Neil Winston Flory

Neil Winston Flory, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2025, just shy of his 95th birthday. Born on July 9, 1930, in Halstead, Kansas, to Arthur Flory and Bessie Alice Sears Flory, Neil lived a life rich in love, curiosity, service; with whole-hearted devotion to his family and community.

Neil was the kind of man who seemed to know a little bit about everything and was always eager to learn more. He attended Prairie Flower School in Harvey County, Kansas, from 1936 to 1944, and graduated from Halstead High School in 1948. Later, while building a career and raising a family, he pursued higher education at the University of Wichita in Wichita, Kansas, graduating in 1963. Balancing work, studies, and family life was no easy task, but Neil approached it with determination, grit, and his trademark quiet humility.

Growing up in the heartland of Kansas, Neil found joy in the simple things, whether hunting, fishing, working on the family farm, or helping his mother around the house. He had an early fascination with how things worked, often taking apart radios and machines just to see if he could put them back together; a passion that would follow him throughout life.

In 1951, fate intervened when Neil spotted a young woman named Norma at a soda shop in Halstead. Telling a friend he wanted to meet her, that chance encounter led to a blind date and the beginning of a love story that would span more than seven decades. They were married in November 1951 and embarked on a life of adventure together, starting in Amarillo, Texas, and continuing through many homes and many happy years.

Neil served proudly in the United States Air Force, and afterward built a distinguished career in aviation engineering, designing aircraft so skillfully that his work continues to influence planes in use today. He approached his work with the same passion he brought to every aspect of his life.

Neil was a man of many talents: a gifted carpenter, a passionate cook, a lover of music and art, and a dedicated Master Gardener. He was curious by nature; always reading, experimenting, and exploring new ideas. Whether he was traveling to a new place or trying a new recipe, Neil saw the world as a classroom and life as a gift to be explored.

A natural mentor and leader, he served as a Boy Scout leader and a Toastmaster, offering guidance and encouragement to many. But it was his family that remained at the very center of his world. He was a tireless supporter of his children and grandchildren, attending countless practices, games, recitals, and school programs. From the Ice Capades to the circus, Neil never missed a chance to share a smile, a laugh, or a scoop of ice cream with his grandchildren. He spoiled them every chance he got, simply because he loved them that much.

Neil was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Norma Flory; his parents, Arthur and Bessie; and his brothers, Morris and William Flory.

He is survived by his son, Michael; his daughter, Teresa, and her husband Michael; his grandchildren, Sara (John), Steven, and Amy (Jarett); his great-grandchild, Frances; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will continue to carry his spirit forward.

To know Neil was to know a man of quiet strength, great humor, endless curiosity, and an unshakable love for those around him. His legacy is one of love, service, learning, and the deep belief that the best things in life are meant to be shared.

He will be deeply missed, and forever remembered.

A Celebration of Life Service with Military Funeral Honors for Neil, will be held 2:00 PM, Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Lakeview Funeral and Cemetery, 12100 East 13th Street North, Wichita, Kansas 67206.

Memorial contributions in Neil's memory can be made to the FUSE Foundation, at www.fusefoundation.net

For those who are unable to attend in person, Neil's service will be live streamed at, https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c25093919214175