Gary Dee Sneed

Gary Dee Sneed, 86, passed away on June 24, 2026, at his home in Lebo, Kansas. He was born on August 19,1939 in Wichita, Kansas to Raymond Inman and Ada LaRue (Bevan) Sneed. Gary grew up in Haviland, Kansas where he worked on the family farm. He attended Haviland public schools then Fort Hays State University on a track scholarship, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. He went on to complete a Master of Science degree from The Kansas State Teachers College of Emporia (Emporia State University).

Gary married his high school sweetheart, Charlotte Jean Johnson, in 1960. The couple moved to Newton, Kansas where Gary took a job teaching math and science to Newton eighth graders and then counseling students at Newton High School. In 1969 He left the field of education for a job at Hesston Corporation. He held various positions there until his retirement. Post-retirement led to life as a rancher in the Kansas Flint Hills. In 2018, Gary and Charlotte sold the ranch and moved to Lebo, Kansas.

Gary loved life on the ranch. He had a deep appreciation for the grandeur of the tall grass prairie and the role grazing cattle play in maintaining a healthy prairie ecosystem. Gary had a life-long love of horses. Managing a herd and helping neighbors gather cattle allowed him to spend many glorious hours on horseback. Gary also loved an adventure—family road trips, camping, packing into remote mountain wilderness areas on horseback, float plane

fishing trips in Canada, hunting quail and ducks, and exploring the country via motorcycle with Charlotte.

Though one would not consider Gary an outwardly “social” person, he loved good conversation in small groups and with individuals—eagerly engaging friends, casual acquaintances, and complete strangers. He was an empathetic listener, curious, and genuinely interested in what a person had to say.

Above all, Gary loved his family. He and Charlotte lovingly and enthusiastically supported Brad and Kristin whatever their interests. And when the grandkids came along, Papa and Onie were there, cheering them on.

Gary is survived by his wife, Charlotte, and two children Bradley (Dena) Sneed, and Kristin (Tommy) Howland. He has four grandchildren—Emily (Kyle May) Sneed, Garrett (Megan) Howland, Sidney Howland, Jolie (Matthew) Hill, and two great grandchildren Benjamin and Hazel Hill. He is also survived by his sister, Marlene (Randy) Nolte, and beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family. Gary is preceded in death by his parents and brother Larry Sneed.

The family will gather to scatter his ashes among the tall grasses and prairie wildflowers of his beloved Flint Hills.