Gary Lee Herman

Herman, Gary Lee, 84, of Maricopa, Arizona, peacefully joined his Lord and Savior on August 20, 2023. He was born in Anthony, Kansas, to the late Roscoe and Doris (Baker) Herman and graduated from West High School, in Wichita, Kansas, in 1957.

After graduation, he met Eileen Gandy at First Assembly of God in Wichita. They were married in 1959 and later, proudly welcomed children: Gregory (infant son who was sadly lost at birth), followed by Kimberly and Philip.

Though his family kept him busy, he continued to pursue higher education and graduated from Central Bible Institute in 1964, leading him to be active in each church he was blessed to be involved with. His talents included: pastoring, leading worship, directing, and singing in the choir, as well as helping in children’s church, leading a puppet ministry, holding kids’ crusades, teaching Sunday School and much more.

Pastoring held a true part of his heart, and his tenures held many positions, such as Music Director at Seneca Assembly of God in Wichita from 1965-1971, lead pastor at The Assembly of God in Lyndon, Kansas from 1971-1974, and Andover Assembly of God from 1974-1975. Then in 1975, the family returned to Seneca Assembly, (which later became Colonial Heights Assembly of God) where they began a puppet ministry and helped with the kids’ Christmas and Easter programs. In 1981, he became the Music/Education Pastor at First Assembly of God in Derby (later named Praise Assembly of God), serving alongside their long-time college friends – the Shackelford family. And finally, when the family began attending Bethel Life Center in 1992, the enjoyment of volunteering continued in many areas such as: teaching, singing, running sound, and serving on the First Impressions team.

Not only did he hold those positions, but also 30 years of service in the tooling department with Cessna Aircraft, retiring in 2004. He found joy singing in the Derby Community Chorus, enjoyed the challenge of putting puzzles together, sitting in his favorite chair watching any type of game show, playing bass or the ukulele while singing along, and he didn’t pass up a cold root beer or fish and chips with a side of coleslaw!

In 2022, after a full life serving, Gary moved to Maricopa, Arizona to live with his son Phil, daughter-in-law, Angie, and their family where they took wonderful care of him both in their home and in a retirement community as hydrocephalus, a condition whose symptoms are similar to dementia, presented itself.

Gary lived a life led by the Lord, surrounded by those who loved him. He will be remembered by many for his giving and loving spirit.

Preceded by his parents, wife of 47 years, and infant son, his legacy will continue in his children Kim (Timothy) Means of Derby, Kansas, and Phil (Angie) Herman of Maricopa, Arizona; as well as grandchildren: Brice Herman, Kyle Herman, Amanda Kasubi, Jacob Herman, Evan Means, Riley Means; 5 great-grandchildren; brother, Jimmie “Jim” (Marie) Herman of Fountain Valley, California; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends who served beside and with him.

Services for Gary include: a Visitation from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 W. Kellogg, Wichita, Kansas, followed by a Funeral Service at 10 a.m. at Bethel Life Center, 3777 S. Meridian Ave., Wichita, and a Graveside service at 1 p.m., on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, 11800 W. Kellogg, Wichita, Kansas, 67209.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests honors in his name may be made to: Convoy of Hope Wichita, 3777 S. Meridian Ave., Wichita, KS 67217 or at convoyofhopewichita.com.

The family would like to thank Hospice of the Valley for their love and care of Gary.

Serving as pallbearers are Kyle Herman, Jacob Herman, Evan Means, Bud Shackelford II, Don Starnes, Lance Walton, Carl Amrine, Jess Myers and Ty Sinclair.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ResthavenMortuary-Cemetery.com for the Herman family.