Gary Winchell

Gary Leroy Winchell was born October 15, 1938 to Charles and Clovis Winchell in Wellington, Kansas and passed from this life May 7, 2020.  He has one older brother, Paul Winchell.  Gary had a happy childhood.  His father was a section foreman for Santa Fe Railroad which gave them the opportunity to live in many different places which included Lambert, Oklahoma, Oakwood, Oklahoma, Nobscot, Oklahoma and then Coldwater, Kansas.  Gary attended high school there and lacked half a credit from graduating in 1956.  On January 7, 1957 Gary joined the U. S.  Air Force and went to San Antonio, Texas for basic training, then on to Amarillo, Texas for school on the 347 Bomber.  From there he was moved to Roswell, New Mexico for schooling on the B52 and the KC135.  During this time he married and had two sons, Ron and Terry Winchell.  Gary was honorably discharged from the Air Force on February 3, 1960.  In March of 1963 he was divorced and moved to Medicine Lodge, Kansas in May to live with his parents.

He got a job in the oil field and met Geneane Brubaker of Harper, Kansas.  They were married on November 24, 1964.  Jean had a son, Monroe Dale Hays, from a previous marriage.  On October 4, 1966 their daughter, April Sue, was born in Medicine Lodge, Kansas.  They moved to Hardter, Kansas in September of 1967 and on November 28, 1967 they welcomed a son, John Edward.  Gary soon went to work as a mechanic and truck driver for Coontz Manufacturing Company in Kiowa.  On January 3, 1968 they moved to Kiowa where they welcomed their third child, Jody Allen, on November 20, 1969.  They bought their home on 413 Dickinson and have lived there since.  Gary also lost his father in November of 1969 and this was hard on him.

The last few years of Gary’s life have not been the easiest as he had fallen ill and wasn’t able to do the things he loved.  He did have a very good life with his wife and children.  He enjoyed racing on dirt tracks (car #13) with his two sons, Dale and Jody.

Gary is survived by his wife, Geneane “Jean” Winchell; children, Ron Winchell and wife, Carla, Dale Winchell, April Stewart and husband, Clint, John Winchell, Jody Winchell and wife, Angela; grandchildren, Todd Winchell, JC Stewart and wife, Shawna, Stormy Rosenberger and husband, Mike, Justin Winchell, Sydney Winchell, Abbey Winchell, Shelby Edwards, Jessica Nonoon, Ashley Swonger, Amber Swonger, Jeremy Edwards and Brett Edwards; great-grandchildren, Anthony Winchell, Austin Winchell, Aden Winchell, Paiton Stewart, Angelien Stewart, Vance Stewart, Leah Rosenberger, Cort Whitaker, Cody Moore-Stewart, Mason Ricke, Tyce Ricke and Ryker Bouziden; one brother Paul Winchell.

Gary is preceded by his parents, Charles and Clovis Winchell; son, Terry Winchell; granddaughter, RaeDeanna Winchell and great-grandson, Jaden Duvall.

Memorials may be made to Kiowa District Hospital, the Masonic Lodge or American Legion through the funeral home.

Private family graveside for Gary Winchell will be Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at Riverview Cemetery with a gathering for family and friends following at the Kiowa Community Building.  Visitation will be Tuesday, May 12, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with family present 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Arrangements are by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. of Kiowa.  www.lanmanmemorials.com  Facebook: Lanman Funeral Home Inc.