Gary Dean Dechant, 64, of Hays, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Ascension Via Christi Saint Francis in Wichita, Kansas. Gary departed this life with family at his side. At his request, his final resting place will be next to his mother.
He was born on April 11, 1962, in Plainville, Kansas, to Evelyn Marie (Dreiling) Dechant and Paul Alfred Dechant. In 1981, he graduated from Hays High School. He completed technical training and worked in the Carpentry Department for Fort Hays State University. Later, he worked as a bus shuttle driver for students on campus at FHSU, and as was his habit, he welcomed those he encountered with an easy smile and friendly conversation. Gary also spent time as a truck driver, enjoying the scenery of the open road.
A man of many talents, when Gary was not working, he restored antique farm engines and tractors. He had a deep love for finding and preserving history from a bygone era. One brother tells a story of Gary completely pulling apart an engine, sorting the pieces into a variety of buckets, and after six months, putting it all back together: using no photos, schematics, or notes. His talent for mechanical work and beautiful craftsmanship was exceptional.
A truly devoted son, Gary spent many years caring for his mother, Evelyn, after she retired, and both lived together in Hays in the family home purchased in the late 1960s. Gary resided there for the duration of his life, remembering a rich history and times spent on that little corner, taking great pride in caring for his home. He saw the neighborhood change greatly while out working in his shop, but his kindness toward others remained unwavering; he was always ready to offer a joke, an old adage, a report of local happenings, or a bit of wisdom, as fit the situation.
Gary was a loyal and loving brother: a man to be depended on, always willing to help and generous with his time. He was preceded in death by both parents and a nephew, Travis Windell. He is survived by his siblings Darrell (Mary Elizabeth) Dechant, Cynthia (Nathan) Goodrick, Michael Dechant, Deborah (Randall) Windell, Paul Dechant, and James (Brenda) Dechant. Though his passing is an unimaginable loss to them, his family were able to convey their love, respect, and admiration for their youngest brother in the days prior to his passing.
He is also survived by numerous nieces and newphews, with even a few "greats" in the mix. He joked that he'd been promoted from just Uncle Gary to Great Uncle Gary, and he sure was great, by any measure of the word.
There are few men who are his equal on this side of heaven, but we look forward to the day we will meet him again. May he rest in peace.