Gary A. Stock

Gary Adam Stock, 73, of Toronto, Kansas passed away on August 19, 2017 with family by his side at Saint Francis Via Christi Hospital in Wichita, Kansas.

Gary was born on May 3rd, 1944 to Adam John Stock and Doris Marie (McVey) Stock at the Neodesha Hospital in Neodesha Kansas. He grew up in the Big Sandy and Coyville area. He had a younger sister Connie Sue (Stock) Schmidt. As a kid he loved to fish, hunt and search for arrowheads through plowed fields. He obtained an eye for finding arrowheads that never left him. Gary has a vast collection and could tell you where he found each one in his collection. In Junior high he discovered a love for baseball and basketball and was accomplished in both sports. He took a few lessons but was basically self-taught in playing the guitar. He played several country music songs by ear. He was also artistic and drew pictures and had excellent penmanship. At the age of 16 he met Carol Ann Willhite they later began dating. He graduated from Coyville High School in 1962. Gary and Carol were married May 5, 1963. They made their home in Toronto, Kansas and at that time Gary worked for the State of Kansas Parks Department in Toronto.

He began his career with the Northern Telephone Company as a lineman in Toronto and then relocated to Gardner, Kansas where he was promoted to service technician in 1965. On April 23, 1966 his son Johnny Leon Stock was born. Later in 1967 they moved to Richmond, Kansas with the telephone company. On August 23, 1969 his daughter Teresa LeAnn Stock (Blackmore) was born. Gary served on the Richmond City Council from 1973-1975. In 1976 the family relocated to Princeton, Kansas. He coached Little League Baseball when his son Johnny played. In 1978 the family moved back to Richmond, Kansas. Gary was able to fix and repair broken items. He was a handyman around the house and always had an idea of how things worked. In adulthood he continued to hunt, and fish as often as possible bringing food to the table for his family. He always planted a large garden for fresh fruits and vegetables which Carol canned--lots were given to friends, neighbors and relatives.

Gary continued his service with the same telephone company which endured several name changes. Continental, Contel, United, Sprint and Embarq. Late in his career he had an opportunity to relocate back to his home area of Toronto, Kansas. He retired after 43 years with Embarq in 2006. In his retirement he enjoyed gambling at area casinos and took several day trips with family. He continued to hunt, fish and garden for several years in retirement.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, Adam Stock. Surviving family includes his wife Carol Stock of the home, his mother Doris Stock, sister Connie Schmidt and her husband David, Coyville, Kansas, his son Johnny Stock, Toronto, Kansas, his daughter Teresa Blackmore and son- in-law, Greg, Erie, Kansas and grandsons Dalton Lamb, Dustin and Dillon Blackmore and many other relatives and friends.

A casual celebration of life will be held 2 p.m. Saturday September 2, 2017 with graveside services at Big Sandy Cemetery Toronto, Kansas. Please bring your lawn chairs if you need to sit. Everyone is welcome to attend a gathering following the ceremony at the Coyville Community Center in Coyville, Kansas. In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations in his memory to be sent to Wickham Family Funeral Home, 510 North 7th Street, Fredonia, Kansas 66736. The funds will be donated to Big Sandy Cemetery and Coyville Community Center.