Gary Kenneth Patterson

A Celebration of Life for Gary Kenneth Patterson, 73, will be held at a later date in Wichita, KS. Gary went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, at LMH Health.

Gary was born on July 1, 1948, in Salina, KS, the son of Roy Kenneth and Catherine (Donahue) Patterson. After living some years in Colorado, when Gary was in the fourth grade his family moved to Russell, KS. Gary graduated from Russell High School and then enrolled in the University of Kansas.

On August 8, 1970, Gary married Connie Sue Witt in Russell. Gary graduated with a BS in Petroleum Engineering and worked as a research assistant at KU until Connie graduated. Then they moved to Mississippi and lived in Natchez and Jackson where Gary worked as an engineer for Schlumberger. Later, he and a partner formed a company for oil and gas exploration.

In 1982, the Patterson family moved back to Kansas and lived in Wichita and then Lawrence. Gary attended Grace Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Lawrence.

Gary liked Bible study, photography, and nature walks. He was a big fan of the Kansas Jayhawks, the Royals, and the Chiefs.

He is survived by his wife, Connie, of the home, a son Ryan (Rachelle) of Charlotte, NC, a daughter, Laura of Austin, TX, three grandchildren, Avery, Liam, and Reid Patterson of Charlotte, two sisters, Joan Vanderbur of Paola, KS and Carol Langhofer of Russell, KS, and a brother, Kenny of Wichita, KS.

His family will miss Gary dearly and are very grateful for the seeds of faith that he planted in their lives.

25 Condolences

  1. RHS Class of 1966 on April 11, 2022 at 4:29 pm

    Our deepest sympathy to Connie and family.



  2. Sue Atchison on April 11, 2022 at 9:04 pm

    I’m so sorry to see this news. Thinking if you Connie, and your family.



  3. John Bevan on April 12, 2022 at 10:35 am

    Connie, I just heard about Gary’s passing. You have my condolences. If there is anything you need, please feel free to let me know. Gary was a wonderful man and will be missed.



  4. Pat Lingenfelser on April 13, 2022 at 2:26 pm

    Connie Sue- I am so sorry that you and Ryan and Laura are going through losing such a wonderful husband and father. He was a tremendous friend too. I always loved it when came to our Disney functions and I got to know him through you. You will be in my prayers- and Gary put in a good word with God for all of us. RIP



  5. April and Steve on April 13, 2022 at 5:04 pm

    Connie, we are so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. Good Russell boys are hard to replace in life but Gary’s kind spirit lives on in those that knew him forever. Please take good care and we hope to be with you soon.



  6. Shirley and Ken Lomax on April 13, 2022 at 6:30 pm

    Ken and Shirley

    Connie we are so sorry to hear about Gary’s passing. You and Gary have always been an important part of the Disney family. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help you and your family, even if it is just a visit. Know that our prayers are with you.



  7. Vicki “Klusener “ Guest on April 13, 2022 at 7:36 pm

    So sorry Connie for your loss. Prayers are with you. God Bless to you and your family!!!



  8. Keith Christian on April 13, 2022 at 7:38 pm

    Connie so sorry for your loss. Gary was a stand up guy and a good person



  9. Tom and Lynda Keys on April 13, 2022 at 7:54 pm

    So very sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. Gary was one of the great guys in our class. May God wrap his arms around you, Connie and the family, giving you comfort at such a hard time. Prayers will continue. Tom and Lynda Keys



  10. Carol Mowry on April 13, 2022 at 8:59 pm

    Connie- I am so saddened to see the news of Gary’s passing. He was a great friend during our high school years. Played a lot of tennis with him. To you, your children and grandchildren my sincere condolences.



  11. Alice & Mike Bair on April 14, 2022 at 10:43 am

    Connie, Mike and I send our condolences to you and your family. Gary was a treasured part of many class memories for both of us. May your precious memories console your family at this difficult time.



