KELSO -- Gary Wayne Tanksley, 50, of Kelso died Sunday, March 22, 1998, at his home.

He was born Feb. 5, 1948, in New Madrid County, son of Samuel and Jewel Allred Tanksley. He and Christina Naeter were married May 29, 1982, at Cape Girardeau.

Tanksley was a 1967 graduate of East Prairie High School and was a Viet Nam veteran. He owned and operated the Ohio-Pacific Express trucking company from 1977 to 1994.

He was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Kelso.

Survivors include his wife; his parents; two sons, Matt Tanksley of Benton and Adam Tanksley of St. Louis; a daughter, Courtney Tanksley of Kelso; and two brothers, Rick and Dwight Tanksley, both of Cape Girardeau.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Samuel "Bo" Tanksley.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Kelso, with parish prayers to be said at 6.

Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the church. The Rev. Oliver Clavin will officiate, with burial in the church cemetery.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.