Fray Oland Gideon, 83, Hays, died Monday, March 2, 2020 surrounded by his family at his home.
He was born May 17, 1936 in Mt. Pleasant, Missouri, the son of Loyd and Mesakel (Mathews) Gideon. On August 20, 1953 he was united in marriage to Florence Ruth Eggers in Ellinwood, Kansas, and they celebrated over 66 years of marriage. He worked at the Ellinwood Co-op Gas Station, was owner of M & M Fertilizer in Garden City, worked at J & J Pipe and Supply in Hays, managed several grain elevators in Kansas, and was a door greeter at Wal-Mart. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Hays, loved fishing with his grandchildren, and riding in his red pickup while teaching his grandchildren to drive. He enjoyed going to the Kansas State Fair, bowling, attending the all night sing-a-thon in Hutchinson, and traveling to Estes Park. He was outgoing, friendly, loved people, faithfully attended church and had a strong faith in God.
Survivors include his wife; Florence of the home, a son; Keith Gideon and wife Denise of Rossville, a daughter; Darla Froelich and husband Van of Walker, six grandchildren; Stephanie Avery and husband Damian, Amy Gideon and fiancé Donnie Robinson, Mike Gideon and wife Ronnie, Kegann Gideon, Chans Gideon, and Tiffany Hammerschmidt and husband Chad, 11 great grandchildren, and a brother; Ronald Gideon and wife Darlene of Springfield, MO.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister; Doris Gillis, and a great grandson; Dalton Heard.
A private family inurnment will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park, north of Great Bend. Memorials are suggested to Hospice of HaysMed in care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. Condolences and memories of Fray may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com.