Gary D. Whitney, age 73, of Clearwater, Kansas, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026, at St. Francis Hospital surrounded by his loving family.
Gary David Whitney was born March 12, 1952, at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kansas, to Jack E. and Freida M. (Orrell) Whitney. Gary graduated from Clearwater High School in 1970. Upon graduation, Gary had various occupations. He worked in the upholstery department at Cessna and Learjet, installed carpet, worked at Vulcan, sold cars and was a mechanic at his service station, Gary’s 66. On July 21, 1972, Gary married Donna J. Whitney (Roedell) at the Church of the Nazarene in Clearwater, Kansas. They were blessed with three children, Jennie, Justin and Tamara. In 1983, Gary and Donna opened Gary’s Automotive and five years later added Clearwater Classics. They served Clearwater with the service station and selling cars for 28 years. During his retirement, Gary mowed the grounds at Clearwater Golf Course and most recently worked in the produce department at Mize’s grocery store which he took great pride and joy in. Gary attended Clearwater Community Church. He loved muscle cars and enjoyed attending and showing his cars at car shows. He was a member of the GR-RRR8’R Wichita GTO Club. He always made time for his family and grandkids and enjoyed supporting them in all their activities. He left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him and will be greatly missed.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Freida Whitney, and brothers, Joe Whitney and Curtis Whitney.
He is survived by his loving wife, Donna (Roedell) Whitney of Clearwater; children, Jennie (Shane) Beavers of Topeka, Justin Whitney, and Tamara Fisher both of Clearwater; grandchildren, Tyler and Lauren Beavers, Luke Whitney, Jaeden, Trent, Taryne, and Tanner Fisher; siblings, Jimmy (Linda) Whitney of Clearwater, Sharon (Chris) Middendorf of Mulvane, and Mickey (Jack Wilson) Whitney of Wichita.
Funeral Service will be held at 10am, Friday, January 16, at Clearwater Community Church 450 N. 4th St, Clearwater, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Clearwater Community Church 450 N. 4th St, Clearwater, KS 67026.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
200 S. Tracy P.O. Box 325, Clearwater, KS 67026

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