Gary Lee Deweese

Gary Lee Deweese, 60, a lifetime resident of Wamego, Kansas, died Saturday, May 7, 2011 at Wamego City Hospital after a brave battle with cancer. Gary was born January 30, 1951 at Genn Hospital in Wamego, the son of the late Jack T. and Patricia (Riat) Deweese. He attended St. Bernard’s Catholic Grade School, graduated from Wamego High School in 1969 and then attended Kansas State University where he graduated in 1973 with a degree in Political Science. After college he taught social sciences in the Wichita School District for a short time before returning to Wamego. He was manager of Citizen’s Savings and Loan in Wamego for eleven years, then became a painting contractor which he was until his death. Gary was a member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, served as a member of the Pottawatomie County Planning Commission for six years, was on the Wamego Housing Authority board for several years and volunteered for many organizations. He enjoyed photography, gardening, traveling, working with animals at the Wamego Humane Society, singing in the church choir at St. Bernard’s Church and spending time with his family and friends. Gary enjoyed discussing politics, listening to National Public Radio and K-State sports. Gary always had a contagious smile and friendly personality. Survivors include his mother, Patty Deweese of Wamego; five brothers and their spouses, Larry Deweese (Carol) of Oxford, MS, Denny Deweese (Carolyn) of Wamego, John Deweese of Pasadena, CA, Mike Deweese (Janet) of Nashville, TN, Paul Deweese (Shannen) of Bucklin, KS; five nieces and six nephews. Gary was preceded in death by his father, Jack, in April of 2000. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 12, 2011 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church of Wamego. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Gary will lie in-state beginning at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Stewart Funeral Home of Wamego. A prayer service will be held at 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends during a visitation from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Pottawatomie County Caring Hearts Humane Society, Wamego Community Health Ministries or St. Bernard’s Church and may be left in care of the Stewart Funeral Home of Wamego, PO Box 48, 66547. Condolences may be left: www.stewartfuneralhomes.com