy Faulkner in New Caney, Texas.
Visitation for Gerard Moss Schattenburg will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 16, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m., both at the Amos Family Funeral Home. A graveside service will take place at 1:00 p.m. on the same day at Fairview Cemetery in Liberty, Missouri.
The family would like to pay tribute to the in-home caregivers and hospice professionals who enriched his life from 2023 until death, “Right At Home” and “Interim Healthcare”.
Donations, in his memory, may be made to Olivet Baptist Church, 4901 Mission Rd, Westwood, KS 66205
Gerard’s family and friends remember him as a steadfast and honorable man whose legacy will endure in the hearts of those who knew him.
Obituary published by Amos Family Funeral Home.
