Gary Wayne Ecclefield

Gary Wayne Ecclefield, age 67, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at the Coffey County Hospital in Burlington, Kansas. His final moments were spent doing one of the things he loved the most, flying his Cessna 172 airplane. He passed away shortly after his final flight.

He was born March 15, 1952, in Garnett, Kansas, the son of Francis Wayne and Arlene Erma (Hosier) Ecclefield. Gary grew up in Welda. He attended school in Welda until he transferred to Garnett High School his freshman year where he graduated with the class of 1970. While at Garnett High School, he met the love of his life, Cindy. She spotted him from across the crowded gym and said, “Who’s that?! I wanna marry that guy!” They were married November 27, 1972, in Welda; to this union three children were born.

In 1971, Gary attended Allen County Community College and in 1972, he took the leap into business ownership, at the age of 19, by purchasing an auto body shop which became Gary’s Body Shop. After almost 40 years in ownership, he took the position of Airport Manager at Garnett Industrial Airport. Gary was incredibly dedicated to his job and took so much pride in making improvements to the airport. He did not possess the ability to half-ass anything.

Gary was a 27-year member and past Master of the Garnett Masonic Delphian Lodge 44.

Gary loved his toys! His passions included building and flying model airplanes, racing go carts, riding motorcycles, weekends skiing at the lake with his family, traveling to Branson and riding rollercoasters. He really liked to go fast!! He enjoyed many activities including dancing, playing basketball and the drums. He even played in a band with (who would later become) his brother-in-law. Gary also enjoyed the normal pace of life, attending as many of his Grandkid’s events as possible. And he sure did love his cat, Cessna.

He loved reading books and was always so eager to share any new, exciting piece of information he came upon. He was an amazing Dad, dedicated Grandpa and the most loving Husband. He will be missed, loved and cherished forever.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Arlene Ecclefield.

Gary is survived by his wife of 47 years, Cindy Ecclefield; three children, Jordan Ecclefield of Kansas City, Missouri; Erica White and husband Donnie of Kansas City; Ashley Williams and husband Don of Olathe, Kansas; three grandchildren, Chloey Teter, Ellen White, and Emma Williams; two sisters, Bonnie Gorrell and husband Jim of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Vivian Ecclefield and husband Stuart Duncan of Irvine, California.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m., on Monday, December 16, 2019, at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel, Garnett, with burial following in the Welda Cemetery.

The family will greet friends at the funeral home on Sunday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Garnett Public Library or to Welda Methodist Church.

You may send your condolences to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .