Glenn Ray McAnarney, 85, of Independence, Missouri, passed away on July 8, 2026. Glenn was born on February 26, 1941, in Paola, Kansas, to Basil McAnarney and Leta Faye Rushing McAnarney.
A proud United States Marine, Glenn served his country honorably from 1959 to 1966, ultimately attaining the commissioned rank of Captain. His military honors included the Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Device, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and the Marine Corps Sharpshooter Rifle and Pistol Badges. His years as a Marine remained an important part of who he was throughout his life, and he continued to embody the strength, loyalty, courage, and dedication of the Marine Corps. Following his military service, Glenn enjoyed a successful career as a commercial banker for nearly 28 years. He retired at the young age of 52 and spent the following decades making the most of every opportunity life offered him. After retirement, Glenn enjoyed many memorable trips throughout the United States and Europe. He especially treasured the time he spent visiting his grandchildren, Katja and Calvin, in Germany, and exploring Europe with them. He also looked forward to his annual pheasant hunting trips to South Dakota with his son, Michael, where they made unforgettable memories together. Devoting a great deal of time to researching and preserving his own family’s history, Glenn frequently encouraged others to begin their genealogy journeys at the Midwest Genealogy Center, where he volunteered. Glenn loved being outdoors. He was an avid walker, carving walking sticks for each of his grandchildren and making frequent trips to Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area with them. He took great pride in his beautifully manicured lawn and array of gardens, including rose, butterfly, and vegetable gardens. He also grew some of the largest raspberries and blackberries anyone had ever seen. Glenn never met a fishing hole he didn’t like, and would choose the quiet simplicity of a small pond over a large lake any day. Glenn was known for his generosity and talent in the kitchen. He loved baking and making homemade jelly, and it was not unusual for him to arrive at a favorite business, a friend’s home, or a family gathering carrying a jar of jelly or a batch of freshly baked Snickerdoodles – always with a Red Hot in the center. Many people were fortunate to receive one of his homemade creations, and sharing what he made was one of the many ways Glenn showed others that he cared. Above all else, Glenn loved his family. Nothing brought him greater pride or happiness than watching his children and grandchildren grow academically and professionally. Without a doubt, his family was the center of his life, and the memories he created with them will be treasured for generations.
Glenn is survived by his children, Michael Cambiano of Kansas City; Jeffrey McAnarney; Sean McAnarney and his wife, Natalie, of Nolanville, Texas; and Shannon Miller and her wife, Jessica, of Lee’s Summit. He will be missed by his his grandchildren, who were each his “favorite” in their own way, Calvin McAnarney; Katja McAnarney; Amanda Gray and her husband, Cody; Madelyn Miller and her wife, Elizabeth; Mackenzie Linhardt and her husband, Derrick; Abigail Hoover and her husband, Tucker; Allison Cambiano; Alannah, Taegan and Caleb McAnarney. He is also survived by his dear sisters, Shirley Leonard and Susan Bean, her husband Bill; and his nieces and nephews. Glenn’s legacy continues through his great-grandchildren, Mason and Daisy Gray, and Theodore and Margaret Hoover, with a fifth great-grandchild expected in the coming months.
He was preceded in death by his father, Basil McAnarney; his mother, Leta Faye Downs; and his sister, Patricia Moore.
Glenn will be remembered as a proud Marine, devoted father and grandfather, generous friend, world traveler, genealogist, fisherman, gardener, baker and jelly maker. They simply did not make them any cooler than Glenn. His strength, humor, generosity, stories and unmistakable presence will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.
A service for Glenn will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 14, at Crowne Point Church, 5950 NE Lakewood Way, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064. Lunch will be provided following the service for those who would like to stay, gather, and share memories of Glenn. Following, his family will lay him to rest with military honors.
Arrangements by Royer’s New Salem in Independence, Missouri.