Edward Gaus

Edward Oliver Gaus, Age 90, of Mission Woods, KS, passed away in the comfort of his home with his daughter, Christa and two beloved dogs Bella and Charlie, beside him on October 8, 2021. Private services will be held by the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given in honor of Ed to the Stephanie Waterman Foundation, PO Box 8425, KCMO 64114. Tennis was such a huge part of Eds life that this foundation would honor what he loved most. The Stephanie Waterman Foundation is to provide opportunities through tennis, for undeserved children to better themselves through a positive learning environment in the Kansas City area.
Ed was born on March 22, 1931 in St. Louis, Missouri, to his parents, Edward and Ella (Strean) Gaus. He was an only child. Ed graduated from his beloved Brentwood High School in St. Louis where he was a star basketball player and stayed close friends with many of his classmates to this very day. Ed continued his education at the University of Missouri where he was a Pike Kappa Alpha and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. During his time at the University of Missouri he took a two year gap and signed up for the Korean War and was discharged honorably after two years of service. Ed was a determined and hard- working man who put himself through collage and worked hard for everything he had. Ed had a gift with people and went on to have a successful career in Pharmaceutical and Medical sales. Ed had a long career with Miles Laboratories for 30 years and Smithkline Beecham for 5 years where he continued to win top sales awards year after year.
Ed was a devoted husband to his dear wife Donna (Hecht) Gaus, and a loving father to their only daughter, Christa. Ed was a very engaged Papa to his two Grandchildren Carson and Elise Welch. Ed loved to go out to breakfast every Saturday with Carson where they shared their love of Pancakes and history. Ed loved to watch Carson and his passion of jazz drums and never missed a show. Ed was Elises number one supporter in dance from day one and rarely missed a competition or recital. Elise and Papa often enjoyed going out for ice cream where Ed would share fond memories from his youth. Christa and Ed had a very special bond. Ed was determined to make Christa the next Chris Evert hence her name! So their shared love of tennis began. Ed had Christa on the public courts at two with a racket ball racket in hand and threw tennis balls to her and would say "keep your eye on the ball." This continued through high school and they continued to hit until this very year. Ed also loved to travel and took his family on the most beautiful vacations all over the country, memories that his family will cherish forever.
If Ed wasnt working you could find him on the tennis court, playing bridge and going on long walks with his family and dogs. Eds great love of tennis began at the age of twelve on the clay courts of Forest Park in St. Louis. Throughout his illustrious tennis career he had the opportunity to hit with many greats such as Poncho Segura, Bobby Riggs, and a young Jimmy Connors from St. Louis. In his prime playing years at the Carriage Club and Woodside, he was a coveted doubles partner for many, as his soft baseline lob, crafty drop shot, and vintage slicing cross-court forehand were equally legendary and frustrating for his opposition. After hitting any of these winners, he would offer his signature gracious nod and hand wave to his opponents, followed by, "sorry, my foot slipped." As Ed slowed down a bit he was a regular player every Monday and Thursday until a week before the end of his life with his good friends at Genesis.
Ed is survived by his daughter Christa (Gaus) Welch; grandchildren and best friends Carson and Elise Welch; beloved dogs, Bella and Charlie; Ron and Sandy Gaus and many other Gaus cousins of St. Louis. Also, dear life long family friends Sally, Robert and Elise Chapline, and Sunny, Nancy and Teddy Schaefer, and Laura Kowalewich and Terry Guignon. As well as too many to mention in the Kansas City and St. Louis area, but you know who you are. Being that I am an only child I could not have done this without your support!
Ed will be fondly remembered by his family for his loving, outgoing, social, determined nature. Dad was not a fan of funerals so go play a tennis game and have a beer or coke in memory of him. Im sure he will be watching with a smile on his face! If you need to reach me or send anything Christa Welch 3921 W 58th St, Fairway, KS 66205 913-530-3131.

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