Louis Gene Baggerly, age 76, of Belton, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, surrounded by family and friends. Services are scheduled for Wednesday, August 2, at South Haven Baptist Church, in Belton, MO. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., followed immediately by services at the Church. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, Missouri. Lou was preceded in death by his parents, Harold & Juanita Baggerly, his beloved Father-In-Law, Bernard William Flucke, and one sister-in-law, Mary Dianne Flucke. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Teresa Susan (Flucke) Baggerly, cherished sons, Louis Tucker Baggerly (wife Haley), and Nathaniel Gene Baggerly; beloved daughters, Shawna Dawn Baggerly and Tonya Jean Carter; and several grandchildren including a precious granddaughter (Evelyn Virginia) who has yet to enter the world. He also leaves behind his Mother-in-law (Mary A. Flucke), six brothers/sisters-in-law, and brother/sister at heart, John Bussiere (Donna). Louis was born in Springfield, Illinois on March 18, 1947, to Harold & Juanita Baggerly. He grew up in Palmyra, Missouri, where he gained his adventurous spirit through exploring the wilderness, caves, swimming in the Batey Charles, and perfecting the art of general mischief. Upon graduation from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served with honors as a 3rd Class Petty Officer and Crew Chief. He valiantly completed one tour of duty with the HC-1 'Pacific Fleet Angels' and one tour of duty with the HSC-3 'Pack Rats', where he flew in Holy Helo, Recon Assistance, Mercy Mission, and Vertical Replenishment in Vietnam. Upon discharge, he joined the Kansas City Missouri Police Department where he served for 27 years. His career included serving as a Patrolman, Crime Scene Investigator, and Motorcycle Instructor in the Traffic Enforcement Unit. In 1972, he received the Distinguished Service Medal and Gold Award for conspicuous bravery and heroism. During this time, he met his best friend and soulmate (Teresa) with whom he spent the rest of his life raising his beautiful family and having many wonderful adventures. After retiring from the service, he started a new career and built a trucking company. Twenty-one years later he "retired" for six months, quickly going back to work helping a local farmer and friend. He would continue to work until nine months before his passing. He loved being outside, fishing, woodworking, raising bees, and above all else, being with his family. Lou was a loyal husband, friend, devoted father, a kind and generous man, and the hardest worker. He brought love and laughter into many lives, even in his final moments.
In Lou's final moments, his last request was that everyone "tell stories". Lou slipped away in his sleep, surrounded by his family and friends, comforted by laughter and love.