Paul E Massey

Paul Eugene Massey, age 75, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2013, at Olathe Medical Center, Olathe, Kansas. He was born on August 29, 1937, in Anthony, Kansas, the son of Earl Edward and Mabel (Burris) Massey. Paul graduated from Kiowa High School in Kiowa, Kansas. He entered the United States Navy in Washington D.C., playing in the Navy Band in Kodiak, Alaska. Paul married Virginia Stapleton on August 10, 1957 in Kodiak, Alaska, making this their home for one year. They moved to Memphis, Tennessee moving then to Hays, Kansas, graduating with his Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Fort Hays State University. He taught in Oberlin, Kansas for four years. Paul received his Master's Degree from Fort Hays State University while living in Oberlin. In Council Bluffs, Iowa, he taught four years then moving to Belleville, Kansas, teaching for one year. They moved to Garnett in the summer of 1971, where Paul began teaching at the junior and senior high schools. He retired in 1993 from the Garnett School system. Paul taught in various places throughout the community including Scipio, Mont Ida and Greeley. He was church choir director for the Methodist church, Baptist Church, and the Christian Church in Garnett. Paul also directed community choruses and musicals for many years. He participated in the Wichita Music Theater summer program in the 1970s. Paul was a District President for Kansas Music Education Association. He built one of the top high school music programs in the State of Kansas during his 22 years of teaching in Garnett. Paul was a member of the First Christian Church. He volunteered his time at nursing homes, Hidden Haven Christian Camp, and at various clubs and events in Garnett. Paul spent many of his final years socializing in his 'office' with his coffee groups, and playing Bingo with friends. He enjoyed fishing, playing Bridge and Rook, and attending events in which his children and grandchildren were involved. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Mabel Massey; brother, Clyde Massey; and sister, Virginia Reutlinger. Paul is survived by his wife, Virginia Massey, of 56 years, of the home; three sons, Rick Massey and wife Lori of Bonham, Texas; Larry Massey of Goddard, Kansas; Brian Massey of Winfield, Kansas; one daughter, Teresa Chaney and husband Chris of Kechi, Kansas; one sister, Louise Morrison of Fredonia; 17 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; many family and friends. Paul's greatest passion was impacting the youth of our community. He not only taught music, but instilled Christian and life core values in his students. Many young people, when looking back, still claim that Mr. Massey was the best teacher they ever had because he didn't just teach a student, he touched a life. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, August 1, 2013, at the First Christian Church, Garnett. The family will be present to greet friends on Wednesday evening, July 31st, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Garnett. Burial will be held at 3:30 p.m. at Seltzer Cemetery in Wichita, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be made to Paul Massey Outstanding Vocal Music Award Scholarship Fund. You can send your condolences to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .