Gary L. Wright

Gary L. Stewart, 88, of Topeka, Kansas passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. He was born August 28, 1937, in Topeka the son of Raymond A. and Minnie Faye (Hess) Stewart, Sr. He attended Boswell Junior High and graduated from Topeka High School in 1955. During high school he began working at The Brown Laboratory. Gary continued to work there until purchasing the company. He owned and operated The Brown Laboratory for nearly 40 years before retiring in 2014. Gary was a medic in the 109th General Hospital working in the US Army Reserve.  

Gary was a huge hunting and fishing enthusiast, enjoyed taking care of his yard, attending country music concerts and going to see Cher with his family. He was a season ticket holder at Star Light Theatre in Kansas and enjoyed off Broadway productions. Gary was a swim dad. His daughters were all competitive swimmers, and he would go to all their swim meets, often taking other team members as well as his own family to their events. He was very artistic, a fantastic drawer. He enjoyed the 4th of July. One of his favorite spots to eat in Topeka was Bobo’s Drive Inn. Going to Tennessee, Yellowstone, Branson and his wife’s native Wales were all favorite destinations. 

 He was married to Maureen Jones on October 12, 1963, in Topeka. She preceded him in death on February 8, 1993.

He is survived by his daughters Rhonda F. Miller of Claremore, Oklahoma, Laura K. Stewart of Topeka; brother, Ron Stewart and wife Margo of Topeka; sister Linda Hendrix and husband Larry of Mulvane, Kansas; sister-in-law Jan Stewart; brother-in-law Gerald Cowen; grandchildren, Melissa, Melanie, Emily, Eric, Anji, Taylor, Cheyenne, Jessi, Kenzi and Dustin; great grandchildren, Brittain, Christian, Rowan, Austin, Andrew, Tai, Mikaela, Pryce, Annistyn, Carson, Kailyn, Mariah, Sammy, Alex, Andersyn, Jensen, Jordy, Sumner and Hudsyn; and a great-great granddaughter, Myla. 

 Preceding him in death along wife Maureen are son Brian Stewart in 1979; daughter Debbie Wright in 2011, daughter Carol Moriarty in 2014; sister Cheryl Cowen in 2022; brother, Raymond Stewart, Jr. in 2008; son-in-law’s Brad Wright and Kevin Moriarty; and great granddaughter, Ava Lynn. 

Mr. Stewart will lie in state from 1-6 pm on Monday December 1, 2025, at Parker-Price and Davidson Cremation and Funeral Services, 245 NW Independence, Topeka Ks 66608, followed by a family visitation from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Following the visitation, cremation will follow. A Celebration of his life is planned by the family in the Spring of 2026. Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society. www.ppdfuneral.com