John E. Dr. Gasper
October 17, 1929 ~ April 15, 2009
Gasper, Dr. John E., 79, retired school administrator, died Wednesday, April 15, 2009. Rosary, 7:00 P.M., Monday, April 20; service, 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, April 21, both at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. A graveside service will follow at 2:30 P.M., Prairie Lawn Cemetery in Wellington, KS. There will also be a memorial service, 4:00 P.M., Saturday, May 2, at Northwest High School in Wichita. John Gasper was born October 17, 1929 in Wellington, Kansas. He graduated from Wellington High School in 1947. He enlisted and served 18 months in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1948. John earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Kansas State University in 1952, and his Master of Education degree from Wichita State University in 1956. He earned his Doctor of Education degree from the University of Wyoming in 1967. John taught Physical Education at Arkansas Avenue Elementary School in Wichita beginning in 1952, and he ultimately became principal. In 1959, John became assistant principal at Wichita Southeast High School. In 1967, he was appointed principal at Mayberry Junior High in Wichita. He was principal at Wichita North High School from 1968 to 1977. In 1977, John was selected to be the first principal of the newly established Wichita Northwest High School. John worked closely with the architects and contractors of Northwest High School, and was influential in the design of the facilities. John was Principal of Northwest from 1977 to 1989, when he retired from the Wichita Public Schools. From 1989 to 1994, John served as Principal of Andover High School. John then served as the first principal of the newly built Derby High School during the 1994-95 school year. Thereafter, for several years, John taught graduate level courses in education at Friends University. Over the years, John had also taught education administration courses at Wichita State University. In 1978-1979, Dr. Gasper was the first recipient of the Wichita Administrators Associations “Administrator of the Year” award for outstanding contribution to educational leadership in Wichita. He also served on the Executive Board of the Kansas State High School Activities Association from 1985 to 1987, and was President of the Association from 1986-1987. He was also an active member of the North Central Accreditation Association. In 1989, he was recognized by the National Association of Secondary School Principals for educational leadership. John also received numerous awards for years of service, distinguished service, and dedication and commitment. John was known for his dedication and devotion to his students and staff. As was summed up in an award from the Board of Education, USD 260, Derby: “Dr. Gasper has earned a reputation for constantly heaping praise and appreciation to students and staff who take appropriate actions, but it is more than appropriate that praise be heaped upon him for his service not only to Derby High School but to thousands of students in Kansas.” Survivors: wife, Margaret; sons, Steven B. Gasper and John K. (Elisa) Gasper all of Wichita, Kerry M. Gasper of Topeka; brothers, Donald Gasper of Anthony, Gary Gasper of Wellington; grandchildren, Garrett Gasper, Logan Gasper, Amanda D. Gasper-Bruner and Mieshall E. Gasper; great-grandchildren, Zachary Posey and Jayden Smith. In addition to family, John leaves behind numerous close friends. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. John E. Gasper Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Credit Union of America, 212 S. Ridge Rd., Wichita, KS 67209. The scholarship is for deserving students who desire a career in education. Downing Lahey Mortuary West.
Rosary, 7:00 P.M., Monday, April 20, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
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From my first introduction to Mr. Gasper in 1959, as a senior student at Southeast High School and him being a first year Assistant Principal; to my daughters, students at Northwest High School in the 1980s, when Dr. Gasper was the School’s Principal; Dr. John Gasper will always be remembered as an individual with educational high expectations of both faculty and students, but utmost care for their welfare. John, made education so very important and rewarding to thousands of students. I will always cherish those occasional wonderful neighborhood run-in conversations after your Northwest retirement. Thank you! May God’s grace be with your family.
Dr. Gasper was my favorite principal. He was proof that you could get compliance from a bunch of rowdy teenagers by treating them with the same kindness and respect that you would want from them. His quote in the ’85-’86 Northwest High School yearbook said so much about him, ‘Despite the long hours and heavy workload, Dr. Gasper agreed that the best part of his job was ‘the kids’. I saw him and his wife at the zoo this past summer, and stopped to talk with them, and, although it was 22 years after he stood on a stage and handed me my diploma, he acted exactly that day as he had in the hallways of NW so many years ago; like he was glad to see me and was interested in what I had to say and enjoyed talking with me. He represented our school motto so well…Pride, Excellence and Respect. He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed.
Dr. Gasper was an extraordinary educator. It is impossible to adequately express the impact he had on students at Northwest High School. It is evident from the way he interacted with students that being an educator was his ‘life’s work’, not just a job. He led by example. He knew everyone’s name when walking the halls, not because it was required, but because he was genuinely interested in us. If only the world could have more ‘Dr. Gasper’s’ ! To his family, it was my honor to have known him. He has earned his eternal reward ! Sincerely, Deborah Carney Northwest High School Class of ’82.
I saw the article of Mr. Gasper and just wanted to say a thing or two. He was the asst. principal at Southeast when I was there. He was always a very nice and fair man. All the kids liked him. I guess that’s why I remembered his name so fondly. I’m sorry for your loss and you and your family are in my prayers.
Margaret and family, Pat and I want to express our sympathy to you upon the loss of John. Going back to those early years at North High and our subsequent work together at Friends, I have learned a great deal from John over the years. Our thoughts will be with all of you during the coming days and weeks.