Gary W. Bryant

Gary W. Bryant, 72, of Chetopa, passed away at 5:10 p.m., Monday, November 22, 2021, at his home.

Gary Wayne Bryant was born on March 3, 1949, to Leo Wayne and Geraldene Millie (Feemster) Bryant in Great Bend, Kansas.  As a young boy, he grew up and attended school in Ellinwood, Kansas, and Texas.  He moved with his family to Chetopa while in high school and considered it his home since.  After graduating from Chetopa High School in 1967, he went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from Pittsburg State University.

Over the years, Gary worked at Tri-City Gas Company in Chetopa; Dickey Clay in Pittsburg; Houser's Building Supply in Chetopa; and SEK Auto in Parsons.

He was an active member of the First Christian Church of Chetopa, where he shared his faith in the Lord as a Sunday School teacher.

Serving his community was very important to Gary.  He had been elected to the city council and served as mayor several times and was currently serving as a council member.  He had also been active in the Chetopa Fire Department.  In earlier years, Gary had been a lifeguard, a Boy Scout leader, and a little league baseball coach.

An avid hunter, Gary was a hunting safety instructor and raised quail.  He also enjoyed working on the farm, especially with the cattle.  His greatest joy came from spending time with his family.

On November 14, 1970, Gary and Barbara S. Bush were united in marriage.  She preceded him in death on August 29, 2018.

Survivors include:

Two sons – Brad Bryant and his wife, Corrine, of Caney, Kansas

Broc Bryant of Chetopa, Kansas

One daughter – Cindy Johnson and her husband, John, of Chetopa, Kansas

Eight grandchildren – Vandi Stapleton and her husband, Jordyn; Mickel Johnson and his wife, Mona; Vade Johnson and his wife, Amanda; Jayanara Johnson; Jack Johnson; Andie Johnson; Blake Bryant; and Gage Bryant

Six great-grandchildren

One sister – Sherry Harmon and her husband, Clifford, of Glenpool, Oklahoma

There will be a memorial service at 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 3, 2021, at the First Christian Church in Chetopa.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until the beginning of the service at the church.  Inurnment will follow the service at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to defray the funeral expenses.  These may be left at or mailed to Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 346, Chetopa, KS  67336.