Gary L. Schulte
September 17, 2009
Schulte, Gary Lee, 67, retired 47-year employee of the Coleman Company, passed away peacefully, Thursday, September 17, 2009, in the presence of his family. Preceded in death by parents, Earl and Christine Schulte and Tillie Turner. Survivors: wife of 45 years, Cheryl; children, Brian (Kelli) Schulte of Newton, Bob Schulte, Debbie Sigman (Brian) and Becky Schulte (Michael Foxworthy) all of Wichita; brothers, Leroy Schuetts (Peggy) of Bentonville, AR, Greg Turner of Wichita and Cris Turner of Los Angeles, CA; 10 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; beloved dog, Buddy, and the extended family of the Coleman Company and car show friends. All were dear to Garys heart. Rosary, 7:00 P.M., Sunday, September 20; service, 10:00 A.M., Monday, September 21, both at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Schulte. Gary strived to live and lead by the examples and influences of the Coleman Company and Coleman family that were so dear to him. “Let your first concern be your people and they will build your business”, a quote by W.C. Coleman. Memorials established with Catholic Charities, 532 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67214 and The ARC of Sedgwick County, 2919 W. 2nd, Wichita, KS 67203. Downing Lahey Mortuary West.
Rosary, 7:00 P.M., Sunday, September 20, St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, Schulte, KS
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To the family of Gary Schulte, Gary was an awesome man, friend and Boss. I worked for Gary for many years while I was employed at the Coleman comapany. I was one of the employees that helped make the 40th million lantern while under his direction. I remember how nervous we all were during this big event. Gary was so proud of being part of this event he arranged for all who took part to have a keep sake lantern marking the 40 millionth lantern event. When I worked for the Coleman Company, I was active with the Employees Club. Gary was one of our greatest supporters. It was a pleasure to work for such a great man. But my fondest memory of Gary was when my mother passed away in 1989. My mother Dorothy DeVaney was also an employee and worked for Gary. Mr. Schulte organized meals and provided such great support to me and my family during my loss. His thoughtfulness and kindness gave me great comfort. I live in Tulsa, Oklahoma now, I left the Coleman Company in 1998 after 20 years of service. It is hard to believe that Gary has passes. I am deeply sadden for your loss. Gary will be missed. Paula Kittrell Jones
Cheryl, We hope and pray you are staying strong, and conforted by God and family to get through the many days ahead. I’ve known Gary since ’66, and Suzanne has known him and you, since our first trip to Vegas in ’80. 43 and 29 years may be a long long time for some, but it seems to be gone in a flash now to us. We’ve known about, or heard about of all your babies being born, and about your grand-babies, as you’ve heard of our baby, Shelley and her babies. We have shared many birthdays and anniversaries. We have had so many good times together! Las Vegas more times than we can count or remember. Walking up and down the strip from Vegas World to Excaliber and back, a very long trek now days, but a lot of fun back then. Laughlin, Cripple Creek, Wendover, Lake Tahoe, and Topeka has always been so much fun with you guys. We think, some of best times were more recently. When we stayed many times in downtown Las Vagas, at the old 4 Queens. Remember the time we invited Mattingly’s along? that was a hoot! what a 4 night vacation. We all had a BLAST! We hope you will cherish the memories as much as we do. We will love you, and my ‘fatter little buddy’, and as Suzanne called Gary, ‘Mr. Magoo’ more than you may ever know. We’ve had a very great ride together over the years, and once you’re ready, we will take you to do a little gambling. If you don’t want to gamble, we will go to dinner. Gary’s passing, and his place with God, shouldn’t keep us apart. We love you very, very much. Mike & Suzanne.
I did not know Gary personally, but do know the family and know he will be missed because of all the love that the family embraces. God bless them all.
Cheryl, I was listening to a random cd this morning; you know ‘car show’ music. I couldnt get Gary out of my mind. ..’American Pie’ How could I not think of Gary wearing his famous Hawaiian shirt? Gary indeed drove his Chevy to the levee. Yesterday at the huge Central Community Church Car Show, Marvin Ranich asked for a minute of silence in remembrance of Gary. You could have heard a pin drop. Everybody loved Gary. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Carl and Bonnie Fry The Arc of Sedgwick County Sunday Car Show Committee
Cheryl and family, Sorry for your loss. Gary was a wonderful person and was a very kind and understanding man.He always had hugs for everyone.We know that he is at peace with the lord.Gary will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cheryl and Family. You have lost a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. The rest of us have lost a truly wonderful and caring friend. He always had a smile and hug no matter where you saw him. Cheryl, you and Gary have become an extended family for all of the Cooke’s. Sad as we are to see Gary leave I can assure there is one very happy person and that is Bob. He, like the rest of the family, considered you and Gary as one of our closest and most cherished friends. I know that they are talking cars and having a wonderful time in heaven. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We will be here if you need any thing. Love to you all.
