Gary Dean Speer

Gary Dean Speer passed away in Wichita, Kansas, on May 29, 2025, at the age of 79. Born on July 22, 1945, in Eureka, Kansas, to Charles H. and Lorena (Schroeder) Speer, Gary lived a life defined by courage, resilience, and quiet strength.

At the age of seven, Gary and his family moved to Emporia, Kansas, where he grew up and graduated from high school. On August 19, 1965, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, and graduated with honors from loadmaster technical school at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls. He was then stationed at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas, where he served as a loadmaster aboard the C-130 Hercules.

Gary’s service took him across the globe—flying missions to Africa, Newfoundland, and throughout Europe and the Americas, including England, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Turkey, the Azores, Bermuda, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Mexico. His dedication and professionalism were evident in every mission he flew.

On October 12, 1966, Gary’s life changed forever. At the request of a fellow loadmaster, he joined a training flight that ended in tragedy when the plane crashed. Gary was the sole survivor. Thanks to the heroic actions of Delbert Chance, a truck driver from Lubbock, Texas, who pulled him from the burning wreckage, Gary was given a second chance at life. He spent six months in a coma, eight months in hospitals, and endured years of therapy—but he never gave up.

Despite the immense challenges he faced, Gary’s spirit remained unbroken.

He was a proud member of the First United Methodist Church and the Disabled American Veterans. Those who knew him describe a man of deep patience, unwavering courage, and boundless gratitude. He never complained, always found joy in the moment, and was a source of light and love to everyone around him.

Gary Dean Speer’s life was a testament to resilience, service, and grace. He will be remembered not only for his bravery and sacrifice but for the warmth and kindness he shared so freely.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles, and mother, Lorena. He is survived by his brothers, Ronald (Corie) of Park City, Kansas, and Charles E. (Carol) of Emporia, Kansas; long term caregiver, Kristi Dean; as well as many nieces, nephews, and others he called family or friend.

A come and go visitation for Gary will be held Monday, June 2, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 with a funeral service Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 1:00 PM, immediately followed by a graveside service in the Garden of Gethsemane. All at Resthaven Mortuary and Gardens of Memory, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209.