  12. Sharon Steponick Thiel on April 14, 2022 at 8:18 pm

    Connie, I’m so very sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. He was a special person and member of my Class of ’66. Hadn’t seen him since graduation, but so glad you both had such a wonderful life together. Keep those memories close to your heart and know that many poeple are there for you and your family. My deep and sincerest sympathies. ❤❤



  13. Liz Barba Wojnicki on April 15, 2022 at 6:01 am

    Sending love and condolences to you and your family, Connie. I met Gary at the wedding reception of Dyane S when he took the time to make conversation with me. Know that I will be praying for all of you ❤️



  14. Michael Niedenthal on April 15, 2022 at 2:21 pm

    Connie, I am so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. He was a special guy, and I know he will be missed. You and your family have my condolences. Please take care and I hope to see you this fall at some KU games.



  15. Roy and Pattie Rein on April 15, 2022 at 3:06 pm

    Connie, Roy and I are so very sorry for your loss. God bless you and your children.



  16. Barbara on April 15, 2022 at 4:03 pm

    Connie, We were so saddened to hear about Gary

    Larry and Barbara Walters



  17. Lana Charles on April 15, 2022 at 5:33 pm

    Dear Connie and family. Thinking of you with love and hugs. 50 years of marriage is wonderful. So many cherished memories.
    So sad for you. Warmest Blessings.
    Lana And Tim



  18. Kent Bailey on April 16, 2022 at 7:47 am

    Connie,
    So sorry to hear about Gary . A good guy….He is in good hands.
    Prayers to you and family.
    Kent and Tammy Bailey



  19. Roxanne Wilkins on April 17, 2022 at 7:35 pm

    Connie, I am so sorry to learn of Gary’s passing. To you and your family and the families of Joan, Kenny and Carol Mae, we send our love and sincere condolences. May the years of love and laughter you had together help you through this difficult time.
    Bill and Roxie (Rein) Wilkins



  20. Janice Hilyard on April 19, 2022 at 9:03 am

    Very sorry to learn of Gary’s passing. Loving sympathy to all family members.



  21. Marcia & Jim Pickard on April 25, 2022 at 4:02 pm

    We were so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. You, Ryan, & Laura are in our thoughts & prayers.



  22. Debbi and Dick Crowder on May 3, 2022 at 10:47 pm

    Connie, Ryan and Laura, We were so sorry to learn of Gary’s passing.. Your family was such an important part of our neighborhood, our school and our family. And we have so many great memories of your time in Wichita. After Matt died, I found a scripture that has been important to me since then. It is II Corinthians 1:2-4 and it says, “I comfort you so that you can comfort others with the same comfort.” Please know we will pray for each of you that God will hold you close and give you the strength and peace for the journey. Our ultimate comfort comes knowing that there will be a grand reunion when we all get to heaven. Praying God’s blessings on each of you. Debbi and Dick Crowder



  23. Debi and Tom Davis on May 4, 2022 at 9:28 am

    Dear Connie, Ryan and Laura,
    We are so sad to hear of Gary’s passing and we are lifting you up in prayer. Your family has been an important part of Wichita and of Collegiate. Gary’s time on the board and your involvement with all the school activities are still precious memories. We are sorry to be out of town for the Open House but will be lifting you up for peace, comfort and strength in this difficult time.



  24. Sue Selby on May 14, 2022 at 4:12 pm

    Connie, Laura and Ryan also Carol Mae , Joan and Kenneth,
    We just got word today of Gary’s passing. We do send our love, prayers and deep sympathy. We have been so slack in keeping in touch. Loved any time we would see you all reunions and games! Please keep in touch if you and we will try to do better. Bob and Sue Selby



  25. Jeanne Brickley on June 14, 2022 at 7:49 am

    Connie, so sorry to hear about Gary. Just now hearing this news and thinking of you this day. May God be near you today.
    Jeanne (Brickley) Bailey



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