Gary Clark Cosand

Gary Clark Cosand, Burr Oak, Kansas, was born December 27, 1939, at La Junta, Colorado, to George and Iris (Calahan) Cosand, and he died May 11, 2013, at his home in Burr Oak, Kansas, at the age of 73 years, 4 months, and 14 days.

Gary graduated from Burr Oak High School. He then married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Howell, on May 22, 1957, at Burr Oak, Kansas. They were married 54 years until Sharon’s passing September 2011. They have three daughters: Vonna, Terri, and Dorothy.

They owned and operated Burr Oak Plumbing. Gary also served as the Jewell County grave digger for many years, taking care of many throughout the county. Gary was just and honest in all his business dealings. He braved harsh weather, kept long irregular hours, and endured uncomfortable working conditions to serve the needs of his community.

Gary was a faithful husband and devoted to providing for his family. Gary especially enjoyed hunting, NASCAR, and camping. Gary and Sharon pulled their camper trailer over the mountains and thru the valleys to 48 states, stopping to make new friends and seeing family and old friends on the way.

Gary was a generous, engaging and entertaining person. He was highly intelligent and never met a stranger. He was a gifted story teller. He could take a mundane encounter and bring it to life with humor leaving the listener wanting to hear it again as he did so often for his family and friends. He will be greatly missed.

Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon; and parents. He is survived by three daughters – Dorothy Cosand of Burr Oak, Kansas, Vonna and husband, Johnny Gaines of Fayetteville, North Carolina, and Terri and husband, Silvio Fina of Pensacola, Florida; sister – Carol Cosand of Burr Oak; brother – Steve and wife, Tammy Cosand of Burr Oak, Kansas; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Memorial service for Gary C. Cosand, will be held, Friday, May 24, 2013, at 2:00 p.m., at the Melby Mortuary Chapel, Mankato, Kansas, with Kelly McNichols officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Burr Oak Cemetery, Burr Oak, Kansas. The family suggests memorials to the Burr Oak Cemetery Fund, c/o Melby Mortuary, P O Box 384, Mankato, Kansas 66956. Friends may stop and sign the book on Thursday, May 23, 2013, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the Melby Mortuary. 402 N. High Street, Mankato, Kansas 66956.

Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas, was in charge of arrangements.