Jeffrey Dean Whearty

Jeffrey Dean Whearty, age 73, of Wichita, Kansas passed away at his home on October 15, 2026.

Jeff was born on February 6, 1953, and raised in Andover, Kansas.  He graduated from Andover High School in 1971.  After graduation, Jeff was a proud employee of Beechcraft where he worked for 40 years before he retired.

Jeff was an avid golfer, participating in many local tournaments. “Papa” as his grandkids referred to him, passed on the love of the game to them and often eagerly gave them advice when enjoying a round of golf together.  He also enjoyed bowling, traveling, and cheering on the KC Royals. What he loved most was spending time with his family.  Jeff’s welcoming personality made him easy to talk to; he loved chatting with friends and strangers alike.  This skill served him well throughout his career and as a volunteer driver for the VA through the DAV.  One of his greatest gifts was the art of storytelling, followed closely by his generous heart and desire to help others.

Jeff loved going on an adventure.  While his daughters were growing up, they traveled as a family whenever possible, passing his love of travel (and a good road trip) to them.  Some of Jeff’s favorite stories recounted the years he spent living by the water in Greece, especially when Jenny and Amanda were there to visit.  In his retirement years, he bought an RV and spent winters in Texas. In his summers back in Wichita, he would take Ella and Liam around Kansas to visit unusual sites. One of his big retirement trips included stops to see friends, visit museums and travel across the country.

Jeff is survived by his daughters Amanda Whearty and Jennifer (Steve) Dowell, grandchildren Ella and Liam Dowell, all of Wichita, his sister Marsha (Leonard) Bustin, as well as many nieces and nephews.  Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, Everett Whearty and Ellen (Pierce) Whearty, as well as his brother Martin Whearty.

A memorial will take place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Downing & Lahey West (10515 West Maple Street, Wichita, KS) at 4:30 pm.

Please take a moment to visit with a friend (or stranger) in Jeff’s memory.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the DAV (Disabled American Veterans), P. O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio 45250-0301, Home Health & Hospice of Kansas, 7607 East Harry Street, Wichita, Kansas 67207 or the American Lung Association, 8400 West 110^th Street, Suite #130, Overland Park, Kansas 66210.

Services in care of Downing & Lahey West Mortuary