Gerald Lee Wiltfong, son of Leslie and Effie (Higgins) Wiltfong, was born February 19, 1936 in Norton County, Kansas and passed away at Logan Manor in Logan, KS on January 13, 2013 at the age of 76.

Gary grew up in Norton County and attended rural schools. He graduated from the Lenora Rural High School in 1955 where he was an outstanding athlete in football and basketball. After graduation he worked for several years in the oil fields, as well as various other jobs. In June, 1958, Gary enlisted in the U.S. Army, spending much of his service time overseas in occupational Germany. He was honorably discharged from the military in June, 1961.

For many years Gary owned his own truck and was an over-the-road driver for Coomes Trucking of Phillipsburg. He loved being out on the road seeing the countryside but finally had to retire due to health reasons.

In December, 2004, he married Donna Stephens of Phillipsburg, where the couple made their home. They enjoyed going to auctions together and buying antiques. Gary especially loved antique cars and was the proud owner of several. He looked forward to showing off his cars at car shows and also wanted as many of them driven in the Phillipsburg rodeo parade as he could find drivers for. There was always a big bag of candy in each car to throw out to the kids watching the parade. Gary enjoyed having coffee with his friends, playing cards, and buying "gadgets" to scare people with at Halloween.
In 2005 Donna brought home a Dachshund puppy they named "Junior". The pup went everywhere with them and Gary enjoyed buying clothes & hats for the dog. After Donna moved into Logan Manor, "Junior" was Gary's loyal companion.

To the grandkids and great-grandkids he was known as "PAPA Gary". Over the years he was involved in their school activities and sporting events and enjoyed going to as many games as he could. Later on he looked forward to the kids stopping by the Manor to visit. "Papa Gary" was dearly loved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Dona Roberts & husband, Lolan; and two brothers, Harold and Max.

Survivors include his wife, Donna, of Logan Manor in Logan, KS; brothers Eugene & wife, Maxine, and Glen & wife, Elinor, and sister-in-law, Betty Wiltfong, all of Norton, KS; three stepchildren: Kathy Pabst & husband, Dan, of Logan; Monte Griffin & wife, Dennie, of Speed, KS; and Cindy Burton & husband, Jim, of Phillipsburg; twelve grandkids: Mindy Casto, Summer Burton, Chad McClurg, Cassie Bohl, Laci Reese, Kyle McClurg, Shelby Griffin, Chelsea Bieghler, Tanner Pabst, Tyson Pabst, Molly Griffin and Cooper Griffin; eighteen great-grandkids and many nieces & nephews.

Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, January 17, 2013 in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Joel Hiesterman officiating. Burial with military honors conducted by the Fort Riley Honor Guard will follow in the Norton Cemetery, Norton, KS.

Gary will lie in state from Noon until 9:00 p.m. Tuesday and 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Logan Manor Nursing Home or Hospice Services, Inc.