Gary Thudium

Gary Thudium died peacefully on Saturday, May 17, 2025. He was 89. Gary always considered himself a very lucky man and he lived with his arms and his heart wide open. His beautiful smile sparked joy in everyone who knew him and he made friends easily. He loved to serve others and was a natural caregiver. As a community pharmacist he would deliver medicines to elderly patients. Knowing they were often isolated at home, he would make time to sit with them and ask about their families, their pets or their hobbies before ending his work day. He later extended this practice in his home health care business in Wichita, where he told his associates the company mission was "to care for others as we would want our loved ones to be cared for."
Gary believed in giving back to his profession, his community and his church. He mentored young professionals and stayed in touch with many of them throughout his life. One young pharmacist described him as someone who expected a lot but was very easy to work for. And to this day, his daughter Kim will have former associates say, "How's Gary? Working for him was the best job I ever had!"
In his hometown of Vinton, Iowa, he was named Citizen of the Year in 1980. Gary was active in local service organizations and his church, and he served on the boards of many professional organizations at the state, regional and national level. In his 80's, he started a program at St. James Episcopal Church called "Pocket Change" which invited parishioners to contribute their spare change to help the Wichita Children's Home and other charities.
Gary was a bright and curious man and a life long learner. He loved to play golf and never met a golf gadget he wouldn't buy if he thought it would improve his game. He was an excellent bridge player, he loved movies, theatre and music. He enjoyed singing and would just belt out "la la la" when he didn't know all the words. On family car trips he would start singalongs with his children. His favorite song was always "You Are My Sunshine."
Gary fell in love with airplanes as a small boy and would later learn to fly earning his single engine private, instrument and commercial ratings. He and his wife Marcia flew their plane all over the country and then transitioned to travel in their motorhome -golf clubs and their cat Oreo in tow. He also took up watercolor painting attending many classes and workshops. His paintings are now coveted possessions among his children.
He and Marcia shared many interests and enjoyed each other's company and intellect. They loved spending time with family, celebrating holidays and attending the school programs and athletic events of their grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was always a cheerleader for Marcia-bragging to his friends when she beat him at golf or made a hole-in-one! He encouraged his children and grandchildren in their every interest or endeavor from learning to hit a golf ball, ride a bike, (or a horse, or a motorcycle!), continue their education, advance in their career, buy a home or raise their own families.
He is survived by his son Shawn (Dwyn) of Wichita and daughters Andy (Don) Dettke of Arvada, Colorado, Renee (Terril) Sweetwood of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Kimberly (Ed) Shank of Wichita, 10 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, many much loved extended family members and his dearest friend Jean Pickens and her family of Wichita.
He was proceeded in death by Marcia -his wife, best friend and the love of his life, daughter Kristin Thudium, parents Orville and Braden Thudium and brother Vern Thudium.
Gary bestowed many life lessons by his example: maintain a positive attitude, work hard but enjoy your passions, give back, keep growing, respect others-everyone has something to contribute -help them find it and lift them up.
He was our sunshine and will be forever missed.
A Celebration of Life will be at 2:00 pm, Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Aldersgate United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that memorials be given in honor of Gary to: Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 South Market, Wichita, Kansas 67202. Services in care of Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.