William Gary Poss, 88, most recently of Wichita, KS, loving husband, amazing father/grandfather/great-grandfather, and treasured friend, died peacefully on December 31, 2025.

Gary was born February 12, 1937, to William Clarence and Helen Johanna (Kisker) Poss. He grew up on their family farm near East Leavenworth, MO, and graduated from West Platte High School in Weston. Gary then attended the University of Missouri for one year, intending to pursue a career in forestry. As fate would have it, a part-time job at J.C. Penney's in Leavenworth, KS not only shifted him into a long and successful career in retail, but also into the arms of the girl of his dreams, Joan Marie Smith. They married on August 30th, 1958, with Gary proclaiming Joan then and years since "the funnest girl I ever met."

Gary served decades as a general manager with J.C. Penney then Beall-Ladymon department stores, later rounding out his career with district and regional manager positions with Bill's Dollar Stores and Dollar General. These adventures in work and married life brought Gary and Joan, at various times, to the Kansas City area; New York metro; Pittsburg, KS; Elk City, OK; Sedalia, MO; Salina, KS; and Wichita (three times!). Gary was active in the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club, and he received numerous honors from organizations and employee groups. He also volunteered his time and talents to non-profit organizations and the churches they attended; once Gary was placed on a committee, everyone wanted him to lead it.

Gary and Joan formed warm, lively households and lasting friendships in all the places they lived, balancing Gary's work, Joan's nursing career, and the activities of four children. As much as he excelled in the public world, Gary was heart and soul a family man. He parented by example with optimism, humor, and grace, and remained a listening ear, source of wisdom, and cheerleader for his entire family. A lifelong learner and voracious reader, he kept up with world events and always had a book at his side. He had been looking forward to his next semester courses through Wichita State University which he had been auditing for several years. Gary held deep appreciation for the arts (in particular all types of music), enjoyed exploring new foods or sampling a fine libation, and had an enduring love for the great outdoors. Family vacations with him at the wheel of various station wagons are indelible summer memories. Gary was an extraordinarily patient and generous person, with a sweetly sentimental side. The cruelties and indignities of the world saddened and frustrated him, from head-scratching aspects of politics to his own recent trials of aging. The future well-being of our planet and its people was often on his mind—concerns for which we can all take up the mantle in his honor.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Ruth, and one grandson Joshua Hale. He is survived by his wife Joan and their children, Debbie Page (Mike), Brad Poss (Connie), Lisa Hale (Brandon Gilvin), and Kevin Poss (Marcie); 9 grandchildren (Jason, Joey, Matt, Joanie, Matt, Jeff, Ryan, Bryce, and Emerson); 12 great-grandchildren; his siblings Judy (Eldon) Bond and Joe (Lynne) Poss; sister-in-law Greta Inkman, and beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family would like to express their appreciation for friends throughout his life, and his recent care teams at Salina Family Healthcare Center and St. Teresa Hospital in Wichita.

All are invited to a celebration of life which will be held at 12:00 PM (preceded by visitation at 11:00 AM) on March 14, 2026 at College Hill United Methodist Church (2930 E. 1st Street North, Wichita, KS 67214).

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Platte Land Trust https://plattelandtrust.org/, College Hill United Methodist  https://collegehillumc.org/give,  or the Wichita Medical Loan Closet,  (316) 779-8989.

Arrangements are by Affordable Cremations Plus, Wichita, Kansas.