Gary Lee Anthony was born April 23, 1940, at home on the family farm the youngest son of George Edgar and Ruth Louise (Brunk) Anthony. He passed away September 19, 2016, at the Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell, Kansas, at the age of 76.
Gary and his three brothers were reared on the family farm near Lyle, Kansas, in Decatur County. His family were members of the Lyle Methodist Church. Gary attended Spring Branch country school through the 8th grade, Decatur Community High School his freshman year, and graduated from Norcatur High School in 1959. From 1960-1962, Gary served in the U. S. Army. He spent a good part of his time in Germany, after basic training at Fort Hood, Texas, and earned a Good Conduct medal.
After returning home, Gary worked construction for Dick Lake for several years before taking over the family farm operation because of his father’s health. He later worked for the Kansas Department of Transportation from 1985 until retiring in 2002.
Gary was a charter member of the Lebanon Lions Club. He also belonged to the American Legion Post #313 in Lebanon, Nebraska, for over 40 years and served as Post Commander in 1980-81. Gary had been a volunteer for the Norcatur Fire Department and served on the Norcatur City Council. One of his favorite activities was being able to play Santa Claus during the holidays. He appeared at the Norcatur Christmas Drawing for many years and later for the City of Oberlin. The Cedar Living residents and staff always enjoyed their Christmas party when Santa Claus arrived. Gary also enjoyed visiting with family and friends and was someone who never knew a stranger.
On September 23, 2000, Gary married Cathy (Bass) Lang in Norcatur, where they made their home. Neither Gary nor Cathy were blessed with biological children, but they brought into the marriage the “steps” that they loved: Fredrick Farr (Shelli), Minnie Dawn Purdy (Jim), and Windy Kuhlman, children of Gary’s former wife, Janet (Farr) Wade; and Kim, Diana, Christopher, Lisa and Lori and their families. Other survivors include a brother, Keith Anthony of Atwood; four step grandchildren, Jack, Tony, Dillon and Daxton ; other family members and many friends.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents; stepson-in-law, Chris Kuhlman; and two brothers and their wives, Gerald and Jan Anthony and Dale and Faye Anthony.
Funeral Service: Thursday, September 22nd at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home in Oberlin with Mr. Dwayne Jackson officiating
Burial: Norcatur Cemetery
Memorial Funds: Norcatur Cemetery Fund and Norcatur Citizens Alliance