Gary Chandler

Gary Chandler, age 70, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Friday, May 16, 2025, at Richmond Healthcare in Richmond, Kansas.

He was born on January 15, 1955, the eldest child, to Laurence Chandler and Coleen (Lickteig) Hurley in Ottawa, Kansas. Gary attended school in Garnett and graduated from Garnett High with the Class of 1973. He attended Kansas State University for two years and was a member of the AGR fraternity.

Gary was united in marriage to Connie Varvel on September 6, 1975, in Garnett, Kansas. Their union was blessed with four children and seven grandchildren.

Gary enjoyed working with livestock. He was a herdsman for ABC Hereford Ranch in Kilgore, Nebraska. Then later herdsman for McMorries Farms in Hereford, Texas. Upon returning to Kansas, he began working at Wolf Creek where he spent most of his time there working security. He worked there for 34 years before retiring in September of 2018. His friends and family brought him many hours of joy attending grandchildren's events, spending time together in the barn, attending car shows, basement nights playing pool or two-card guts, and listening to music. He spent many hours rooting for his favorite sports teams (KU, KSU, Chiefs, Royals) on the radio or t.v. Gary enjoyed 4-H as a youngster and carried on the tradition with his children and grandchildren, while participating in many cattle and pig shows.

Gary was preceded in death by his father Laurence Chandler, nephew Waylon Boots, and mother-in-law Donna Varvel.

He is survived by Connie, his wife of 49 years; 3 daughters, Stephanie (Rusty) Cannady of Ottawa, Stacy Chandler of Ottawa, Susan (Austin) Welsh of Prairie Village and his son Matt (Tiffany) Chandler of Olathe;7 grandchildren: Alex, Max, and Knox Cannady, Zoey and Rhys Welsh, and Charlotte and Beckham Chandler; his mother and step-father Coleen and Bill Hurley of Garnett, sister Karen (Bob) Cronkhite of Topeka, brother Larry (Laurie) Chandler of Topeka; father-in-law Gordon Varvel of Burlington, sister-in-law Cindy (Brad) Boots of Welda, and nephews Zac Chandler and Evan Boots.

Gary's family will greet friends from 9:00 AM until 10:30 AM on Friday, May 23, 2025, at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Garnett, followed by private funeral services.

Memorial contributions may be made to COF Training Services or Anderson County 4-H or Central Heights Band and left in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com