Harlan Floyd Gwin, age 81, passed away peacefully, Sunday, July 12, 2020, surrounded by family all weekend. Floyd was born in Garnett, Kansas to Raymond and Effie Gwin where he spent his childhood until attending college at Wichita State University and then Pittsburg State College. He married Zella Smerchek in 1959. His first teaching job was in Beloit, Kansas for two years. He then went back to Pittsburg to get his master’s degree. He came to Salina in 1965 to teach in the History Department. He was truly a history buff at heart. He taught at both Salina Central and South High School with wonderful colleagues and friends. He coached freshman girls BB, gymnastics, and was active in Salina NEA. He retired 36 years later in 1999. After he retired, he taught in the Alternative School through Smoky Hill Education Service Center and at the Jail. He also enjoyed substituting in the high schools after retirement.
Floyd loved all sports (participating and watching), coaching the boys teams in the Salina Babe Ruth Program and Y.M.C.A. athletic programs. He was a Sunday School Teacher and youth group sponsor. He loved traveling in our motor home with family and friends. It was evident that he loved and cared for his family so much. His grandchildren were very special to him!
Floyd is survived by his wife, Zella; three children, Doug (Karen), Jon (Kim), Marcie (Mark); and foster daughter, Diane (Robby) Mattingly; 6 grandchildren, Spencer, Seth, Sierra, Brooks (LaRen), Dylan, and Allie; sister, Shirley Roeckers; sister-in-laws, Kay Gwin and Judy Smerchek; brother-in-law, Carl Smerchek, Richard Roeckers; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Deceased are his parents, Raymond and Effie Gwin; brother, Charles Gwin; nephew, Gary Gwin; brother-in-laws, Bill Campbell and Laurence Smerchek; and sister-in-law, Connie Smerchek.
Due to the Corona Virus, a private family graveside service is planned for Friday, July 17 at 10:00 a.m. Family and friends are invited to watch the service at the following link: www.triumc.org/floyd-gwin.
Because Floyd was so passionate about education, a memorial has been established at the Salina Education Foundation and also at Trinity United Methodist Church, care of Ryan Mortuary.