Gary Neal Cromer, 90, passed away Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at Pratt Regional Medical Center. He was born on April 4, 1934 in Coats to John Franklin and Susan Mercedes (Downtain) Cromer. Gary married Ruby Jean (Heape) Cromer on November 26, 1953 in Pratt. They were married for 70 years.
Gary graduated from Sawyer High School in 1951. Upon graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy. Afterward, he went on to earn his Master's Degree in Industrial Engineering from Kansas State University in 1963. He was the owner/operator of Capitol Airlines, a commercial airline and charter business in Manhattan until he purchased Cromer Ranch Inc in Belvidere in 1976. He was on the Board of Directors at First National Bank. He enjoyed investing money, researching investments, traveling and fishing.
He is survived by his wife, Ruby Jean Cromer; children, Ruby D (Richard) Kendall of Wichita, Stacia (Michael) Jacobs of Belvidere, Marla S. Cromer of Pratt and Gary (Victoria) Cromer Jr. of Olathe; brother, John (Patricia) Cromer of Pratt; sister, Ann Wegele of Albuquerque, New Mexico; grandchildren, Melissa (Jeremy) Martin, Joseph (Kimberly) Kendall, Michael (Penelope) Kendall, Matthew (Sarah) Kendall, Danielle (Amy ) Jacobs, William (David Weiler) Cromer and Rebecca Cromer; seven great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.
Gary is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Donald and Samuel Cromer; sister, Kathryn Emerson; and grandson, Joshua Jacobs.
A private family graveside service with Navy Honors was held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 19, 2024 at Ellenwood Cemetery, Sawyer.
Memorials may be made to South Wind Home in care of Larrison Mortuary, 300 Country Club Road, Pratt.