GABRIEL "GABE" FAIMON

Gabriel Richard "Gabe" Faimon, Overbrook, died Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at Brookside Health and Rehab. He was 86.

Gabe was born Jan. 11, 1940, in Atwood, the oldest child of Alice and Richard Faimon. He grew up on the High Plains of Northwest Kansas, where the demands of farm life shaped his early years amid droughts, hailstorms, blizzards, wheat farming, and managing a cow-calf herd. His fascination with aviation began with the sight of Air Force planes overhead near his hometown of McDonald.

After high school, Gabe initially began college at Kansas State University as a member of the Smith Scholarship House. After two years of study at KSU, his application to the newly established United States Air Force Academy was approved, and he began his quest to become a military officer. He graduated in 1964 and served as a commissioned officer from 1964 to 1973, taking him to various U.S. and overseas locations including Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio; Clark AFB, Philippines; Pope AFB, N.C.; and Tinker AFB, Okla. His Air Force tenure included achieving the rank of Captain and earning two Air Force Commendation Medals for his performance. During their time in the Air Force, Gabe and Nancy made
life-long friends who often visited their homes in Kansas over the years.

Gabe's life reflected dedication to public service in helping others achieve independence. He earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma and went on to serve in leadership positions at the Kansas Department of Human Resources, then as Commissioner, Kansas Rehabilitation Services for 10 years. He also served as a Director at Menninger Rehabilitation and Research Training Center, Topeka, leading multidisciplinary research and training, delivering legislative testimony and publishing papers addressing worker disability.

Gabe took pride in his work and enjoyed the challenges that came with public service. He also served several years as hazardous materials response coordinator for the Kansas Division of Emergency Management, working as liaison to the Wolf Creek Nuclear Generating Station. In his last role with the State of Kansas, he served as Director of Kansas Office of Vital Statistics, and Assistant State Registrar for nine years.

Gabe was deeply engaged in community and professional service, serving as Auburn City Council member in his earlier years, and becoming a volunteer severe storm spotter for the National Weather Service. He held leadership roles in councils and committees focused on employment, disabilities, independent living, and more.

Gabe's life was deeply shaped by his faith, and St. Patrick Catholic Church in Scranton and Osage City held special importance for him throughout his life. Rooted in these parish communities, he gave his time and talents in service, serving on the Parish Finance Council and as a member of the church choir, where he expressed his faith through both devotion and music. St. Patrick's was more than a place of worship for him; it was a spiritual home that reinforced the values of compassion, service, and community that guided his personal life and his public service.
Family was the center of Gabe's life, and he made it a priority to be present and engaged in every stage of it. He rarely missed his children's sporting events, school activities, and milestones, believing that showing up was one of the most important ways to show love and support. As his family grew, that same devotion extended to his grandchildren, whose games, performances, and achievements he followed with pride and enthusiasm. Holiday gatherings and family celebrations were especially meaningful to him, offering time to reconnect, share stories, and strengthen the bonds he valued so deeply. Through his constant presence and genuine interest in the lives of those he loved, Gabe
demonstrated that family was not just important to him-it was foundational to who he was.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Alice, and a sister, Marlene Faimon.

Gabe is survived by his wife of 57 years, Nancy Wallace Faimon (married Jan. 3, 1969); sons Danny Wallace and wife, Yonghui, Fairbanks, Alaska; Greg Faimon and wife, Amy, Valley Center; and Chris Faimon and wife, Catherine, Burlington; daughter, Caryn Gustin and husband, Jerod, Carbondale; 13 grandchildren, Jenna, Kristen, Gabrielle, Eric, Chase, Emma, Brooke, Karlyn, June, Erin, Trey, Ava and Michael; 7 great-grandchildren; siblings Gary Faimon (Jan), Perry, Adrian Faimon (Michelle), Olathe, and Michelle Anholtz (Robin), Colby; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Rosary will be said from 5:30 to 6 p.m. and visitation will follow from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Osage City. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Osage City. Burial will be at Burlingame City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to the St. Patrick's Scranton Church Hall Fund or the Combat Air Museum in Topeka and sent in care of Feltner Funeral Home, Lyndon.