Gary Lee Painter

Gary Lee Painter, age 74, passed Monday, November 4, 2019, in his home after a long battle with heart disease. He was born August 13, 1945, in Williston, North Dakota, the son of Homer Milton and Jeanna Mae (Stai-Benish) Painter.

Gary attended school in Alexander, North Dakota. At an early age, Gary helped his Dad on the farm, which became his lifetime love of farming. Gary had eleven siblings, Lane, Lewis, Sharon, Marva, Patty, Carla, Melody, Ryan, Lisa, Ronda, and David. As a young teenager, Gary left North Dakota and moved to Oregon. In 1967, Gary came to Elkhart, Kansas, to join the Hurn Brothers harvest crew. In 1973, Gary married Cherry Turner and soon began to farm and start a cattle herd. There were three children born to this union; Shana, Craig, and Shonda. Thru the years, many children came to live or just visit the home and can still tell some memorable stories of Gary.

Gary leaves to mourn; his wife, Cherry, and great-granddaughter, PriesLee Simmons both of the home; daughter, Shana Bitner, and her children, Derek Painter and fiancé Ashlyn Smith, and their daughter Tayla Painter, Shyan Ayler, and her daughters, Jae Lynn and Neiyla Brecheisen; son, Craig Painter and wife Missy, and their children, Aquilla Heller and husband Tucker, and Dakota Painter; daughter, Shona Williams and husband Justin, and their children Railee, A’Lea, Trey and Brenli Williams; seven sisters, one brother, a host of nieces and nephews, and many friends from near and far.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, and a niece and nephew.

Memorial service is 2:00 PM on Friday, November 8, 2019, at First Church of God in Elkhart with Pastor Denny Huebner officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date at the Elkhart Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to Morton County EMS in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 854, Elkhart, KS 67950. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.