Gary Wendell Stoneking

Gary Wendell Stoneking, age 74, of Pomona, Kansas, died Sunday, July 22, 2012, at Lawrence, Kansas after a short illness. He was born on Thursday, August 12, 1937, in Baldwin City, Kansas, the son of Peter “Pete” Francis and Dorothy Ruth Hurrelbrink Stoneking. Gary resided in Pomona most of his life, graduating from Pomona High School in 1955. He attended Kansas University for one year before he and his brother Rex joined the United States Navy, with one stationed on the east coast and one on the west coast. After the service, Gary worked at North American-Rockwell in Downey, California on the Apollo Space Program before returning to Pomona where he worked at Ransom Memorial Hospital in the Maintenance Department for 27 years. Currently a bus driver for 2 years, he drove for the special needs preschool children at the West Franklin School District. Gary served in many positions in the local government of Pomona including the position of mayor for 8 years. He loved the outdoors, boating and fishing. He could always be found tinkering around his garage. Gary is survived by his wife Mary Kathleen and daughter Hayleigh of the home. Daughter, Jodi and husband Kevin of Batesville, Mississippi; son, Jason and wife Beckie of Ottawa, Kansas; step-daughter, Jodee and husband Clint Hibbon of Florence, Missouri; step-son, Chuck Farber of Desert Hot Springs, California; sister, Wanda Berger of Pomona, Kansas; two brothers, Richard “Dick” Stoneking and Gilbert and wife Cindy Stoneking all of Pomona, Kansas; 23 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, with a host of friends and neighbors that will mourn their loss. Gary is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Jill Ripley; brothers, David and Rex Stoneking. Cremation is planned. Private Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date. The family suggest memorial contributions to Chronic Disease Fund c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. An online Guest Book is available at www.dengelmortuary.com.