Gary Laverne Sechrist, 90, of Minneapolis, Kansas, finally decided to slow down on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. After nine decades of doing everything at full speed, including winning races well into his 80s—he figured heaven might be the only place left where he had not yet claimed first place.
Gary was born September 15, 1935, on a farm near Ada, Kansas, to Otto Emerson and Mary Rosina (Stirn) Sechrist. Farm life taught him hard work, determination, and probably how to throw things far and accurately, skills that later earned him countless first-place medals in senior softball competitions.
He graduated from Ada High School in 1954 and, in what may have been his greatest lifetime achievement, married June Adams on August 25, 1957. Together they shared 68 years of marriage, adventure, and a partnership strong enough to survive motorcycles, competitive sports, and Gary’s storytelling about “the good old days.”
Gary proudly served in the United States Army with the Big Red 1 at Fort Riley, KS and Gablingen Kaserne in Augsburg, Germany, where he formed lifelong friendships and undoubtedly introduced a few fellow soldiers to his competitive streak. After his military service, he worked for CIT Financial Services before Gary and June purchased the Hays Answering Service in 1976. He later added “airport retiree” to his résumé—though anyone who knew Gary understood he never truly retired from anything except maybe sitting still.If there was a ball to throw, a race to run, or a game to win, Gary was there. In his younger days, he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. As an adult, he continued playing men’s softball and basketball and dominated senior games events like the softball throw for distance and accuracy and the 100-meter dash. He competed until age 85, proving that age is just a number, especially if you are determined to beat everyone younger than you.
Gary loved fishing and motorcycling—sometimes at the same time, or at least close enough. He and June spent many happy miles exploring the United States on their motorcycle, enjoying the scenery and, undoubtedly, stopping often so Gary could tell someone about his latest medal or biggest fish.
He also gave back generously, volunteering as a baseball coach for his sons, serving as a Boy Scout leader, and supporting church activities for youth and seniors alike. If you needed encouragement, advice, or someone to keep score, Gary was your man. Gary won the Sensational Sunflower Award from the North Central Flint Hills Area Agency for Aging for his volunteer services in Ottawa County, KS, in 2024.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Rosina Sechrist; his stepfather, Guy “Jack” Ayers; his sister, Marva Gene; his brothers, Gerald and Curly Sechrist; and his nieces, Sue Powell, Melonie Browder, Melissa Browder, and nephews, Danny Thomas and Jimmy Browder. He was also preceded in death by many beloved sisters and brothers-in-law, who are likely bracing themselves for his arrival—and a friendly competition or two.
Gary leaves behind his devoted wife, June; his children, Gary (Barb) Sechrist, Gregory (Melea) Sechrist, and Serina (Mark) Hamann; as well as seven grandchildren, Todd, Kevin (Taylor), Bethany (Jason), Ian (Amber), Robert (Amy), Derrick (Lexi), and Lindsay (Bailey), and twelve great-grandchildren, all of whom he loved dearly. Nothing made him smile brighter than having a grandbaby on his lap. He is also survived by his sisters, Melba Clanton and Sandra (George) Powell, sister-in-law Donna Newman, and many nieces and nephews whom he loved as his own.The family will forever be grateful to the staff at Oak View for the exemplary care Gary received during his short stay.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., Friday, February 27, at Wilson Family Funeral Home, 405 Argyle Ave., Minneapolis, KS 67467. Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, February 28, at the Antioch Baptist Church, Ada.
Burial with military honors will be in Fairview Cemetery, Ada.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Ada Antioch Baptist Church or the Salina Rescue Mission. Gary would also accept you winning something in his honor—though he would probably still want to see the scorecard.