Debbie and Brian Thinking of you much during these difficult days. We hope that every memory comforts you and brings a smile to your heart. Allow your strength in each other to help comfort and heal. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
I was touched by Gary and I still try to be like him as a person and an employee. I loved his wit and cherished his intellect. I was always a beanhead or knothead, but I knew deep down he had the greatest of respect for all who worked with and for him. Many years ago I was his employee at Coleman and will always fondly remember his counsel and management. He is and always will be missed.
Cheryl and family, my heart goes out to you all. Gary was a wonderful man and each and everyone of us that knew him are better people because of him. He has touched so many lives and will dearly be misssed!!
Cheryl and family, I am so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. What a great man!!! When I started at Coleman, Gary made me feel so welcome to the Coleman family. He always had a smile on his face, giving hugs when he saw you, and humming a tune as he walked through the HR office. I know Gary is an angel up in heaven watching down on all of us. He will be greatly missed by many. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
I was stunned as were many others by Gary’s accident. My prayers are with Cheryl and the kids. I am sure the memories of a life well lived will be their greatest comfort at this most difficult time.
My grandpa was great. and I miss him. I liked playing with grandpa at his house. Im so sad he is gone and I miss him so much.He was a great grandpa and he was very nice. Im so sorry he is gone but I will always remember him. I love you grandpa
You were a great grandpa. We all love you very much and I will miss you so much. I have been so sad and wish you were still here. It was really hard to be at your funeral but I know your in a better place. Love ya grandpa
The funeral mass beautiful and well done. It was obvious by the massive attendance that Gary was well liked and will be missed a great deal. I barely remember my cousin Gary and wish I had known him better.
Gary did so much for so many.It’s hard to post everything he did.All I can say is ‘Thank-You,Gary’.You have earned your rest.
We first met Gary in 1993 when he took us on a first class tour of the Coleman plant. We had a wonderful time with him and he was the one who suggested that we join the International Coleman Collectors Club. We took his advice and joined and have had the pleasure of his company at the last two meets in Wichita. We really enjoyed Gary’s company, he was a wonderful individual and we know how dearly he will be missed by all of you. We will treasure the memories of being in Gary’s company as I know will many, many other friends and acquaintenances. Please accept our most sincere condolences
I’ll always remember that Gary was so generous in providing Coleman products to the ICCC, food drives at the Beacon plant, Antiques Road Show, employee club parties and many other events. He was a true W.C. employee. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. He will be greatly missed. God Bless you,
Dear Cheryl and family, I know you will get so many of the same message, of how much Gary was loved by ALL. Danny and I are just two more of those who loved him so much. I told Danny that Gary ‘went to the big car show in the Sky’. He will miss Gary and the time they spent together at the shows. I will miss so many things about Gary and have decided that God was done sharing such a blessing with us and was ready to have Gary sitting by his side in heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this very sad and difficult time. If we can help in any way, please let us know. We Love you. Danny and Rachelle Slates
Dear Cheryl and family, On behalf of the Route 56 Classic Cruisers we would like to express our condolences to you on the passing of Gary. He was a tremendous individual who always put others ahead of himself. What a great guy! The donations he and Coleman made to our annual car show benefited hundreds of needy children over the years. We are sure his generosity brought smiles to those kids during the Holiday Seasons that he was not even aware of. He will be missed by all of us in the car hobby as a generous, caring, ‘one of the guys’. We were honored to put Garys 60 Chevy as the feature car on our 2008 car show t-shirt and glad that he had the opportunity to enjoy it. When we think of Gary, may all of us rejoice in the fact that Garys generosity will live on in others. With Deepest Sympathies, Rex Abrahams Route 56 Classic Cruisers
We are truly sorry for your loss. May he rest with God and truly see the sunshine of the night that only God can provide
Debbie, I am so sorry to learn of your father’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
So Sorry to about gary. He will be missed. He was the best.
We have lost Coleman’s best, you will be missed
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.