Gary Lee Donley
July 28, 1937 ~ March 22, 2024
Gary L. Donley, age 86, passed away on March 22, 2024, peacefully at Village Manor nursing home after a brief illness. Gary was born July 28,1937, in Winfield, Kansas, to parents Carrol Reece Donley and Evelene Dorothy (McGee) Donley. They raised Gary in Oxford, Kansas, where he grew up helping his family on the farm.
Gary married his wife Virginia (Nicholson) Donley on June 15, 1957, at the Methodist Church in Oxford, KS. They moved to Abilene, Kansas, when he continued his banking career serving in several capacities from 1967 to 1997. Gary was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Abilene, singing in the choir and serving on the Board of Trustees as acting Chairman.
Many who know Gary remember him as an avid golfer with the nickname “Crunch”. He also took great pride in watching his kids and grandkids grow up playing sports throughout the years. Gary was involved in the business community as a past president of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce and was a member of the Abilene Elks Club. Gary was also active in the Masonic Lodge and an ambassador for Isis Shrine serving in the clown unit.
Survivors include wife Virginia Donley of Abilene and their children, daughter Soncia Schmitt (Steven) of Olathe, KS, son Talbot Donley (Tammy) of Broken Arrow, OK, and son Clay Donley (Jana) of Salina, KS. Surviving grandchildren are Samantha Schmitt of Merriam, KS, Skyler Schmitt (Sydnee) of Lee’s Summit, MO, Taelor Donley (Lauren) of Tulsa, OK, Damon Smith of Tulsa, OK, Cory Donley (Gee Yong) of Santee, CA, Cara Butterfield (Jacob) of Olathe, KS, brother-in-law Ed Sauzek of Ponca City, OK, and many nieces and nephews.
Gary is preceded in death by his parents Carrol and Evelyn, infant son Jeffrey Donley, and his sister Carolyn Sauzek of Ponca City, OK. Many of his in laws have preceded him as well: Chauncey and Genny Nicholson, Verle and Betty Nicholson, Carol and Bonnie Nicholson, Kenneth and Daryll Nicholson, Bob and Barbara Wharton, and Norman and Veloris Chamberlain.
The family is planning a memorial service at Martin Becker Carlson Funeral Home on Saturday, March 30, 2024, from 2-4 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Village Manor or to Hospice of Dickinson County. Memorials can be sent to Martin Becker Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW Third St., Abilene, KS 67410.
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