Garland "Shorty" Dale Wyatt

Garland (Shorty) Dale Wyatt was born September 10, 1939, in Centralia, MO to Charles A, Sr and Bessie Mae (Meeks) Wyatt. He passed from this life to the arms of Jesus on October 23, 2022. He was a retired office manager for Rainbo Baking Co. and a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 3251. His greatest accomplishment in life was when he married Linda Carol Clark on September 9, 1961, in Hutchinson, KS. They were married for 48 years when she passed away on January 23, 2010. They were blessed with Garland’s most prized possessions, his beautiful daughters, Cheri (Craig) Becker and Christy (Brad) Wright. Just when he thought it couldn’t be better, he was blessed with 5 grandchildren Clayton Alley, Shelby (Justin) Guerrero, Courtney (Jeremy) Gray, Kayla Alley and Lindsay Weninger. They have blessed him with 5 great grandchildren Everly Guerrero, Connor and Chloe Gray, Forrest Trabert and Colton Wyatt Alley. Shorty also was very close with his brother and sisters, Edith Carey who predeceased him in May 2019, Charles A (Buddy) Wyatt, Jr. who predeceased him in March 2022. He is survived by sisters Judy Ridgeway of Columbia, MO and Merylin Floyd of Halstead, KS. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews that adored their Uncle Short.

Garland grew up on a farm in Centralia MO and always had a story about his adventures with his sisters and his friend Elmo. After graduating high school, the jobs were not plentiful, so he joined the army on the buddy system to be a paratrooper. He had no idea exactly what that meant but knew it would be an adventure. When they went off on a bus to boot camp his buddy didn’t make the cut, thankfully this gave him an opportunity to change his MOS and he spent 3 years in the Army as a finance specialist mostly stationed in Germany where there were fast cars and whiskey.

Once he returned home, he met the love of his life, Linda, at a country dance he attended with his sister. After a 3-month courtship they eloped to Hutchinson, KS where his sisters Edith and Merylin had moved. This is where he started his career with Rainbo Baking Co. and welcomed his first daughter, Cheri. He continued his career in Saginaw, MI where Christy was born to complete his family. In 1967 they moved to the Wichita area where a great deal of his life was spent. He was an active member in the Goddard Community while his girls grew up, being involved with the Lions Club, supporting his girls in their activities and camping and coyote hunting. Garland was lucky to retire at 55. He and Linda camped, took several trips to see the United States, played music and cards and went to the casinos. Although their favorite activity was enjoying their grandkids they were blessed with. After Linda’s passing in 2010 most of his time was spent at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles playing music and cards.

Garland will be remembered by each of you differently. He had a way of making everyone feel special and loved. He loved his siblings, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren more than life. He also had many, many friends so many stories and good deeds that will be remembered for a lifetime. He was a loved Husband, Daddy, Papa, Great Papa, Brother, Uncle and Friend and will be so dearly missed by his friends and loved ones

A visitation for Garland will be held Thursday, October 27, 2022 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209. A funeral service will occur Thursday, October 27, 2022 at 1:00 PM, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209 with a graveside service immediately following at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209. Memorial contributions can be made to Fraternal Order of Eagles,1855 S Sedgwick St, Wichita, KS 67213.