Gary Coover

Coover, Gary Lyle,82, passed from this earth on May 11, 2017 after a lengthy struggle with pancreatic cancer. Gary was born in Wichita, KS on August 26, 1934 to Eldon Vern and Linnie Luverne Coover. He attended Wichita schools, graduating from East High in 1952, and Wichita University with a chemistry degree in 1958.
During his youth, Gary became a skilled musician, playing trumpet with The American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps. During WWII funerals, he played Taps for the American Legion.
He performed in a dance group; Coover’s Combo, during intermediate school and performed with a trumpet trio called the “Three Jacks” at East High. Gary joined the Masons in 1958 and earned a 50 year pin. He was also a Knight Templar in the York Rite, a 32nd Degree Mason in the Consistory, and a Shriner.
He married Myrna Lovett Walters in 1955. Born to this union were two children: a son, Stephen Michael and daughter, Carlene Lovett. Gary was employed with the Wichita Eagle while attending High School and college and as a phlebotomist at Wesley Hospital and Vornado. Upon graduation he was employed as a chemist for Derby Refining Company and later for Can-Tex Industries in Weatherford, TX working with development of plastic pipe.
Divorced in 1974, he relocated back to Wichita. He married Beverly J. (Hamilton) Fullerton in 1980. He was employed in quality control with J.I. Case until his retirement in 1997. He taught seven years for the Wichita Area Technical College after retirement. Gary and Beverly owned Hamilton Field Airport, Derby, KS, for ten years until it sold in 2007. Gary’s hobbies included music, motorcycles, camping and square dancing.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Eldon and Linnie Coover; and sister, Marsha C. Coover, Anaheim, CA. Survived by his wife, Beverly J. of the home; son, Stephen M. Coover, Pflugerville, TX; daughter, Carlene L. (Bill) Senter, grandchildren, Carlita Marchitto and Robert Senter, of Weatherford, TX. Cherry Ann (Brandon) Watson; granddaughter, Abrianna. Stepsons: Matthew Fullerton, Wichita, KS; Michael (Kimberly) Fullerton and step-grandchildren, Noah and Michaela, Castle Pine, CO and numerous cousins. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be sent to Phoenix Home Health Care and Hospice in Wichita. Cremation and private inurnment will be in Old Mission Mausoleum in Wichita. Arrangements by Broadway Mortuary.

Private Inurnment

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