Gillard Cohen

Gillard Cohen, 81, attorney and longtime Wichita resident, passed away on Monday, November 15, 2021. He was born to Sidney and Fannie (Croney) Cohen on February 2, 1940. He was a member of the East High Class of 1957. With encouragement from his grandfather, the late Sidney Croney, to study to become a lawyer, Gillard received his AB degree from Washington University in St. Louis and his law degree from the University of Kansas. Gillard served with the 184th combat support squadron, Kansas Air National Guard (JAG) in Korea in 1968-1969, during the Pueblo crisis. He was a member of the Wichita Public Library Board where he was chairman of the Planning and Facilities Committee which oversaw the planning and maintenance of all the library branches. He was a member of the Hebrew Congregation Synagogue where he served for many years as Secretary of the Board of Directors. He was a member of Albert Pike Lodge #303, AF&AM of Kansas, and Wichita Scottish Rite where he received the 33rd degree. Gillard loved history, politics, art and music. He was an avid gardener and the growing of daylilies was his passion. He was an active member of the Wichita Daylily Club. He will always be remembered by those who knew him for his devotion to his late sister, Estelle “Marla” Cohen Bernstein, for his intellectual curiosity, his smile, his wit and wonderful sense of humor. He is survived by his nephew, Chad Bernstein, and great-nephew, Adam Brisco Bernstein of St. Louis, MO; nephew, Aaron J. (Carolyn “Carrie”) Bernstein of Baldwin, MO and many friends. Memorial contributions may be made to Wichita Hebrew Congregation, 1850 N. Woodlawn, Wichita, KS 67208, or the Wichita Scottish Rite, 332 E. 1st St., Wichita, KS 67202. Graveside Service will be at 11:00 Friday, November 19, 2021, at Wichita Hebrew Cemetery. Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.