Forrest W. Weirick

Weirick, Forrest W., lifelong Wichita resident, passed away Jan. 31, 2015, in Oklahoma City, OK. He was born Nov. 29, 1925, in Wichita, the son of Gregory and Miriam (Merkle) Weirick. He grew up in Wichita and attended Wichita High School North and then Wichita State University where he earned a bachelor's degree in accounting. He served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. On Aug. 21, 1949, Forrest married his high school sweetheart, Iris Gardner, at the First Presbyterian Church, where the couple continued to attend and became very involved. Over their many years of membership, he served as an elder, deacon, and trustee of the church. Forrest was co-owner of the real estate company L.E. Gardner, Inc. with his father-in-law, Leroy (Roy) and brother-in-law, James. While at L.E. Gardner, Inc. he developed new housing additions, built homes and commercial buildings, managed properties; and as a certified appraiser, performed real estate appraisals in the Wichita area. Forrest served as president of the Real Estate Board and was president of the Wichita Home Builder's Association. He was a strong advocate for the developmentally disabled and served as president of the Retarded Children's Association. Forrest also served as president of the board of Starkey Inc., where his oldest son was employed and which nurtures development and promotes the independence of people with developmental disabilities. He often went hunting in earlier years and greatly enjoyed golf for many years. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Dale, Dick and Bill; and his oldest son, Doak. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Iris; son, Dr. Doug Weirick (Sharon) of Ada; two daughters, Shawn Meyers (Dr. Robin Meyers) of Oklahoma City; and Becky (Jim) Schroeder of Idaho; seven grandchildren, Blue Meyers, Chelsea Ewald, Cass Meyers, Tyler Weirick, Sam Weirick, Rachel Schroeder and Corbin Schroeder; two great-grandchildren, Iris Meyers and Hazel Ewald; and many nieces and nephews. Forrest was the consummate family man and always a gentleman. The memorial service will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, at First Presbyterian Church, Wichita. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 525 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67214 or Starkey, Inc., 4500 W. Maple, Wichita, KS 67209. www.smithandkernke.com