Gillard Cohen
February 2, 1940 - November 15, 2021
Wichita, Kansas - Gillard Cohen, 81, attorney and longtime Wichita resident, passed away on Monday, November 15, 2021. He was born to Sidney and Fannie (Croney) Cohen on February 2, 1940. He was a member of the East High Class of 1957. With encouragement from his grandfather, the late Sidney Croney, to study to become a lawyer, Gillard received his AB degree from Washington University in St. Louis and his law degree from the University of Kansas.
Gillard served with the 184th combat support squadron, Kansas Air National Guard (JAG) in Korea in 1968-1969, during the Pueblo crisis. He was a member of the Wichita Public Library Board where he was chairman of the Planning and Facilities Committee which oversaw the planning and maintenance of all the library branches.
He was a member of the Hebrew Congregation Synagogue where he served for many years as Secretary of the Board of Directors. He was a member of Albert Pike Lodge, #303 and AF&AM and the Wichita Scottish Rite where he received the 33rd degree.
Gillard loved history, politics, art and music. He was an avid gardener and the growing of daylilies was his passion. He was an active member of the Wichita Daylily Club.
He will always be remembered by those who knew him for his devotion to his late sister, Estelle "Marla" Cohen Bernstein, for his intellectual curiosity, his smile, his wit and wonderful sense of humor.
He is survived by his nephew, Chad Bernstein, and great-nephew, Adam Brisco Bernstein of St. Louis, MO; nephew, Aaron J. (Carolyn "Carrie") Bernstein of Baldwin, MO and many friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to Wichita Hebrew Congregation, 1850 N. Woodlawn, Wichita, KS 67208, or the Wichita Scottish Rite, 332 E. 1st St., Wichita, KS 67202.
Graveside Service will be at 11:00 Friday, November 19, 2021, at Wichita Hebrew Cemetery.
Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Share tributes online at www.dlwichita.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Wichita Eagle on Nov. 17, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Gillard Cohen

11 Entries

Dr. Joanne Aber Leschuk

December 11, 2021

Gillard will be missed by many, especially me...we've been friends for almost 30 years...

I'll miss his quick wit, his laugh, and our chats about politics...

We will walk in the sunshine of memories of Gillard...

Joanne Aber Leschuk
Wichita, KS

Kerry Seiwert

November 18, 2021

I am sad to hear of Mr. Cohen's passing; he has been a presence in my life for almost 30 years. I am glad I knew him.

Sylvia Weihe

November 18, 2021

As long-time neighbors to the Cohen family, sending love and peace. Angela Weihe who passed away in May had many long phone conversations with Gillard. He was a loyal and compassionate friend to the Weihe family.

Mary Olson Boyer

November 18, 2021

I am so glad to have known Gillard! He was always warm and friendly-and interested in everyone and everything! His wonderfully corny jokes always added to our Class of `57 reunions!!

Chris Hoppman

November 18, 2021

Oh Gillard, I'm going to miss you buddy. I loved when you came into my office on the 11th floor and would teach me history and politics. I learned a lot from you. You were a great sport when you would take your hat off and let me touch your silky hair (what you had of it). :) RIP my friend. I'll think of you often.

Mel Gregory

November 18, 2021

I will miss that perpetual smile of Gillard. He was very gregarious and caring for others. He would always test my conversational German by starting any conversation with a German greeting and we would continue the conversation until both of us had run out of German words and then transfer to English. It was always a great pleasure to visit with him. A friend for the past 40 + years.

Harry Simpson

November 17, 2021

Rest Gillard, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.

Thank you for your service to this nation. Kansas Air National Guard.

Aharon Melugin

November 17, 2021

Baruch atah ha'emes. Blessed be the one true judge

Jackie Brewster

November 17, 2021

I knew Gillard from my days of working for .judge Hal Malone at the Court. I loved my conversations with him on legal issues as well as talking about history. A true gentleman! I will miss your quick wit and wonderful sense of humor! I ran into him many times over the years. Thank you for your service to our great nation! RIP my dear friend!

Randall Hubert, Asst. District Attorney

November 16, 2021

I was saddened to hear of Gillard´s passing from us. He always cared for the interests of his clients and was meticulous in doing so. He was always a gentleman and the bar will miss his smiling face and sense of humor. Rest In Peace.

Stan Doctor

November 16, 2021

I considered Gillard a good friend of mine and my family. He said my father was instrumental in his attaining the 33rd degree in the Scottish Rite which is a very prestigious honor that takes a lot of work to reach. May he RIP

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