Gary Lee Durland, 82, passed away on August 6, 2022, at Kentwood Plaza, in St. John, Kan. Gary was born in Lindsborg, Kan. on March 1, 1940, to Olin and Mabelle (Peterson) Durland, who also gave him a brother, Bobby Jack. The family later moved to Lyons, Kan., where Gary graduated from Lyons High School and then continued his education in Kansas City, where he graduated from auto-mechanic school.
Following graduation, Gary moved to Dodge City, Kan., where he met the love of his life, Mary Louise Kohn. They married on November 17, 1962, and shared 7 children and 54 wonderful years of marriage prior to her passing on January 14, 2018. After moving to Great Bend in 1964, Gary worked at Big A/Car Quest Auto Parts Store and Sanko Motors, and later drove bus for the Center and the Senior Center. Along with work, he spent many hours enjoying his woodworking hobby. He was extremely talented and, at one time, had 81 wood carvings in the house - excluding the ones he enjoyed giving away. Gary was a man of deep faith and love for the Lord and showed this as a member of Prince of Peace Parish, through worship, being a religious education teacher, and a communion minister.
Survivors include two sons, Ron (Diane) Durland of Great Bend and David (Angela) Durland of Spring Hill; four daughters, Barbara (Delbert) Downey of Wright, Jeanette (Brian) Standlee of Belvue, Linda Durland and Carla Durland, both of Wichita; 10 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Galen (Doris) Kohn; sister-in-law Sandy Kohn (Jerry Hale); cousins, Betty Ludwig and Eldon Peterson; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife; a son, Gregory; his parents; and his brother.
Visitation will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 11, 2022 at Bryant Funeral Home, with family receiving at 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and vigil service at 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Friday, August 12, 2022, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church with Father Bob Schremmer presiding. Interment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery.
Memorials have been designated to the Senior Center or the Durland Memorial Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.