Gary Wayne Weekly

Gary Wayne Weekly was born in Missouri on April 17, 1947, to George and Dorothy McMurren Weekly. George's job with the railroad brought them to Topeka and to Trinity Methodist Church, where 15-year old Gary met 12-year old Jenay Atkinson. Once they were old enough, their first date was to see a Beatles movie. Gary graduated from Topeka High School in 1965 and briefly attended the University of Kansas before volunteering to serve with the Army medical corps during the Vietnam War. He served with distinction, earning a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star in recognition of service rendered in the aftermath of a land mine explosion.

Gary came home to Jenay and they were married at University Methodist Church on August 16, 1969. Gary used the skills he learned in Army medicine to work as an orthopedic technician at several practices in Topeka. He assisted in countless surgeries and set the best cast in northeast Kansas. Gary retired in 2014 but never stopped fixing things. He could take anything apart and put it back together better than he found it. Gary had a business refinishing antique furniture, making old things beautiful again.

Gary and Jenay loved to travel. A family trip to England in 1985 spurred a love of international trips, and Jenay's job as a middle school teacher meant they could organize groups and see the world. Over the years, Gary, Jenay, and their friends shepherded dozens of travelers through Europe. In retirement, both Gary and Jenay found their inner beach bum, enjoying the beautiful Florida coastline at Sanibel and indulging their passion for shelling.

Gary and Jenay were active and involved members of the Topeka community. They were longtime members of Topeka Civic Theater and also supported the Topeka Festival Singers and the Topeka Symphony. Gary faithfully served his church family at University Methodist, doing everything from cleaning the floors to helping with worship. He also served in leadership positions in the Topeka public schools, volunteered with the Cider Days organization and for the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, and fundraised for the MS Society and KTWU.

But Gary's most cherished role was husband to Jenay, dad to Chelsey and Ashley, and papa to Maura and Willow. He was the center of their worlds and taught them about hard work, faithfulness, and love.

Gary leaves behind his beloved wife Jenay, who provided steadfast care during the last years, daughters Chelsey Langland (Tim) and Ashley Dudley, and granddaughters Maura Langland and Willow Dudley. He was preceded in death by his parents George and Dorothy and his brother Valyn. Gary's family will be forever grateful for the loving support of friends who have shown grace beyond measure and for the compassionate care from the staff at Midland Hospice House.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at University United Methodist Church, 1621 SW College Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to University United Methodist Church or Topeka Civic Theater. Sent in care of Midwest Cremation, 525 SE 37th Street, Topeka, KS 66605.