Gary Yurk

Gary Yurk of Columbus, Kan., passed away June 13, 2021, surrounded by his family, friends and furbabies. Gary was born Jan. 30, 1947, in Nevada, Mo., to Lola Mae (Hendrix) and Sam Yurk.

Gary graduated Nevada High School in 1965. In the same year he enlisted in the United States Air Force for a 4-year tour. After returning from Military service he became a meat cutter by trade, met Diane and settled down to start his family. He decided later in life that he wanted to return to school and become a teacher.

He attended PSU, obtained a degree in early childhood education with an emphasis in Special Education and taught sign language in all his classes. After retiring from teaching, he worked for Olympic Fitness Center as a manager and as Chief Sanitation Officer at ATEC Steel in Baxter Springs.

He was an active participant of the Masonic Lodge, served as Mayor of the City of Columbus, was a member of the Columbus school board, and chairman of the Church Board. He decided to further his education in Theology by attending Education for Ministry and was presiding as the Pastor of Sherwin Christian Church at the time of his passing.

If you were around Gary for more than 3 minutes you quickly found out how ornery he could be and at the same time just how loving he could be. He was a great listener, confidant and friend. His genuine Love for God and passion for the Word of God was evident to all. He was a man who rightly handled the Word of Truth and was a great example of Christ likeness in all things.

He is survived by his wife Diane (Boggs) Yurk and daughter, Mary Gathoni, of the home; two daughters, Gaisa Westervelt and husband, Gary, and Elizabeth Prauser and husband, Luke; five grandchildren, Loren Olson, husband Kyle, Brittany Sateapetaw, husband Freddy, Cassidy Westervelt, Owen Prauser and Noah Prauser; and two greatgrandchildren, Lane and Quinlee Olson.

He is also survived by brother, Sam Yurk and wife Sue of Okay, Okla.

Gary has requested that all donations in his honor be made to Sherwin Christian Church to assist in furthering education for Mary Gathoni.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, June 25, at Sherwin Christian Church, at 11 a.m., followed by an Interment at Park Cemetery.