Gary C. Michael

Gary C. Michael, 78, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away at his home (northwest of Dover, Kansas) Friday, May 27, 2016 with his wife and family present. Gary was born December 27, 1937 in Topeka, Kansas, son of Charles and Bernice (Birdsley) Michael. He attended Topeka High School and graduated from high school in Borger, Texas. While attending high school, Gary also worked in Vo-Tech, learning the construction trade of masonry. He became a Journeyman Bricklayer and member of the Bricklayers Local 3 in Topeka, Kansas. While as a member of Local 3, he served as Financial Secretary from 1970 to 1980 and served on several negotiation committees and other standing committees. Gary was also a Masonry Vocational Instructor from 1975 to 1979 associated with the Labor Trades of Northeastern Kansas. He retired from the trade in 1999.

Gary was a man of many talents, which included being a registered song lyric writer and publisher, with several demo songs in circulation. He enjoyed living in, and repairing a stone settler's house built in 1887 with wife and family; gardening, fishing, and classic comedy movie collections.

Gary married Janette M. Broxterman of Baileyville, Kansas on June 6, 1959. He is survived by his wife and four children; Julie Garn, Shane Michael, Jody (Jay) Johnston and Kristy (Tate) Perry; seven grandchildren; Chrissy Garn, Thomas Johnston, Patrick Johnston, Mercedes Michael, Devin Perry, Christina Michael and Michel Garn; and three great-grandchildren, Harley Garn-Kurtz, Vada Johnston and Noah Johnston.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gary C. Michael Memorial Fund, c/o Envista Credit Union, 2120 SW Belle Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66614, for the benefit of the great-grandchildren's education.

Dad was and is greatly loved.

Gary was cremated. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 6th at Dover Cemetery, south of Dover, Kansas.