Gary Francis Halstead, 79, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 17, 2024. He was born on November 7, 1944, in Wichita, KS to Leroy and Bertha Halstead. After graduating from West High School, he joined the National Guard for 6 years. On September 3, 1965, he married the love of his life, Janice Lancaster; it was a stormy night and after saying, “I Do,” the couple sneaked out of the reception and headed to Dodge City, KS. They were married just shy of 60 years.
After arriving back to Wichita, he was employed for Learjet for 47 years as an electrician. When he wasn’t working, you could find him working on his car and truck. He was the family electrician and was always fixing things. His family and friends liked calling him, “Mr. Fix-it Man.”
Gary attended Martinson Ave. Church and later attended Hillside Christian Disciples of Christ. He loved listening to country hymns and making crosses and angels wings with horseshoes for his family and friends. Gary enjoyed the outdoors, especially going camping and boating, where you would find him fishing along the shorelines. In the fall, he enjoyed going deer hunting with his friend Jimmy.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Bertha and two brothers, Wesley and Willis.
Gary is survived by his wife, Janice; his daughters Tami (Ron) Arehart and Shelli Stutey; his brother, Duane Halstead; 7 grandchildren, Brent Bandy and Erika Ramirez; Brandon and Tabby Bandy; Brook Bandy; Kasdon and Bella Arehart; Jon and Stacie Parker; Matt (Pam) Murray and Caela Murray; 10 great grandchildren, Carson, Mason, Emersyn, Axel, Abel, Teni, Emmett, Elliot, Ali and Kami; his protective dachshund, Yoda as well as many nieces and nephews.
He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren especially watching them interact with one another. He enjoyed making garden ornaments and fast track games and board games.
A visitation for Gary will be held Thursday, May 23, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209. A funeral service will occur Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 3:00 PM, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209. A graveside service will occur Thursday, May 23, 2024, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209
Memorial contributions can be made to the Cancer Society.
